Newbie and need some advice

[xk42]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and fishing. When I was a child, I spent every weekend fishing with my father but haven't done so for over 30 years. I want to get back into it.

From what I gathered, fishing license is not required on the piers. I do have the rods and I think I still remember how to make dropper loop. Is dropper loop the right type for pier fishing? I'm also very puzzled on where to get the bait if there's no tackle shop close by. When people say you can use anchovies, shrimp or squid. Do you just go to your local grocery store and buy it from the seafood section? Any recommendation for the hook size or the type of rig?

[tomnilll]

You can buy bait at the oceanside pier ar Pappys Market if you are in oceanside.

[Carpkiller]

Markets that carry a lot of seafood (99 Ranch) usually have fresh squid/octopus...or at least they used to. Been a while since I was in...

[xk42]

I'm at north county. I know crystal pier used to sell them but they are not under construction.

So presumably I can just buy frozen ones and they would still work?

[vdisney]

So presumably I can just buy frozen ones and they would still work?

Frozen works fine, been using it for years. Good luck and have fun