Pier Fishing


Many anglers enjoy fishing from the numerous fishing piers that can be found along the beaches.  Fishing piers will usually give anglers the best chance to catch a bigger saltwater fish while fishing without a boat.  There are so many different saltwater fish that can be caught from the piers.


Best Time to Fish the Piers


The best bite usually occurs during lowlight conditions.  Early morning, late evening and at night will provide some of the best fishing, especially if these times coincide with a tidal change.  The tides will will definitely have an effect on the fishing.  The current of an incoming or outgoing tide will usually bring in some feeding fish around the piers.


Recommended Tackle for Fishing the Piers


The depth and current around the pier will dictate what type of tackle you should be using.  Weights as light as 3/8 of an ounce to a 1/2 ounce may be heavy enough to keep your bait on or near the bottom during a slack tide, but you may need weights in the 1 to 3 ounce range during a tidal change.  The current of an incoming or outgoing tide can be similar to fishing in a river.

The type of fish you are fishing for will also dictate what type of tackle you will need.  Fishing line in the 10 to 12 pound test range will usually do the job for whiting, sheepshead, pompano and other fish that are caught in the 1 to 3 pound range.  A medium to medium-heavy action fishing rod should be fine if you are targeting these smaller fish.

When fishing for bigger fish such as bluefish, redfish, snook, grouper and other big fish off of the piers, you may want to use line in the 20 to 30 pound test range.  Heavier line may be required for toothy critters such as barracuda and shark.  Heavy action fishing rods are the way to go if you are targeting bigger fish.  You may also want to get a pier fishing net.  These nets are essential for landing bigger fish off of the piers.


Live & Natural Baits for Fishing the Piers


Blue Runner
Bull Minnows
Pinfish
Sand Fleas
Sand Perch
Shrimp
Squid

Popular Fish Caught from the Piers


Barracuda Sea Trout
Black Drum Sharks
Bluefish Sheepshead
Flounder Snapper
Grouper Snook
Jacks & Pompanos Mackerel
Ladyfish Striped Bass
Redfish Whiting