PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAF REPOR
Agenda Item #3.A
Meetin Date: September 15, 2026
TITLE:
Discussion of Pismo Beach Pier Fishing Regulations Primarily Related to Catch Storage Procedures
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Discuss Pismo Beach pier fishing regulations, primarily related to catch storage procedures; and
2. Provide direction to staff on any desired municipal code updates to pier fishing regulations, primarily related to catch storage procedures.
DISCUSSION:
Over recent months heightened public interest and regional media coverage have brought increased attention to shark fishing practices occurring on the Pismo Beach Pier.
Specifically, residents and visitors have expressed concern regarding the visual impact and perceived public safety risks associated with anglers tethering harvested thresher sharks in the water adjacent to the pier after being caught.
In response to these community concerns, the City Council on August 4, 2026, directed staff to return with an informational overview and policy discussion regarding pier-based fishing rules. The Council specifically directed staff to focus on catch storage procedures, catch handling, and overall facility safety on the Pismo Beach Pier.
Regulatory Jurisdictions (State vs. Municipal Pier Authority) California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): CDFW maintains jurisdiction over species harvest limits, ocean fishing licenses, protected species rules, and state allowable tackle regulations.
City of Pismo Beach Municipal Authority: Within the City’s police powers, the City retains the authority to regulate conduct and impose reasonable restrictions on City property to preserve and protect public health and safety. Public pier access is a privilege managed by the City, allowing for local regulations to maintain sanitation, prevent physical hazards, and ensure public enjoyment.
Under California law, public pier fishing operates under a unique framework that balances statewide wildlife conservation with municipal authority over local infrastructure:
State Regulations (California Department of Fish and Wildlife / CCR Title 14) No sport fishing license required: Under 14 CCR §1.88, any public pier connected to the shoreline and open for public fishing (such as the Pismo Beach Pier) is exempt from state sport fishing license requirements.
Council Agenda 9-15-2026 3.A-1
Two-rod limit: Anglers are strictly limited to using no more than two rods/lines, handlines, or crab traps at any one time per person on a public pier (14 CCR §28.65(b)).
Harvest & species compliance still applies: While a license is not required, all state catch limits, size minimums, open seasons, and species protection rules remain fully enforced.
General ocean gear rules:
o Chumming in ocean waters is legally permitted under state fish and game codes (14 CCR §27.05).
o Gaffs may only be used to land legal-sized fish (14 CCR §28.65(e)).
Municipal Authority (Police Powers)
While the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintains exclusive jurisdiction over the take, season, and harvest limits of marine life, the City retains power over the public facility (pier) itself.
Municipalities Can Regulate:
Public Safety & Conduct: Establishing rules against hazardous gear deployment, overhead casting restrictions, tethering items to the pier, or line casting into designated swim/surf corridors.
Facility Sanitation & Catch Storage: Enforcing public health guidelines regarding fish cleaning, bleeding, deck cleanliness, or prohibiting open storage of carcasses that obstruct pedestrian walkways.
Hours of Operation: Setting operational hours or temporary closures of municipal piers for maintenance, weather, or public safety concerns.
Relevant Current Municipal Codes:
12.20.130 Pier - Fishing - Safety required. Every person using, manipulating or fishing with any fishing tackle lines, hooks, bait casting paraphernalia or other fishing equipment from any area of the city pier from which fishing is not prohibited shall have due regard for the safety of other persons near or in the vicinity of the person using said equipment.
12.20.140 Pier - Overhead casting unlawful. It is unlawful for any person to cast or to otherwise propel any hooks, plugs, line or other fishing tackle or paraphernalia in an overhead manner from any portion of the city pier at any time.
12.20.160 Pier - Leaving bait, fish, litter, etc., on pier. It is unlawful for any person to leave any fish, clam shells or other fish bait, or the remnants from cleaning any fish or any other debris, papers or litter of any kind upon the pier. It is unlawful to clean or cut up fish on the pier, except at places provided for that Council Agenda 9-15-2026 3.A-2
purpose.
12.20.195 Pier - Feeding of birds in Pier Zone—Prohibited. 12.20.210 Pier Zone - Hours of closure. Except as provided in Section 12.20.230 (Permit from Police Department), it is unlawful for any person between the hours of eleven p.m. one day and four a.m. the next day to be upon or within the pier zone. As used in this section, "pier zone" shall have the same meaning as in Section 12.20.185. A violation of this section is an infraction. Any person convicted of an infraction under the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by the fine specified in Municipal Code Chapter 1.20.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council receive this information and provide direction to staff, if desired, on future municipal code updates relating to pier safety regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact from staff’s recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Submitted by: Silas Clarke, Assistant City Manager
City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 9-15-2026 3.A-3