--A fishing pole in one hand a tackle box in the other a bag of frozen squid and a backpack of necessities for the day and you are set to start your day on the pier. Fishing a pier is probably the most basic yet entertaining way to introduce yourself to fishing. They are accessible throughout the coast of California and more importantly they are free to fish and a fishing license is not needed. On any pier thoughout Southern Cal you will find other anglers out there for the day or even for the nite. With this in mind donbe shy to ask questions or strike up a conversation. We are all out there for the same reason.
When fishing on a pier there are two basic setups that you can use to get through the day and increase your chances of catching a fish. The first setup is the dropper loop. This setup a tied loop comes out from the main line with a 1/0 or 2/0 hook attached, about a foot from that loop a four to five oz sinker is tied. The second setup is a sliding sinker/Caroline Rig, this style of fishing is a little more involved but allows the bait to move more freely with the current. You first start with your main line, sliding a four to five oz pyramid weight up the line, next tie a swivel to the end of the line so that the pyramid rest right above the swivel. The next step is to cut about two feet of fishing line equal or greater than the line that you are using. With this piece of line in hand tie a 1/0 or 2/0 hook to one end. Now take the other end of the line(without the hook) and tie that to the swivel which is holding the pyramid weight.
Check your knots and you are ready to bait up and get your line in the water.
