Top Florida Fishing Piers

[caption id="attachment_68633" align="alignnone" width="519"] Navarre Beach Pier[/caption] Fishing in Florida can take you anywhere from the local freshwater lakes to deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. It’s an anglers paradise with fishing opportunities at every turn. If you happen to be an angler without a vessel, never fear. There are several Florida fishing piers just around the corner to accommodate your fishing dreams. Check out these Top Florida Piers, then grab your gear and get ready for a great day of screaming lines!

Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier

Florida’s panhandle has plenty of places for you to cast your line from the shore. If you happen to , then Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is your go-to spot. The pier reaches over 1,400 feet long and is 22 feet wide, with a wider section at the end of the pier that’s perfect for several anglers to have a few lines in the water. The pier sits 26 feet above the water, so make sure you have plenty of line and a net to help bring up your catch. Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is located off Fort Pickens Road just past Highway 399. Visit during the summer and you’re sure to go home with a cooler of fantastic fish, which may include speckled trout, pompano, bluefish, cobia, sheepshead, spanish mackerel, and redfish to name a few. There is a cost of admission for visitors and anglers to the pier, so be sure to bring some cash. Visit during the golden hours (sunrise and sunset) to appreciate the beautiful skies over the Gulf.

Fort Clinch State Park Pier

Heading east on Interstate 10, you’ll no doubt find yourself . Keep heading northeast until you reach the farthest northeast corner of Florida and discover the beautiful Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach areas. Fernandina Beach homes Fort Clinch State Park. Check it out to learn some of Florida’s magnificent history, walk the jetties, and discover a fantastic place to fish. The Fort Clinch State Park Pier stretches a half a mile long into Cumberland Sound. Fun fact: you can see Georgia from the pier! You’ll be able to fish for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, black drum, sheepshead and more. The jetties are also great for fishing, or try getting your baitfish here and the nearby smaller creeks. There is an entry fee to the park: $6 per car. If you’re in the Amelia Island area, be sure to also check out the ; another fantastic Florida fishing pier.

Cocoa Beach Pier

On Florida’s Atlantic Coast are several stretches of beaches to cast from the shore. One of our favorite piers in this part of the state is the Cocoa Beach Fishing Pier. Sure, Cocoa Beach is known more for it’s surfing reputation; but the fishing off the pier is also . Located at 401 Meade Avenue, the pier is just a mile north of world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. Near the pier are beach volleyball courts, cabanas and umbrellas for rent, and family owned restaurants; it’s the perfect spot for your family that can’t decide between fishing and hanging at the beach. The pier stretches 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, and anglers here have been known to pull in pompano, redfish, snapper, flounder, speckled trout, and tarpon depending on the season. There is a small entry fee to fish or walk the pier, with discounts available for senior citizens and children under 12 years old.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Pier

Near Melbourne Beach is the fabulous Sebastian Inlet State Park. The location of the park is off Highway A1A at the mouth Lagoon, one of Florida’s premier fishing spots. Two piers give anglers access to a variety of inshore species including redfish, tarpon, speckled trout, snook, and more. Depending on the season and what’s at the end of your line, you can look forward to a fantastic dinner. There is a small entry fee into the park; $8 per vehicle. When you’re done bending the rod, be sure to check out the park’s other features, including kayaking, camping, and walking the untouched nature trails. It’s a great place to spend the day as a family.

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

On the Gulf side of the state is one of the best fishing spots in the world: Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in . The old bridge connecting St. Petersburg with Tampa Bay was turned into a fishing pier when the new Skyway Bridge was built in 1987. The old bridge turned pier runs into the bay and gives anglers unparalleled access 24/7. That’s right, the lights on the bridge allows late-night anglers an opportunity to fish at any time. No matter what the time is, just drive to your fishing spot, pull your gear and cooler out, and set-up for some serious fishing. With easy access and minimal cost ($4.00 per vehicle), this is by far one of our favorite Florida fishing piers. Depending on the season, anglers fishing Skyway Fishing Pier can catch tarpon, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, snapper, snook, and pompano to name just a few.

Naples Pier

In SW Florida is the that has a small town feel. It’s a great city to visit and live, and the fishing is fantastic year round. Head to Gulf Shores Blvd. South and find the Naples Pier at the end of 12 Avenue South. The pier has been through a hurricane or two, but has recently reopened and hosts anglers of all experience levels. This is another Florida pier that’s open 24/7 and gives anglers access to a variety of inshore species such as redfish, trout, flounder, and more. It stretches more than 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and is known as a hotspot for catching dinner. Keep in mind when you visit that there is a parking fee, but access to the pier is free.

Navarre Beach Pier

We can’t forget the longest pier in Florida: Navarre Beach Pier. The pier stretches 1,545 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and 30 feet above the bountiful waters. It’s a great place to visit and attempt to catch redfish, speckled trout, cobia, flounder, spanish mackerel, and more. Anglers of all skill levels will certainly have a great day fishing here! , smack dab in the middle between Pensacola Beach and Destin. The famous sandy white beaches are here, so send those non-fishing family members to tan in the sun and splash in the water. The pier is open most of the day and there is a small entry fee. There’s also a nearby bait & tackle shop to rent or buy gear if needed. *Disclaimer You may be wondering why a few notable Florida fishing piers are missing from this list. As of January 2020 two of our favorite piers are closed due to damage from recent hurricanes. Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is closed for reconstruction after Hurricane Matthew caused damage in 2016. It is scheduled to reopen in 2021, according to jacksonville.com. Also missing from this list is the Daytona Beach Fishing Pier. The fishing portion of this pier is closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Dorian. Nearby Sunglow Fishing Pier is still open though!

Fishing Florida Piers

No matter where you find yourself, there’s certainly a pier or shoreline ready to host your fishing expedition. Visit the local bait and tackle shop, get the gear ready, and enjoy the day. If you want to plan a stress-free fishing adventure, consider hiring a local fishing guide. They can pilot the boat to the fishing grounds and have all the gear you need for a day of bending rods. to find a local fishing charter at the best price!