What you'll find at Martinez Regional Shoreline

Martinez Regional Shoreline is a 1,200-acre park along the Carquinez Strait in Contra Costa County, where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet the bay. The shoreline holds striped bass, sturgeon, and leopard sharks in deeper channels, plus perch and jacksmelt in the shallows. The park sits at a tidal convergence zone where freshwater and saltwater mix, which concentrates baitfish and draws larger predators. Access is free, parking is available, and the shoreline itself is open year-round.

The fishing changes with the tide and season. Spring and fall bring the best striped bass action, especially around the pier and deeper drop-offs. Summer holds steady perch and jacksmelt fishing in the shallows. Winter can be productive for sturgeon in the deeper channels, though water clarity drops. The park has a fishing pier, a boat launch, and several shoreline access points, each with different species and conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass are the primary target, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action around the pier and channel edges.
  • The fishing pier is the easiest access point and requires no boat; sturgeon and perch are also caught there regularly.
  • Tides matter significantly—incoming tides concentrate baitfish and predators, while outgoing tides can slow the bite.
  • A California fishing license is required for all anglers over 16, and sturgeon have specific size and season restrictions that change annually.
  • The boat launch is functional but shallow at low tide; check tide tables before launching, especially in summer and fall.

Where to fish and what to expect

The fishing pier is the most productive and accessible spot. It extends into the channel where striped bass hold in deeper water, and it's where most shore-based anglers catch their fish. The pier is open dawn to dusk and has railings, making it safer than wading. Stripers here average 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 25 inches. Perch and jacksmelt are also common, especially in summer.

The shoreline east of the pier holds shallower water and attracts leopard sharks, perch, and jacksmelt. This area is better at high tide when water depth increases. The rocky outcrops and pilings provide cover and attract baitfish. Wading is possible here, but the bottom is uneven and slippery—wear felt-soled boots or wading shoes.

The boat launch sits on the western side of the park. It's usable at most tides, but the ramp becomes steep and difficult at low tide. Boats can access deeper channels where sturgeon and larger stripers hold. The launch is busiest on weekends and during spring and fall striped bass season.

Tackle, bait, and technique for striped bass

Striped bass at Martinez respond to live bait and soft plastics. Live anchovies or small mackerel work best from the pier and shoreline. Cast near pilings, along the channel edge, and in deeper pockets. Use a 6 to 7-foot medium-action rod with 10 to 15-pound monofilament or braided line. A simple sliding sinker rig keeps bait near the bottom where stripers hunt.

Soft plastic swimbaits in natural colors—silver, pearl, or chartreuse—are effective when cast and retrieved slowly along the bottom. Jigging spoons and small crankbaits also work, especially during incoming tides. Fish the first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide; slack water is typically slower.

For sturgeon, use fresh shrimp, ghost shrimp, or cut mackerel on the bottom. Sturgeon are bottom feeders and require patience. Set your rod in a holder and wait for a steady pull rather than a sharp strike. Check size limits before keeping any sturgeon—regulations change annually and vary by region.

Tides, seasons, and timing

Tides control the fishing at Martinez more than at most bay locations. Incoming tides push baitfish into the shallows and concentrate stripers in the channels. The first two hours of the incoming tide are usually most productive. Outgoing tides can be slow, but the last hour before slack water sometimes produces. Slack water—the period between tides—is typically the slowest time to fish.

Spring (March through May) is peak striped bass season. Water temperatures are warming, baitfish are abundant, and stripers are actively feeding. Fall (September through November) is the second-best window. Summer (June through August) is slower for stripers but reliable for perch and jacksmelt. Winter (December through February) can be productive for sturgeon and leopard sharks, but water clarity drops and weather is unpredictable.

Check tide tables before you go. The NOAA tide station for Martinez Bay gives accurate predictions. Plan your trip for incoming tide during spring or fall, and you'll have the best chance of connecting with striped bass.

Regulations, licenses, and what to bring

A California fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most bait shops in the area. Sturgeon have a minimum size of 35 inches (fork length) and a maximum of 60 inches; there is also a daily bag limit of one fish. Striped bass have a 12-inch minimum and a two-fish daily limit. Leopard sharks have a 36-inch minimum and a one-fish limit. Regulations change annually, so check the current rules before you fish.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The shoreline offers little shade, and the sun reflects off the water. Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in the shallows. Bring a cooler if you plan to keep fish. The parking lot has restrooms, but no food vendors, so pack snacks or a lunch. Parking is free and usually available except on busy weekends.

Getting there and facilities

Martinez Regional Shoreline is located at 717 Beach Street in Martinez, about 45 minutes northeast of San Francisco via Highway 4. The park entrance is well-marked from downtown Martinez. Parking is free and plentiful except on summer weekends and holidays. The lot is paved and close to the pier and shoreline access points.

The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small visitor center. There is no bait shop on-site, so bring your own or stop at a local tackle shop before arriving. The nearest shops are in Martinez or Concord, about 10 minutes away. The boat launch has a small fee (around $5 to $10, depending on vehicle size), and there is a day-use parking fee of $5 to $6 per vehicle.

When conditions are poor and what to do instead

If water clarity is very low or the tide is slack, fishing can be slow. On those days, consider exploring other nearby waters. Suisun Bay, just north of Martinez, holds sturgeon and stripers in deeper channels. Antioch Regional Shoreline, about 20 minutes south, offers similar species in a slightly different setting. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve has a small reservoir with bass and catfish, though it requires a longer drive.

If the bite is slow at Martinez, try switching to perch or jacksmelt in the shallows. These species are more consistent and less tide-dependent than striped bass. Perch will bite on small pieces of shrimp or clam, and jacksmelt respond to tiny soft plastics or live anchovies. Both are good practice for stripers and can provide steady action when larger fish are not feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Martinez Regional Shoreline?

No. The fishing pier and shoreline access are productive without a boat. Most striped bass caught at Martinez come from the pier or shoreline. A boat lets you reach deeper channels and fish for sturgeon more effectively, but it is not necessary for a successful day.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning and late afternoon are generally best, especially during spring and fall. However, tide timing matters more than clock time at Martinez. Fish the incoming tide regardless of whether it occurs at dawn or midday. Check tide tables and plan your visit around incoming tide, not the time of day.

Can I keep striped bass I catch at Martinez?

Yes, if they meet the size requirement. Striped bass must be at least 12 inches long, and you can keep two per day. Check current regulations before you fish, as rules can change. Sturgeon and leopard sharks have different size and bag limits that also change annually.

Is the boat launch usable at low tide?

The launch is steep at low tide and difficult to use. High tide and mid-tide are best for launching. Check tide tables before you arrive. If you are launching a small boat or kayak, you can launch at low tide, but larger boats may need to wait for higher water.

What should I do if I hook a sturgeon?

Sturgeon are strong and can take 20 to 30 minutes to land. Keep steady pressure and do not horse the fish. Once landed, measure it immediately (fork length, from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail). If it is under 35 inches or over 60 inches, release it gently. If it is within the legal range and you want to keep it, dispatch it quickly and humanely.