What You'll Catch at Redondo Beach Pier

Redondo Beach Pier holds halibut, barred surfperch, mackerel, and bonito most of the year, with seasonal runs of yellowtail and white seabass in summer and fall. The pier extends 1,500 feet into Santa Monica Bay, putting you far enough offshore to reach deeper-water species that don't come into the shallows near the beach. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent bites, though mackerel and perch will feed throughout the day if the water is clear.

The pier's structure creates natural holding spots: pilings attract smaller fish and juveniles, while the deeper water at the end holds larger halibut and bass. Bait and tackle shops on the pier itself will tell you what's biting that week—conditions change with water temperature, bait availability, and seasonal migration patterns. The pier is open to the public year-round, and you do not need a California fishing license to fish from it, though you do need one to fish from shore or a boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Redondo Beach Pier requires no fishing license because it is public access pier fishing, but you will need one if you fish the beach or wade into the water.
  • Halibut, surfperch, and mackerel are available most months, while bonito, yellowtail, and white seabass appear in summer and fall when water temperatures rise.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce the best bites, and the pier's end holds larger fish than the shallower sections near shore.
  • Live bait—anchovies, sardines, and squid—outfishes cut bait for most species, and the pier has bait shops that stock what's working that day.

Tackle and Bait for Redondo Beach Pier

Medium-action spinning rods in the 6.5- to 7-foot range work well for most pier fishing here. Pair them with 2500 to 3000-size reels spooled with 15- to 20-pound braided line; braid casts farther and holds up better against the pier's rough concrete and pilings. A 2- to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader (20 to 25 pounds) connects your main line to your terminal tackle and reduces visibility in the clear water.

Live anchovies and sardines catch more fish than dead bait, especially for halibut and bass. Fish them on a simple 1/0 to 3/0 circle hook with a small split shot 18 inches above the hook to keep them near the bottom where halibut hunt. For mackerel and bonito, use small metal jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) or live baitfish on slightly heavier tackle. Squid works for perch and smaller species and stays on the hook longer than baitfish, making it a good choice if you plan to fish for several hours without re-baiting.

Best Times and Seasons at Redondo Beach Pier

Spring and early summer (April through June) bring consistent halibut and perch fishing, with water temperatures rising and baitfish moving into the bay. Late summer and fall (July through October) add bonito, yellowtail, and white seabass to the mix—these are the months when larger fish move through and the pier gets crowded with anglers chasing them. Winter (November through February) slows down but still holds mackerel and perch; water is colder and clearer, which can actually improve halibut fishing on calm days.

Tide matters less at Redondo than it does on some piers, but slack tide or the first hour of incoming tide usually produces steadier bites. Avoid fishing during strong outgoing tides when bait drifts away from the pilings and fish become harder to locate. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends, and you will have more room to cast and move along the pier without tangling lines with other anglers.

Pier Rules and What to Bring

Redondo Beach Pier allows fishing 24 hours a day, and there is no fishing license required for pier anglers. The pier charges a small daily access fee (typically a few dollars) to enter, though the exact amount changes seasonally. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish; the pier has no shade, and fish spoil quickly in the sun. A net makes landing larger fish easier and safer than trying to hand-line them up from the water.

The pier can get windy, especially in the afternoon, so dress in layers and bring sunscreen. Parking is available in the Redondo Beach Marina lot adjacent to the pier, though it fills quickly on weekends and summer days. The pier has restaurants and shops nearby, so you can take breaks without leaving the area. Respect other anglers' space, keep your lines clear of theirs, and dispose of bait scraps in the trash rather than throwing them overboard.

How to Fish the Pilings and Deeper Water

The pilings near shore hold smaller perch, croakers, and juvenile halibut. Fish these with light tackle and small baits—a 1/0 hook with a piece of squid or a small live anchovy will draw bites throughout the day. Cast close to the pilings and let your bait settle; fish here are not aggressive and will mouth a bait before committing, so set the hook at the first sign of movement rather than waiting for a hard strike.

The deeper water at the pier's end (beyond the 1,000-foot mark) holds larger halibut, bass, and bonito. Use heavier tackle here and fish the bottom with live bait or small jigs. The current runs stronger at the end, so you may need a slightly heavier sinker to keep your bait in the strike zone. Early morning is best for this section because the water is calmer and you can feel bites more clearly through your line.

Nearby Shore and Boat Options

If the pier is crowded or you want to explore other water, Redondo Beach's sandy shore to the north and south of the pier holds surfperch and corbina in the shallows. You will need a California fishing license to fish from shore, and the same species available on the pier are available here, though in smaller average size. The beach is better for beginners or anglers who want to walk and explore rather than stay in one spot.

Half-day and full-day sportfishing boats depart from Redondo Beach Marina and target halibut, bonito, yellowtail, and white seabass in deeper water offshore. These trips cost more than pier fishing but put you over deeper structure and give you access to larger fish and species that don't come into the bay. Boats provide tackle rental and bait, so you do not need to bring your own gear. If you are new to saltwater fishing, a guided boat trip is a good way to learn what works in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Redondo Beach Pier?

No. California does not require a fishing license for pier fishing. You will need one if you fish from the beach, wade into the water, or fish from a private boat, but public pier access is license-free.

What's the best bait for halibut at Redondo Pier?

Live anchovies or sardines work best. Fish them on a small circle hook (1/0 to 2/0) with a split shot 18 inches above the hook to keep them near the bottom where halibut hunt. Change your bait every 15 to 20 minutes if you are not getting bites.

Can I keep fish I catch at Redondo Beach Pier?

Yes, most species have no size or bag limits for pier fishing, but check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you go—rules change and some species may have restrictions. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh.

What time of year is best for bonito and yellowtail?

Late summer and fall (July through October) are peak months when water temperatures rise and these species move into Santa Monica Bay. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent bites during these months.

Is Redondo Beach Pier crowded on weekends?

Yes, especially during summer and on days with good weather. Weekday mornings are much quieter and give you more room to fish without tangling lines with other anglers. Arrive early if you plan to fish on a weekend.