Pier Fishing Tips
If you are new to pier fishing then we have helpful tips that will get you through your first time. Things you will need to bring are rod holders, plenty of tackle, a heavy duty spinning reel, and live bait. Depending on the time of year, you should remember to dress appropriately. In the summer time wear shorts, tee shirt, and closed toe shoes. While in the winter you should have a thick coat, head gear, gloves, warm shoes, and hot coffee.Be sure you own saltwater rods and reels that are approved for saltwater use. They will usually be made from brass, titanium, or stainless steel and are extremely heavy duty. Next, find the best fishing line that matches the desired test or weight of the fish you are trying to catch. Remember that you are going to need sinkers and leaders for your different rigs and setups. Because there are so many different sizes of these, be sure to ask your local fishing store associate which will work the best for the type of fishing you are going to be doing under the current weather conditions. There are also many types of baits for saltwater pier fishing. They range from artificial to live baits and we have found squid and certain jigs to be the best for our own needs when we are out on the pier. Check at the fishing pier store, and with other people fishing on the pier to find out tips and what is working best for other anglers who are pier fishing beside you.
Have you ever wondered why so many people love to go pier fishing? The answer is simple. It is quite relaxing. You can take a book and read, or simply watch the waves and the people on the beach while you wait for a bite. It really does not matter if you are fishing for king mackerel or black drum because they both put up an awesome fight. Now that we have got that out of the way lets talk about learning some tips. Experience is everything! What I mean is both your own experiences, and tips from others who have the knowledge through years of trial and error experience with the different baits and will help you tremendously as you begin the basics of how to fish on the ocean. Do not be afraid to hit the water around your home every chance you get and start trying new techniques and baits. If you have a video phone, tape yourself while you are fishing. Discuss with the camera where you are and what the current conditions are. Do not forget to mention the type of bait you are using and the success or failure of each. It would also be a good idea to talk about the weather conditions at the time, the technique you are using, and where you had the most strikes or bites. These tips alone will help you impove the way you fish.
Here are some tips and a few answers to possible questions you have asked about pier fishing.....
Where is the best place to find fish off a pier? We recommend you start by casting slightly under the pier. Many fish use the structure for shelter and security. Do not forget that during the hottest times of the day prepare yourself with lots of sunscreen. Sunburn is a good way to ruin a great fishing trip, and piers are wide open to the hot sun.
What should I do with fish once I catch them off a pier? We recommend you wear a mitt while unhooking, and always catch and release the fish that you have caught. It only makes sense to put them back if your not going to eat them or use them as bait. This also gives the fish a chance to get bigger, and the next trip you take to the ocean or bay will give a better fight from a much bigger fish.
What color bait do fish like or love better near piers? Our tips for salt water fish is color is not that important, and you should spend more time on using shiney lures and natural baits. Because it is dark down at the depths you are fishing, fish use smell and vibration more that sight.
What is better... pier fishing, or from the surf? Our reasoning goes like this. It is always better to fish from a pier. They always have the amenities you need or may run out of. You can also move from the shallow water to the deep water quickly on a pier. This is not an option when you are surf fishing.
What are the best locations off the NC coast for pier fishing? We think you should try Avon Fishing Pier, Cape Hatteras Fishing Pier, Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, Oceana Fishing Pier, Surf City Ocean Pier, Jolly Roger Fishing Pier, Seaview Fishing Pier, Johnnie Mercers Pier, Carolina Beach Fishing Pier, Kure Beach Pier, Ocean Crest Pier, Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier, Holden Beach Fishing Pier, Ocean Isle Beach Pier, and Sunset Beach Fishing Pier. All of these locations offer great pier fishing while visiting in North Carolina.
What are the best locations off the VA coast for pier fishing? We think you should try Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, Sea Gull Fishing Pier, Oceanic Pier, Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier, Sandbridge Fishing Pier, James River Bridge Fishing Pier, Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park Pier, Lynnhaven Fishing Pier, The Saxis Pier, King-Lincoln Park Pier. They offer some of the best pier fishing in Virginia.
If you are fishing around for the best pier fishing tips online this is one of the biggest in the US. Pier fishing has so many different techniques that are effective that trial and error is the best bet. Some of the best baits that we have found and recommended, are squid, shrimp, mullet, strips of flounder, and eel.
In our experiences of early morning pier fishing trips, we recommend there is nothing like starting the day with squid or shrimp to get the job done. For the most action on your baits, use them around the pylons, but be careful not to get your hook and line tangled.
As the water starts to warm up in the summer, saltwater fish tend to head to deeper water or under bridges where it is cooler. We recommend that you start to use larger portions of bait at this time. The great thing about this is you are already sitting right on top of them. The fish have to exert more energy at this time and look for larger things to eat. Remember what we mentioned earlier about the colors and do not waste your money buying bright colored baits. Only a few different colors will do just fine.
One of our best pier fishing tips is to stay safe and follow all of the fishing and pier rules and regulations in your area. And remember it does not matter where you go or what you use or how you use it, you are still likely to get some action one way or another. More than anything, concentrate on your line test, reeling or jerking technique, and proper location because they have the most benefit in the long run. After you have all this figured out, remember that above all else you are fishing for fun and relaxation!