Fishing off dock in shallow harbor

Question
I work in Morro Bay, CA on the waterfront.  I show up to work every day at 7 am and I just started wondering why I don't show up a little early and catch some fish.  I would like to start fishing from a dock where the average water depth in the harbor is only 10-14 feet.  I don't have any idea what I would be fishing for or what tackle to use.  Do you have advice on tackle and equipment as well as technique?  

Beginning Salter, Joe Patterson

Answer
Hi Joe;

The best thing you can do is find the closest local bait and tackle shop and go there for the information you are seeking.  Not a large chain store like Walmart or Sports Authority with fishing tackle, but a privately owned local place.  Spend a few dollars on bait and whatever terminal gear they may suggest and make them aware you intend to fish there on a regular basis.  Generally, such small local bait and tackle shops are eager to gain new customers and rarely will they give bad advice.  They want you to come back as a regular customer and the best way they can do this is to make you happy.  And this is accomplished by telling you what, where, when and such about the local fishinhg possibilities.  If they sell you a particular bait and rig that produces fish, you will come back for more.  If they sell you something that does not, then why would you come back?  Of course, be resonable, and give it a chance.  Even when everything is perfect, there is never any guarantee you will catch.  But the best bet for local information is almost always the local bait and tackle shop.

-Rich