Good place to cast net for bait?

Anyone know where I can throw a cast net for bait? Last year I would get good sized smelt in the canals by Lake Merrit but I went there today and there was nothing around.

Thanks...

Their still there. Try at night. Keep a copy of the regs with you and abookmark at section 28.80. Also section 2009 (illegal to harass hunters/fishermen engaged in legal activities.
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I would be careful at night. I spoke to a guy a couple years ago, and he said that he got robbed at gun point throwing for bait at night in Oakland.  Just be careful out there.

Thanks for the advice guys.

It's sketchy there during the daytime!

I was gonna go fish the ARW sometime next week. Should I have bait before I go or can I Sabike some up right past the boat ramp there?

I used to do well at Berkeley Pier occasionally by hanging an onion bag (or any mesh bag) over the side with bread crumbs inside. Let it sit for a bit then throw your net near, but not on, the bag. You should pick up several shiner perch that way, and later in the year you can get chovies that way too.

You can always catch bait along the rocks, like shiners, by throwing a net. The issue is that you can ruin your net if it get snags in the rocks. Shiners can be had for 1.50 a pop at Mikes in Oakland. Always best to have bait before you get there.