- Long Beach is a great place for fishing, with plenty of options for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
- The Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is a popular spot for pier fishing, with a variety of fish including halibut, mackerel, and bonito.
- The Long Beach Breakwall is another popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching everything from bass to yellowtail.
- The Los Cerritos Wetlands are a great option for freshwater fishing, with largemouth bass and bluegill among the species found in the area.
- The Colorado Lagoon is another freshwater option, with carp and catfish among the fish that can be caught there.
- Fishing charters are also available in Long Beach, offering opportunities to catch bigger game such as tuna and marlin.
Are you looking for the perfect place to cast your line and reel in a big catch? Look no further than Long Beach, California. This coastal city boasts some of the best fishing spots in Southern California, with miles of shoreline to explore.
But with so many options, where should you begin? Let’s start with the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. This iconic pier stretches out 1,620 feet into the Pacific Ocean and offers anglers a variety of fish to catch, including halibut, bonito, and mackerel. Plus, it’s open 24/7 for night fishing.
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, head out on a charter boat from Rainbow Harbor. These guided tours take you out to deeper waters where you can go after bigger game such as tuna and swordfish. And don’t forget about Shoreline Aquatic Park which is great for beginners or those just looking for a relaxing day by the water.
No matter what kind of angler you are or what kind of fish you’re after, Long Beach has something to offer. So grab your gear and get ready to make some unforgettable memories on the water!
The Quick Answer:
Discover the top spots for fishing in Long Beach, California. From pier fishing to shoreline aquatic parks and ecological reserves, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species including halibut, bass, catfish, carp, and bluegill. Don’t miss out on this popular outdoor activity in Long Beach!
Top Spots for Fishing in Long Beach
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Long Beach, California. With its miles of coastline and abundant marine life, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line and catch some fish. Here are some top spots for fishing in Long Beach:
Pier Fishing
Long Beach has several piers that are great for fishing, including Belmont Pier, Cherry Avenue Pier, and Junipero Beach Pier. These piers offer easy access to deeper water where fish are abundant. You can catch a variety of species from the pier including halibut, sand bass, mackerel, bonito, and even sharks.
Shoreline Aquatic Park
Shoreline Aquatic Park is located on the east side of Long Beach and offers excellent fishing opportunities. The park has a large fishing jetty that extends out into the ocean and provides access to deeper water. You can catch a variety of species here including halibut, corbina, perch, and sand bass.
Los Cerritos Wetlands
The Los Cerritos Wetlands is an ecological reserve located on the east side of Long Beach. It offers some excellent fishing opportunities along its shoreline and in its lagoons. You can catch a variety of species here including bass, catfish, carp, and bluegill.
Types of Fish You Can Catch in Long Beach
Long Beach’s waters are home to many different species of fish that attract anglers from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for game fish or just want to relax with some panfish action from shore or boat; here are some types of fish you can catch in Long Beach:
Bass
Long Beach has several species of bass that can be caught throughout the year. The most common species include sand bass, spotted bay bass, and calico bass. These fish are found inshore and can be caught from piers, jetties, and boats.
Halibut
Halibut is a popular game fish in Long Beach. It can be caught from shore or boat using both live bait and lures. Halibut fishing is best in the summer months when they come closer to shore to feed.
Mackerel
Mackerel is a common fish that can be caught all year round. They are fast swimmers and provide great action for anglers of all levels. Mackerel can be caught from piers, jetties, and boats using lures or live bait.
Regulations and Restrictions for Fishing in Long Beach
Before you go fishing in Long Beach, it’s important to know the regulations and restrictions that apply to your fishing activities. Here are some key rules you should follow:
Fishing License
All anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid California fishing license before they can fish in Long Beach.
Catch Limits
There are catch limits for many species of fish in Long Beach. Be sure to check the current regulations before you go fishing so you know what you can keep and what you must release.
Protected Species
Some species of fish are protected in Long Beach waters. These include white sea bass, black sea bass, giant sea bass, green sturgeon, steelhead trout, leopard shark (less than 36 inches), soupfin shark (less than 36 inches), spiny lobster (during closed season or undersized).
Best Time of Year to Go Fishing in Long Beach
The best time to go fishing in Long Beach depends on what species of fish you’re targeting. Here are some general guidelines:
Summer Months
The summer months (June-August) are the best time to catch halibut, mackerel, and bonito. These fish come closer to shore during the warmer months and provide great action for anglers.
Winter Months
The winter months (December-February) are a great time to catch sand bass and yellowtail. These fish can be caught from boats or piers using live bait and lures.
Recommended Equipment and Gear for Fishing in Long Beach
Here is a list of equipment and gear that you should consider bringing with you when fishing in Long Beach:
- Fishing rod and reel
- Fishing line (10-20lb test)
- Hooks (size 4-6)
- Sinkers/weights (1/2 – 1 oz.)
- Bait/lures (depending on species)
- Pliers or hemostats for removing hooks from fish
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snacks
- A valid California fishing license
Guided Tours and Charters for Fishing in Long Beach
If you’re new to fishing or don’t have your own gear, guided tours or charters can be an excellent option. Here are some guided tours/charters that offer fishing trips in Long Beach:
- The Eldorado at Alamitos Bay Landing: Offers half-day and full-day fishing trips on a large charter boat.
- All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting: Offers guided fly-fishing trips in the Los Cerritos Wetlands Reserve area.
- Long Beach Sportfishing: Offers half-day and full-day fishing trips for individuals and groups from various Long Beach locations.
Crowdedness of Popular Fishing Spots in Long Beach During Peak Season
During peak season (summer months), popular fishing spots like Belmont Pier, Cherry Avenue Pier, and Junipero Beach Pier can get crowded. It’s best to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Other less crowded spots include Shoreline Aquatic Park, Los Cerritos Wetlands Reserve, and Rainbow Harbor.
Fishing from Shore or Boat: Accessing the Best Spots in Long Beach
Whether you’re fishing from shore or boat, there are plenty of great spots to catch fish in Long Beach. Here are some tips on accessing the best spots:
Shore Fishing
If you’re fishing from shore, look for areas with deeper water and structure like jetties or rock formations. These areas provide habitat for fish and can be fished using live bait or lures.
Boat Fishing
If you’re fishing from a boat, consider hiring a local guide who knows the waters well. They can take you to hotspots where fish are abundant. Additionally, try trolling parallel to shorelines with lures or live bait for a chance at larger gamefish like yellowtail or white seabass.
In conclusion, Long Beach offers some of the best fishing spots for anglers to enjoy and catch a variety of fish species.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Place to Fish in Long Beach
Where can I fish in Long Beach CA?
Fishing spots along the coast and islands near Long Beach are well-liked by fishers, with popular locations including Rocky Point, Point Fermin Reef, Long Point, and Point Vincente. The presence of cliffs and kelp make the area very similar to the habitat found near Catalina Island.
What fish are biting in Long Beach?
When fishing near the shore in Long Beach, you are likely to catch Calico Bass, Sand Bass, or White Seabass. The offshore fishing in Long Beach is also well-regarded, with Halibut, Lingcod, Rock Cod, and various Rockfish species frequently caught during bottom fishing.
Where can I fish in Long Beach without a license?
Yes. A fishing license is necessary when fishing anywhere except on a public pier. Even if you caught a fish on the pier and only went down to the beach to bring the fish ashore, you would still need a valid license to avoid the possibility of receiving a citation.
Can you fish on the beach in Long Beach?
Long Beach offers plenty of beaches for shore fishing, a year-round activity thanks to its location and mild climate. Fly fishing enthusiasts come to the beach to catch Surf Perch, Corbina, and Yellow Croaker.
What is the best bait for Long Beach?
The most effective bait for fishing on jetties are live bait, cut anchovies, and squid. Fish these areas similar to piers, with surf gamefish closer to the beach and halibut and rays farther out towards the end of the jetties.
Does Long Beach have a fishing pier?
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is situated in Long Beach adjoining the Belmont Shore neighborhood. The pier, which is 1,800 feet long, was established in 1967 and is currently in use.