Carquinez Strait — West Delta Archives - Pier Fishing in California

Center Pier — Carquinez Bridge — Gone But Not Forgotten

When I lived in the East Bay in Pinole in the1970s, one of the piers I frequently fished was the Dowrelio Pier in Crockett, a pier that was often good for striped bass and one that always offered the possibility of a sturgeon. The pier,…

Martinez Pier

Public Pier — No Fishing License Required Recent reports indicate the pier is now closed for repair and possible reconstruction. Although the stories vary somewhat, striped bass were introduced into California waters near Martinez in 1879. Some accounts say the fish were dumped into the…

Antioch Pier aka U. E. “Compy” Compomizzmo Municipal Fishing Pier

Public Pier — Freshwater — Fishing License Required This fairly long pier is the oldest Wildlife Conservation Board Pier in the area and receives quite a bit of angling pressure, although nowhere near the action I would expect in this area. In part it is…

Eckley Pier — Crockett/Port Costa

Public Pier — No Fishing License Required Although now twenty years old, this is still one of California’s newest piers. It opened at the end of 1998 and quickly became a favorite for many anglers along this stretch of water. While the fishing itself can…

Pittsburg Pier

Public Pier — Freshwater — Fishing License Required The old man slowly ambled down to where I was standing, looked out toward my line, and began to speak. “Keep your bait in that warm water right where you’re at, that’s just about where I caught…

Benicia Ninth Street Pier

Public Access Area — Status Unclear — Fishing License May Be Required This small pier (only 125 foot long) adjoins the public launching ramp at the foot of Ninth Street in Benicia. When the ramp was built in 1976, someone with a little foresight decided…

City of Benicia Fishing Pier

Public Pier — No Fishing License Required The memories that I have from my first visit to this pier illustrate or symbolize the dual nature of this area. Shortly after I arrived, a trio of huge, majestic Canadian Geese swam by the pier and then…

Antioch Marina Pier

Public Pier — Freshwater — Fishing License Required One day as I walking up the ramp that leads to the pier I was greeted by a powerful, baritone voice singing out “Welcome to the Cable Pier!” Turned out it was a large, African-American gentleman who…

Antioch Bridge Pier aka Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline Pier

Public Pier — Freshwater — Fishing License Required Most commonly called the Antioch Bridge Pier, this is the most heavily visited pier in the Pittsburg-Antioch area. As usual, the reason for the pier’s popularity is that it yields a good number of fish, in fact…