I have a friend down in Carlsbad, he's new to fishing, wants to take his kids out, they are about 10 yrs old. They don't care freshwater or saltwater, just want to catch something. 

 

Any advice on a good spot for a beginner to take the kids?

Try the Lagoons, scrounger with a hot pink curly tail grub has been known to excite spotted bay bass.

If your friend doesn’t have Tackle or fishing knowledge my suggestion is Helgrens Sportfishing  1/2 day trip.

 

 

I cannot be of assistance, therefore I really shouldn't respond to this thread.

I just wanted to say, my brother George happens to live in Carlsbad, California.

But he holds a casting reel beneath the rod, and holds a spinning reel on top of the rod  ?.

You guessed it, George doesn't fish.

 

Roger

There is some fishing I did from shore at lake cuymaca up in the mountains.  They have shut down all access to calaveras right next to my moms place in oceanside.  Pier fishing in oceanside has always been terrible.  Lake Dixon is always an option and was home to a giant for many years.  That may be your closest best option.  Lake wolhford is right up the hill and has a lot of access if you like a hike.  They rent boats and that's how I fished it with a friend.  Only been there once but it was fun.

Lake Calaveras does have descent shore access plus a hiking trail around it. I believe the park is closed due to Covid 19.

The stream along 78 has a few good bass ponds, need to know what you are doing. 

Tom

7 hours ago, Hewhospeaksmuchbull said:

Try the Lagoons, scrounger with a hot pink curly tail grub has been known to excite spotted bay bass.

 

I kayak fished agua hedonia once. I didn't catch anything, was really expecting to do well there. I did see one guy catch a small spotty under the freeway bridge.

46 minutes ago, Angry John said:

There is some fishing I did from shore at lake cuymaca up in the mountains.  They have shut down all access to calaveras right next to my moms place in oceanside.  Pier fishing in oceanside has always been terrible.  Lake Dixon is always an option and was home to a giant for many years.  That may be your closest best option.  Lake wolhford is right up the hill and has a lot of access if you like a hike.  They rent boats and that's how I fished it with a friend.  Only been there once but it was fun.

 

Thanks, he was asking about pier fishing, I suspected it was no good, I think pier fishing in general in socal is no good. Even the harbors are tough from shore but I do pretty good at the harbor in the kayak. Was thinking of recommending him one of the freshwater lakes down that way, dixon might be the best option as you have said. 

34 minutes ago, WRB said:

Lake Calaveras does have descent shore access plus a hiking trail around it. I believe the park is closed due to Covid 19.

The stream along 78 has a few good bass ponds, need to know what you are doing. 

Tom

 

 

I have eyed that place on the maps and driving by. 

Have you thought about J street marina in Chula Vista?  I hear the calico fishing is pretty good there early in the morning.  

7 hours ago, skekoam said:

Have you thought about J street marina in Chula Vista?  I hear the calico fishing is pretty good there early in the morning.  

 

No never heard of it...I'll recommended it to him. Thanks