Pier Fishing for Beginners

A pier is a structure extending from shore onto water to be used as a landing place. Whereas, pier fishing means fishing from the pier. Pier fishing for beginners has been a favorite topic for those who have a heartfelt desire to start their fishing campaign.

And piers have been a great support for novice anglers as they provide easy access to water due to their stability. Additionally, the structure of the piers does the job of a shelter for small fish.

As a result, big predatory fish follow these small fish and also come under those pier structures owing to which pier fishing for beginners becomes an exciting activity.

  However, there are different types of piers from wooden to stone ones. Pier fishing for beginners is certainly easy but it is better to research before going pier fishing because in bad weather and at night piers are mostly locked.

Likewise, during summer months, pier fishing for beginners becomes a bit difficult because the piers are occupied by the public and anglers. Therefore, sometimes, people might have to buy a ticket to fish from the pier.

Pier Fishing for Beginners: Tips

 Pier fishing is more than casting the line and waiting for the fish to strike. As discussed earlier, pier fishing for beginners is an exciting hobby but following some shared tips by expert anglers can add to the charm of the fishing campaign.

Similarly, we also know that fishing piers are available in different shapes and sizes but they have one common characteristic and that is, they all lure the fish to take shelter under them. So, to fill your bucket with a lot of fish, let’s discuss the tips you need to keep under your belt.

Decide The Time for Pier Fishing

 If pier fishing is done by bypassing the time rule, all efforts will be futile for that purpose. Therefore, it is essential that you drop the line at the right time.

 Normally, the proper time to go pier fishing is either dawn or dusk. These times attract a lot of bait fish which in turn attract larger fish.

 But there is an exception. You won’t succeed if you are pier fishing at dawn and dusk during winter. Pierfish in the winter when the sun is high.

Similarly, an arrangement of light and heat must be made as the fish are attracted by them. If they are not available on piers, arrange yours. Likewise, you also need to make sure that piers are open at dusk, of course, to avoid any inconvenience.

Decide The Spot for Pier Fishing 

 Now, once you have decided the time, the next thing is to choose the spot from where you will do pier fishing. And deeper waters are host to larger fish. Fish often gather near the shore, under rock formations, or any underwater structure. But it all depends on where your pier is located.

 Next, the fish also come up to the water surface to chase their prey. Under such circumstances, birds are indicators for pier fishing. Cast the line where birds are accumulated.

Decide The Bait

 Choose the bait according to your location and targeted fish. Don’t buy baits beforehand if you are in the dark about the fish species your pier might contain. Therefore, first, go to the pier and arrange the bait from there as most piers have their own bait shops according to the fish species found there.

Knowledge About Rules

 As it is rightly said, you have to learn the rules of the game. And then you will have to play better than anyone else. Similar is the case with the pier fishing. Without proper homework, you cannot enjoy any game even if it is fishing. Keep in mind the following rules before heading for pier fishing:

1. You must have a fishing license.
2. You might have to pay the entrance fee.
3. Confirm the pier working hours.
4. Confirm the size and bag limits for your targeted species and also the limits for equipment to hunt them.
5. Never cast your line over your fellow anglers to show good sportsmanship.
6. Don’t leave your things unattended on the pier.
7.  Take care of cleanliness during and after fishing.

Decide the Equipment

 Your fishing rods and reels depend on the fish species you are going to target. To cut the long story short, shorter rods for smaller distances and longer rods for far-pier fishing. Similarly, the line with a 20-40lb pound test will make you a record breaker by fishing larger fish quite far underwater.

Other Fishing Gears

 The key items besides the afore-said equipment for pier fishing are discussed as under:

1. Bucket: To keep the fish you have caught.
2. Pliers: To remove a hook from a fish’s mouth.
3. Polarized sunglasses: To spot the fish clearly by eliminating the glare off the surface of the water.
4. Drop Net: You must have a drop net to bring the caught fish onto the deck.
5. Knife: To clean the fish on the spot to make it ready for dinner.

Conclusion

  Pier fishing for beginners has everything one wants during it that is, fun, comfort, affordability and company of good friends-cum-anglers. However, the selection of a suitable location, proper equipment, target species, appropriate timing, safety measures, and patience are the factors that contribute to a successful pier fishing journey for the beginners.

FAQs

1. What is the proper rig for pier fishing?

Ans. A 7 to 9-foot rod is suitable for pier fishing. It will also require a main line of 12-20 Pound tests.

2. What bait to use for pier fishing?

Ans. Nightcrawlers, shrimps, squids, crabs, and worms are the best baits for pier fishing.

3. What is the best time to perish?

Ans. Normally, the proper time to go pier fishing is either dawn or dusk. These times attract a lot of bait fish which in turn attract larger fish.

 But there is an exception. You won’t succeed if you are pier fishing at dawn and dusk during winter. Pier fish in the winters when the sun is high.