San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

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!

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.

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).

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