San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Hey all, I have a basic rod but I’m very new to fishing. I’m looking to have an easy time fishing on land, and I’d like to catch some dinner. I live near PB so I have access to the beaches and bays.

First, what am I looking to catch? I read the perch around here is edible. Where can I find them? Are they off the rocks, under bridges, or in the open water?

Second, what kind of lures or bait do I need to catch edible fish? Is there a specific time of day I need to go?

Any other tips?

What is the "basic rod" that you have?

Probably a spinning reel with a 7 foot rod rated for 4 to 10 lb test gives you a lot of flexibility to fish different places.

So. Whatcha got?

And what days of the week can you fish?

There are people who might invite you along...and it's easier to show you some things, rather than type them out.

You can catch a crapload of different species using Gulp sandworms (camo color), either on a Carolina rig or a dropshot setup.

The basic terminal tackle involved 1/4 ounce sliding sinkers, or "bass fishing weights," size six mosquito hooks or octopus hooks, a swivel for the carolina rig if that's the way to go. Including the bait...all of that costs less than 20 bucks. That setup allows you to also use shrimp or squid or sandcrabs for bait...but buying Gulp is the easiest ticket to getting fish. \\

I suggest you try fishing mission bay a few times before trying the surf...currents, WEEDS, AND MORE WEEDS can make things very complicated in the surf...but the fishing techniques are pretty much the same.


shows a guy catching surfperch, using sand crabs for bait.

is another one.

So to recap...what rod and reel do you have...and what days can you fish?

Hey thanks for the reply! Here is my setup:
https://a.co/d/1Px09HQ
https://a.co/d/iC349oO
https://a.co/d/0CeiC3o
https://a.co/d/94ofr6J
https://a.co/d/36b4umk

I got it all a couple years ago to catch spotted bass, but never had much luck.

Fridays are best for me during the day, or I can go pretty much any day in the evening.

Should I just go down to the Dana landing fishing shop and buy all the rig setup? I think I also need a fillet knife and something to bonk them on the head with

Ok I went ahead and ordered the gulp sandworms and Carolina rig stuff on Amazon. I’ll give it a go. Do you think MB Point is a good spot to catch perch or other edible fish? I’d really like to catch something I can eat.

I know people that go to the Jetty and fish for Opalaye . I heard they're good eating.
And they just use peas or green moss. On a small hook.