Change to Torpedo Wharf - Presidio (cuz G-Whiz said...) next Wed (most likely)

I know there are some Pier fisherman here in NCKA & I need help.
My nephew (9yrs), who I've never met before, is coming to visit me from Okinawa next week.
He really wants me to take him fishing, but he has never fished before and they're not outdoorsy type people...
We're gonna be around the city, so I'm thinking about taking them to Pacifica Municipal Pier for a few hours.
I've never fish there nor have I fished the ocean from a pier before.
If we can catch something eatable (anchovy, sardine, mackerel, etc...), that would be awesome.
Any tips can help.

Thanks!

Naoaki

I think crabbing/fishing off fort point would also be a decent trip.  They have perch and jacksmelt there plus usually a few rock crab.

Ive always done well at the beginning of the pier just outside the wave impact zone. Fishing for perch with medium sabiki tipped with small piece of shrimp.

Hi,

perch bite is hit or miss right now. same with jack smelt. Ken Jan is right about perch location. I recommend to bring some #8 sabiki for shiners - for kid it should be fun this little fish was biting like crazy during recent month

I recommend to use market shrimp, do not go crazy with pile worms.

Also, if you would like to it, there is Gorila BBQ just 3-5 minutes drive from pier towards HMB in Valemar district - much better food than BBQ in pier  café.

have fun,
Igor 

Also, if you would like to it, there is Gorila BBQ just 3-5 minutes drive from pier towards HMB in Valemar district - much better food than BBQ in pier  café.
 

+1

Gorilla BBQ is AWESOME. My favorites are the hot links and their bbq sauce.

Pm Tiny, he's the o.g. San Francisco pier fishing master.....gorilla BBQ....yes!!!!

While I agree on Gorilla BBQ, Pacifica Pier would not be my first choice to fish; combat fishing there can be a bitch.

I would try the Presidio, there's a nice pier there and you can almost catch the same type of fish you can at Pacifica; and less of a headache....

Drop down rig keeps the crabs off the bait.  Nothing wrong with dropping a crab snare with anchovies either.

There's also Oyster Point pier, but I haven't fished there in years so I don't know how productive it is.

You know,  another option might be taking him to a trout farm. I really like Tahoe Trout Farm (good sized trout), but if you're going to be in the SF Bay, there's Troutmere Farm in La Honda (just south of HMB).  It's definitely not challenging but kids love it.  The only issue is that the trout at Troutmere are tiny... 6 inches or so although there are jumbo in the ponds too I was told.

It might be a good option if things are slow at the piers... just shoot down there so he can get a guaranteed hook.

Thanks for all the tips!!!

While I agree on Gorilla BBQ, Pacifica Pier would not be my first choice to fish; combat fishing there can be a bitch.

I would try the Presidio, there's a nice pier there and you can almost catch the same type of fish you can at Pacifica; and less of a headache....

I know salmon is running but I'm going on Wednesday late morning. How bad is it there & where is Presidio?

Also, can I use a steelhead rod? I saw that no-over head casting...

If we can get some chovys that would be awesome!

Thanks for all the tips!!!

While I agree on Gorilla BBQ, Pacifica Pier would not be my first choice to fish; combat fishing there can be a bitch.

I would try the Presidio, there's a nice pier there and you can almost catch the same type of fish you can at Pacifica; and less of a headache....

I know salmon is running but I'm going on Wednesday late morning. How bad is it there & where is Presidio?

Also, can I use a steelhead rod? I saw that no-over head casting...

If we can get some chovys that would be awesome!

Presidio is in the City, between the Wharf and the GG Bridge... 

Pacifica Pier "shouldn't" be that bad on a weekday; but, I went there once and won't do that again... There is a place in Pacifica (call and make sure they are still in business and have bait):

Coastside Bait and Tackle
1604 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044 · Sharp Park(650) 359-9790

You can probably pendelum-swing a baitcasting rod/reel; but a spinning reel would reduce the chance of birdnest, especially for you nephew...

What time are you gonna be in the bay area? call me, lets chat!

usually Pacifica pier is combat fishing place during first 2 months of crab season and when salmon is biting. Please note Salmon combat scene are L shape end of the pier. Perch area usually free space.

Kingfish may bite at the and of the pier too, but I did not heard a word about kingfish from my father in-law friends yeat

if you need rods, I have couple that i can lend you (I live in South SF near Skyline and work in Daly City), so you can stop by and pick them up on the way to the pier. Also, you can buy 10-15lb surf rigs and pre-tied hooks at any store. weights - you will need pyramids 3-4oz

Regards,
Igor

usually Pacifica pier is combat fishing place during first 2 months of crab season and when salmon is biting. Please note Salmon combat scene are L shape end of the pier. Perch area usually free space.

Kingfish may bite at the and of the pier too, but I did not heard a word about kingfish from my father in-law friends yeat

if you need rods, I have couple that i can lend you (I live in South SF near Skyline and work in Daly City), so you can stop by and pick them up on the way to the pier. Also, you can buy 10-15lb surf rigs and pre-tied hooks at any store. weights - you will need pyramids 3-4oz

Regards,
Igor

Thanks, Igor!

I have some striper rod & steelhead rod (8'6" Med), so I'm good.
probably gonna sabiki mainly but so I can get the red crab on snares in SF Bay pier?

probably gonna sabiki mainly but so I can get the red crab on snares in SF Bay pier?

Another thing you could do is do the tourist thing and drive across the GG Bridge, then go to the pier below by Fort Point and fish down there. We've down pretty good there fishing and crabbing for kicks; plus its a great view of the SF skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, while you guys are fishing, others can go walk/hike up to the Vista Point viewing area at the GG Bridge and do the Tourist/picture thang; or even take a walk across the bridge...

Then afterwards you can go into Sausalito, have lunch and shop....

He's under 16 so he doesn't need a license! So don't limit yourself to public piers/jetties...that opens your options up a lot!