Pacifica Pier, CA Fishing: Serene Beachfront Angling in the Bay Area

Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, between Half Moon Bay and San Francisco, is Pacifica. The city is spread along a six-mile stretch of coastal beaches and hills in San Mateo County in northern California; it consists of several small valleys between Sweeney Ridge, Montara Mountain, and the Pacific Ocean’s rocky bluffs. One can find Pacifica Pier, one of the best fishing piers in the state. Pacifica is the site of San Francisco Bay’s oldest European discovery. Before European settlement, it was home to significant Ohlone Indian villages. Its name meant ‘peaceful’ in Spanish and was chosen by vote, with ‘Coastside’ runner-up. It is also the sister city of Balaguer in Catalonia, Spain. 

Pacifica offers natural beauty and unparalleled serenity as it beckons travelers to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. It is regionally well known as a popular surfing destination because of its scenic beaches. The city is also a popular area for mountain biking, boasting many trails crossing the hillsides that surround its area. Hiking is another activity popular in Pacifica, having multiple trails winding along beaches and bluffs. Additionally, Pacifica is a vibrant hub for recreation, dining, shopping, local theater, and performing arts. Many anglers frequent the city because its coastal location provides excellent fishing opportunities.

Pacifica Pier Fishing

Anglers looking to find a unique and peaceful destination on the west coast will find Pacifica the perfect place for their next trip. The coastal city shows off a rich cultural heritage and a charming bohemian atmosphere that won’t be found anywhere else. Its ideal location close to abundant ocean waters can offer many fishing opportunities.

Pacifica is known for excellent beachfront fishing, wherein anglers can surf cast, and successfully reel in various fish. The entire west side of the city looks out to the Pacific Ocean, with several beaches and the famous Pacifica Pier providing access for those looking to hook fish from the shore or by deep sea fishing. Rocky coastal areas and small bays are where anglers can find the city’s most sought-after gamefish, chinook, or king salmon. Another popular target in Pacifica is striped bass which can be easily caught from the shores. Other fish species that frequent the surf are kingfish (white croaker), sharks, and perch. There are also sightings and records of hooking sturgeon, barracuda, Pacific bonito, and sea bass near the shore. 

Anglers can find one of the best fishing piers in California in Pacifica, where fish are excellent. The L-shaped, quarter-mile-long Pacifica Pier is the only pier in the Bay Area where people can go fishing and crabbing for free. From the dock or fishing pier, species such as chinook salmon, striped bass, white croaker, Pacific tomcod, staghorn sculpin, lingcod, brown rockfish, bocaccio rockfish, jacksmelt, topsmelt, Pacific butterfish, Pacific herring, Pacific sardines, Pacific sanddab, Pacific sand sole, starry flounder, California halibut, leopard sharks, brown smooth-hound sharks, thresher sharks, bat rays, and skate can be found in the nearby water. It is also where anglers will find one of the widest varieties of perch species, including barred surfperch, redtail surfperch, calico surfperch, silver surfperch, walleye surfperch, spotfin surfperch, shiner perch, pile perch, white seaperch, sharpnose perch, black perch, striped seaperch, rainbow perch, and rubberlip seaperch. Because pilings in the pier are heavily encrusted with invertebrates and its melange is home to crabs, and other prey, angling at the dock is action-packed as fish come in abundance. Baitcasting and jigging using live or dead bait is the way to go when trying to reel in one’s targets. Using bait caught from the pier will increase one’s success in catching prime gamefish. Pier anglers will see better results if they go angling early in the morning or when the sun goes down. This is due to the movement of the tides during those times when plenty of baitfish gather. The pier is wheelchair accessible, provides free parking, and has restrooms and fish cleaning stations. Pacifica Pier is also known for terrific crabbing as people can catch Dungeness crabs using rods, nets, or snares. 

Shore anglers who want to cast their line from sandy shores can always find striped bass. Head to Linda Mar, aka Pacifica State Beach, where stripers aren’t only the popular target and perch species. At Shelter Cove Beach in Pedro Point, one can reel in chinook salmon, California halibut, and rockfish. San Pedro Beach, located to the south of the pier, can hook the same species in Shelter Cove Beach, including California Halibut and cabezon. Pacifica doesn’t have any public boat ramps, but boaters can still launch their vessels at the south end of Linda Mar. 

In June, Pacifica hosts the More Than Fishing Surf Fishing Tournament, which awards prize money to those who hook the biggest striped bass and surfperch. The tournament practices catch and release fishing and aims to create awareness about good and ethical sport fishing.

Top 10 Fish Species in Pacifica Pier, CA

The top 10 fish species found in Pacifica Pier, California, are chinook salmon, striped bass, kingfish (white croaker), barred surfperch, silver surfperch, walleye surfperch, Pacific tomcod, lingcod, brown rockfish, and California halibut.

Seasonal Fishing

Pacifica is a Central California fishing spot that offers year-round fishing due to its vast waters and wide array of species. June to the first week of August offers the best time for inshore fishing in Pacifica. Chinook salmon or king salmon fishing peaks, especially in August. Striped bass are great targets throughout the year, but they make for excellent fishing in the winter and summer. Recreational fishing for surfperch is open from August through March. Kingfish can be caught all year as well. Pacific tomcod are best targeted in the summer months though they can be caught any month of the year. Rockfish are also a favorite summer target. May through September is when California halibut and starry flounder are most active. Anglers should ensure their fishing license is in order and that they are aware of local regulations.

Hit Up Pacifica Pier

Pacifica offers plenty of other fun and relaxing outdoor activities through its diverse natural landscapes.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

With the Pacific Ocean at arm’s length, booking a fishing charter will be advantageous to anglers who want to set out to sea and experience a productive fishing trip. Those visiting Pacifica for the first time will benefit from getting help from local guides.

2. Hit the Beach

The city is the home of some of the Bay Area’s best surfing beaches. Linda Mar is popular for beginners because of its scenic views and fairly forgiving breaks. Avid surfers can also experience more challenging and bigger swells there. Rockaway Beach is another great surfing spot more fit for intermediate surfers and strong swimmers due to higher waves, rocky alcoves, and strong rip currents. People can also spot whales in the area.

3. Hit the Trail

Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities in Pacifica because it has many trails that offer panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and forested canyons. From San Pedro Valley Park, visitors can hike up to the summit of Montara Mountain, where they can have a 360-degree view of the Bay Area and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stunning views of the city’s rugged coastline can be witnessed when hiking on Mori Point and Milagra Ridge trails. The former is also a spectacular location for whale watching and sunsets.