What You'll Find at Venice Beach

Venice Beach sits on the California coast south of Santa Monica, and it holds three distinct fishing zones: the Venice Pier, the rock jetties on either side of the marina, and the nearshore waters you can reach by boat. The pier is the easiest entry point—no boat or special gear required—and it produces mackerel, bonito, halibut, and croaker year-round. The jetties hold the same species plus perch and sculpin, and they're free to fish but require careful footing on wet rocks. If you have access to a boat or want to book a half-day charter, the waters 1 to 3 miles offshore hold barred sand bass, calico bass, and larger halibut, especially in summer and fall.

The pier itself is about 1,300 feet long and sits in 20 to 30 feet of water at its end. It's crowded on weekends and during summer, but it's well-lit at night and has restrooms and a small restaurant, which matters if you plan to stay for hours. The jetties are quieter but require you to watch the swell and know when to move—a wave that looks manageable from the parking lot can sweep you off the rocks without warning.

Key Takeaways

  • The Venice Pier is open to the public year-round and requires no permit, though you'll need a California fishing license if you're 16 or older.
  • Mackerel and bonito dominate the pier catch from spring through fall, while halibut and croaker are present but less predictable.
  • The jetties on both sides of the marina are free to fish but demand respect for wave action and slippery rock surfaces.
  • Nearshore boat fishing 1 to 3 miles out produces larger bass and halibut, and charter boats depart from nearby Marina del Rey.

Fishing the Venice Pier

The pier opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, though the exact times shift with the season. You can fish from any part of it, but the outer third—past the restaurant—tends to be less crowded and slightly more productive because the water is deeper and the current runs stronger. Bring a medium-action rod, 15- to 20-pound line, and small to medium metal jigs or live bait. Mackerel and bonito will take both, though live anchovies or sardines (available at the pier bait shop) outfish artificials for halibut and croaker.

The pier can get windy in the afternoon, especially in summer, which makes casting difficult but also stirs up the water and can trigger feeding. Early morning—first light through mid-morning—is usually calmer and more productive. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat; there's no shade on the pier itself. The bait shop sells tackle, live bait, and snacks, and prices are higher than you'd pay elsewhere, so consider bringing your own if you know what you want.

Parking is street parking along the beach or in the lot at the pier entrance; both fill up quickly on weekends. Arrive early or plan to fish in the late afternoon when people leave. A California fishing license is required if you're 16 or older; you can purchase a one-day license online or at the bait shop.

Jetty Fishing and Safety

The Venice Marina jetties—one on the north side and one on the south—are accessible from the parking areas near the pier and the marina entrance. They're made of large rocks stacked to break wave action, and they're free to fish. The north jetty is slightly easier to navigate, but both require you to move carefully and watch the water constantly. Waves don't always come in a predictable pattern; a calm stretch can end suddenly, and a wave that catches you off-balance can pull you into the water.

Fish the jetties during low tide when more rock is exposed and you have more stable footing. Bring a rod rated for 20- to 30-pound line, because you'll be fishing in deeper water than the pier and around rocks that can cut line. Perch, sculpin, and small bass hide in the crevices, and you can also catch mackerel and bonito in the channels between rocks. Use small jigs, live bait, or cut mackerel. The bite is often better than the pier because fewer people fish the jetties and the water is more complex.

Never turn your back to the ocean, and never fish alone on the jetties. Wear shoes with good grip, and consider a personal flotation device if you're not a strong swimmer. People do get swept off the rocks every year, and the water is cold year-round.

Nearshore Boat Fishing

If you have your own boat or want to charter, the waters 1 to 3 miles offshore hold larger fish and more consistent action than the pier. Barred sand bass and calico bass are the main target, along with halibut and occasional yellowtail in summer. The bottom is a mix of sand and rock, with some kelp beds that hold bass and perch. Depths range from 40 to 80 feet depending on how far out you go.

Charter boats depart from Marina del Rey, which is directly north of Venice Beach. Half-day trips (usually 4 to 5 hours) run most days and cost between $50 and $80 per person, depending on the boat and season. The boat provides tackle and bait, though you can bring your own if you prefer. Summer and early fall are the most productive seasons, but fish are present year-round. Seasickness is common on half-day trips, especially if there's a swell; take medication before you board if you're prone to it.

If you're launching your own boat, the Venice Marina has a public launch ramp. Fees are around $10 to $15 per launch, and parking is available. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early. Stay aware of the shipping lanes near the marina entrance and watch for larger vessels.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (March to May) brings mackerel and bonito to the pier and jetties, with water temperatures in the 55 to 60-degree range. The bite is often best in the morning, and the water is usually calmer than summer. Halibut start appearing in late spring and continue through fall.

Summer (June to August) is peak season for crowds and for fish. Bonito and mackerel are abundant, water temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees, and the nearshore bass bite is strong. The pier and jetties are packed on weekends, so plan for early morning or late afternoon fishing. Afternoon winds are common and can make the pier difficult to fish.

Fall (September to November) is excellent for larger fish. Halibut are more consistent, and the nearshore bass bite remains strong. Water temperatures drop to 60 to 65 degrees, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day. This is often the best time to fish if you want fewer people and good action.

Winter (December to February) is slower but still productive. Croaker and perch are more reliable than in summer, and the pier is nearly empty on weekdays. Water temperatures drop to 50 to 55 degrees, and storms can close the pier for days at a time. Check conditions before you go.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

For pier fishing, bring a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-action rod with a spinning reel spooled with 15- to 20-pound line. A small tackle box with metal jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), small hooks (size 6 to 8), and a few leaders is enough. Live bait is more effective than artificials for halibut and croaker, so plan to buy anchovies or sardines at the pier bait shop or bring your own from a tackle shop in the area.

For jetty fishing, step up to 20- to 30-pound line and a slightly heavier rod, because you'll be casting farther and fishing deeper. Bring extra line and leaders, because the rocks will cut you. Small jigs (1/2 to 1 ounce) and live bait work best. A net is useful if you're fishing high on the rocks and want to land fish without climbing down.

For boat fishing, the charter provides tackle, but if you bring your own, use a 6- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20- to 30-pound line. Bring jigs, live bait, and a few extra leaders. The boat will tell you what depth to fish and what the bite is like when you board.

Parking, Access, and Regulations

Parking at Venice Beach is street parking or paid lots. The lot at the pier entrance charges by the hour and fills up quickly on weekends. Street parking along Ocean Front Walk is free but limited and often full by mid-morning on weekends. Arrive early or plan to fish in the late afternoon.

The pier is open sunrise to sunset and is free to access. The jetties are free and accessible during daylight hours. A California fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older; you can buy a one-day license online at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at the bait shop on the pier. The license costs around $17 for a one-day resident license and covers all species you might catch.

No special permits are required for pier or jetty fishing. If you're fishing from a boat, the boat operator is responsible for licensing, and charter boats are already licensed. If you're launching your own boat, you'll need a California vessel registration and a fishing license.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish the Venice Pier?

Early morning through mid-morning is usually best, because the water is calmer, fewer people are fishing, and fish are actively feeding. Afternoon winds pick up and can make casting difficult. Evening fishing is possible until sunset and can be productive, but the pier gets crowded again as people arrive after work.

Do I need a fishing license to fish the pier or jetties?

Yes, if you're 16 or older. A California fishing license is required for all public fishing. You can buy a one-day license online or at the bait shop on the pier for around $17. The license covers all species and is valid statewide.

What should I do if I get seasick on a charter boat?

Take seasickness medication (like dramamine or ginger) before you board, at least 30 minutes before departure. Stay on deck in the fresh air rather than below, and focus on the horizon. Eat a light breakfast and avoid greasy food. If you're still sick, let the crew know—they're used to it and can help you find a comfortable spot.

Can I keep all the fish I catch at Venice Beach?

Most species have daily bag limits and size restrictions set by California. Mackerel, bonito, and croaker have generous limits, but halibut and bass have stricter rules. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you fish, or ask the bait shop or charter crew—they know the current rules.

Is it safe to fish the jetties alone?

No. Jetties are dangerous, and waves can sweep you off without warning. Always fish with at least one other person, wear shoes with good grip, and never turn your back to the ocean. If you're not a strong swimmer, wear a personal flotation device.