Regional Shoreline Pier |
Most commonly called the Antioch Bridge Pier, this is the most heavily visited pier in the Pittsburg-Antioch area. As usual, the reason for the pier's popularity is that it yields a good number of fish, in fact an almost unbelievable number of small striped bass at times. It is another example of a Bay Area bridge being turned into a pier. In 1979, when the new Nejedly Bridge (named after State Senator John Nejedly) was being constructed, he suggested that some of the old bridge's pillars be used as a fishing pier. No sooner said than done; the southerly end of the old Antioch Bridge was converted into a 535-foot-long and 16-foot-wide fishing pier which also contains a 46x25-feet platform at the outer end.
Most fisherman fish on the bottom, and most use a sliding sinker rig baited with cut anchovy or shad, although many use grass shrimp, ghost shrimp, worms or live gobies (good for the larger stripers). I usually simply use a high/low leader even though it is admittedly probably not as good for the larger fish. I have also found that while many of the regulars go out to the end of the pier, and the deeper water, to try for the larger fish, the inshore waters can be very productive. Just a short way out, around the first windbreak, is a good area for small to medium size stripers. Inshore, by the rocks, seems most productive for summertime largemouth bass and successful anglers are generally those who use live minnows.
Seasonally, large stripers (up to 30 pounds) are most common late fall through the winter and into early spring, sturgeon are most common either early winter (November) or in the spring (March), small stripers are present year-round, and most freshwater species are common springtime to early winter. Since you are limited to one pole, you really need to decide what you are after. For most species, a light to medium action rod and rigging will work. If you specifically seek sturgeon or the larger stripers, fish with heavier gear, 30-40 pound test line, and be prepared for fewer fish. For the smaller fish, 8-15 pound test line is ideal and is still heavy enough for most fish you will encounter.
If using lighter tackle, do be prepared for a lot of bites from the smaller stripers and expect to lose some bait. One way to avoid it is to use the Magic Thread sold at some local tackle stores. This is the first pier where I saw this thread used, and I saw one angler receive six strikes before he had to replace his bait. You simply loop the thread around your bait once it is on the hook and it helps hold it to the hook during the cast. It also helps to keep the bait on the hook even when you receive a nibble.
Using artificials for stripers can also work at this pier; try the same outfits that are used by boat anglers. Use Fish Traps, Cordell Spots, Hair Raisers, Rat-L-Traps and broken-back Rebels. Also be aware that both salmon and steelhead pass through these waters during the fall and winter months. Have spinners and spoons ready for these fish, most of which seem to weigh 4-12 pounds. Finally, remember that largemouth and a few smallmouth bass are present, especially along the shoreline area, so don't be afraid to try spinnerbaits.
If you simply want to catch a fish (any fish), try on the bottom with a light outfit and use cut anchovies, shad, grass shrimp or pile worms. You should be able to hook one of the smaller fish. An additional thrill can occur at night when fairly large catches of catfish and Sacramento pike can occur. The Sacramento pike will hit almost any bait while the catfish really like the small black delta clams that are available in local bait shops.
Regional Shoreline Pier Facts