What Municipal Wharf #2 Offers

Municipal Wharf #2 is a working fishing pier in Monterey where the public can fish without a license, cast from concrete and wood decking, and watch commercial boats unload their catch. The wharf sits at the north end of Monterey Bay, about a mile from Cannery Row, and stays open year-round during daylight hours. You can fish from the railings, bring your own rod or rent one on-site, and target species that change with the season — mackerel and sardines in summer, rockfish and lingcod in fall and winter, and halibut when the water warms again.

The wharf is busier than the municipal pier at the south end of town, but it has more working character. You will see fishing boats coming and selling their catch to restaurants and markets, sea lions hauling out on the pilings, and pelicans diving for baitfish. The concrete surface is rough and can be slippery when wet, and the wind picks up in the afternoon, especially in spring. Parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • No fishing license is required to fish from Municipal Wharf #2, and you can fish year-round during daylight hours without a permit.
  • Summer brings mackerel and sardines; fall and winter bring rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon; spring and early summer bring halibut and white seabass.
  • Bring your own rod or rent one from the bait shop on the wharf; live anchovies and squid work for most species, and you can buy both there.
  • Parking fills by mid-morning on weekends; arrive early or use the lot on the street above the wharf and walk down.
  • The wharf is slippery when wet, windy in the afternoon, and crowded during tourist season — fish early morning or on weekdays for better conditions.

What Fish to Target by Season

Summer (June through August) is peak season for mackerel and sardines. Both are abundant, easy to catch on small jigs or live bait, and fun on light tackle. Mackerel run 12 to 18 inches and hit hard; sardines are smaller but come in schools. You will also find occasional bonito and jack mackerel in July and August when the water is warmest. Bring small hooks (size 6 to 8) and light line if you want to feel the bite.

Fall and winter (September through February) shift to rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon. These are bottom fish that live around the pilings and rocky areas below the wharf. Rockfish come in several species — olive, copper, and black are common — and run 10 to 16 inches. Lingcod are larger, often 18 to 28 inches, and hit hard on live bait or small swimbaits. Cabezon are less common but worth targeting if you see them; they are aggressive and make good eating. Fish the deeper water on the outside of the wharf and use heavier tackle because you will snag bottom.

Spring (March through May) brings halibut and occasional white seabass. Halibut move into shallow water as it warms and will take live anchovies or small mackerel. White seabass are less predictable but show up in April and May; they prefer live bait and larger presentations. Both species are worth the wait and make the trip memorable if you connect.

Tackle, Bait, and Gear You Will Need

A medium-weight spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) and a reel spooled with 10- to 15-pound line works for most species at the wharf. If you do not have your own, the bait shop rents rods and reels by the day. Bring or buy live anchovies or squid — both are sold fresh at the shop and work for rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and mackerel. For mackerel and bonito, small metal jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) cast from the railings are effective and fun.

Bring a net or gaff if you plan to land larger fish; the wharf railings are high, and netting a 20-inch lingcod or halibut is easier than trying to hand-line it up. A tackle box with extra hooks (sizes 2 to 8), sinkers, and swivels is useful because the bait shop does not always stock everything. Wear non-slip shoes — the concrete is slick, especially in the morning when it is wet from spray and cleaning. A light jacket or fleece is worth bringing even in summer because the wind off the water cools things down fast in the afternoon.

Parking, Hours, and Practical Details

Municipal Wharf #2 is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. Parking is available in a small lot at the base of the wharf, but it fills by 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays. If the lot is full, park on the street above the wharf (near the Monterey Bay Aquarium area) and walk down — it is about a five-minute walk. There is no fee to fish or to park.

The bait shop on the wharf opens around 7 a.m. and closes at dusk. They sell live anchovies, squid, mackerel, and occasionally live crabs. Rod and reel rentals cost a few dollars per day. The shop also has ice, drinks, and snacks. Restrooms are on the wharf, though they can be crowded during peak hours.

The wharf is busiest from June through August and on weekends year-round. If you want fewer people and calmer conditions, fish on weekday mornings or in the off-season (November through February). The wind typically picks up in the afternoon, so plan to fish in the morning if you can.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

No fishing license is required to fish from Municipal Wharf #2 — this is one of the few places in California where you can fish without one. However, you must follow California Department of Fish and Wildlife size and bag limits for any species you keep. Rockfish have a 10-fish daily limit (all species combined), lingcod have a 2-fish limit, halibut have a 5-fish limit, and mackerel have a 25-fish limit. Check the current regulations before you go because limits change seasonally.

You can keep what you catch and eat it, but you cannot sell it. If you are keeping fish, bring a cooler with ice. The wharf has no fish-cleaning station, so plan to clean your catch at home or ask the bait shop if they can point you to a nearby option.

Tips for Success at the Wharf

Fish the outside railings of the wharf rather than the inside — the water is deeper, the current is stronger, and the fish are more active. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) is the best time to fish because the water is calmer, fewer people are around, and the fish are feeding. The bite often slows by mid-morning, especially in summer.

Watch the commercial fishing boats and other anglers to see what is biting. If you see someone landing mackerel, switch to small jigs. If someone is pulling up rockfish, move to a heavier rig and fish the bottom. The bait shop staff also know what is biting that day and will tell you what to use.

Bring more bait than you think you need — mackerel and rockfish bite frequently, and you will go through anchovies fast. Live bait stays fresher longer if you keep it in a bucket with a little seawater and shade. Do not leave your rod unattended — the wharf is crowded, and theft happens.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Municipal Wharf #2 is located at 216 David Alvarado Street in Monterey, at the north end of the waterfront near the Monterey Bay Aquarium. From Highway 1, take the Monterey exit and follow signs to the waterfront. The wharf is about 10 minutes from downtown Monterey and 20 minutes from Pacific Grove.

If you want to fish elsewhere in the area, the municipal pier at the south end of Monterey Bay (near the Monterey Bay Aquarium) is less crowded and has a similar setup. Cannery Row is a short walk away if you want to grab food or explore after fishing. Several restaurants nearby will cook your catch if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from the wharf?

No. Municipal Wharf #2 is one of the few places in California where you can fish without a license. You still must follow size and bag limits for any species you keep.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Summer (June through August) is best for mackerel and sardines and has the most consistent bite. Fall and winter are better for rockfish and lingcod but have fewer fish overall. Spring brings halibut and occasional white seabass, which are exciting but less predictable.

Can I rent a rod if I do not have my own?

Yes. The bait shop on the wharf rents rods and reels by the day. They also sell live bait, tackle, and ice. The shop opens around 7 a.m. and closes at dusk.

What should I bring to fish the wharf?

Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish, non-slip shoes, a light jacket, and a net or gaff for landing larger fish. The bait shop sells live bait and tackle, but bringing your own hooks, sinkers, and swivels is useful in case they run out of what you need.

Is the wharf crowded, and when is the best time to go?

The wharf is busiest on weekends and during summer. Fish on weekday mornings or in the off-season (November through February) for fewer people and calmer conditions. The bite is usually best in the first two hours after sunrise.