About this pier
Monterey's waterfront has a long fishing history tied to the sardine industry that once made Cannery Row famous, and while that industry has changed dramatically since its mid-20th-century peak, the city's wharves remain active today. Wharf II serves more working boat traffic than its more famous neighbor, and its public fishing areas give anglers a chance to fish alongside commercial activity rather than tourist foot traffic. Monterey sits in Monterey County, and the surrounding waters of Monterey Bay fall within California's Central groundfish management area, which sets seasonal and depth rules for rockfish and related bottomfish.
What you can catch
Anglers on Wharf II commonly find perch, jacksmelt, and flatfish over the sandy bay bottom, along with rockfish, greenling, and cabezon near the pier's pilings and any nearby structure. Squid runs draw significant seasonal interest here, both from dedicated squid anglers and from anglers hoping to catch predatory fish following the bait schools. Because Monterey Bay is deep and biologically rich, the variety of species possible from this wharf is generally higher than from smaller, shallower piers.
License and regulations
No California sport fishing license is required to fish from Monterey Municipal Wharf II, since public piers are exempt from the license requirement under state law. That exemption applies only to the license itself — size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures for every species remain fully in effect, just as they would for a licensed angler fishing from a boat. Anglers are limited to two rods per person while fishing from the wharf. Because rockfish and other bottomfish here are managed under the Central groundfish management area, with rules that can change year to year, confirm current regulations before keeping anything, and check CDFW's public pier and beach fishing list to verify current status before your trip.
Tips for fishing here
Because Wharf II sees more working boat traffic than Wharf I, stay alert and give commercial vessels priority when fishing near loading areas. A shrimp fly rig fished near the pilings works well for perch, while a heavier rig with squid or anchovy suits rockfish and cabezon near deeper structure. Night fishing during squid runs can be productive here, though it's worth checking with local bait shops for current squid activity before planning an after-dark trip.
Before you go
Monterey has full services, including bait and tackle shops within walking distance of the wharf, making this an easy and well-supported stop for anglers. Confirm current wharf conditions through CDFW's public pier list before heading out, and consider a short walk over to Wharf I or Cannery Row afterward to round out a day exploring Monterey's working and historic waterfront.