Ocean Beach Pier
Popular
1850 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107
Overview
Ocean Beach Pier is a classic San Diego sportfishing pier built to give the public easy ocean access. The City notes it was conceived as a sportfishing pier and that theres no fee to walk out and no fishing license is required while fishing from the pier. Expect kelp-bed influence near the end, which can attract fish but also create tangles when kelp is thick.
More Info
Rules, Regulations & Safety Notes
No fishing license is required when fishing from this public pier, but California size/bag/season rules still apply. High surf and storms can cause temporary closurescheck current status before going. Watch footing in wet areas and avoid casting over crowded rails.
Who This Pier Is Best For
Beginners who want easy, no-license pier fishing; families who want a scenic walk; and intermediate anglers targeting mackerel/bass/bonito when conditions line up.
Fish Species Commonly Caught
Kelp (calico) bass, sand bass, several perch species, Pacific mackerel, bonito, scorpionfish; anglers also report occasional halibut. (California spiny lobster are present in the area but are illegal to take on a line.)
Local Insights
When kelp is heavy, the end can fish well for kelp-associated species but tangles increasemany locals shift slightly inward or fish higher in the water column. If you see mackerel schools, the action can turn on fast.
Pier Fishing Tips
Use a sabiki/feather rig to make bait (smelt/mackerel) when schools are present; fish mid-water for mackerel and bottom for perch/bass. Bring extra tackle for snags and kelp tangles near the end. A net helps land larger fish safely.
Best Times to Fish
Winterspring can be good for perch/surf species; warmer months often bring stronger pelagic action (mackerel/bonito) and better odds for bass near kelp. Early morning and late afternoon/evening are popular windows; fish the tide changes when current picks up.
Address
1850 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107
Municipality
San Diego
Zip/Post Code
92107.0
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Everything you need for a successful day on the pier — from bait and licenses to nearby stays and fishing charters.
Location
1850 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107
Review
Write a ReviewThere are no reviews yet.