How to Fish Off Piers

Whether it's a small pier located at a lake or a huge one that extends into the ocean, pier fishing is something the whole family can do together. Properly fishing off a pier requires having the right rod and reel setup, using the correct fishing line and knowing what kind of fish are available to catch.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing rod and reel
  • Monofilament
  • Bobbers, floats or sinkers (optional)
  • Hooks
  • Bait or artificial lures
  • Fishing net
  • Cooler or bucket
  • Knife (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check with your state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or fish and game department to see if you need any kind of license or permit to fish. Many commercial piers do not require a license, but some do. Know what limits are in place for any fish you might catch by checking with the regulatory agency.

    • 2

      Use the right fishing rod and reel for the kind of fishing you are doing. Choose a conventional spinning rod loaded with between 10- and 50-pound monofilament. Use a lower pound test line for smaller fish, such as perch or bass, and a higher pound test line for bigger fish, such as catfish or sturgeon.

    • 3

      Decide what type of fish you want to try to catch and what type of fish inhabit the waters where you will be fishing. Use bobbers and floats attached to your leader line if you are trying to catch surface-dwelling fish. Add sinkers to your line if you want to bottom fish.

    • 4

      Use baits that are common to the waters you are fishing. Choose baits that are versatile, such as shrimp, mullet and minnows. Use live bait whenever possible. Hook them in a way, such as through the back, so that they remain alive while they are on your hook. Attach artificial lures, such as jigs, spoons, poppers or flies if you are not using live bait.

    • 5

      Drop the line as close as you can, as many fish tend to feed around structures, such as pier pylons.

    • 6

      Set your hook immediately when you feel a strike and hold the pole as far as you comfortably can while maintaining control of it to keep the fish from breaking your line against the pier.

    • 7

      Let the fish run for awhile before bringing it to the surface. Use a fishing net to bring the fish up to the pier -- enlist the aid of a friend or fellow fisherman for larger catches.

    • 8

      Place your catch in a bucket or cooler with ice or cold water Fillet immediately with a knife, if possible, and use the unused portion of the fish as cut bait or chum.