Fishing from a pier can be a fun way to catch a variety of fish without needing a boat. Use this pier fishing checklist to help prepare for a successful day of catching fish from your local pier.
Why Fish from a Pier?
- Easily accessible location to fish from
- No boat required
- Variety of saltwater fish can be caught
- Lower cost than chartered fishing trips
- Can provide good pier fishing even for beginners
What You Can Catch Pier Fishing
- Common saltwater catches:
- Croakers
- Spot
- Sea trout
- Flounder
- Bluefish
- Spanish mackerel
- Red drum
- Sheepshead
- Snapper
- Pompano
- Scope out what others are catching before choosing bait/gear
Best Times for Pier Fishing
- Early morning hours tend to be most active
- Target sunrise/sunset for best light conditions
- Night fishing under lights can also be productive
- Check tide charts – moving tides often spur fish feeding
Picking the Right Pier
- Research well-maintained piers with ample space
- Look for “fish attractors” – brush piles, lights, etc.
- Scout online reviews and local reports for best spots
- Consider amenities like cleaning stations and bait shops
Pier Fishing Gear Checklist
- Rod and reel (10-12 foot surf rod ideal)
- Line suited for saltwater (20-50 lb test)
- Assortment of hooks and weights
- Variety of baits (live, cut, artificial)
- Tackle box, pliers, knife, needle nose
- Cooler with ice
- Five gallon bucket
- Headlamp for night fishing
- Polarized sunglasses
Using the Right Bait
- Ask locals what bait fish are biting
- Good go-to baits: shrimp, squid, cut mullet, blood worms
- Match hatch by using bait fish that are present
- Bring an assortment and be willing to change it up
Helpful Pier Fishing Tips
- Look for structure like pilings to fish around
- Don’t crowd other anglers on the pier
- Watch your line to detect bites
- Set your drag properly to avoid line snapping
- Bring sun protection and hydration
Licenses and Regulations
- Research license requirements based on location
- Note any size/catch limits for species
- Carry valid fishing license on you when on pier
- Follow all posted pier guidelines and etiquette
Enjoying Your Catch
- Use best handling practices for releasing or keeping fish
- Keep fish you plan to eat on ice
- Look up recipes for your catch like grilled, fried, or baked
- Share the pier fishing experience with kids for easy introduction to fishing
Let me know if you would like me to expand on any part of this outline or have additional topics you want covered related to pier fishing. I can provide as much detail as needed in each section.
