The Malibu Pier stretching out over calm water at sunset, seen from the rocks on shore

Pier Fishing

You can fish from the Malibu Pier without a California fishing license, because the Department of Fish and Wildlife does not require one on a public pier. Size limits, bag limits and other rules still apply. While the end of the pier is closed for repairs, California State Parks asks anglers to use the designated fishing areas that are open and to follow the posted signs.

At a Glance

Fishing at a Glance

WhereDesignated open areas of the Malibu Pier

LicenseNot needed on a public pier (CDFW)

Other rulesSize and bag limits still apply

Pier hoursSunrise to sunset (Malibu Pier Partners)

End of pierClosed for repairs until at least end of Jan 2027

Bait and tackleRanch at the Pier, now in the Malibu Cabana

Rod rentalsRanch at the Pier

Shore fishingListed at Surfrider Beach (LA County)

Where to Fish

Malibu Pier: the designated fishing areas outside the closure. State Parks says visitors are welcome to fish there and should check the posted guidelines for permitted spots.
Surfrider Beach: LA County lists fishing among the beach's activities. Keep well away from surfers and swimmers.

The end of the pier has been closed since January 2025. State Parks expects repairs to be done by the end of January 2027 and has not set a reopening date. See Malibu Pier.

Licenses and Rules

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says no sport fishing license is required to fish from a public pier, though other regulations still apply. Before you go, read CDFW's ocean sport fishing rules for size limits, bag limits and closed species, and follow the signs posted on the pier.

Bait, Tackle and Rentals

Ranch at the Pier sells bait and tackle and rents fishing rods. While the end of the pier is closed, the shop has moved into the Malibu Cabana on the pier. State Parks also lists fishing permits among what the shop sells.

Pier Hours

Malibu Pier Partners lists the pier as open daily, sunrise to sunset. There is no night fishing listed.

A Long Fishing History

The Malibu Pier opened to the public for fishing in 1934, according to State Parks. Anglers were once shuttled out to a fishing barge anchored a mile offshore, and sport-fishing boats ran from the pier until the early 1960s.

Parking

Park in the LA County Surfrider lot or the State Parks lagoon lot at Cross Creek Road. See Parking.

The lit Malibu Sport Fishing Pier sign, advertising live bait and charter boats, at dusk

FAQ

Pier Fishing FAQ

Do you need a fishing license to fish off the Malibu Pier?

No. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does not require a sport fishing license on a public pier. Size limits, bag limits and other fishing rules still apply.

Can you fish on the Malibu Pier right now?

Yes, in the designated fishing areas that are open. The end of the pier is closed for repairs until at least the end of January 2027, so follow the posted signs.

Where can I buy bait at the Malibu Pier?

Ranch at the Pier sells bait and tackle and rents rods. During the end-of-pier closure it operates from the Malibu Cabana on the pier.