What You'll Catch at Malibu Pier

Malibu Pier is a working fishing pier that extends into Santa Monica Bay, and the fish you'll find there depend on the season and water temperature. In summer and early fall, you can catch barred surfperch, corbina, and halibut in the sandy areas around the pilings. Calico bass and sand bass move in during warmer months, and they'll hit small swimbaits or live anchovies. The pier also holds leopard sharks year-round, particularly in spring and early summer when they move into shallow water to breed.

Winter brings different species. Jacksmelt and topsmelt school around the pier structure, and they're easy to catch on small jigs or live bait. You'll also find white seabass in deeper water off the end of the pier during winter and spring, though they're less predictable than the smaller species. The rocky areas near the pilings hold kelp bass and sheephead, especially if you can get your bait down to the structure without snagging.

Mackerel and bonito occasionally show up in late summer and fall when baitfish schools move close to shore, but they're not reliable. The pier is not known for large fish—most catches run 8 to 16 inches—but the consistency and variety make it a solid choice for a few hours of fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • Malibu Pier is open to the public for fishing during daylight hours, and you do not need a California fishing license to fish from a public pier.
  • Summer and early fall are best for surfperch, corbina, and halibut; winter is better for jacksmelt, topsmelt, and white seabass.
  • Live anchovies and small swimbaits work better than cut bait on this pier because the fish are generally small and active.
  • The pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in summer, so arriving early gives you better access to open space and the end of the pier.

Access and Hours

Malibu Pier is located at 23000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and is open to the public during daylight hours. There is no admission fee to fish from the pier. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the pier, though it fills quickly on weekends and during summer. Street parking is also available along Pacific Coast Highway, but spaces are limited and turnover is fast.

The pier is a working commercial structure, so access can be restricted during maintenance or rough seas. Call ahead or check the Malibu Pier website or local fishing reports before making the drive, especially in winter when swells are larger. The pier is typically open year-round, but conditions and closures vary.

Tackle and Bait Setup

Light to medium-light tackle is all you need here. A 6- to 7-foot spinning rod with 8- to 12-pound test line handles most species you'll encounter. Heavier tackle will work, but it's overkill and makes casting and feeling small bites harder. Bring a small tackle box with a variety of hooks (size 6 to 2/0), small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), and a few swimbaits in natural colors.

Live anchovies are the best bait choice and are often sold at bait shops in Malibu or nearby Oxnard. If you can't find live bait, frozen anchovies work but are less effective. Rig them on a simple 1/0 to 2/0 hook with a small split shot 18 inches above the hook to keep the bait near the bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water. For surfperch and corbina, use smaller baits and lighter weight so the bait stays in the zone where these fish feed.

Small swimbaits (2 to 3 inches) on 1/8-ounce jigs are excellent for bass and mackerel. Cast them out and retrieve slowly, letting the jig do the work. This method is more active than soaking bait, but it covers more water and keeps you engaged.

Best Times to Fish

Early morning, from sunrise to mid-morning, is the most productive time. Fish are more active in low light, and the pier is less crowded. Late afternoon into early evening is also good, though the pier fills with people during this window. Midday fishing is slower and the pier is busiest, so plan accordingly.

Tide matters less at Malibu Pier than at some other Southern California piers because the water is relatively deep and fish move through regardless of tide stage. That said, slack tide (the hour or two around high and low tide) is often slower than moving water. Fish feed more actively when water is moving, so plan to fish during the hour or two before and after tide changes.

Seasonal timing is more important than daily timing. Late May through September is peak season for surfperch and corbina. November through March is better for jacksmelt, topsmelt, and white seabass. Spring (March through May) is good for leopard sharks and halibut.

Pier Etiquette and Regulations

California does not require a fishing license to fish from a public pier, but you must follow state fish and game regulations. Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. Surfperch have a 10-fish daily limit and no minimum size. Corbina have a 3-fish limit and must be at least 12 inches. Halibut have a 5-fish limit and must be at least 22 inches. Leopard sharks have a 4-fish limit and must be at least 36 inches. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or ask at a local bait shop for current regulations, as they change.

Keep the pier clean. Dispose of bait scraps and trash in designated bins. Do not leave fishing line or hooks on the pier. If you catch a fish you don't want to keep, handle it carefully and return it to the water quickly. Other anglers will appreciate the space and respect you show.

The pier can get crowded, especially on weekends. Keep your casting area clear of other anglers and their lines. If someone is fishing a spot, don't crowd them. Most pier anglers are friendly and will share information about what's biting and where.

What to Bring and Wear

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. The pier offers no shade, and the sun reflects off the water. Wear layers because the ocean breeze can be cool even on warm days. Bring more water than you think you'll need—dehydration happens fast on a pier.

A small cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh. Bring a fish cleaning kit if you plan to keep fish, or plan to clean them at home. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful if you fish early morning or late evening. Bring a small net or gaff to land fish safely; trying to hand-line a fish onto the pier often results in lost fish and tangled line.

Wear non-slip shoes. The pier can be wet and slippery, especially in the morning or after waves splash over the railings. Avoid loose clothing that can catch on tackle or railings.

Nearby Alternatives if the Pier Is Crowded

If Malibu Pier is too crowded or closed, Surfrider Beach (adjacent to the pier) offers shore fishing for the same species, though you'll need to wade and cast farther. The beach is better for corbina and surfperch in summer. Point Dume, a rocky point about 2 miles north, holds kelp bass and sheephead but requires scrambling over rocks and is more dangerous in rough water.

Zuma Beach, also in Malibu, is a sandy beach that holds corbina and surfperch. It's less crowded than Surfrider and offers more room to spread out. Fishing is best in early morning before swimmers arrive. If you're willing to drive, Oxnard's public piers (Oxnard Pier and Channel Islands Harbor) offer similar species and are often less crowded than Malibu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Malibu Pier?

No. California does not require a fishing license to fish from a public pier. You do need to follow state fish and game regulations for bag limits and size restrictions, which vary by species.

What's the best bait to use?

Live anchovies are the most effective. If you can't find live bait, frozen anchovies work but produce fewer bites. Small swimbaits on jigs are also productive and let you cover more water by casting and retrieving.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, as long as they meet the minimum size and you don't exceed the daily bag limit for that species. Check current regulations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish, as limits change.

Is Malibu Pier open year-round?

Generally yes, but access can be restricted during maintenance or dangerous sea conditions. Call ahead or check local fishing reports before driving, especially in winter when swells are larger.

What time of year is best for fishing?

Summer and early fall (May through September) are best for surfperch, corbina, and halibut. Winter (November through March) is better for jacksmelt and topsmelt. Spring is good for leopard sharks and halibut.