Imperial Beach Pier Safe?

[FishLifters]

Hi all!

I'm new to San Diego and fishing in general but want to get out and try fishing the piers. Imperial Beach pier is the one closest to me but I keep hearing about the beach closures. I'm not gonna try to get in the water, but when I evetually catch something I can eat, would it be safe? I'm leaning towards no... but would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

[sdjiricek]

Well... I grew up down there and the sewage problem hasn't improved. I don't think things like Mackeral are a problem but I wouldn't eat any bottom feeders like Croaker or Surf Perch. We used to call it Venerial Beach if that helps at all.

[Carpkiller]

Venereal Beach...where the syph meets the surf.

Yes, it's not clean water.

Would I whip up a batch of ceviche or eat IB fish raw? Nope.

However, cooking will kill the icky stuff. Mostly.

It's like the difference between San Diego Bay (chemicals, paint, shipyard-generated pollution) vs Mission Bay (bacteriological stuff).

[FishLifters]

Thanks for the replies and the laughs! I think I'll leave Imperial Beach to catch and release and gathering bait fish