While Buck and the crew were out on the kayaks for the rockfish opener, Alina and I decided to try something different. We grabbed our poke poles and headed to the Pillar Point Jetty, where the rocky crevices promised some action. The weather was on our side, with the day starting off in the low 60s and warming up to a comfortable 64°F by mid-afternoon. The wind stayed light, making it perfect for focusing on the task at hand—poking into the jetty’s hidden nooks and crannies.
New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.
Poke poling is an old-school method, but it’s effective when you’re in the right spot, and the jetty at Pillar Point never disappoints. With squid on our hooks, we started working the rocks. Alina was the first to land a small rock crab, and not long after, I hooked into something bigger—a monkeyface prickleback eel, wriggling out from between two rocks. These eels are always a surprise, and though it wasn’t big enough to keep, it’s still thrilling to pull one out from a deep crack in the rocks.
Throughout the day, we managed to catch a few more small rock crabs and another monkeyface prickleback, along with some tiny rockfish. Unfortunately, nothing we pulled in was big enough to keep, so everything went back into the water. Despite the lack of keepers, it was an incredibly fun day. There’s something satisfying about poke poling—the simplicity, the anticipation of what might be hiding in the crevices, and the close connection you feel to the environment.
By the time we wrapped up, we had released everything we caught, but the experience was worth it. The action was steady, and poke poling gave us a fun, hands-on way to explore the jetty. If you’re new to poke poling or looking to try something different from traditional fishing, this spot is perfect. Be sure to check out our full guide for gear tips and insider advice on making the most of your trip to Half Moon Bay. Even without a keeper, it’s a day well spent.
