By Lauren Tjaden
Florida pier and surf fishing are the way to go for folks with no boat and who don’t want to book a trip. These angling adventures offer an exciting opportunity to reel in tasty panfish like croaker, or battle ocean favorites like the swift Spanish mackerel and the mighty red drum.
A smorgasbord of fish glide along Florida’s coasts and through its waterways, within easy reach of an angler on shore or atop a pier or bridge. Additionally, hundreds of public docks deliver freshwater fishing access to Florida’s famed black bass and numerous panfish.
Whether you’re looking for a family adventure full of gasps and giggles or you’re a serious angler aiming for a big catch, here’s everything you need to know about Florida pier fishing, including how to find a pier, information about licenses and limits, and tips on pier and surf fishing.
Pick a Pier | Pier Fishing 101 | Surf Fishing | Pier and Surf Fishing Tips | Handy Links
Pick a Pier
With an estimated two dozen piers fringing the Sunshine State’s coastline, wherever you are, you should be within about an hour’s drive of an ocean pier. Many feature shallow artificial reefs within casting reach. These man-made structures support diverse communities of marine organisms, so it isn’t unusual for anglers to land game fish such as tarpon, cobia and king mackerel. From time to time, shore-bound anglers even hook fish far too big to land, including sharks and even the stray sailfish.
And ocean piers are just the tip of the sandbar. Docks, jetties and bridges spanning salt water inlets or waterways offer fishing opportunities.
Some piers are free to access, while others charge a fee. Many have commercial fishing licenses, so you can fish from them without a license—but note, if you surf fish instead of pier fish, you will need a license.
Here are some favorite Piers, as well as information about the Florida Fishing Pier Finder, a handy tool to find publicly accessible fishing piers, jetties, fishing-specific bridges and fishing fingers, as well as information about fees and licenses.
NORTH FLORIDA PIERS
Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier
One of northwest Florida’s premier fishing spots, this pier is legendary for its big fish. The action here is consistent year round, but it’s red hot during the summer months, with bluefish, pompano, redfish, Spanish mackerel, and spotted seatrout lighting up anglers’ lines. If you’re lucky, you may even catch flounder, cobia, tarpon and sheepshead. The pier has everything you need to fish: bait, tackle, rental rods, coolers and carts as well as food, drinks, tackle and gifts.
Fees to fish: yes | License required: no
Jacksonville Beach Pier
This St. Johns River city has one of the best king mackerel runs in Florida, making for your best chance to land a big king from land. Here are some tips on how to catch one of these regal beauties.
Fees to fish: yes | License required: no
Fort Clinch State Park Pier
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds, head to Fernandina Beach. Fishing from this glorious state park’s pier is nothing short of heaven, yielding catches like redfish, black drum, whiting, flounder, mullet, sheepshead, sea trout and an occasional grouper.
Fees to fish: included with park admission | License required: no
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
With bragging rights as the longest pier in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, this pier serves up fun for everyone in your posse. You can rent a fishing pole at the privately operated bait and tackle shop or relish the sea breeze at the outdoor restaurant. It offers a handicap accessible ramp, 16 accessible railing locations, and is home to a blockbuster population of Redfish. Here’s an area fishing guide.
Fees to fish: yes| License required: no
Fort Pickens Fishing Pier
Nestled against the shimmering white sands of Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens is outstanding for both pier and surf fishing. The popular, wheelchair accessible fishing pier reaches 200 feet over Pensacola Bay, offering catches that include Spanish, sharks, pompano, trout, flounder, and even red snapper and grouper.
Fees to fish: included with park admission | License required: no
CENTRAL FLORIDA PIERS
Sebastian Inlet State Park Pier
Blessed with the generous amenities of a state park—a concession and restaurant, a glorious beach, restrooms and picnic pavilions -- this Melbourne Beach fishing pier is sited at the mouth of a waterway that intermingles with the Indian River Lagoon. It’s one of Florida’s most famous fishing areas, delivering legendary catches of snook, redfish, king mackerel, and largemouth bass.
Fees to fish: included with park admission | License required: yes
The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay on a structure that was once a bridge, the twin Skyway Fishing Piers are arguably the most productive land-based fishing spots in the state. If it swims in the Gulf of Mexico, sooner or later it will pass beneath your dangling line. Fishing supplies, snacks, drinks and bait are all available at both the north and south pier’s bait shops.
Fees to fish: included with park admission | License required: no
The Skyway Fishing Pier Online Education Course is required annually to fish on the Skyway Pier.
Sunglow Fishing Pier
Auto races were once held on the hard-packed sand near this Daytona Beach fishing pier. The race cars have moved inland but the fishing is still as first-rate as it was when Sunglow opened in 1960. Home to Crabby Joe's Deck and Grill, the pier makes fishing comfortable with amenities like restrooms, a bait shack, fish cleaning areas, well-lit benches, seating, rod and reel rentals and frozen bait. A wide variety of fish tempt anglers, including whiting, kings, pompanos, flounder, trout, Spanish mackerel, sheep’s head, blues, sail cat, and tarpon.
Fees to fish: yes | License required: no
Daytona Beach Pier
Built in 1925, this iconic, popular landmark has been known as Ocean Pier, Keating Pier, Pier Casino, Main Street Pier and now the Daytona Beach Pier. Open seven days a week from sunup through sundown, you can fish on its east end at no cost and without a fishing license. Here’s where you can check out other Daytona Beach area piers and docks.
Fees to fish: no | License required: no
SOUTH FLORIDA PIERS
Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier
The 900-foot long Fisher Family Pier features a quirky end shaped like a pompano fish. It invites anglers to pier fish with an affordable package that includes a fishing rod, gear, bait, a bucket, fishing license, and parking. The rocky bottom surrounding the pier makes for excellent snapper fishing but mackerel, snook, and cobia are also possible catches. If not all of your posse wants to fish, no worries: the Pompano Beach Fishing Village, a walkable oasis replete with dining, shopping and accommodations, promises to keep everyone smiling.
Fees to fish: yes | License required: no
Naples Pier
Drop a line into the Gulf of Mexico from Naples Pier, and try your luck for a variety of species including Spanish mackerel, redfish, sea trout and more. The City of Naples provides a blanket fishing license so you don't need your own. The pier is open 24/7, and its vivid sunsets rank among the best in Florida. Fishing temporarily closed
Anglins Fishing Pier
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is just a few miles from the Gulf Stream, so you never know what species will glide by this Atlantic coast fishing pier. King mackerel, tarpon, sailfish… anything is possible. Temporarily closed
Juno Beach Park Pier
Juno Beach’s crystalline blue water means the fish won’t have any trouble finding your bait. The park boasts amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables, and the pier is complete with a snack bar and bait shop. Juno is famed for its abundant snook fishery as well a cast of jack crevalles, Spanish mackerels, and mangrove snappers.
Fees to fish: yes | License required: no
Venice Fishing Pier
This 700-foot pier, located at Brohard Park on the south end of Venice island, is connected to Sharky’s on the Pier and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s no fee to access the pier, and you can fish from it without a fishing license. Papa’s Bait Shop sells live and frozen bait, coffee, treats, jackets and shirts, and rents rods and reels.
The area’s not only famous for sharks’ teeth, but shark fishing as well. Since the pier is open all night, it provides an ideal place to catch these night feeders. Six picnic shelters, two sand volleyball courts, public restrooms, a pavilion, and a golf course round out the offerings.
Fees to fish: no | License required: no
And there’s more!
The Florida Fishing Pier Finder is an interactive map that allows anglers to find publicly accessible fishing piers, jetties, fishing-specific bridges and fishing fingers around the state. It’s a detailed map and is best viewed using computers or tablets with larger screens.
You can view the map and use the filter features to search for a location by county, feature name, city, and type of feature-- such as a bridge or pier. You can also sort by whether a fishing license is provided by the owners of the pier. You can see a list of all the fishing locations that are shown on the map, and as you filter down, the list will get shorter and shorter until you find specific locations for your particular area that you can choose from. Click “empty” to clear the search filters for each parameter. You can also view the map as a street map or use an aerial view.
Florida Pier Fishing 101
Easy as Pie(r)
Pier fishing in Florida can be simple: you don’t even need to own any tackle. Most of the ocean piers around the state have a concession stand that sells bait and tackle and rents rigs. Just show up, pay the pier fee, and take advantage of the pier's commercial fishing license.
Family Fun
Pier fishing makes for an ideal family outing. If the kids get bored, they can explore the pier, chat with other anglers, or take a break on the beach to throw a Frisbee or catch some rays. The relaxed atmosphere allows for a mix of fishing and leisure, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Learn from the Locals
At every pier, you'll find a cast of regulars, and most are willing to share their secrets. If a fellow angler hooks a big one, don’t be shy about asking what they used as bait. Follow the leader and cast away.
Pier Pros
Serious pier fishermen come well-prepared, often arriving with custom-made dock carts packed with multiple rods, live bait, snacks, and even a portable radio.
Chasing Kings
The anglers targeting king mackerel are easy to spot with their elaborate setups. Using two rods, they cast a heavy sinker into the ocean, securing it in place, then send a live bait fish out on a second line. The surface commotion caused by the bait attracts nearby king mackerel, leading to an intense fight when one bites.
But fishing for kings is a specialty sport. The average pier fisherman using simple equipment and dead bait, like shrimp, will most likely connect with whiting and croaker. While hardly fighters of any repute, they make great table fare.
Beware of the Catfish
Among the desirable catches, you may also reel in a pesky catfish. Their sharp spines can cause injury if mishandled, so never grab one while it's flopping around. If you don’t have pliers on hand, ask one of the veteran anglers for assistance-- they’ve caught and unhooked a thousand of them.
The Big One
Although smaller fish are the norm, there’s always the chance of landing something bigger. Pier fishing is about positioning yourself just beyond the breaking waves, waiting for fish like black drum, redfish, sea trout, bluefish, or Spanish mackerel to find your bait or lure. These fish can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to a whopping 40 pounds.
Most piers have large circular nets on stout ropes to help lift a big fish the 20 feet or so from the water to the pier. If you do hook a heavyweight, don’t be shy—ask the seasoned pros for a hand. They know exactly what to do to bring your big fish safely onto the pier.
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is a close cousin to pier fishing, but instead of standing on a pier, you’re casting directly from the beach, aiming to reach fish swimming parallel to the shore just beyond the breakers. This method offers much more freedom—Florida’s vast coastline is yours to explore—but it also comes with challenges. You'll need your own gear and a saltwater fishing license, plus, how far you can cast will dictate your success.
Battling the Elements: Wind and Waves
One of the main obstacles in surf fishing is the surf itself. If an east wind has been blowing, stirring up the water and creating high waves, it can be difficult to get your bait past the breakers. In these conditions, even the best equipment might struggle to make a difference. Choosing the right spot is key to increasing your chances of a successful catch.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Jetties, Inlets, and Sandbars
To improve your odds, look for specific coastal features. Fishing near jetties or inlets can often lead to good results, but the real sweet spots are beaches protected by offshore sandbars. These sandbars have breaks where tidal currents funnel fish through, creating prime feeding zones. Casting your bait near these openings—either in the center or on the sides—can lead to impressive catches. It takes a bit of experience and a keen eye to read the water and recognize where the breaks occur, but the effort is worth it.
Follow the Locals: Early Birds and Evening Anglers
One of the easiest ways to find a good fishing spot is to observe local anglers. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime fishing times, and a stroll along the beach during these hours will often reveal groups of surf fishermen already staking their claim. Their presence is a clue that the area is productive, so it’s a great place to return to for your own setup.
Timing is Everything: Mullet Run Magic
Although you can fish year-round, Florida's surf fishing truly shines during the migration seasons. Large schools of mullet, a popular baitfish, move along the coast in the fall and spring, attracting predatory game fish like bluefish, snook, and tarpon. These “mullet runs” create a feeding frenzy, making them some of the best times for surf fishing. If you can time your trip around these migrations, your chances of landing a prize catch increase dramatically.
Florida Pier and Surf Fishing Tips
Getting Started: the Basics
For beginners or casual fishing days, a double dropper rig is your go-to setup. Equipped with No. 2 hooks and a 2- to 6-ounce pyramid weight, this rig can help you catch a variety of fish, including pompano, whiting, redfish, black drum, flounder, bluefish, and trout. You can find pre-made double droppers in most tackle shops, or tie your own, customizing them with beads and floats to keep your baited hooks just above the bottom. Popular baits for smaller fish include live shrimp, squid, sand fleas, and brined clam strips.
Upping the Game: Targeting Larger Fish
Ready to tackle something bigger? Switch to cut bait like sardines, whiting, or mullet, or use live baitfish such as pinfish or pilchards. A fish-finder rig—commonly sold in bait shops—works well for this, but free-lining live bait can also be effective. Just make sure your bait doesn't get tangled in your neighbor's lines.
Tackle Tips: Gear for Pier and Jetty Fishing
For pier and jetty fishing, a medium to medium-heavy spinning outfit paired with 12- to 30-pound line should suit most species. A standard 7- to 7½-foot rod, typical for inshore fishing, will do the trick. However, if you’re aiming for longer casts to reach deeper water, opt for an 8- to 10-foot rod.
Packing Smart: Organize for Success
Before you head out, think about how far you'll need to walk and pack your gear accordingly. A hand-pulled cart can make transporting your equipment easier and more organized. These carts range from basic grocery baskets fitted with PVC rod holders to fully customized platforms complete with bait tanks, coolers, and gear racks.
Tides Matter: Timing Your Fishing for Success
While piers like those at Daytona Beach and Jupiter Inlet, as well as jetties at Ponce, Sebastian, and Fort Pierce inlets, can yield catches at any time, paying attention to the tides can significantly boost your chances. Lunar-driven tidal cycles have a huge impact on fish behavior, and knowing when to fish during these cycles is key.
Incoming Tides: The Predators Arrive
Incoming tides signal the start of increased activity. As the water rises, baitfish are carried closer to piers and jetties, and predatory fish like mackerel, kingfish, tarpon, cobia, bluefish, and even sharks follow in pursuit. This makes the incoming tide a prime time to cast your line, especially if you’re targeting larger, fast-moving species.
Outgoing Tides: The Backwater Buffet
When the tide turns and water starts flowing out of inlets, it creates another prime fishing opportunity. The outgoing tide pulls baitfish and crustaceans out from the backwaters, providing an easy meal for fish congregating near jetties. This tidal stage can be especially productive around inlet structures, where the moving water funnels food straight to waiting predators.
Navigating Tides: Positioning for the Best Catch
Strong tidal currents, whether incoming or outgoing, will dictate where you should position yourself to avoid tangles and maximize your chances. On a pier or jetty, certain sides or ends might offer better fishing depending on the water's movement. However, when the tide slows down—during slack tide—you can take advantage of this lull to fish directly under the pier or close to the jetty rocks. While fish may be less aggressive during slack tides, the slower water allows for more precise presentations, increasing the likelihood of enticing a strike.