Art of Pier Fishing - Part II

Part II of CaliforniaAngler.com's week-long series on pier fishing ...
Tackle and techniques
Pier anglers use an assortment of techniques and tackle depending on conditions and the species of fish they're after.
Anglers in search of a quick nibble typically rig up a surf fishing rig - one favorite is the Sabiki Rig - on a light-medium freshwater pole. They usually fish straight down from the rod tip, jigging their bait in a vertical manner in hopes of the perch, jacksmelt and small rockfish that patrol the pilings.
Fishermen hunting for larger species upgrade to larger saltwater rods and reels with 150-200 yards of 12- to 25-pound test line. Baits range from anchovies, squid, clams and crabs and sometimes include artificial soft baits or spoons.
Experienced anglers also like to bring a pail or bucket for holding fish/bait, along with a crab net, which helps haul in larger fish that would regularly snap your line halfway up the pier.
As always, check current rules and regulations before fishing along the coast.

Coming tomorrow, a closer look at some piers in the Santa Barbara area.