Fishing in berkeley. I have a 3/8th oz jerkbait that kinda looks like an anchovy. medium light 6 foot rod, 2000 size reel. what can I catch. 20 lb braid to 10 lb mono leader?

Yes—your gear is solid for striped bass in SF Bay, especially for schoolies and mid-sized fish around Berkeley. A few tweaks can help you cover more conditions and bigger fish if you run into them.

What’s working well

• 3/8 oz jerkbait: a good mid-weight for mid-depth bass and bait schools.
• 6' ML rod: nimble for quick jerks and casting, workable in tight spots near piers and structure.
• 20 lb braid + 10 lb mono leader: great feel and casting distance; good for bite sensitivity and structure.

Gear tweaks to boost reliability

• Leader upgrade: switch to 15–20 lb fluorocarbon leader (2–4 ft). It reduces bite-offs from sharp teeth and kelp/plastic snagging, while remaining fairly transparent in clear water.
• Rod upgrade option: if you frequently fish longer casts or rougher water, consider a 6’6”–7’ medium or medium-heavy rod. It helps with distance, leverage on bigger fish, and hook-setting power.
• Reel capacity: your 2000 size is fine, but if you start chasing bigger fish or want longer casts in windy conditions, a 2500–3000 reel gives you bigger line capacity and steadier retrieves.
• Lure versatility: keep a couple of lighter and heavier options (e.g., 1/4–1/2 oz) and a soft plastic swimbait. Switch between lures based on depth, current, and bait activity.

Quick tips

• Present near bait pods, pilings, and drop-offs; vary cadence from fast to a slow pause to trigger bites.
• When bites are light or line is rubbing, a fluorocarbon leader helps visibility and abrasion.
• Fish times around dawn/dusk during shifting tides for best action.

Bottom line: you’re equipped for Berkeley bass today; consider the leader upgrade and a possible rod/reel tweak to handle bigger fish or tougher days. Tight lines!

You can absolutely make the most of what you’ve got. Here’s how to squeeze better bass-and-perch days in Berkeley with your current rod/reel setup.

What you’ve got works, with a few tweaks

• 6' ML rod, 3/8 oz jerkbait, 20 lb braid / 10 lb mono leader, 2000 reel
• Primary targets: striped bass (schoolies to mids) and surf perch around Berkeley piers, channels, and drop-offs.

Smart tweaks you can do now (no new gear)

• Leader and knots:
  • Use 3–4 ft of your 10 lb mono as a leader to keep some bite resistance. Tie to braid with a solid double-uni or another reliable knot. Practice the knot to avoid weak spots.
• Retrieve and depth control:
  • Your jerkbait will run mid-depth. Vary the rod tip angle to ride the lure higher or deeper. A sharper, shorter cadence with a 1–2 s pause works well for bass in bait pods; in cleaner water, a longer pause can draw in wary fish.
• Cadence options (rotate until you find the feed):
  • Cadence 1: Quick two jerks, pause 1–2 s, repeat. Keep tension on the line.
  • Cadence 2: Fast jerk-jerk- pause 2–3 s, then a slow reel to bring it up again.
  • Cadence 3: Slow, steady retrieve with intermittent short pops of the rod tip.
• Spots and timing:
  • Focus on Berkeley Marina channels, under piers, and near pilings where bait clusters occur. Fish early morning or late afternoon with the tide moving; moving water stirs up bait and bites tend to pick up.

Reality check and plan

• If you’re getting light bites or line rubbing on kelp/structure, shorten the leader slightly or switch to a slightly more conservative cadence.
• For perch, hug the bottom near pilings and approach with shorter, shyer movements of the jerkbait along the edge.

Bottom line: you’ve got a solid setup. With disciplined knot work, strategic cadences, and targeted spots/times, you can push good bites out of Berkeley with what you already own. Stay patient, mix cadences, and stay close to bait and structure. Tight lines!

Nice question. Here are practical, shore-based spots around Berkeley to target striped bass right now, with how to fish them from your setup.

1. Berkeley Marina Channel (Seaplane Lagoon area)

• How to find it: Park at the Berkeley Marina and walk along the seawall toward the main channel. Target the banks and pilings where the channel turns and depth increases.
• Why it’s good: Deepest water near structure, lots of bait and birds during feed windows.
• How to fish it: Cast toward the channel edge or slightly up-current of pilings. Use your jerkbait with a tight, erratic cadence (jerk-jerk-pause). Work both near the bottom and mid-water by adjusting your rod angle.

2. Berkeley Pier / pier area (if access is allowed)

• How to find it: The pier area along University Ave that extends toward the bay (check current access before you go).
• Why it’s good: Concentrated feeding along pilings; bass push bait along the structure.
• How to fish it: Cast along the outside pilings, parallel to the structure. Keep the lure just off the bottom and vary cadence; swings and pauses can provoke bites from wary fish.

3. Albany/Berkeley channel edge (nearshore transition zone)

• How to find it: Move a short drive east toward the Albany/Berkeley shoreline and fish the water where deeper channel water meets shallower bayside flats, especially near kelp/rocky edges or pilings.
• Why it’s good: It’s a productive edge for schoolie to mid-size bass when bait is present.
• How to fish it: Work the edge with short, controlled jerks and occasional longer pauses. Focus on moving water during incoming or outgoing tides.

Quick, day-of tips

• Use 2–4 ft fluorocarbon leader if you’re getting bite-offs or rubs.
• Look for bait pods, birds, and surface activity to pick your exact spot that day.
• Best times are dawn or dusk with tidal movement.

If you want, tell me which spot you’re closest to and what the current wind/tide looks like, and I’ll tailor a step-by-step plan for today. Tight lines!