When it comes to fishing, Los Angeles County has the best of both worlds: saltwater and freshwater. You can spend the day angling off Venice Fishing Pier for halibut, head to well-stocked Lincoln Park Lake for rainbow trout, or try one of the many other venues where fish can’t wait to jump onto your hook. Don’t worry, you don’t need a boat—with these top tips for successful fishing off a dock, all you really need is a rod and reel.
Take It Easy
Fish that hang out around docks are there because they feel safe, even in rough weather. Start on the shadow side of the pier so that you won’t spook any fish with your shadow. A spinnerbait might catch their attention without raising suspicion. Keep the waters as still as you can, and take your time. If you’re going for a long cast, deliberation and strategy are still just as crucial.
Location Is Key
Many anglers will tell you that you’ll have the best luck at the end of the dock or pier. The idea is that you’ll find bigger fish in deeper waters, but you might find some other likely spots along the dock. Peer into the water for likely places for fish to hide or feed, like rock formations and drop-offs. Or use birds as your fishing scouts. From the sky, they have a better vantage point to see when fish come closer to the surface to chase lunch. If you go where the birds are circling, you’ll have good luck.
Time It Right
Piers and docks can get busy, so the more room you have to yourself, the better. Veteran anglers like to get out there early morning or near sundown. If you can linger a little longer, one top tip for successful fishing off a dock is to hit when many fish are most active: at night. Both heat and light attract baitfish, and you can increase your odds with your own underwater light. If your dock has its own lighting, that works to your advantage.
Be Polite
It can get ugly fast when fishers are sharing a dock. Unless you want to tangle with knotted lines and pier rage, pay attention to the rules of etiquette:
- Make sure kids wear life jackets. The water can be surprisingly deep, and those currents move fast.
- Don’t leave your rod unattended. Someone might not notice it and trip over it. Plus, if you get a bite, you might just end up losing your gear.
- Give king fish the right of way. If someone else has a spectacular catch and has to wrestle him in, take a step back. It’s the right thing to do.
