Take the family fishing at the Ventura Pier Yep, one of the only Ventura fishing spots where you don’t need a fishing license. The Pier closes at 10 pm, but outside of that, it’s a great place to fish for, among other things, smelt, mackerel, and tomcod.
Do you need a license to fish at Ventura Pier?
When recreationally fishing from a “public pier” in ocean or bay waters, a fishing license is not required.
Where can I shore fish in Ventura?
Best Fishing Spots in Ventura, California
- Marina Park. 2.1 mi. 80 reviews.
- Ventura Pier. 3.3 mi. 95 reviews.
- Channel Islands Harbor. 7.1 mi. Boating, Marinas.
- Port Hueneme Beach Park. 8.8 mi. 72 reviews.
- Ventura Harbor Sportfishing. 2.0 mi. 75 reviews.
- Faria Beach Park. 9.6 mi.
- Emma Wood State Beach. 3.5 mi.
- McGrath State Beach. 3.6 mi.
Can you fish in the Ventura Harbor?
About Ventura Harbor
The most popular species caught here are Spotted sand bass, Barred sand bass, and California halibut. 1414 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations.
How deep is the Ventura Pier?
How deep are the timber and steel pilings driven into the ocean floor? Twelve to 20 feet for the timber pilings; 30 feet for the (more recent) steel pilings. Owning up to the power of the sea, the newer steel pilings are 72 to 80 feet long, 16 inches in diameter, and weigh between 6,400 and 6,600 pounds.
How do you fish on the Ventura pier?
Use a live bait leader and remember to check and change the bait as needed. Mid-pier to the end, use one of the various bait rigs (Sabiki/Lucky Lura) with small hooks for jacksmelt, walleye surfperch, and queenfish. Many times these small fish will school around the pilings or in the depressions between the pilings.
What is the best time to fish off a pier?
Generally speaking, the best time to fish from a pier is either early morning or sundown. This is when moving tides attract a lot of baitfish to the area, which in turn, brings out the big and hungry of the fish world, too.
What fish are biting in Ventura?
Select Fish
- Bluefin Tuna.
- White Seabass.
- Yellowfin Tuna.
- Halibut.
- Sculpin.
- Yellowtail.
- Bonito.
- Vermilion Rockfish (Reds)
Do you need a fishing license for catch and release in California?
In California, anyone age 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.
How much is a fishing license in California?
Annual Sport Fishing Licenses
| Title | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Sport Fishing | $54.00 |
| Nonresident Sport Fishing | $145.80 |
| Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Disabled Veteran | $8.24 at CDFW Offices $8.64 from License Agents |
| Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Recovering Service Member | $8.24 at CDFW Offices $8.64 from License Agents |
Who owns Ventura Harbor?
The District is the owner/operator of the Ventura Harbor. The Harbor is a 274-acre multiple-use recreational and commercial fishing small craft harbor. Other than a 2.74-acre site owned by the Department of Interior, National Park Service, the District is the sole landowner within the Harbor.
Can you swim in the Ventura Harbor?
The Harbor Cove beach is a still water beach located across from the National Park Service. The City of Ventura provides lifeguard services at the beach during the summer. It is illegal to swim anyplace else within Ventura Harbor. The areas north and south of the harbor are posted as being hazardous for swimming.
Can you live on a boat in Ventura Harbor?
Would you live on a boat? In Ventura County the two places to live aboard a boat are the Channel Islands Harbor, with 2,150 berths in nine marinas, and the Ventura Harbor, with 1,500 berths in five marinas.
When did Ventura Pier Collapse?
February 13, 1926
On February 13, 1926, the wharf was destroyed by heavy surf during a winter storm. George Proctor, an accountant for the Ventura Wharf & Warehouse Co., was killed when he walked to the end of the wharf as the structure collapsed below him.
Can you fish at Ventura Keys?
About Ventura Keys
Ventura Keys is near San Buenaventura. The most popular species caught here are Barred surfperch, Yellowfin drum, and Spotted sand bass. 181 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations.
How much is parking at Ventura Pier?
The Parking Structure at Harbor Boulevard and California Street has 550 spaces at $2 per hour and $10 for All Day. This location has easy access to the beach, the pier and to businesses and hotels along the promenade.
Is cast net fishing legal in California?
Currently, they are only allowed north of Point Conception for specific fish species. Cast nets, also known as Hawaiian Type Throw Nets, are commonly used by anglers in many other ocean live-bait fisheries.
What’s on the Ventura Pier?
There are benches and two restaurants on the pier, as well as fishing and historical markers. On the promenade, there are several restaurants, bike areas, walking areas, and benches. On one end is Surfer’s point where you can get a view of surfers and find other walking areas.
How much is a 2 pole fishing license in California?
Duplicate Sport Fishing Licenses cost $11.88, while replacement Ocean Enhancement and Second Rod Validations are $3.24. Replacement Sturgeon Report Cards are only available in CDFW license sales offices, and cost $16.74.
What bait should I use for pier fishing?
Bait: Popular types of pier fishing bait include bloodworms, shrimp, squid, anchovies and sardines. These should all be available at your local pier or bait shop.
What do I need to fish off a pier?
10 Pier Fishing Gear Essentials to Get You Started
- Fishing Cart. Get a wheeled fishing cart that will make it easier to transport your tackle and gear from your vehicle to the pier.
- Rod and Reel Combo.
- Fishing Hooks.
- Bucktail Jigs.
- Hoop Net.
- Sinkers.
- Pliers with Line Cutters.
- Rod Holders.