You will see a great diversity of the Greater Los Angeles population fishing off the Santa Monica Pier, for both recreation and food. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about dock fishing in Santa Monica.
No license required
Whether or not you need a license to fish is the most common question about dock fishing. The answer is no: a license is not required. In fact, you can fish from any public pier in California without a fishing license. However, if you fish on the beach or in a boat, you would need a permit.
Where to fish
There are some people who fish from the upper level on the Santa Monica Pier, but there is a separate fishing platform that wraps the far end of the pier below the fun level. You can access it from a ladder at the end of the pier. There is also a ramp along the north side of the pier.
If you are a newbie to fishing, it is probably best to start at the lower level of the pier.
Fishing equipment rental at the Santa Monica Pier
You can rent rods and other fishing necessities from a bait and tackle shop at the other end of the pier. Please note that although the pier does not have specific opening and closing times, Pier Bait and Tackle is a private company. It’s best to call ahead to make sure they are open when you need to visit.
Types of fish
The most common fish caught off the Santa Monica Pier are perch, mackerel, white bass, leopard shark, tiger shark, and rays. However, black sea bass is in danger of extinction, so if you catch one, you should return or donate it to the nearby Heal the Bay Aquarium.
Occasionally more experienced fishermen and women can fish for barracuda, white bass, or even yellowtail, but they are usually found at the end of the pier in deeper water.
For up-to-date tips on how to fish off the pier during your visit, check in with the guys at Pier Bait and Tackle to see what’s biting you.
Can you eat the fish you catch?
If you are considering eating fish caught off the Santa Monica Pier, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazards maintains a list of safe fish to eat from Santa Monica Bay and along the coast.
There may be signs on the dock that list fish that are not safe to eat due to mercury and other contaminants. In general, fish that should never be eaten when caught off the Santa Monica Pier include barred bass, white croaker, barracuda, and black croaker.
