California Pier Fishing in Redondo Beach | Game Warden Lesson & Lizard Fish Catch

Do you need a fishing license to fish off a California pier? Redondo Beach, a game warden, and a lizard fish say it all! 🎣

Fishing is never just about the catch—it’s about the journey, the people you meet, and the lessons you take away. In this episode of IndigeFish Tribal Tales, host Robert Jacobo heads to the Redondo Beach Pier in Southern California for a midday session filled with practice, patience, and an unexpected encounter with a California Department of Fish & Wildlife game warden.

The day starts with an overcast sky and a rising tide, a setup that promises potential but also challenges. Robert brings along multiple rods—including the Eagle Claw, Daiwa conventional rod, Okuma UFR, and the Garrett reel—each paired with different rigs and strategies. From the reliable Carolina rig to a dropper loop high-low setup, and even a few plastics from Stay Bent Tackle, every cast becomes an opportunity to learn and adapt. The pier is alive with possibility: mackerel, bonito, and halibut are all in the mix, and the anglers nearby swap tips and stories as the rods go out over the water.

Then comes the moment that makes this episode stand out: Robert meets Officer Houlihan, a local game warden making his rounds. With so much confusion online about where fishing licenses are required in California, Robert takes the opportunity to ask directly: “Do you need a fishing license to fish off a pier in California?” The answer is straightforward but eye-opening. On public piers and jetties, no license is required—but knowing exactly which structures qualify matters. Officer Houlihan explains the rules, how to find the official list on wildlife.ca.gov, and why some areas—like Topaz Jetty—don’t count even if they look like they should.

This moment transforms the video into more than just fishing—it becomes a resource for anyone new to California fishing or visitors who want to cast a line without breaking the rules. It’s a reminder that fishing isn’t just about rods, reels, and bait—it’s also about responsibility, respect for the law, and protecting our shared waters.

Not long after the warden walks away, Robert gets a tug on the line. The fish isn’t a bonito or halibut, but something completely new to the channel: a lizard fish. Slimy, toothy, and unexpected, it’s proof that every trip to the pier can bring surprises. Catching a new species is always exciting, even when it’s not the biggest or flashiest. With the skunk lifted, Robert rigs up again, determined to see what else the ocean might reveal.

As the hours pass, the bite slows down. The overcast sky lingers, the water stays cold from recent storms, and patience is tested. Jigs, flukes, cut bait—nothing else seems to connect. But this is where the deeper lessons of fishing come into play. Robert reflects on what it means to spend hours on the pier, casting again and again, even when the results are uncertain. Fishing is about persistence, patience, and gratitude. It’s about appreciating the one catch you did get, and being thankful for the chance to be out there at all.

The closing reflections are heartfelt. Beyond the rods, reels, and rigs, Robert shares gratitude for family support that makes filming possible, financial stability to buy bait and gear, and the gift of patience learned through long hours by the water. Even one fish—a humble lizard fish—becomes a reminder of everything else we “catch” along the way: new skills, community connections, cultural traditions, and opportunities to grow.

This episode blends practical tips, cultural perspective, and storytelling in a way that reflects what IndigeFish is all about. From learning the rules about fishing licenses in California, to experimenting with different rigs on the pier, to simply appreciating the chance to fish, this story is about more than the day’s catch. It’s about respect—for the water, for the law, for Indigenous traditions, and for the patience it takes to keep casting.

✨ If you love California fishing, pier fishing, Indigenous storytelling, and real-life lessons from the water, hit SUBSCRIBE and join the IndigeFish journey. Every episode brings a mix of action, teaching, and culture from Indian Country to the coastline.

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