Discover the best pier fishing spots in San Diego for 2025. Learn what’s biting, gear tips, and where to find local updates and bait from top San Diego fish stores.

Did you know San Diego has seven public piers and hundreds of fish just waiting for a hook? 🎣 If you are casting off for the first time or chasing your next personal best, pier fishing in San Diego is the perfect blend of laid back and exciting. From panoramic views to non-stop bites, this coastal city is a pier angler’s dream.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to fish, what to bring, what’s biting, and even where to get the latest gear and San Diego fishing news. Let’s hit the planks and chase that next big catch!

San Diego Fishing Areas

Best Piers for Fishing in San Diego

From north to south, San Diego’s coast is dotted with iconic fishing piers. The most popular include Ocean Beach Pier, one of the longest on the West Coast. Imperial Beach Pier, known for its peaceful vibe. and Shelter Island Pier, great for beginners and families. Each offers a different experience, from scenic views to night fishing under the lights.

• Ocean Beach Pier is famous for halibut, mackerel, and bass, with fish cleaning stations and a cafe on the pier.
• Imperial Beach Pier is ideal for perch and croaker, offering wide walkways and nearby food options.
• Shelter Island Pier may be smaller but has great bonito runs and lots of shaded spots, perfect for hot days or fishing with kids.

Most piers are free and open to the public, with accessible ramps and restrooms. Shelter Island and Imperial Beach offer ample free parking, while Ocean Beach Pier fills up fast so get there early or use nearby paid lots. Consider public transport if you’re close by.

Plan around incoming or outgoing tides as fish feed when water moves. Use websites like TideForecast.com or Surfline to track tide swings, swell heights, and wind direction. City websites post pier closure updates, especially after storms. Apps like Windy and My Tide Times help plan your day hour by hour. Full moons usually mean stronger currents and better night fishing. New moons often lead to low-light bites at dawn and dusk.

Early mornings (sunrise) and weekdays are your best bet. Avoid weekends and holidays at busy spots like Ocean Beach Pier. Overcast or drizzly days often keep crowds away, and fish tend to bite better in low light. Full moons usually mean stronger currents and better night fishing. New moons often lead to low-light bites at dawn and dusk.

San Diego Pier Rules & Bait Suggestions

No fishing license is required on public piers, but daily bag limits still apply. Use mackerel strips, frozen squid, or live anchovies depending on what is biting. Check posted signs at each pier as some limit multiple rods or restrict cast nets.

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San Diego Fishing Season

In spring, expect perch and croaker. Summer brings mackerel, bonito, and the occasional yellowtail tuna. Fall is peak time for halibut, while winter still offers bass and smelt. Tuna are rarely caught from piers but may show up offshore.

• January–March: Surfperch, smelt, bass
• April–June: Halibut, mackerel, croaker
• July–September: Bonito, barracuda, yellowtail
• October–December: Halibut, sand bass, stingrays

Check out our different Species of Tuna Guides

Catching Fish from a Pier

Success on the pier isn’t just luck, it’s timing, location, and presentation. Target shaded areas or where baitfish gather, fish at tidal changes, and pay attention to what others are catching. Use fresh bait when possible and downsize hooks or leaders if the bite is slow.

Best Pier Baits & Rigs

• Halibut: Live bait + sliding sinker rig
• Mackerel: Sabiki rig or glow jig
• Perch: Dropper loop with sand crabs or worms
• Bonito: Trolled feathers or spoons
• Croaker: Cut squid on high-low rig

To catch halibut, fish low tide with a carolina rig and live anchovy. For mackerel, use a sabiki rig with shiny jigs or baited hooks. Bonito love fast-moving spoons like Krocodile lures, while perch bite on shrimp or soft plastics near pilings.

Best Rods and Reels for Pier Fishing

You dont need anything too fancy just a 7–9 ft medium to heavy rod paired with a spinning or conventional reel in the 3000–5000 size range. Brands like Shimano, Penn, and Daiwa are pier favourites. Go for braided line (20–30 lb test) with a fluorocarbon leader for more versatility, especially when targeting halibut, bonito, or bass.

Make your day easier with a bait bucket (aerated if using live bait), a pier cart to haul your gear, and a variety of rigs like Carolina, high-low, and sabiki. Don’t forget assorted sinkers, especially pyramid and torpedo weights, to combat current and cast far. A rod holder, towel, and hook remover are underrated but essential.

What NOT to Bring Pier Fishing
Skip the cast nets, gas burners, and glass containers, they are often banned. Don’t bring more than two rods, as many piers limit setups per angler. Avoid overpacking large coolers or blocking walkways, and keep an eye on slippery spots, especially after high tide or rain.

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San Diego Fishing News

Stay up to date with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website for bag limits, closures, and species regulations. The San Diego Union-Tribune often posts weekly fishing updates, and 976-TUNA offers regional reports.

Join San Diego Fishing Reports on Facebook or forums like Bloody Decks (BDOutdoors.com). Apps like Fishbrain and iAngler let you log catches and get pier specific tips. These communities are goldmines for tide timing, gear suggestions, and recent catches.

San Diego Fish Store

Top bait and tackle shops include Dana Landing Market, Angler’s Choice Tackle, and East County Bait & Tackle. These stores have live bait, frozen options, and locals who’ll give real-time advice. Many also sell rods, rigs, and tide charts.

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San Diego Fishing Areas Beyond the Piers

Want to explore further? Check out Mission Bay jetties, La Jolla Shores for surf fishing, or Fiesta Island for calm-water casts. These spots are less crowded than piers and great for experienced anglers.

San Diego Fishing Boat Rental

For deeper waters, book trips from Point Loma Sportfishing, H&M Landing, or Seaforth Landing. They target yellowtail, tuna, rockfish, and more. Half-day and full-day options are available, plus gear rentals onboard.

Pier vs Surf vs Kayak Fishing

Pier fishing is easy and free perfect for beginners. Surf fishing allows more space and mobility but needs waders and beach casting skills. Kayak fishing gives access to deep drop-offs and reefs but requires safety gear and know-how.

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There you have it, so if you are reeling in your first mackerel at Ocean Beach Pier or chasing halibut under the Shelter Island lights, pier fishing in San Diego offers unforgettable experiences. Bring the right gear, check the tide, and stay updated through trusted San Diego fishing news sources. Most of all, Enjoy every salty, sun-drenched second out there. Now grab your rod, pick your pier, and get fishing!

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