Fishing on a pier or at any other body of water is not without its challenges. You will need to plan and bring the right gear to make your time fishing on a pier as enjoyable as possible. It is also important for you to understand the dynamics of fishing from a pier so that you can have a successful experience every time you go out. Pier fishing can be challenging for many anglers, whether it’s your first time or if you have been frequenting the same spots for years. The key is knowing where and when fish are going to be most active to increase your chances of success. The tips included here are designed to help you get the most out of your next fishing trip on a pier and give you the confidence that you’ll catch lots of fish again soon!
Where to Fish on a Pier
The first step towards successful pier fishing is knowing where to fish on the pier. While the specific species you’ll find on any given pier will vary depending on the region and time of year, there are a few different types of areas that are commonly associated with good pier fishing. - Pier Posts: The posts supporting a pier are a great place to find bait-fish and smaller crustaceans. Because these fish are often feeding on insects in the area, they are attracted to light colors and small lures in the water. - Railings: Overhanging railings are a great place to look for hanging fish. The bait-fish that are feeding along the pier posts often fall into these areas and the fish will swarm for the easy meal. - Shoreline: The shoreline is another key place to look for fish on a pier. This is often where larger fish will congregate as they wait for smaller bait-fish to swim close enough for easy feeding.
Equipment for Pier Fishing
The type of pier fishing you’ll be doing will largely determine the type of gear you’ll be carrying. There are two main categories of pier fishing that focus on different species of fish: pier fishing for larger fish and pier fishing for smaller fish. Each will require a different set of gear to ensure you are maximizing your chances of a successful trip. - Pier Fishing for Larger Fish: If you want to target larger fish that may be hiding in the shallows, you’ll want to invest in a pier fishing rod with medium to heavy action. A rod in this range will be capable of getting a heavy reel with a high-strength line out to where you want it. - Pier Fishing for Smaller Fish: If you’re looking for something a little more specific, you can go for smaller fish like perch or gill-netter that are often found in the shallow water closer to shore. You’ll want to use a light-action pier fishing rod and reel that will still have enough power to cast.
When is the Best Time to Catch Fish from a Pier?
Different species of fish are going to be at their peak during different times of the year, which means you’ll want to know when to schedule your pier fishing trips based on the species you want to catch. - Winter and Early Spring: The months of January to April are going to be the best time to target larger fish like bass and bluegill. The water is usually cold enough that these fish are staying close to the pier and you’ll have a better chance of reeling one in. - Spring and Summer: If smaller fish are more your style, you’ll want to look at the spring and summer months. The warmer water in these seasons will draw in smaller fish that can be caught in the shallows.
How to Catch Fish from a Pier?
The best way to catch fish from a pier is to understand their behavior and adapt your approach and bait selection accordingly. Every species is going to be different, but it’s important to remember that fish have the same motivations you do: food and shelter. - Bait Selection: First and foremost, you’ll want to select the right bait for the species you are targeting. Your bait selection will depend on a few different factors: the time of year, water temperature, and water depth. - Cast Selection: Once you’ve selected your bait, the next step is getting it out to where the fish are. You’ll want to select a pier fishing rod and reel that will allow you to cast your bait out far enough to get it in front of the fish.
Tips for Successful Pier Fishing
Whether you are targeting larger fish or smaller species, these tips are designed to help you when it comes to pier fishing. - Stay Calm: One of the most important things to do when pier fishing is to remain calm. Fish can sense when you are excited and are less likely to bite when you are in a heightened state. If you stay calm and keep your cool, you’ll be more likely to reel in a catch. - Stay Still: Another important tip for pier fishing is to stay as still as possible. Many fish will spook if they sense movement in the water near their line of sight and are less likely to bite as a result. If you want to increase your odds of reeling in a catch, you’ll need to remain motionless. - Look for Feeding Behavior: When pier fishing, you want to look for feeding behavior. If you see a large amount of fish gathering in a small area, you’ll want to cast your bait towards that area. The fish are likely feeding and you’ll have a better chance of reeling them in.
Conclusion
Pier fishing can be a lot of fun, but it takes a little bit of research and preparation to make sure you have the best experience possible. By familiarizing yourself with the different types of fish commonly found on piers and when they’re most active, you can make sure you’re targeting the species you most want to reel in. With the tips included here, you’ll be ready for the best pier fishing adventure yet. Now that you understand where to fish on a pier, what equipment to use, and how to catch fish, you’ll be ready to reel in the biggest catches of your life!