Can I launch a runabout boat to fish inside Pillar Point Harbor?

Hello fellow fishermen,

New season, new luck! I am looking for some protected waters to take my 16 year old son fishing (just for fun) and practicing boating.  Would be his first time operating a motor boat.  I thought the vast space between Pillar Point's inner jetty and outer jetty is a perfect place for these goals.  I want to make sure all is good.

I have a 12' Seaking aluminum boat, and a Suzuki 2.5 hp outboard.  All rather light stuff.  My plan is to haul the boat on top of my truck rack (as opposed to using the trailer), park at the boat launch lot, carry the boat and motor to the beach where people launch kayaks, launch and motor out to the big open water between the inner and outer jetties on the west side, and do some light fishing there. 

Anyone know if this plan will run afoul of any harbor rule?  Or is there any danger in doing this?  Or will I be in someone's way?

Hello fellow fishermen,

New season, new luck! I am looking for some protected waters to take my 16 year old son fishing (just for fun) and practicing boating.  Would be his first time operating a motor boat.  I thought the vast space between Pillar Point's inner jetty and outer jetty is a perfect place for these goals.  I want to make sure all is good.

I have a 12' Seaking aluminum boat, and a Suzuki 2.5 hp outboard.  All rather light stuff.  My plan is to haul the boat on top of my truck rack (as opposed to using the trailer), park at the boat launch lot, carry the boat and motor to the beach where people launch kayaks, launch and motor out to the big open water between the inner and outer jetties on the west side, and do some light fishing there. 

Anyone know if this plan will run afoul of any harbor rule?  Or is there any danger in doing this?  Or will I be in someone's way?

As long as you adhere to the no wake rule within the entire harbor, you're fine.  Nothing inherently dangerous doing this in my opinion, no rulebreaking and you won't be in anyone's way.

Sounds like a good place.  They even race those little sailboats inside the PP harbor.

You may want to consider some of the EBRPD lakes and troll for trout. They stock some monsters that can be caught with kastmasters, J-7 Firetigers, and others. Other than jacksmelt not sure what else would be in the harbor that is open at this time.

Let me know when you want to do a recon mission. 

Of course when conditions permit.

My 12 ft aluminum has seen a few great beach and cove launches. SWS, Albion,Shelter.

A 2.5 hp is doable but wouldnt recommend it, at least a 6hp or better. 2nd on the lakes for a more enjoyable time to get your son started.

The lake suggestion is good advice.

Before you fish in salt water my advice is to know the regulations regarding what you can keep.

Best of luck.

I just remembered that the EBRPD lakes are electric only. I believe that you can run with gas motors at San Pablo Reservoir, and others but you should check first.

There are also some pretty calm, easy places in the delta. Sherman Island would be a good testing ground, and typically pretty OK striper fishing there.  Lots of scenery there too, critters on and around the levees.

As far as the delta. If you are not familiar with the area, ask before you attempt. Many places where the tides can be a major factor , where a 2.5 hp may not be sufficient.

Other than jacksmelt not sure what else would be in the harbor that is open at this time.

Inside the harbor and away from the rocks... there are croaker to be caught all day.  Not my favorite, but it's one of those "put kids on fish" near-guarantees.

I did look into east bay's reservoirs, particularly Lake Chabot.  Will probably try that in the spring.  But they seem to have even more rules than going to ocean shore.  They seem very adamant about the boat and outboard being 100% dry, and supposedly have people inspecting that, for which you have to pay a fee.

HMB seems will be more carefree and also closer to home.  I only have the 2.5 hp, then a 9.8 hp Nissan.  The latter is a bit heavy and also requires the separate fuel tank.  If I can get away with 2.5 hp that would make life much easier.

Personally, the 2.5 hp would be my choice if you're staying inside the jaws.  Just enough go to get you from one drifting spot to the next.

Other than jacksmelt not sure what else would be in the harbor that is open at this time.

Inside the harbor and away from the rocks... there are croaker to be caught all day.  Not my favorite, but it's one of those "put kids on fish" near-guarantees.

We tried to fish from the east outer jetty a couple of times during weekends (by the way, why do websites always refer to north/south jetty?! They are very much east/west, no?  I always get confused reading HMB-related blogs), it was elbow-to-elbow people; we caught absolutely nothing and saw no one catch anything.  The section of the jetty near shore is probably all fished clean.  My best harvest there was finding a commercially-made crab trap at the end of an abandoned line. So I think I have to haul out the boat to get some bites.

The kid just want to have some fun catching and releasing small fish, and learn how to maneuver the boat.

EBP cost too much for a joy ride.  There are some free spots around the bay you can launch too like Alviso.

EBP cost too much for a joy ride.  There are some free spots around the bay you can launch too like Alviso.

Yeah you are correct. I did not want to complain too much, but EBP really have a lot of fees --

-Parking Fee (Daily/Year Round): $5/vehicle
-Bus Load Entry/Parking Fee: $25/per bus
-Boat Inspection: $4/cartop
-Boat Launch (Canoe/Kayak): $3
-Dog Fee: $2/each (guide dog/service animal enter FREE)
-Daily Fishing Access Permit (REQUIRED): $5/day

Small amounts but can add up.  My biggest fear is their website warns that if outboard is not dry, the boat will be turned away.  I don't know how diligent that process is...

We should maybe compile a list of free or low-cost and low-hassle boating options around the area for members...  HMB looks like a good candidate.