What You'll Find at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is a public fishing pier in Long Beach that extends into San Pedro Bay. The pier is open to the public year-round and does not require a fishing license to fish from it — California exempts public pier fishing from licensing requirements. You can fish for halibut, corbina, perch, croaker, and occasionally bonito and barracuda depending on the season.
The pier sits in a working waterfront area with active boat traffic and industrial activity nearby. This location means the water is productive but also means you should stay alert to vessel movement and follow posted safety rules. The pier itself is well-maintained and has benches, shade structures, and a small bait shop near the entrance, making it accessible for a full day of fishing without leaving the pier.
Key Takeaways
- No California fishing license is required to fish from Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, though you must follow all other state fishing regulations including size and catch limits.
- The pier is open to the public during daylight hours year-round, with best fishing typically from late spring through early fall for most species.
- A bait shop on the pier sells live bait and tackle, so you do not need to bring your own, though bringing your own equipment is common.
- Halibut and corbina are the most consistent catches, while bonito and barracuda appear seasonally and require heavier tackle.
- The pier is located in an active shipping area, so watch for large vessels and follow all posted safety instructions.
Seasons and What Fish Are Biting
Spring and early summer (April through June) bring the most reliable fishing. Halibut move into shallow bay waters during this period and are the primary target for pier anglers. Corbina also become active in spring, and both species respond well to live bait fished on or near the bottom. You will see consistent catches of perch and croaker year-round, though they are smaller and better as a warm-up before the larger species arrive.
Late summer and early fall (July through September) can produce bonito and barracuda, though these species are less predictable than halibut and corbina. Bonito runs depend on water temperature and bait availability, and when they show up, they create fast action with light to medium tackle. Winter (November through February) slows considerably, with perch and croaker remaining the most reliable targets. Fall and winter also bring occasional leopard sharks, which are legal to keep but require heavier tackle and careful handling.
Access, Hours, and Parking
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is located at 3601 East Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, at the end of Belmont Shore. The pier is open during daylight hours, though exact closing times vary by season — arrive with enough light to fish safely and pack out before dark. Parking is available in the Belmont Shore area, with street parking and a nearby lot, though parking can be tight on weekends and during summer.
The pier is free to access and fish. Restrooms are available on or near the pier, and the nearby Belmont Shore neighborhood has restaurants and shops if you want to take a break. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists, so expect foot traffic, especially in the late afternoon and on weekends.
Bait, Tackle, and What to Bring
The bait shop at the pier entrance sells live anchovies, sardines, and squid — the standard baits for halibut and corbina. Live bait is your best option for consistent catches, though dead bait works in slower periods. The shop also stocks basic tackle, hooks, and weights, so you can fish with minimal gear if you arrive unprepared.
If you bring your own equipment, medium-weight spinning or conventional rods work well for most species. Halibut and corbina respond to 6- to 8-pound test line with small hooks (size 4 to 2) and light weights that keep bait on or near the bottom. Bonito and barracuda require heavier tackle — 12- to 20-pound test and larger hooks. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water; the pier offers little shade in midday, and you can easily spend four to six hours fishing without realizing how much sun exposure you have had.
Regulations and Catch Limits
Although no license is required to fish from the pier, California fishing regulations still apply. Halibut have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person. Corbina must be at least 12 inches and are limited to 10 per day. Perch and croaker have no minimum size but are limited to 20 fish per day combined. Bonito must be at least 12 inches, and barracuda must be at least 12 inches as well, each with a 10-fish daily limit.
Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or call their hotline before you go, because regulations can change and seasonal closures occasionally affect specific species. Keep your catch in a cooler with ice, and do not exceed the daily limits — enforcement is active in Long Beach waters.
When Fishing Is Slow and What to Do
If halibut and corbina are not biting, perch and croaker will almost always produce something. These smaller fish are easier to catch and teach you the rhythm of the pier — when they bite, larger species are often nearby. Slow periods often mean you need to move along the pier; different sections can fish very differently depending on structure, depth, and bait concentration.
If the bite is genuinely dead, the Belmont Shore area is worth exploring. The beach itself is open for swimming and walking, and the neighborhood has coffee shops and restaurants. Many anglers fish early morning (first light) or late afternoon (two hours before sunset) when larger fish are more active, so timing your visit around these windows can make a real difference.
Nearby Fishing Alternatives
If Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is crowded or the bite is slow, Long Beach has other public fishing options. Alamitos Bay Fishing Pier is a short drive away and fishes similarly for halibut and corbina. The Long Beach Breakwater is accessible by boat and holds larger halibut and occasional white seabass. For a different experience, the San Gabriel River mouth near Seal Beach offers freshwater and brackish-water species including striped bass and catfish.
The Queen Mary area in Long Beach also has accessible water for fishing, though it is less consistent than the dedicated piers. If you want to venture farther, party boats operate out of Long Beach and San Pedro harbors and target halibut, bonito, and barracuda in deeper water — these trips cost money but put you on more consistent fish and larger specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a California fishing license to fish from Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier?
No. California exempts public pier fishing from licensing requirements. However, all other state fishing regulations — size limits, catch limits, and seasonal closures — still apply. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for current regulations before you fish.
What is the best time of year to fish this pier?
Late spring through early fall (April through September) is most productive, with halibut and corbina most active from May through July. Winter fishing is slower but still possible for perch and croaker. Bonito and barracuda appear in late summer and early fall but are less predictable.
Can I keep what I catch?
Yes, as long as you follow California size and daily bag limits. Halibut and corbina must be at least 12 inches and are limited to 10 per day each. Perch and croaker are limited to 20 combined per day with no minimum size. Keep your catch on ice and do not exceed the daily limits.
Is there parking at the pier?
Street parking and a nearby lot are available in the Belmont Shore area, though parking can be tight on weekends and during summer. Arrive early if you are visiting on a weekend or holiday. The pier itself is free to access.
What if I don't have my own fishing gear?
A bait shop at the pier entrance sells live bait, tackle, hooks, and weights. You can fish with minimal equipment if you buy what you need there. Live anchovies and sardines are the best baits for halibut and corbina.