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PISMO BEACH FISHING PIER

Early Development

Pismo Beach Fishing Pier, located in Pismo Beach, California, is a renowned landmark and popular fishing destination along the Central Coast. The original pier was constructed in 1924 as a part of the development efforts to attract tourists and boost the local economy. The pier quickly became a central hub for fishing, sightseeing, and recreational activities.

Construction and Enhancements

The original wooden structure of the Pismo Beach Fishing Pier has undergone several reconstructions and enhancements over the decades. In 1983, a significant storm caused severe damage to the pier, leading to a major reconstruction project. The pier was rebuilt in 1985 using more durable materials, including concrete and steel, to withstand future weather events. The reconstruction also included improvements in design to enhance the pier’s resilience and functionality.

Environmental and Structural Challenges

Pismo Beach Fishing Pier has faced numerous environmental challenges, including storms, high surf, and erosion. Each major weather event necessitated repairs and reinforcements to maintain the pier’s safety and usability. Continuous maintenance and upgrades have been critical in preserving the pier as a safe and attractive destination for visitors.

Recent Improvements

In recent years, Pismo Beach Fishing Pier has undergone further renovations to enhance the visitor experience. The most recent renovation project, completed in 2018, included structural repairs, new decking, upgraded lighting, and improved amenities such as new benches, fish cleaning stations, and upgraded restroom facilities. These enhancements were aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and overall visitor enjoyment.

Pier Specifics and Amenities

  • Length: Approximately 1,200 feet into the Pacific Ocean.
  • Lighting: Enhanced lighting for night fishing.
  • Fish Cleaning Stations: Equipped with running water.
  • Benches: Numerous benches for relaxation.
  • Parking: Ample parking space available near the pier.
  • Restrooms: Upgraded facilities available for visitors.
  • Accessibility: Improved features for better accessibility.
  • Additional Amenities: Bait and tackle shop, concession stand, picnic areas, and shaded spots.

Fish Species and Fishing Techniques

The waters around Pismo Beach Fishing Pier are rich with a variety of fish species. Here are some of the most common species and effective techniques for catching them from the pier:

1. Surfperch

Techniques: Use sand crabs, shrimp, or artificial grubs. Fish near the surf zone and around the pilings.

Best Months: Year-round.

2. Halibut

Techniques: Use live bait such as anchovies or smelt, or artificial lures like swimbaits. Fish near the bottom in sandy areas.

Best Months: May to October.

3. Striped Bass

Techniques: Use live bait such as anchovies or sardines, or artificial lures like swimbaits and topwater plugs. Fish near the surf zone and around the pilings.

Best Months: April to September.

4. Kingfish (Whiting)

Techniques: Use small pieces of shrimp or bloodworms on small hooks. Fish near sandy bottoms and during rising tides off the pier.

Best Months: Year-round.

5. Bat Ray

Techniques: Use squid or mackerel on the bottom. Fish in deeper waters off the end of the pier.

Best Months: Year-round.

6. Leopard Shark

Techniques: Use squid, mackerel, or anchovies on the bottom. Fish in deeper waters off the end of the pier.

Best Months: Year-round.

7. Barred Surfperch

Techniques: Use sand crabs, shrimp, or artificial grubs. Fish near the surf zone and around the pilings.

Best Months: Year-round.

8. Calico Bass

Techniques: Use live bait such as anchovies or sardines, or artificial lures like swimbaits and jigs. Fish near the pilings and structures.

Best Months: May to September.

9. Cabezon

Techniques: Use squid or anchovies on the bottom. Fish near rocky areas and structures.

Best Months: Year-round.

10. Pacific Mackerel

Techniques: Use small live bait or artificial lures like spoons and jigs. Fish near the surface during moving tides off the pier.

Best Months: May to October.

Fishing Calendar

Month Surfperch Halibut Striped Bass Kingfish Bat Ray Leopard Shark Barred Surfperch Calico Bass Cabezon Pacific Mackerel
January Great Bad Bad Great Great Great Great Bad Great Bad
February Great Bad Bad Great Great Great Great Bad Great Bad
March Great OK OK Great Great Great Great OK Great Bad
April Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great OK
May Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great
June Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great
July Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great
August Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great
September Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great
October Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great
November Great OK OK Great Great Great Great OK Great OK
December Great Bad Bad Great Great Great Great Bad Great Bad

Address

Pismo Beach, 100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA

Website

http://www.pismobeach.org/678/Fishing-License

Operating Hours

Open Daily 24Hours

Admission & Pricing

FREE ADMISSION

If you are planning to park in the pier parking lot between the hours of 11:00 pm and 4:00 am in order to fish, you will need a parking pass, obtainable in the lobby of the Pismo Police Station at 1000 Bello Street.

Rod Rentals

NA

Bait Option

For nearly 45 years before the start of construction, Sheldon’s Bait Shack, a family-owned business, has been a staple on Pismo Beach Pier. Sheldon’s will continue to sell poles, bait, candy, snacks, and more. Located at the second diamond of the Pismo Pier, hours of operation during the winter are 9am-4pm; Fri – Mon. Open Memorial Day– Labor Day, they will be open 7 days a week from 9am–7pm weather permitting. Sheldon’s Bait Shack offers bait and tackle, as well as snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

Amenities

  • Length: Approximately 1,200 feet into the Pacific Ocean.
  • Lighting: Enhanced lighting for night fishing.
  • Fish Cleaning Stations: Equipped with running water.
  • Benches: Numerous benches for relaxation.
  • Parking: Ample parking space available near the pier.
  • Restrooms: Upgraded facilities available for visitors.
  • Accessibility: Improved features for better accessibility.
  • Additional Amenities: Bait and tackle shop, concession stand, picnic areas, and shaded spots.

Fish Caught

  • Surfperch
  • Halibut
  • Striped Bass
  • Kingfish (Whiting)
  • Bat Ray
  • Leopard Shark
  • Barred Surfperch
  • Calico Bass
  • Cabezon
  • Pacific Mackerel
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Pismo Beach, 100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA

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