Last updated on August 8th, 2024
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Fishing piers are a great way to access deeper water without a boat and often they’ll offer sources of entertainment and, depending on the pier, it could be remote or right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a major city.
America’s best fishing piers are not to be overlooked and if you’re in the area of any of these piers, you should bring a pole and experience this unique way of fishing firsthand.
Now, with that said, we thought we’d put together this list of our top 20 fishing piers, coast to coast, in the United States (in no particular order). Enjoy!
1. Skyway Fishing Pier, Florida
Florida occupies many spots on this list because the state has some of the best saltwater fishing in the world and there are many piers as a result. The Skyway Pier is an abandoned bridge that used to connect St. Petersburg to Sarasota. It’s now the world’s longest fishing pier and has been replaced by a new bridge.
You can catch tarpon snook, black sea bass, grouper, king and Spanish mackerel, pompano, sheepshead, and more from this famous pier, and bait and concessions are available on the pier, as well as lights at night so that you can effectively night fish. Parking is $4 and fishing at the pier is also $4 per adult and $2 per child, kids under 6 are free. No license is required on the pier.
2. Sebastian Inlet Pier, Florida
The Sebastian Inlet is renowned for its exceptional fishing and breathtaking natural beauty. Located within the Sebastian Inlet State Park on the state’s east coast, the inlet is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian River Lagoon, creating a dynamic environment that attracts a rich variety of fish species year-round.
There are actually two piers in the park, located on either side of the inlet. There is a small pier on the south side and a larger, main, north pier that extends into deep, nutrient-rich waters where strong tidal currents bring in schools of baitfish, followed closely by predators. The north pier is where you’ll find most of the anglers, of all ages and skill levels, hauling carts loaded with fishing tackle.
The abundance of fish makes the pier a hotspot for catching a diverse array of species, from the prized snook and redfish to the elusive tarpon and flounder. Other species caught here include black drum, pompano, Spanish mackerel, spotted (speckled) seatrout, mangrove snapper, and the hard-charging Jack Crevalle.
As of this writing, it’ll cost you $8.00 per vehicle with 2 – 8 occupants, $4.00 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2.00 for those coming into the park on foot or bicycle. The park and piers are open 24 hours/day, seven days a week. A Florida fishing license is required to fish.
The park also offers other amenities including a swimming area, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and camping sites.
3. Oceanic Pier, Maryland
The next two East Coast fishing piers on this list are just feet apart from each other. Starting with Oceanic Pier, Ocean City’s two major piers both provide amazing opportunities to catch stripers, bluefish, shad, flounder, and more.
On the Oceanic Pier, you can fish there for 12 hours for $8, three days for $20, or all week for $35. There is also fishing equipment rental available as well as concessions and bait.
The pier is L-shaped and covers many different regions of water that provide unique conditions on different parts of the pier. West of the pier is sandy and recedes into a channel. The southern side of the pier is rocky. Tides also play a big role in fishing this pier, since they affect the varying currents in the channels nearby.
4. Ocean City Pier, Maryland
Oceanic Pier’s next-door neighbor also provides some great Atlantic fishing opportunities. Although they’re only separated by a matter of feet, Ocean City Pier varies from Oceanic Pier in that it’s more of a tourist location, meaning that there are more people but also some incredible food to be had, namely “Thrashers,” the pier’s famous vinegar fries.
This pier also offers an amusement park, a museum, and of course bait and tackle. If you want a pier that is fun for the whole family, Ocean City Pier might do a better job of keeping any kids in your party entertained.
5. Cocoa Beach Pier, Florida
Cocoa Beach Pier is similar to Ocean City Pier in the sense that it also offers plenty of entertainment aside from fishing, and this is a pier you’ll only want to visit if you’re willing to be thrust into the liveliness of the area.
In addition to legendary surfing, restaurants, and bars, the pier offers a variety of the most popular saltwater species including redfish, whiting, pompano, tarpon, wahoo, flounder, and bluefish. Fishing the pier will run you $7 for adults and $5 for anglers over the age of 55 and under 12. You can rent equipment for $20 for four hours.
6. St. Pete (St. Petersburg) Pier, Florida
On to number 6 on the list and, still, only two states make up the list so far. Next on the legendary Florida pier list is St. Pete. Another busy pier that won’t offer you a lot of peace and quiet, but some might prefer the energy of piers like this.
The pier is part of a sprawling 26-acre waterfront complex that also features a beautiful picnic area, a plaza, a marketplace, many restaurants, bars, shops, and even a bait and tackle shop. Many locals who fish the pier recommend the popular topwater lure known as the “Zara Spook Junior”. This versatile lure works as well here as anywhere.
Some of the familiar catches from this amazing pier include snook, tarpon, grouper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, snapper, and pompano. No fishing license is needed with a paid admission to the pier.
7. Crystal Pier, California
Crystal Pier is one of the most picturesque fishing piers in the world and is known for its immaculate lodging right next to the pier with amazing views. The pier isn’t long enough to get you out of the “surf fishing” zone, meaning you’ll only be catching fish that you could catch from the beach.
This west coast fishing pier offers the angler the chance at species such as shovelnose, leopard sharks, halibut, and much more. The water under the pier is shallow for its length, making it more about the views and serenity of the location than the fishing. The pier is free to access and doesn’t require a license.
8. Santa Monica Pier, California
One of the most famous piers in the world, the Santa Monica Pier has a host of offerings outside of fishing. The Santa Monica Pier is over 100 years old and is known for its long list of attractions, including restaurants, shops, arcades, an amusement park, an aquarium, a carousel, and more.
The pier has a lower level for fishing specifically that is separate from the hubbub on the upper level. You’ll be able to catch perch, mackerel, sea bass, leopard and tiger sharks, and rays. No license is needed to fish the pier.
9. Monterey Municipal Wharf II, California
Popular species to catch on this California wharf are sardines and mackerel, but you can also land rockfish, flounder, halibut, and more. Parking costs $1.50 and the pier itself costs $10 per day.
The wharf does have restaurants and entertainment, but not so much that it becomes overbearing. This area of Monterey is especially popular for commercial fishing and they have great local seafood at the restaurants.
10. Galveston Fishing Pier, Texas
The Galveston Fishing Pier extends approximately 1,130 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, providing anglers with access to a variety of fishing environments, from the shallow nearshore waters to deeper sections further out.
The Gulf of Mexico is known for its rich biodiversity, and the Galveston Fishing Pier offers the opportunity to catch a wide range of species.
The pier is famous for the massive redfish that are regularly caught there, but other common catches include speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, and even larger species like sharks and tarpon, depending on the season. Popular baits used on the pier include shrimp, squid, crab, and mullet
This scenic pier is also one of the most angler-friendly in the U.S., offering a well-stocked bait and tackle shop that even rents out fishing gear, convenient restrooms, benches, fishing cleaning stations, and lights to accommodate night fishing.
Galveston Pier is open 24 hours and costs $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and military, and $8 for kids ages 6-10. Anglers 17 years old and over need a fishing license.
11. Jennette’s Pier, North Carolina
Jennette’s Pier allows fishermen to experience some of the amazing Outer Banks fishing without traveling out to the Gulf Stream. Fishermen can catch black drum, dogfish, and more from this 1000 ft. pier, and fishing reports are updated daily on their website so that you can see what is the popular catch at that time.
The pier is $14 per day for adults to fish and $7 for children. Speaking of children, they’ll love the 3000-gallon aquarium featured on the pier.
12. Newport Pier, Florida
This is the most popular (and the lone public pier in Miami-Dade County) of the many great piers in the Greater Miami area. The pier, located on the barrier island city of Sunny Isles Beach, is half a mile long and has bait and tackle available for purchase on the dock.
Surprisingly for Miami, this pier is not known for being extremely busy and you should have space for your setup. It’s also only $5 per person to fish and $2 for those who live in the Sunny Isles community. Parking is metered.
13. Jacksonville Beach Pier, Florida
The Jacksonville Beach Pier was one of the top fishing piers on the East Coast before it was shut down for repairs due to damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017. Both anglers and the city anxiously anticipated its reopening in 2022. It is back better than ever.
The pier extends about 1,320 feet, or a quarter of a mile, into the Atlantic Ocean, providing anglers access to deeper waters where a variety of fish species can be caught. The length of the pier allows for fishing beyond the surf zone, increasing the chances of landing bigger fish.
Anglers can expect to catch a range of fish species here, including redfish, flounder, pompano, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, whiting, and tarpon. The variety changes with the seasons, so there’s always something different to target throughout the year.
The pier is equipped with fish cleaning stations, making it convenient for anglers to clean their catch on-site. There are also restrooms, benches, a concession area, and shaded areas where you can rest or take a break from the sun. Additionally, the pier is wheelchair accessible.
A bait and tackle shop is located near the entrance of the pier, offering everything from live bait to equipment rental. This makes it easy for both locals and visitors to prepare for a day of fishing without having to bring their own gear.
The pier is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with the cost to fish $4 for non-locals and $5 for non-locals. For those simply looking to walk the pier and enjoy the scenic views, the fee is just $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents.
Frequent anglers may want to take advantage of the $300 annual pass which also includes some VIP perks. No license is required with a paid fishing pass.
14. Ventnor Fishing Pier, New Jersey
Located in the small seaside city of Ventnor in southern New Jersey, the Ventnor Fishing Pier is one of just three piers in the state sitting on the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the state’s longest at 1000 feet, providing access to deeper waters and a wider variety of fish species.
This iconic wooden structure underwent a $3 million restoration in 2007. In addition to spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Ventnor City coastline, the pier offers restrooms (next to the pier master’s office), sitting benches, cleaning stations for your catch, and ample lighting for nighttime fishing. There is also a small pier master’s
Depending on the season, anglers can catch a wide range of fish, including weakfish, tautog, flounder, striped bass, kingfish, bluefish, and even the occasional shark. This variety makes the pier attractive to both casual and serious fishermen.
The pier is open 24 hours a day year-round. The lower half of the pier is designated for those who just want to take a stroll or take in the views, while the upper half is sectioned off by a locked gate and can only be accessed by paying anglers.
The cost to non-anglers is $5/day. For those who want to access the fishing area, the fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 10-17 and seniors. The pier also offers yearly “key” membership rates of $175 for adult anglers, $150 for seniors, and $50 for youth 12 to 18 years old. Keyholder members have 24-hour access to the locked/gated fishing area.
15. Pier 7, California
Pier 7 is a beautiful and accessible pier located in San Francisco. The Pier is 840 feet long and the water near the pier reaches depths greater than 30 feet deep. Perch are available in the shallower waters of the pier, as you go toward the middle of the pier you can catch jack, mackerel, anchovies, and herring.
At the end of the pier, you can catch sharks, kingfish, flounder, halibut, and striper. There is also an abundance of benches along the pier, making it perfect for a quick morning or evening fishing session.
16. Apache Fishing Pier, South Carolina
This year-round Myrtle Beach fishing pier is 1206 feet long, making it the longest wooden pier on the East Coast, and even offers a bait and tackle shop. Adults and kids over 10 can fish on the pier for $12.00 a day, and children under 6 are free.
You do not need a separate fishing license when fishing on the pier. The pier also offers rod rentals if you don’t have your own. Your pier access, fishing pass, and a container of shrimp bait are included with the rod rental.
Flounder, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish, and sheepshead are just some of the popular catches on the pier. Some anglers have been lucky enough to catch huge tarpon and blacktip sharks.
Specular ocean views and fishing aside, the pier also offers a restaurant, and live music in the summer and is part of the Apache Campground complex, making this a great family destination.
17. Pascagoula Beach Park Pier, Mississippi
This pier features 1000 feet of fishing space. This location is well known for the redfish that are pulled out. You do need a fishing license to fish here. There are also great picnic areas and play areas for the kids.
This pier allows you to experience Gulf of Mexico fishing from the opposite side of the state of the Mississippi River delta. This park is highly reviewed and should be a calm and peaceful experience, as it isn’t as commercialized as many other piers on this list.
18. Simons Island Pier, Georgia
St. Simons is already an island well-known for its incredible fishing. This fantastic pier only helps its claim as one of the best fishing spots in the southern United States. The pier offers species of fish such as redfish, sea trout, and sharks. The pier is also well-lit at night and has water hoses available for those who need to clean their fish on the pier.
The pier offers beautiful views of the neighboring Jekyll Island as well and this pier, although not overly packed like others on this list, is still a very social spot for many locals in the area.
19. Gulf State Park Pier, Alabama
This pier is the second largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, measuring 1540 feet in length. The impressive pier replaces an older one that was demolished by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The pier features a bait and tackle shop and fish cleaning stations on the pier.
The pier costs $9 to fish for a day and rod and reel rentals are available for $10 every 4 hours and $20 for the day. Locals recommend using the same bait and tackle that you would for bass fishing, and you’ll pull in species such as pompano, flounder, whiting, sheepshead, sea trout, and redfish.
20. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, Virginia
The Virginia Beach pier and boardwalk is one of the older piers on our list, being over 70 years old, but it still offers amazing fishing and views. From the pier, you can catch fish such as cobia, mackerel, striper, roundhead, and sea trout.
There are regular fishing reports for the pier posted on vabeachfishingpier.com so that you can see what the hot catches are at that time and prepare accordingly. There are also clean restrooms on-site and those who reviewed this boardwalk have described it as a “fisherman’s paradise.” Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
What’s Your Favorite Fishing Pier?
Well, that’s it. Keep in mind that this list, like most things in life, is subjective. You may have some of the piers on your own mental list, or you may have an altogether completely different one. Sometimes some of the smaller and less known spots are the best, and we certainly have not fished every pier in the country.
With that, if you happen to have a pier not featured here that you feel belongs on the list, tell us about it in the comment box and why it should have made the cut.
Pier Fishing Gear: Equipment for Getting the Most out of Your Adventure
Pier fishing can be a rewarding experience, and having the right gear can make a big difference. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need and tips for successful pier fishing:
Fishing Rod and Reel
- Rod: A medium to heavy-action rod, typically 7 to 10 feet long, is ideal for pier fishing. It should be strong enough to handle larger fish and cast further out.
- Reel: A spinning reel is commonly used for pier fishing due to its versatility. Make sure it has a good drag system to handle larger fish.
Fishing Line
- Monofilament or Braided Line: Choose a line with a test strength of 15 to 30 pounds, depending on the size of fish you’re targeting. Braided lines offer more strength and sensitivity, while monofilament is more forgiving and easier to handle.
Terminal Tackle
- Hooks: Bring a variety of hooks, such as circle hooks, J-hooks, and treble hooks, in sizes ranging from 1/0 to 5/0.
- Sinkers: Use pyramid or egg sinkers to keep your bait in place, especially in strong currents. Have a range of weights from 1 to 4 ounces.
- Swivels: These prevent your line from twisting when using live bait or lures that spin.
Bait and Lures
- Live Bait: Shrimp, minnows, or crabs are popular choices. Bring a bait bucket with an aerator if you plan to use live bait.
- Artificial Lures: Jigs, spoons, and soft plastics can be effective, especially when fish are feeding aggressively.
Tools and Accessories
- Pliers: For removing hooks from fish and cutting lines.
- Knife: For cutting bait and cleaning fish.
- Tackle Box: To organize your hooks, sinkers, lures, and other gear.
- Rod Holders: Helpful for keeping your rod secure while waiting for a bite.
- Landing Net or Gaff: For safely bringing large fish onto the pier.
- Fish Ruler: To measure your catch and ensure it’s within legal limits.
- Cooler: For keeping your catch fresh, especially in warm weather. Get one with wheels unless you have a pier cart (more on that below) – you’ll be glad you did!
Additional Essentials to Make Your Day More Enjoyable
- Pier Cart: Adding a pier cart to your gear list is a great idea! A pier cart will help you transport all your gear easily, especially if you have a lot to carry. It can make your fishing trips much more convenient and enjoyable.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers, wear a hat, and bring sunscreen. Polarized sunglasses are also useful for reducing glare and spotting fish in the water.
- Chair or Stool: Piers can be hard on your feet, so bringing a comfortable place to sit can make the experience more enjoyable.
With the right gear, you should be well-prepared for a successful day of pier fishing. Tight lines and be safe!
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We stay very close to the Apache pier in Myrtle Beach, in fact, we can walk to it on the beach within 45 minutes. I always look out of my balcony and stare at it, and have been to it a few times but it’s been years… Glad to also see another pier in the Carolinas on the list.
You must consider this pier! Formally known as Harrison’s Fishing Pier until it was heavily damaged during Hurricane Isabel in September, 2003.
The Ocean View Pier-landmark is 1,690 feet long and generally known as the longest free-standing fishing pier in North America.
Located in Ocean View, Virginia on the southside of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
Must see this drone footage of the pier. OUTSTANDING~!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd9hgr_xaFo
Thanks for your contribution, Super Dave. That is indeed one long fishing pier! I can just imagine the monsters that have been pulled from the end of that pier! I can see we’re going to have to update this list soon to include 40 or maybe even 50 piers. There are just too many great ones across this great country to fit into a 20-pier list. Let us know if you have personally fished this pier and about your catches, or maybe what you have seen caught there by other anglers. Thanks again and stay safe.
I can tell you from personal experience that Ocean City is a great location, not only for pier fishing but for all-out fun. It’s been some time since I stopped through there last, but I found so much to do. Some good restaurants, fun bars, and of course, the Ocean City amusement park. Hopefully once this crisis is over I’ll be hopping in the car to do some fishing.
Hey Sandy, thanks for commenting! It is indeed a great spot for all the reasons you noted. Hopefully, soon all the fishing piers around the country will be bustling again.
My “home pier” is Navarre Beach, FL. I don’t live there but I try to go a couple of times a year if not more. I’ve seen crazy things pulled off that pier, including one time a sailfish and dolphin/mahi mahi/dorado. Typically Redfish (Red Drum), Cobia, Shark, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel are the usual. Sometimes Crevalle Jack.. But it’s so nice, even when nothing is biting, it’s just nice being out there on the water. You’ll see dolphins, rays, sea turtles. I once saw a large ray breach perpendicular to the end of the peir and “glide” for 20-30 feet just above the surface of the water. I never knew rays could go that fast.
Hey Sean, thanks for adding to the conversation about great fishing piers. I’ve heard good things about this pier. Navarre Beach could easily be on any list, it’s that good. Anytime you are hooking into mahi and sailfish from a pier you know it’s a special place. We may have to expand our list in the future!
My pier fishing experience so far has been limited to New York City’s historic Gantry Paza State Park. Of course everything is on hold with our current situation but I love it there. Nothing like fishing in the concrete jungle!
Hey Billie, thanks for your comment. I know for sure that New Yorkers and, not surprisingly, people in the City love to fish. This pandemic has altered life and most forms of recreation for many, but the good days will return and so will fishing in the City. Stay safe.