One of the most fun and exciting opportunities for experienced anglers is casting a line from a fishing pier. There are plenty of piers that line the southeastern states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Pier fishing is ideal for anglers because it provides the chance for people to catch fish at a low cost, especially when compared to charters. No matter if you’re local to the coastal regions or visiting from out of town, keep these beginner tips in your mind. Here is how to fish off a pier. 

Beginners Don’t Need Equipment To Fish A Pier

Believe it or not, you don’t need to own a fishing rod and reel to catch fish from the vast majority of piers. Interestingly enough, piers provide rod and reel rentals. I’ll be honest, you’re not going to get a high quality piece of equipment, but you’ll get something that will do the trick. 

In addition to the rental is a bottom rig setup which includes a hook and weight. The hook and the weight, in combination with the rod and reel, is the complete setup. Importantly, it should be noted that bait is not included in the rental. For this reason, you’ll need to purchase bait when renting the rod and reel combination. 

What Bait Should You Choose As A Beginner Angler

Without question, the selection of baits becomes overwhelming at piers, especially when live bait is available. 

As a beginner angler, I always recommend purchasing frozen squid. Frozen squid comes in blocks and is readily available. 

The benefits of fishing with squid is, first it is incredibly challenging for fish to pull the bait free from the hook. Therefore, inexperienced anglers are less likely to be robbed of bait before realizing a fish is biting the hook. 

In addition to the squid’s firmness is the scent. The scent draws fish from long distances compared to other types of bait. 

Importantly, you’ll want to grab a knife from your vacation rental or home if you don’t own a fishing knife. Squid comes in large sections and should be cut into small chunks for pier fishing. 

It should be mentioned that squid is a versatile bait because of the number of fish that eat it. However, you won’t be targeting a trophy fish with squid compared to live baits which require skill to rig and properly present to the fish. 

Best Technique For Catching Fish From A Pier As A Beginner

I’ll start by saying some days, fish just simply don’t bite. Don’t become discouraged if you fail to catch a fish while out on the pier. 

One of the most common places that saltwater fish congregate is along the pilings of the pier. They congregate because the pier offers a source of food, using it as shelter, including baitfish and crabs. 

Where To Cast Your Line

First, let me start off by saying don’t cast. Piers are busy places, and as an inexperienced caster, you don’t want to hook a fellow angler. I recommend tipping the hook with a one inch square piece of squid and dropping it over the side of the pier to the seafloor below. 

Importantly, don’t drop the weight directly alongside the pilings, as you are likely to become snagged. 

Wait For A Bite

As a beginner, allow the bait to do the work for you. I know that advanced anglers utilize techniques such as jigging to attract fish. Without a doubt, squid will catch the attention of hungry fish. 

With the bait laying on the seafloor, allow it to sit with the rod in your hand. I have seen too many inexperienced anglers bob the tip of the rod wildly. Don’t do it; all you’re going to do is scare the fish away. 

What To Do When A Fish Bites

Unquestionably you’ll want to be on guard for the bite of a fish. When you feel a fish bite the bait, allow it to eat for between three and five seconds. Once the time has passed, reel up while lifting the tip of the rod. More often than not, you will have achieved a solid hook set. 

Importantly you will need to steer the fish clear of underwater obstructions, including pilings and other objects. 

Lastly, when the fish is at the surface, reel the fish until it reaches the railing and swing the rod tip from over the side to the surface of the pier. 

How To Handle A Hooked Fish After It Is Landed

I;ll be honest, I am an experienced angler but have had plenty of sticks from sharp fins in my hands and fingers. 

To avoid becoming stuck by sharp fins, I suggest bringing along a washcloth. The washcloth is perfect for wrapping around fish to remove the hook. 

In addition to a washcloth, pliers are equally as helpful with removing lodged hooks. If you don’t have fishing pliers, I suggest packing needle nose pliers. 

Without a doubt, you can keep fish that fall within the legal size limit and season based on the state. I recommend consulting a regulations guide to determine if it is classified as a fish that can be kept.

Conversely, when releasing fish, I recommend returning them to the water as quickly as possible. Secondly, ensure the fish is tossed far enough over the side to not strike an object on the way back down to the sea. 

Now You Know How To Fish Off A Pier

Don’t be intimated to fish a pier as a novice angler. Piers are an excellent way to introduce new anglers to fishing because of the quantity of fish that congregate in the vicinity. I have watched children of all ages enjoy casting a line from the elevated surface in Georgia and South Carolina. Head out to a fishing pier near you.