Public Docks ?

[Luc42]

Hi All,

I’m looking for some easy access public docks around San Diego Bay and Mission Bay to take my kid so he can fish with me. He is too small to fish off the rocks and wanted something a bit easier for him.

Let me know !

Thanks

[Gotfish?]

Ones I know of:

Shelter Island
Bayside Park
Pepper Park

Search for "fishing pier" san diego to find more

Shelter Island has food and bait, it is probably the most kid friendly. With small hooks and bait, you can probably get some queenfish.

[JWall]

Ones I know of:

Shelter Island
Bayside Park
Pepper Park

Search for "fishing pier" san diego to find more

Shelter Island has food and bait, it is probably the most kid friendly. With small hooks and bait, you can probably get some queenfish.

What Gotfish said. My bro in law took his nephew at a young age and they landed a nice legal halibut besides the other types.

[Nelson 1]

Hi All,

I’m looking for some easy access public docks around San Diego Bay and Mission Bay to take my kid so he can fish with me. He is too small to fish off the rocks and wanted something a bit easier for him.

Let me know !

Thanks

I would fish the bays so he can play in the sand and water. Docks are too crowded.

[spicy mayo]

I don't know if there are any actual boat docks that outright allow fishing.

You can go to the few fishing piers, but they can get crowded. Theres a small deck structure on Vacation Island (next to the parking lot) that I see people fish from. There are also 3 small "piers" at the Ferry Landing that aren't the fishing pier.

[Luc42]

That’s what I’m really looking for, it’s the less crowded boat docks. He can’t cast that far so by being a little out on the water gives him a little bit more of chance.

I always find pier fishing to be hot and cold. Need to keep him active so he keeps wanting to go out.

[Spektrum]

I can’t think of any docks in either bays with explicitly allow fishing off of. All the docks besides a very few are private.
There are some docks you can use to park a boat like Ski Beach but I believe fishing is not allowed on these. You’ll also be in the way of families and drunks getting on and off their boats.

The few piers like shelter island and J street are well…piers. They suck.

You’re better off somewhere with a sandy beach where the drop off is close to shore. The coves in mission bay such as mariners basin have drop offs only 10 feet from shore that hold lots of fish. Wading into the water even just a foot deep or so will reduce the distance significantly. Just mind the stingrays as there can be a lot swimming past you.

[Gotfish?]

Yesterday, I was scouting out places to launch my float tube and came across a nice spot to shore fish. Even saw 2 guys fishing there. It is not sandy beach but not so rocky you couldn't easily walk down to the water. It is immediately adjacent to deep water and I have been doing very well in the general area fishing from my float tube. Parking is adjacent.

I would set him up with some Berkley Gulp 2" sandworms on a drop shot, 1/4 ounce weight and about 18" separation between the hook and the sinker. Bring a good hook disgorger as the fish love to swallow that stuff. Still fishing will work fine with the Gulp.


https://www.google.com/maps/place/32%C2 ... FQAw%3D%3D

Southwest end of Vacation Isle. Let us know how you do.

[spicy mayo]

Yesterday, I was scouting out places to launch my float tube and came across a nice spot to shore fish. Even saw 2 guys fishing there. It is not sandy beach but not so rocky you couldn't easily walk down to the water. It is immediately adjacent to deep water and I have been doing very well in the general area fishing from my float tube. Parking is adjacent.

I would set him up with some Berkley Gulp 2" sandworms on a drop shot, 1/4 ounce weight and about 18" separation between the hook and the sinker. Bring a good hook disgorger as the fish love to swallow that stuff. Still fishing will work fine with the Gulp.


https://www.google.com/maps/place/32%C2 ... FQAw%3D%3D

Southwest end of Vacation Isle. Let us know how you do.

thats the small deck structure i mentioned. i heard its property of paradise point resort, but i've never seen anyone kicked off it. depending on how tall your son is, he might not be able to see over the rail and not sure what type of fishing keeps his attention the best. i usually use a dropper loop rig with a circle hook for kids who dont mind holding the rod to wait and feel for a bite, or a bobber with bait susended a few feet under for macks and smelt for the little kids that would do better watching for a bite.

[Gotfish?]

I think the deck structure you refer is just to the north of the location I posted. It could be a good spot too.

We all want to see the kid put on fish.

[Bigdog]

My son loves the docks at Fishermans landing ….the signs say no fishing but we have never gotten hassled for fishing there plus you can drink a beer while watching your son fish

[Luc42]

All great locations, thank you all for your help and advice ! Hopefully we can all squeak out a few more good weeks before the water cools down.