Fishing the Berkeley pier can be tons of fun.  I've caught shiner perch, rubber lip perch, cabezon, and crabs.  Mostly on 2 inch Gulp sand worms and pile worms.  Also, you may want to try fishing Pt. Isabelle   from the rocks.  I've caught several Jack Smelt there on 2 inch Gulp sand worms.  Fishing those areas with relatively light light line and rig can make it more fun.  Personally I really love the fight of perch and Jack Smelt - if you're a fishing addict like myself it doesn't it doesn't matter whats on the other end of the line.  Its true these two area are Snag City so be prepared.  Good luck fishing and with finals!

Then I’m just good to go. I have a 16 oz rubber mallet, too. Hopefullly I’ll smack some big butt soon. 

I appreciate all your replys.  Man, those big nets have big prices.

Eddie, I think I may have read in a previous post that a butt had jumped out of your big net?  That's just crazy!!!

Thanks for the reply, Eddie.  Can you quantify big?  I've been eying these Yak Attack leverage nets - its 21x 20.   https://www.amazon.com/Yakattack-Leverage-Landing-Hoop-Extension/dp/B071X4PK9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524275047&sr=8-1&keywords=yakattack+net

Just being a smart ass but wouldn't it be cool to have a net that once the fish is in the net an electric shock is applied stunning the fish.  I'm guessing Department of Fish and Games some where use this - nothing too innovative, I know.

Today, I fished the Berkeley Flats and had a visit from Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.  After the usual questions I asked if they could help determine if my VHF radio works.  I guess DFW operates on channel 22A. And sure enough I was able to transmit and receive. 

Hello,

I'm new here and was wondering...

For a cheap fish bag cooler, has anyone ever filled a garbage bag(white would be best I assume) with ice?

My first largish LMB out of Lake Chabot in my, now gone, Lifetime Tamarack 110.  I remember randomly throwing a wacky hook Senko in to some reeds for the heck of it, then BAM! Took me on my first sleigh ride. Glad the 6lb flourocarbon - to- braid FG knot held up!

I'm a newbie kayak fisherman.  I'm looking forward to fishing the saltwater a lot more this year and meeting some new people.  Up to this point I've restricted myself to short kayak outings around the Berkeley Pier and surrounding area.  I've caught a number of Black Perch, man they fight hard for their size, and have caught Jack Smelt and Cabs from the shore.  Last year, I kayak fished for LMBs in my local lakes but have been drawn to saltwater fishing because of the greater variety of fish and there is just something special about saltwater. 

Despite being an experienced windsurfer here in the SF Bay Area,  wind and big swell were my friend then,  I'm prioritizing kayak safety.  I would love to have an opportunity to hook up with some of y'all this year.  Happy fishing!