Muni Pier, now closed for the foreseeable future, still harbors a treasure trove of insights for anglers planning future expeditions. Despite its closure, this pier, just west of Aquatic Park, has a history rich with fishy offerings.
Types of Fish You Can Expect to Catch Here:
Sharks (Seasonally): Occasional visitors like Leopard sharks and Bat rays were drawn to the baitfish and protected waters near the pier.
Striped Bass (Migratory): From October to May, stripers chased baitfish along the pilings and shoreline. Trolling or baitfishing near the pier was key.
Herring (Seasonal): Large schools of herring, especially in the spring, attracted other fish and offered exciting jigging opportunities.
Rockfish (Resident): Sculpins, Kelpfish, and the occasional Cabezon lurked around the pilings, eager for bait or small jigs.
Surf Perch (Year-round): Walleye and Silver Surfperch loved the sandy areas near the pier, offering light tackle fun with bait or lures.
Crabs (Seasonally): Dungeness crabs were abundant during crabbing season, attracting crabbers with traps and bait.
Local Insights:
- Know the Tides: Incoming tides brought baitfish closer to the pier, attracting stripers and other predators. Outgoing tides were good for bottom feeders like crabs and some rockfish.
- Fish the Pilings: Cast jigs or bait near the pilings for rockfish, crabs, and the occasional surprise. Striper schools could also be found here.
- Trolling Secrets: Trolling lures or baitfish along the shoreline, especially near the ferry terminal, could yield stripers, herring, and even the occasional halibut.
- Be Patient: Muni Pier wasn’t known for monster catches, but patient anglers, especially during herring runs or striper migrations, could be rewarded.
- Respect the Locals: Many folks enjoyed fishing at Muni Pier, so be mindful of lines and space, and share the pier with courtesy.
Unique Things to Pay Attention To:
- Limited Parking: Parking near the pier could be tricky, especially on weekends. Consider alternative transportation like biking or public transit.
- Strong Currents: Currents near the pier could be swift, so use proper anchoring or be cautious when wading.
- Bird Interactions: Be mindful of gulls and pelicans, especially when using bait, and keep your food secure to avoid unwanted visitors.
- Seasonal Changes: The fish populations and activity levels varied throughout the year. Research the best times for your target species.
Specific Locations (For Future Reference):
- Pier End: Cast jigs or bait for rockfish, stripers, and herring around the pilings and edges.
- Shoreline Near the Ferry Terminal: Troll for stripers and herring, or cast lures for surf perch in the sandy shallows.
- Crabbing Area: During crabbing season, drop traps in the deeper areas near the pier for Dungeness crabs.
Additional Tips:
- Grab a California Fishing License: Ensure compliance with regulations, and obtain an EBRPD Daily Fishing Access Permit once the pier reopens.
- Respect the Closure: Avoid attempting to fish from the pier while it’s unsafe. Stay informed about the pier’s reopening plans and future regulations.
Muni Pier, though currently closed, holds the potential for exciting fishing once it reopens. By remembering these insights and planning your future trip strategically, you’ll be ready to cast a line and reel in some Bay Area bounty!
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