California piers
Point
Arena Fishing Pier Photos above show a small pier with a cement deck.
Point Arena's 330-feet long public fishing pier is the hub for fishing
activities but is also popular for launch of pleasure craft, kayaks and
surfing. Pier fishing, charter fishing vessels for tourists and
commercial fishing vessels all use the Point Arena Pier which was
reconstructed around 1983 when a storm destroyed its predecessor.
When you
drive up to this pier in your car, you'll see fisherman in blue jeans
and ball caps hanging out by the cars "chewing the fat" with fishing
tales after a return from their sea adventures. Point Arena is north of
Bodega Bay and south of Mendocino in an area that takes time to reach,
giving it a very tucked away and somewhat isolated look and feel. The
folks are friendly but seem unpretentious. You don't need to dress up
when traveling through this area. It's casual, a bit country, and
a scenic spot to take photos. While the pier itself is challenging to
photograph (except from the water), the Point Arena Lighthouse is worth
a visit and offers stunning photo opportunities.
The PA
pier is located in Arena Cove, the Wharf Building with Arena Cove Bar &
Grill and a mercantile gift shop. Other businesses include a coffee/bait
& tackle shop, and a Best Western hotel atop the hill, offering stunning
views of the ocean from one side of the property. Special events that
transform the cove to a community meeting place include Independence
Weekend street fair and fireworks display put on by the City of Point
Arena and the Annual Fisherman’s Harbor & Seafood Festival.
During
most the year, you'll find mostly fishermen using the pier. While
the majority of the charter boats in Point Arena target West Coast
fisheries, a handful of Point Arena community members have previously
purchased Alaska sportfishing licenses. A hoist for boats is located on
the pier, plus fish cleaning stations and several benches for sitting.
Restrooms & showers are available, and a small office is open daily,
charging fees for launch of both commercial and non-commercial craft.
There's
virtually no beach in this cove so for sunbathing and beach activities,
your best bet is to the south or north at Schooner Gulch State Beach,
Bowling Ball Beach, Mote Creek Beach and Manchester State Park.
The
activities around and on this pier are the occasional sighting of
whales, fishing, launch of boats and kayaks, surfing and some diving.
The surfing ranks as intermediate to advanced. Dangerous rocks and
ledges on the inside should be watched.
While the
Arena Cove has been home to a series of piers (and even two wharfs at
one time), it once was heavily trafficked as a port for export of goods.
Its history is documented to nearly 10,000 years when bands of Indians
lived near the sea and fished primarily for food.
During
the 1800's traders from China used the port to bring silk, tea and goods
to the mainland. An extensive rail system in the late 1800's and early
1900's impacted what was once a busy, commercial region. Tourism is one
of the region's mainstays today. A higher-than-average percent of the
population lives below the poverty line. Like so much of California, the
boomer community entering retirement will no doubt impact this sleepy
hollow region at some point. Point Arena will most likely be
filled with golf courses and planned communities. While the land
sits in an earthquake zone, many heavily-populated areas of California
sit on fault zones, as well.
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