Best pier for fishing with family.

[HellOnTrails]

We are visiting San Diego in mid may. I have two sons (11 &17), we always go pier fishing when we go to the beach on the east coast. Unfortunately, we are flying and unable to bring tackle. What is the best pier to rent tackle and have a great/scenic experience at within driving distance from National City? I know Imperial Beach is close, but I don't see great things about it and would rather hear what locals have to say instead of just saying this place is good enough. Thanks for your time.

[Midnightpass]

The only pier I've fished in San Diego county is Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach... I've stayed at the pier cottages every year for almost 20yrs... I mostly surf fish there, but in the past, when my grandkids stayed with us we fished the pier every day... It can produce with the best of them... There is a tackle rental/bait shop on the pier, but it closed down when the did pier repairs, and I don't know if the have reopened.. Parking might be rough later mornings or summer days...It is a beautiful pier...
Butch

[jwacky]

The only pier I've fished in San Diego county is Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach... I've stayed at the pier cottages every year for almost 20yrs... I mostly surf fish there, but in the past, when my grandkids stayed with us we fished the pier every day... It can produce with the best of them... There is a tackle rental/bait shop on the pier, but it closed down when the did pier repairs, and I don't know if the have reopened.. Parking might be rough later mornings or summer days...It is a beautiful pier...
Butch

We've actually been looking at those cottages for a stay-cation this year, maybe. You like them, I take it? Pretty cool to stay literally on the ocean.

I can name other piers but the tackle rental might prerequisite will probably eliminate some of them. How far is too far of a drive? Mission Beach/Pacific Beach/Crystal Pier isn't too far from National City. Maybe 20-25 minute drive? Everything is 20 minutes here, ha. Ocean Beach is farther and perhaps not worth the trip. Shelter Island pier is cool but I dont believe there are rentals there. There is, however, a nice food and drinks place on the pier (Fathom Bistro).

People seem to like Coronado Ferry Landing pier but I dont believe there are rentals nearby.

Hope you have a great trip and be sure to report back on whatever you decide!

[Nelson 1]

We are visiting San Diego in mid may. I have two sons (11 &17), we always go pier fishing when we go to the beach on the east coast. Unfortunately, we are flying and unable to bring tackle. What is the best pier to rent tackle and have a great/scenic experience at within driving distance from National City? I know Imperial Beach is close, but I don't see great things about it and would rather hear what locals have to say instead of just saying this place is good enough. Thanks for your time.

for fishing pole rentals, I would just go buy some cheap ones. Probably cost you about the same amount to rent
I know Big 5 has cheap ones and so does Walmart.

[Midnightpass]

for fishing pole rentals, I would just go buy some cheap ones. Probably cost you about the same amount to rent
I know Big 5 has cheap ones and so does Walmart.

Great idea… The rentals on PB Pier used to be cheap, but the newer operator was quite a bit more expensive…
Butch

[HellOnTrails]

Thanks guys. I was leaning Crystal pier and will probably stick with that. I'll call the bait shop later on and post here what they tell me about gear rental. Talk to you guys soon. Tight lines

[Midnightpass]

Good luck, and enjoy your time with your sons...

We've actually been looking at those cottages for a stay-cation this year, maybe. You like them, I take it? Pretty cool to stay literally on the ocean.

If you're thinking of going, reserve early... I book as I'm leaving the year before... They are nice but not cheap... And yes, I do like them very much...
Butch