Shore fishing in the Bay for perch/stripers?

I might have scored a sweet deal on CL for a surf rod/reel combo (Daiwa Surf Pro Coastal + Shimano 6000D) for $75. I don't think the guy knew what he had, apparently it was a birthday gift from a fisherman in his family and he doesn't fish. 

So now in this rainy weather I'm dreaming of fishing. The only rule is that I'm limited to the San Francisco Bay. More specifically, anywhere along the 880. Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, Fremont.

The only major concern I have is I do not want to fish in the crowds. I'm not talking, "I should be only person on the beach" sort of thing, though I would definitely like to know something like that. But if it's a couple people scattered around, that's cool in my book. I just don't want a place like the SC Harbor mouth.... people being practically elbow to elbow.

I know a bunch of places to go in Monterey/Santa Cruz, but I'd like something local that I can reach with my work truck. Santa Cruz is entirely too far to drive my work truck in.

Thanks!

EDIT: Oh, and I have no qualms walking up to three miles to get where needs going.

Dumbarton Pier
Berkeley Pier
Couple of sketchy piers inner harbor Oakland
Several spots on the Island of Alameda for bank sharkin
Alameda rockwall is walkable/castable

I was hoping to avoid Piers too haha. Something on the beach would be nice!

What are you nuts telling you my secret spot.the places I know of is a little further down from Berkeley but if your willing to drive a little further ive caught perch at point richmond from the park area across the tracks.um the area by the Costco in Richmond but I haven't been there in ages(10yrs) or point pinole, point molate. I remember in hayward all the way at the end of Winton ave at oyster bay I think its called but again its been ages.you can also try the marina area in san leandro marina.but stripers at the moment in the bay on this side of the bay they are pretty much out of the area.goodluck and happy hunting

That's a good deal Ryan swoop on it ASAP, def stealership  . I'm limited to the napa river n Petaluma river, mainly stripers n sturgeon. If I venture out to the coast it's always Jenner, tomales, and a few beaches north of bodega to goat rock. Been meaning to hit up  San Mateo del mar n ocean side. Maybe next summer .

Hi RBark,

if you find a spot in the SFbay for perch, make sure you read the reg's on the season and bag limit. A little different from the open ocean.


Surfperch

The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) inside San Francisco and San Pablo bays is open from August 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch). Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) are exempt from seasonal closures and have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish.

Hi RBark,

if you find a spot in the SFbay for perch, make sure you read the reg's on the season and bag limit. A little different from the open ocean.

Good looking out, thanks! I did misunderstand what the rules were, so I'm glad you brought that up!

6000 series is quite big for perch. Bass rod and reel. That will be great for Stripers in the Spring though!

Yea but it's like $300 rod and reel for $75. I can't pass that up hahaha worst case I'll just pick up a small reel later if I don't like it.

That is a BIG and HEAVY reel. I know because I use a similar Baitrunner trolling for salmon on my kayak, and for throwing bait for sturgeon. Way too big and heavy for throwing grubs all day perch fishing.

I remember in hayward all the way at the end of Winton ave at oyster bay I think its called but again its been ages.

I used to shore fish there. Park at spot marked (A). Go through the gate and walk down the trail to the Bay. From there you can go North or South. There are a few scattered fishermen. Most of the people there are jogging or biking on the trail.

I'll buy the reel . If you don't want it.

I've seen a lot of guys perching along the San Mateo Coast.  Problem is they are mostly up on cliffs, dropping down 30-40ft and reeling them up bouncing off the rocks.    There is a ton of perching opps in SC, but yeah, not close enough.  With that setup you could target some serious fish like sturgeon in the bay and delta though!!!

One more I dont know why I didn't think of this one duh! Alameda rock wall always good for perch and when the stripers are running you catch them there also.ive also seen guys pull halibut from shore also.that would be my best bet
Incoming tide use some shrimp or pileworm and just lob it maybe 10-20' in front of the rocks