3/4 Day Fishing Trips

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

What are the latest fish counts?

Please visit http://www.malibupiersportfishing.com/sportfishing/pics/sportfishing.htm# for latest fish counts.

What is the schedule for sportfishing tour boat excursions from the Malibu Pier?

Our schedule changes seasonally. Our current spring schedule offers 3/4 day trips Thursday to Sunday. Our trips depart at 7 am and return at approximately 3 pm. Please arrive at the end of the pier to check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. Private charters are available seven days a week with advance notice.

What is included in my ticket purchase?

Included in your ticket purchase are free gunny sack use, fish cleaning, and frozen bait.

Should I purchase tickets in advance? Is there a waiting list if the trip is sold out?

Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, as trips sell out often. Since tickets are non-refundable, cancellations are rare. You are welcome to show up at the pier before departure times to see if we have any spaces available.

Are tickets refundable?

Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled due to your space being guaranteed aboard our boat. In the event that we need to cancel due to severe weather conditions, we can reschedule you to a different day.

What time do I need to arrive for the fishing trips?

Please arrive at the Pier at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to allow time to check in at the ticket booth and load the boat.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

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 you may reschedule to a different day or receive credit for a future trip.

How much fishing time will we have?

You will have around 60 minutes of travel time each way and the rest is dedicated to fishing. We fish 45 minutes from shore and will move around a few times throughout the day.

Do I need a fishing license?

California Fish and Game regulations require that anyone 16 years and over 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™). You can purchase a one day or annual fishing license upon purchasing tickets or at the pier the day of your trip.

Where can I buy a California fishing license?

You can purchase a fishing license either upon purchasing tickets in advance or at the landing at the Malibu Pier™ before you board the boat. A day license costs $14.04 and an annual license (with required Ocean Enhancement Stamp) costs $48.35. The Ocean Enhancement Stamp is mandatory for the annual license and enables one to fish in the ocean south of the Point Conception.

Do you provide bait?

Yes we provide our guests with frozen bait (generally sardines and anchovies but sometimes squid). We do not charge our passengers for bait. Our limited passenger loading means that there is plenty of bait to go around for all of our guests. **Update** we will soon have a live bait boat.

Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment?

Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment. For those that do not bring their own equipment, we have rods and reels available for rent at the Malibu Pier™ for $17.00 each. Our boats also carry miscellaneous tackle which is available for sale. If you do want to bring your own equipment, we recommend 2 outfits, one with 12 pound lines and another with 25 pound lines for bottom fishing. We recommend 6 and 8 ounce sinkers, as well as 1/4 and 1/2 ounce sinkers. If you'd like to bring your own bait, shrimp or squid are always great (but we have all the bait you'll need so you do not need to bring your own).

What types of fish can one expect to catch?

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.

What is the legal limit of fish one can catch?

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.

What type of boats do you use and how many passengers do you carry per trip?

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 vessel is fully licensed by the United States Coast Guard and has all required safety gear. It is 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 22 passengers 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.

Where do your boats go to catch fish?

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.

What do I do with the fish I catch?

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!

What if I have never gone fishing before or do not know anything about fishing?

Our captain and crew are trained to assist fishing novices of any age to enjoy a fun day at sea and improve their fishing skills.

Do you sell alcohol on board?

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.

Do you provide food and beverages?

Drinks, sandwiches and small snacks are available on-board for purchase. We unfortunately do not have a hot grill for burgers, etc. For private charters, we can arrange private chefs who will prepare and serve gourmet meals from the ship’s galley.

Can I bring my own food and beverages aboard the boat?

Yes, guests may bring their own food and beverages on board. However, no alcoholic beverages or personal coolers are allowed. We do have a galley where you may purchase drinks, sandwiches and snacks.

Are children welcome on sportfishing trips?

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. If you would like to bring a child, keep in mind that all passengers must have a ticket in order to attend the trip.

What if I don't want to fish?

You are still welcome to attend! You must have a full priced ticket, but you won't need to rent a rod and reel combo or purchase a license.

Can disabled or wheelchair bound persons participate in sportfishing boat excursions from the Malibu Pier™?

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. 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.

How should I dress for a sportfishing boat trip?

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.

Is there shade on the boat?

There is a small indoor galley with some seating available. However it is limited so please dress accordingly with a hat, sunglasses, suncreen and layered clothing.

Are there restrooms aboard the boat?

Yes, we have restrooms aboard the boat.

What are the directions to the Malibu Pier?

Directions will be provided to you after you purchase tickets. However, it is important to know that Malibu Pier is located 10 miles from Santa Monica, 20 miles from Thousand Oaks, and 35 miles from Burbank.

Where do I park?

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. There is a fee for parking and we are not able to provide validation for parking.

Are private charters available and what is the cost?

Yes, we have private charters available 7 days a week. Please click on the "Contact MalibuPier" link to request a charter and inquire about pricing. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are gift certificates availabe and how do I go about purchasing one?

Yes, gift certificates are available. For purchase and more information, click on the "Contact MalibuPier" link and let us know what you're interested in!

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Fishing licenses are required.

All anglers 16 years or older must have a valid fishing license before boarding the vessel. Day and annual fishing licenses can be purchased upon purchasing tickets in advance or at the Malibu Pier prior to boarding.

Participants must have a rod and tackle to fish on the trip.

Participants fishing on the trip must have a rod and tackle suitable for the day's fishing, which are not included in the regular price of the trip. If you do not have your own, you can rent equipment either upon purchasing tickets or just prior to departure.

Alcohol is not permitted.

No alcohol or personal coolers are allowed aboard the vessel!

Malibu Pier Sportfishing