Pier Fishing

Yes, you can fish from the Santa Monica Pier, and you do not need a fishing license to do it. California lets anyone fish without a license from a public pier, and LA County lists the Santa Monica Pier as one. All other state rules still apply, including size limits, bag limits, seasons and a limit of two rods. Fishing from the sand is different: anyone 16 or older needs a license.

Where to Fish

Fish from the Pier deck, which is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Pier Corporation's shop listings mention a north fishing deck on the Pier. Bring your own gear or stop at Pier Bait and Tackle on the Pier (310-576-2014) for bait, tackle and advice.

License Rules

These come from LA County Beaches & Harbors, which summarizes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules:

• On a public pier: no license needed, at any age.
• On the beach or anywhere else: a sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older.
• Landing a fish on the sand: if you hook a fish from the Pier and walk down to the beach to land it, you are fishing from the beach and need a license. A pier net lets you land bigger fish from the deck.
• Gear: no more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two crab nets or traps. Species rules for rockfish, lingcod and salmon still apply on a pier.
• Limits: minimum sizes, bag limits and seasons apply on piers exactly as they do elsewhere. Report cards are still required on a pier for spiny lobster and sturgeon.

Buy a license and check current limits on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Pier Etiquette

• Watch your backswing. The deck is busy with walkers, especially on weekends.
• Keep hooks and lines out of walkways and away from the rides.
• Take your line, bait bags and trash with you.
• No smoking anywhere on the wooden Pier.

Fishing From the Beach

Surf fishing on Santa Monica State Beach needs a license if you are 16 or older.

Getting There

Park in Beach Lot 1 North at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, beside the Pier, or in Lot 1 South on Appian Way, and take the stairs or ramps up to the deck. See parking.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: a first fishing trip without buying a license, kids with a parent, and early mornings when the deck is quiet.

Maybe skip if: you want room to cast on a summer afternoon. The deck fills with visitors; try early or on a weekday.