Left coast pier and surf fishing suck as bad as it seems?

[ryan511]

I just recently completed a mini-tour of all the east coast fishing hot spots and had the time of my life. I grew up on the east coast and was familiar with most, but not all. The Outer Banks in particular was absolutely incredible. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Now I will be spending most of my time in the midwest with a few trips to the left coast in between. Everything I've read seems to indicate that the left coast shore/pier fishing scene is a completely different(boring) animal compared to the other coast. There is nothing in the vicinity of king fishing from piers that I've read about in terms of excitement. It seems like basically glorified tourist bottom fishing, hoping for a halibet or something.

Am I missing something? Is there anywhere on the left coast that has enjoyable, action packed fishing akin to king fishing and cobia pluggin' on the Atlantic side?

Thanks guys. I love this resource and hope you're all doing well. A friendly reminder to enjoy what you've got in your oceans-it truly is a unique cultural experience. I miss it immensely.

[AL_N_VB]

My uncle lives on the oppisite side and tells me the fishing off the pier is pretty good... Halibut, macs, croakahs...

Gonna visit them next year to find out. They live in Oxnard ,CA. Will post a pier report.

[Sandcrab]

...Is there anywhere on the left coast that has enjoyable, action packed fishing akin to king fishing and cobia pluggin' on the Atlantic side?

Spent 3 years in San Diego and did a lot of pier fishing and party boating. The Ocean Beach pier is fantastic~! Lots of fish - bonito, barracuda, sharks at night, and sometimes tuna! I took lots of barracuda in the 30-36" range on metal and CD-8 Rapalas at first light.

I would check out some of the party boats out of Fishermans Landing. I used to fish the Fisherman III.

Sandcrab

http://www.sportfishsandiego.com/boat-profiles.html

[Al Kai]

You just gotta know what to throw.

Observe the local fisherMen and Women check out what they are doing.

[GreenFord]

Sounds like the same good advice where ever you fish.