Book Your Fishing Charter in Pismo Beach, CA

Immerse in the nostalgic Central Coast beach vibes at Pismo Beach, California. This stunning beach town, situated roughly in between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, is known for its unbelievable dunes, pristine waters, rugged coastal hills, and retro-style beach cottages. Likewise, it is famous for its legendary-size Pismo clams, which are now protected by the state. 

Aside from offering amazing nature views, Pismo Beach also provides various ways in which travelers can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. The town offers so many opportunities and facilities for you to enjoy surfing, horseback riding, and kayaking, apart from all the swimming and strolling you can do on its namesake beach. And because the town sits right on the Pacific coast, it should come as no surprise that the city itself is a worthwhile fishing destination and a gateway to all the nearby fishing spots in San Luis Obispo County and the rest of the Central Coast region.

Fishing: Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing on Central Coast in Pismo Beach, CA 

As one of the towns in California’s famed Central Coast region that enjoys easy access to the Pacific Ocean, Pismo Beach is a great fishing destination that yields catch all year round. Even if you can spare a single day for the town, you can enjoy productive fishing just by casting a line on Pismo Beach Pier. This pier is one of the most popular piers in the region and possibly in the state, so it may be heavily fished. Come early to get your spot on one of the cantilevered fishing decks allowing you to fish around the pilings. The most popular target here is barred surfperch. Other species you can catch here include yellowfin croaker, spotfin croaker, corbina, and calico surfperch. Around the pilings, you will find striped seaperch, rainbow seaperch, and rubberlip seaperch. Mid-pier, you will find barred surfperch, silver surfperch, and walleye surfperch. Anglers have caught flatfish on the edge of the pier, such as starry flounder, halibut, and sand sole. 

Pismo Beach may be a good fishing spot, but because it can be popular with other water sports enthusiasts, it may not be as productive as one might wish. Head toward nearby Oceano Dunes, where you can surf-cast and the shorelines between Shell Beach and Avila Beach, where you can launch a kayak. Kayak-fishing can help you reach further into the waters, where you can target lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon.

Freshwater anglers will likely get their buckets filled at Pismo Beach as well. Oso Flaco Lake and Oceano Lagoon are freshwater bodies where you can target largemouth bass and bluegill. Head a few miles out of town and fish Santa Margarita Lake and Lopez Lake, both of which are home to species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and redear sunfish.

Find Unique Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors at Pismo Beach, CA

1. Ride a Horse at Pacific Dunes Ranch

Pacific Dunes Ranch offers guided horseback riding trails which allows you to ride from the dunes to the beach with a view of the ocean.

2.  Rent and Drive an ATV over Sand Dunes

Pier Avenue has a bunch of ATV rental shops where you can get an ATV and some guidance on how to drive your ATV over Pismo Beach dunes.