We have two classic Southern California sportfishing boats at the Pier this summer.
The 48 foot “Malibu Sportsman,” a traditional wooden boat that fishes “stealth,” with no noisy diesel generator that could scare away fish. When her engine is off, all you hear are hungry fish.
The legendary “Aquarius,” a 55 foot vessel, built just for the Malibu Pier™ in 1945. Built low to the water so, if you can hook ‘em, you won’t lose ‘em bringing them up on board.
Our experienced captains – all with United States Coast Guard licenses – have been fishing the Malibu coastline for decades.
Early Summer Sportfishing Schedule
|
Wed |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Departure Time |
10:00 AM |
10:00 AM |
10:00 AM |
7:00 AM |
7:00 AM |
Approximate Return Time* |
03:00 PM |
03:00 PM |
03:00 PM |
12:00 PM |
12:00 PM |
* When the fishing is good, we like to stay out longer at no extra charge to our passenger!
Introductory Early Summer Ticket Price
$45 for adults; $10 off for juniors/seniors. All tickets include bait, free use of gunny sacks, and complimentary fish cleaning.
What to Bring
Dress in layers including a windproof jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sturdy shoes (no flip-flops) and bring sunscreen and lip balm. California fishing licenses are required to fish on our boats. You can buy a daily or annual license at the Malibu Pier™ prior to boarding.
Arrival Time and Procedures
Please arrive at the Pier at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to allow time to check in at the ticket booth and load the boat.
For reservations or further information regarding our sportfishing tours or private charters, please contact us at 1-888-310-PIER.
FAQ FOR SPORTFISHING BOAT EXCURSIONS
Q: What is the schedule for sportfishing tour boat excursions from the Malibu Pier?
A: Our schedule changes seasonally. Our current early summer schedule offers half day trips daily Wednesday through Sunday. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, our trips depart at 10:00 am and return at approximately 3:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, our trips depart at 7:00 am and return at approximately 12 noon.
Private charters are available seven days a week including for twilight and night fishing trips.
Q: How much does a sportfishing tour boat excursion cost?
A: Our Summer 2008 introductory price is $45.00 for adults and $35.00 for juniors and seniors. Join the “Aquarius Club” when you check in for your first trip and then every fifth trip this season will be free (not combinable with other promotions).
As a California State Park, a portion of the revenue from every ticket sold goes towards protecting and preserving California’s precious coastal environment.
For private charters, please leave your name and number and someone will contact you shortly to discuss pricing and scheduling.
Q: What types of fish can one expect to catch?
A: We fish for a variety of species depending on the season, weather, and ocean conditions. We catch yellowtail, whitefish, halibut, calico bass, sand bass, barracuda, bonito, white seabass, sculpin, sheephead, and a variety of rockfish including red snapper.
Q: What is the legal limit of fish one can catch?
A: California Fish and Game regulations have a general limit of 20 fish in the possession by one person at one time, with no more than 10 fish of any one species. However, special sublimits apply to some species and there are some species that have no possession limit. Our boat captains and crew are well-versed in California Fish and Game regulations. However, the regulations can be found on the California Fish and Game website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov.
Q: What are your recent fish counts and what types of fish are you catching lately?
A: We post our daily fish counts on our website as well as on our Malibu Pier™ automated phone message at 1-888-310-PIER extension # 2.
Q: Do you provide live bait?
A: Yes; we provide our guests with live bait when available (generally sardines and anchovies but sometimes squid). We do not charge our passengers for live bait. Our limited passenger loading means that there is plenty of bait to go around for all of our guests.
Q: Where do your boats go to catch fish?
A: The Malibu Pier™ is fortunate to be close to some of the best fishing spots in Southern California including Big Kelp Rock (“BKR”) and Deep Hole. We generally fish in the open ocean west of the Malibu Pier™ and never farther than about 15 miles north. Our proximity to great fishing enables us to give our passengers more fishing time and less travel time.
Q: What type of boats do you use and how many passengers do you carry per trip?
A: The Malibu Sportsman is a 48 foot classic wooden fishing boat that sits low to the water so we seldom lose fish on their way up from the water onto the boat. Our other sportfishing boat, the Aquarius, is a 55 feet long vessel that has been fishing from the Malibu Pier™ since 1934. Our vessels are fully licensed by the United States Coast Guard and have all required safety gear. They are operated by United States Coast Guard-licensed captains, each with decades of experience fishing the coastline of Southern California. Depending on the number of guests, we have two to four crew members on each boat trip including the captain.
We only offer “limited load” trips and do not load more than 28 passengers on the either boat so that everyone gets personalized “Malibu movie star” service. Our limited loading means that there is ample bait for all guests and no crowding on deck.
Q: Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment?
A: Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment. For those that do not bring their own equipment, we have rods and tackle available for rent at the Malibu Pier™ for $15.00 per trip. Our boats also carry miscellaneous tackle which is available for sale to our guests.
Q: Do I need a fishing license?
A: California Fish and Game regulations require that anyone over the age of 16 must have a California issued fishing license to fish on the sportfishing boat excursions. However, no fishing license is required to fish from the Malibu Pier™.
Q: Where can I buy a California fishing license?
A: You can purchase a fishing license at the landing at the Malibu Pier™ before you board the boat. A day license costs $12.60 and an annual license costs $43.30.
Q: What if I have never gone fishing before or do not know anything about fishing?
A: Our captain and crew are trained to assist fishing novices of any age enjoy a fun day at sea and improve their fishing skills.
Q: Are children welcome on sportfishing trips?
A: Yes; our trips are child-friendly. Our captain and crew are trained to help show children how to fish and how to enjoy a fun adventure at sea. However, it is not recommended that toddlers be brought on sportfishing trips.
Q: Do you provide food and beverages?
A: Customers can pre-order delicious box breakfasts and lunches when making their reservation.
For private charters, we can arrange private chefs who will prepare and serve gourmet meals from the ship’s galley.
Q: May one bring one’s own food and beverages on board?
A: Yes; guests may bring their own food and beverages onboard in small personal-sized coolers. However, no alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Q: Do you sell alcohol on board?
A: Alcoholic beverages are not sold on board at this time nor are guests allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages. However, the Malibu Pier™ Club at the landside of the Malibu Pier™ will be happy to serve fishing passengers a celebratory drink (or two) at the end of the fishing day.
Q: What do I do with the fish I catch?
A: As a State Park concerned with protecting our coastal environment, the Malibu Pier™ applauds guests who practice “catch and release” fishing. However, we understand that nothing tastes better than a fish that you caught yourself! Our crew will clean your fish for you at no charge, pack them in ice, and hand them to you at the Pier in a secure plastic bag for transport back home. If you prefer, we can also pack your fish in ice and ship it to you in your home. Our captains and crew will be happy to share their favorite seafood recipes with you. Alternatively, we can have your fish smoked and vacuum packed and shipped anywhere in the world.
Q: How should I dress for a sportfishing boat trip?
A: Please wear windproof layers and we recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please do not wear “flip flops” which do not provide secure footing in a wet environment.
Q: Where do I park?
A: The Malibu Pier™ has an on-site parking lot as well as an overflow lot across the street from the Pier. There is also street parking on the Pacific Coast Highway in the vicinity of the Pier. The Surfrider Beach Los Angeles County parking lot, located north of the Pier on the Pacific Coast Highway, is a short walk from the boat landing. .
Q: What happens in the event of bad weather?
A: Like other marine recreational activity, we are weather-dependent and, on occasion, we may cancel trips due to unfavorable or unsafe weather conditions. In the event of cancellation, we endeavor to notify those who have made advance reservations.
Q: Can disabled or wheelchair bound persons participate in sportfishing boat excursions from the Malibu Pier™?
A: Unfortunately, while the Malibu Pier™ is wheelchair accessible, the Malibu Pier boat landing is not. However, wheelchair accessible sportfishing boat excursions are available daily at Marina del Rey Sportfishing which can be reached at (310) 822-3625.
Our boat excursions travel in the open ocean and, thus, our boats may sway with currents and waves. Rolling decks and wet conditions can create hazards for those who are unsteady on their feet. We advise those persons who are not steady on their feet to not take our sportfishing excursions. Disabled anglers are welcome to fish from the Malibu Pier™ itself.
Q: What are the directions to the Malibu Pier?
A: The Pier is located at 23000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, CA, 10 miles from Santa Monica, 20 miles from Thousand Oaks, and 35 miles from Burbank.
If you are driving from downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or West L.A., take Interstate 10 West toward Santa Monica and continue on Highway 1 North approximately 11 miles.
If you are driving from Ventura County, take Highway 101 South toward Los Angeles, take Exit 33/Lost Hills Road, turn right at Lost Hills Road and continue approximately 1 mile, turn right at Las Virgenes Road and continue approximately 3.5 miles, continue on Malibu Canyon Road for approximately 4.5 miles, turn left at Pacific Coast Highway and continue approximately 1.5 miles.
If you are driving from the San Fernando or the Conejo Valleys including Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Agoura Hills, take Highway 101 South toward Los Angeles, take Exit 33 /Lost Hills Road, turn right at Lost Hills Road and continue approximately 1 mile, turn right at Las Virgenes Road and continue approximately 3.5 miles, continue on Malibu Canyon Road for approximately 4.5 miles, turn left at Pacific Coast Highway and continue approximately 1.5 miles.
We encourage our guests to consider taking public transportation. Los Angeles County Metro Bus #534 runs frequent daily roundtrips from Culver City to Malibu, stopping at the Malibu Pier™ in both directions. Plan your bus trip by visiting www.metro.net. |
