Rescuing a Bird Tangled in Fishing Line at Huntington Beach Pier

While visiting Huntington Beach Pier with my wife and our friends Nick and Louisa, we noticed a bird struggling near one of the pier pillars. I believe discarded fishing line had become wrapped around the pillar, causing the bird to become tangled. I tried several times to reach it, but the waves and the position of the line made the rescue difficult. A local fisherman saw what was happening and kindly lent me his fishing net. With his help, and after several attempts, I was finally able to reach the bird and free it from the line.

After the rescue, we carefully transported the injured bird to the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center. Their team accepted the bird and provided the professional treatment and care it needed to recover. Knowing the bird was finally safe and in experienced hands brought all of us a great sense of relief.

This experience was a powerful reminder that even the smallest piece of discarded fishing line can seriously harm wildlife. As anglers, we enjoy everything the ocean gives us, but that privilege also comes with responsibility. We must properly dispose of used fishing line, hooks, and other tackle—and whenever possible, pick up what others leave behind.

I want to thank my wife, our friends Nick and Louisa, and the local fisherman who helped by lending me his net. It took patience and teamwork, but together we gave this bird a chance to recover.

The Reel Whisperer Fishing Co.™ believes that respecting the ocean must be more than a slogan. It should be something we practice every time we visit the shore, step onto a pier, or head offshore.

I am also a regular supporter of the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, an organization dedicated to treating and rehabilitating injured wildlife. To learn more about its important work or to offer your support, please visit www.wwccoc.org.

Respect the water. Protect its wildlife. Leave the ocean better than you found it.