San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

I never see any fishing reports from Camp Pendleton. I’m wondering if that’s because the fishing there sucks or because most people can’t get access? The Del Mar boat basin on base seems like an interesting spot

If you have access, go fish it!

I don't know about CP, but during my engineering career I went to several military bases... let me just say that soldiers who protect the access are dead serious and *not* mall cops.

I’ve fished the North end of Pendleton (San Onofre) a couple of times…. I’ve caught a few BSP and YFC each time.. It was late winter each time so not the best of fishing times, but there were fish there… I want to fish the Del Mar end, but have not yet.. As Mike said fish it if you have access… Let us know how you do.. I believe you will need a a base fishing license as well.. At least I did last time I fished there…
Butch

From https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Porta ... andout.pdf :
Authorized Patrons.
-Fishing is limited to active duty military, military retirees, DOD civilians, dependents, and members of the 'Active Reserve'.
-Civilians may fish if sponsored by an ‘Authorized Patron’. The sponsor must be physically with the civilian fisherman at the time of
Camp Pendleton permit purchase, and at all times while fishing. Violation of these conditions will result in revocation of the
Sponsor and the Sponsored.

FYI, you won't even be allowed past the gates without a pass. Even to ride a bicycle thru the base requires that you get a photo ID from the base and pass a background check.

Midnightpass wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 10:05 am I’ve fished the North end of Pendleton (San Onofre) a couple of times…. I’ve caught a few BSP and YFC each time.. It was late winter each time so not the best of fishing times, but there were fish there… I want to fish the Del Mar end, but have not yet.. As Mike said fish it if you have access… Let us know how you do.. I believe you will need a a base fishing license as well.. At least I did last time I fished there…
Butch

I’ll definitely let you guys know once I have a chance to go up there! The base also has a lake that’s catch and release for bass, so I’ll make some reports on the freshwater side too. I just have to wait for my VA card to come in the mail

Back in the days when requirements were more lax, I would get an annual pass to fish there, and take my little boat to Lake Oneil. The bass and crappie fishing was quite good there After a couple of lucky years, the base tightened up on their security, and my fishing adventures there were no more. But I have happy memories of catching fish at the lake.

Have fun...And looking forward to a report... I believe you will need a "Veterans Health ID Card", with Service Connected", "Purple Heart" or "Former POW" on it, for access... A VA card by itself won't work... I think..
Butch

https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Main- ... ns-Access/
Butch