The Goleta Pier is sporting a new attraction - an Angler Center.

Perched about a third of the way out the 1,500-foot pier, which juts out from Goleta Beach County Park, the marine center opened Sept. 12. It was converted from an aging restroom.

The center, providing information, aid and educational materials for fishermen and other visitors, is staffed by volunteer pier host Boyd Grant.

“I have tons of material to pass out for people to read,” he said.

On a counter are free pamphlets of fishing regulations and tide table booklets.

“So many people use the pier,” he said. “They want to know tides. They want to know what's biting.”

Common queries are, “What did I catch?” and “How big does it have to be to be legal?”

Advertisement

Also displayed in the small weathered structure are nets for retrieving fish and birds that have been snagged, and loaner poles available to community groups.

The center is a unique partnership between County Parks and the United Pier & Shore Anglers of California.

Grant, a member of UPSAC, who grew up fishing local piers, had begun cleaning the Goleta Pier, picking up trash and kelp. “I found out what was needed,” he said.

Learning that rangers wanted to do something about the antiquated restroom, Grant launched the idea for an education center, modeling it after a bait and tackle shop in Topanga.

The plan was okayed in 2007 by the Parks Commission and Board of Supervisors. The cost of conversion - $8,000 - came from an oil royalties fund. Construction began last spring.

Calling the center “a wonderful, positive influence on the pier,” Erik Axelson, deputy director of County Parks, said, “It creates a welcoming atmosphere for the public.”

Grant hopes to hold classes on fishing responsibly and to increase people's appreciation for the local marine environment.

“I'm pioneering this,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”

The center has been open 10-6 daily except Thursdays. Beginning Wednesday, however, it will be open weekends and holidays only.

Roadside Attractions is a weekly chronicle of sights along the

Central Coast's main commuter routes. Sally Cappon can be reached at sjcappon@aol.com.

September 30, 2008