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Salt Water Pier Fishing Techniques

Salt Water Pier Fishing Techniques

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Don't despair because you don't have a boat to take you fishing. Pier fishing is an economical way to fish that will have you pulling in some great catches.
In fishing from a pier, you won't have a huge gas bill to run the boat's engines and you don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to do it. With a little preparation of your tackle and equipment, you should be reeling in a fish in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips on Saltwater Pier Fishing

Things You’ll Need:
  • Fishing rod Triangle or round sinker Hooks Bait Five-gallon bucket Extra tackle Polarized sunglasses
  • Fishing rod
  • Triangle or round sinker
  • Hooks
  • Bait
  • Five-gallon bucket
  • Extra tackle
  • Polarized sunglasses
Step 1
Use a medium-sized fishing rod, such as a 6-footer, to use to fish off the pier. A surf rod is larger and heavier and may become tiresome to handle after awhile.
Step 2
Rig your pole with either a triangle or round sinker on the end of your fishing line. A triangle sinker will give the bait a more realistic appearance because it sinks to the bottom and stays there. Round sinkers will allow your rig to float more freely across the bottom.
Step 3
Tie either one or two hooks on your fishing line spaced approximately 6 inches apart from each other. Attach the hooks approximately 10 inches above the sinker.
Step 4
Use an all-purpose bait such as shrimp. Ask the locals what they use to pier fish and catch fish.
Step 5
Bring a five-gallon bucket to store your fish or bait. You can place a bag of ice inside of the bucket, if you desire.
Step 6
Consolidate all your tackle in one container so you won't need to carry extra items down the pier. Place replacement tackle, lures, fish ruler, pliers, a knife and anything else you feel you might need in your tackle box.
Step 7
Look for the activity of birds around the pier. When there are water birds such as gulls, pelicans or terns diving in the water, it usually means fish are in the area.
Step 8
Fish different areas of the pier if you aren't catching fish in your present location.
Step 9
Drop your line straight down in the water next to the pilings where fish will more than likely congregate. It's usually not necessary to cast out a long distance when pier fishing.
Step 10
Fish on the edge where murky and clear water meet, as the fish often hide there.
Step 11
Use polarized sunglasses when fishing so you'll be able to spot the fish in the water better, and cast in that direction.
Step 12
Fish at night if summertime temperatures are too hot and the fish are hiding from the heat.

Tips & Warnings

 
Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen with you. Be sure to check local fishing regulations to see if a fishing license is required to fish off a pier.
 
Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen with you.
 
Be sure to check local fishing regulations to see if a fishing license is required to fish off a pier.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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