Dry land fishing is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the world of fishing. There are several types that you can make yourself familiar with to become a seasoned angler. But, having the right guide for this is important.

This is exactly what you’re going to find in this article. The guide to learning all about pier fishing and how to get started on it is now at your disposal. To find out all you need to know, read ahead.

Once you are done reading this article you will be a lot more confident about heading out for your pier fishing trip experience.

What is Pier Fishing? 

Pier fishing is often referred to as hybrid fishing. It is a type of saltwater fishing where anglers can fish from a pier. A pier is a raised structure over water that is supported by pillars. Here, anglers can set up their fishing spot and access offshore areas.  

In pier fishing, you wait for the fish to come to you. This is different from boat fishing where you sail your boat up to an area where potential fish may be.

Getting Started – The Tools You Need

Pier fishing may seem complicated and complex. But in reality, it is quite simple and straightforward. You just need to have the right tools and tips to get through.

1. Fishing Bait for Pier Fishing

Popular bait items for pier fishing are sardines, anchovies, bloodworms, and shrimp. You can even use squid if you manage to get a hold of them at your local bait shop. This is because, for pier fishing, live bait is the most effective way to catch fish.

2. Fishing Reel and Equipment for Pier Fishing

A fishing rod that can reach 6 to 7 feet is ideal if you are looking to catch small fish. The short fishing rod can be best suited in this regard. For a bigger catch, a heavy duty fishing rod that has a rod of 9 to 10 feet will be better.

Here are some items you should add to your pier fishing essentials checklist:

• Bucket to place your catch in
•  knife – if you wish to cook and consume your catch, you can use a filleting knife to clean the fish right after you catch it
• Drop net
• Pliers to remove the fish from the fishing hook. You can do this without the pliers too but the chances of hurting yourself here are high – especially if you are a beginner
• Fishing hat
• Life jacket
• Picnic chair

3. Rigs for Pier Fishing

You can find several rigs for pier fishing in the market. But, knowing which one is the most durable and has a high return to offer is important. For this, the 24 inches 20lb mono Caroline rig works best. It comes with a 1 to 2 oz. egg lead for the perfect catch. Anglers are often seen with this as it is easy to use and can draw a bite without putting in too much effort.

You can even find this online. But be sure to check the review before placing an order. You don’t want to end up spending your money on a dupe.

Tips for Pier Fishing

Here are a few pier fishing tips that you can keep in mind and follow. These will surely make your fishing trip a success.

1. Don’t Forget Your Fishing Gear

While a life jacket and fishing hat are essential for fishing trips, having polarized glasses is a must have as well. This is because the surface glare hitting your eyes is quite high in pier fishing. You want to keep your eyes protected and make your fishing trip memorable, not uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Apart from this, you also want to get two spinning gear outfits. Take one that is lightweight and ideal for calmer weather conditions, and one that is suited for rough conditions or to catch larger fish.  

2. Pick The Ideal Fishing Time

For pier fishing, the ideal time to throw in your reel and bait is during sunrise or sundown. This is when the tides direct a lot of bait fish to the area, thus bringing with them larger fish as well.

However, if you are pier fishing during the winter or in a cold climate, then the ideal time would be during the day when the fish are active and closer to the surface.

3. Do Your Research

Before heading out to the pier for fishing, you may want to do your research on the rules. If you are required to have a fishing license, then be sure to acquire it first thing. In addition, most piers have different opening and closing times along with entrance fees. Most piers also have a rod restriction to prevent overfishing.

Check the details for all these questions online or speak to a representative to be sure – you don’t want to end up going to a pier only to find out it is closed.

Lastly, be sure to leave your spot clean after you are done. You don’t want to have people complain about you leaving behind a mess.

Other Types of Fishing You Can Try Out

If you found pier fishing to be your thing, you can get started on it right away. Once done, you can also give other types of fishing methods a try as well. Here are some of them:

• Fly fishing
• Boat fishing out in the sea or ocean
• Casting
• Catch and release
• Ice fishing
• Canoe fishing
• Paddle board fishing
• Shore fishing by the lake or river

The Final Verdict

Pick up your phone and contact your nearest pier and ask any questions that you may have in mind. Then, get started on your pier fishing trip this weekend. Invest in the right fishing gear and gadgets and make the most of your fishing trip.

You can even hitchhike with a seasoned angler who may be a friend. They can further guide you on how to get started.

For your very first fishing trip experience, it is always best to go with someone who is an expert. This can help you have a pleasant first experience, especially when it comes to pier fishing.