In the Gulf Coast, beachfront public piers draw all kinds of fishermen this time of year because they attract all kinds of fish. Pier fishing is very different from surf fishing in terms of how much space you have, the fishing tecnique and tackle you’ll use. Savvy anglers know that under the right conditions, the best place to catch fish is from a pier. If you’ve never fished off a pier in the gulf, here are a few popular species of fish to help you outfit your tackle box.
Why Fish Off a Pier?
A fishing pier provides submerged structure and many are lit at night, which also helps lure in a lot of fish to the insects and baitfish they attract. Plus, if a pier is fished by a lot of people who tend to lose a lot of bait, it becomes a baited hole for the fish.
Fishing the Coast
Around the Florida coast and from Alabama to Texas, anglers pursue redfish, flounder, pompano, and speckled trout from piers. Cobia, king mackeral, and an occasional tarpon are a bonus that sometimes swims within reach of the pier fisherman.
Other Pier Fish
Other pier fish include sheepshead, flounder, and black drum. Whiting, croaker, and sand trout are popular on the Louisiana coast. Panfish, though, are the most sought-after species by all pier fishermen.