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6 of the Best Fishing Piers in Florida

Some of Florida’s best fishing spots aren’t landbound or only accessible via boat; they’re hovering on stilts and piles at the edge of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

On the Gulf Coast of Florida

Long-Cast & Slow-Reel Fishing [Sarasota, FL]

Saprito-Pier-in-Sarasota

Recently undergoing a 1.4 million upgrade, which added new lighting, six benches, and three shaded structures, the Causeway Fishing Pier at Saporito Pier is a downtown Sarasota gem. Jutting off the northeastern base of the Ringling Bridge, the 560-foot long pier may look dwarfed by the massive bridge, but don’t be fooled: An 80-foot “T” at the end offers plenty of prime fishing surface for mackerel, pompano, jack, and flounder. Insider tip: If you attend the pier over the weekend, you are not required to carry a fishing license.

A Fishing Fest Year-Round [Clearwater Beach, FL]

If you’ve only experienced Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60 for its evening sunset celebrations, you’re missing a whole untapped side to the attraction. In fact, it feels like a different world when you arrive before noon. That’s because it’s the peak time for fishing, with anglers hanging their lure over the railings up and down the pier, all days out of the year (the best part is that you can fish here year-round – check the fish report see what’ll be biting during your visit). A bait shop, located right on the pier, is open if you need to pick up a bag of bait (frozen or live), and you can rent a rod or bring your own.

Where to Stay Sandpearl Resort | Opal Sands Resort | Belleview Inn

A Fisherman’s Dream [Naples, FL]

Naples-Pier

It’s a fisherman’s dream at the Naples Pier, where lines are cast without the hassle of getting a license – because the city has instated a blanket one, so you’re covered. While underneath and around its edges are peppered with a rainbow of sunbathers’ umbrellas, the end of the 1,000-foot-long upper deck is the gem. Fishermen here have plenty of space to cast a line for snook and Spanish mackerel with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Where to Stay Edgewater Beach Hotel

On the Atlantic Coast of Florida

The New Fishing Hot Spot [Stuart, FL]

It’s no secret that Fort Pierce is home to some of the best fishing on the Treasure Coast, from inshore fishing on the Indian River to offshore fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. However, one of the newest “honey holes” is none other than the Melody Lane Fishing Pier, located about 20 minutes north of Hutchinson Island. Installed in 2016, the 10-feet wide and 220-foot long fishing pier can get busy, so it’s best to get there early if you’re hoping to hook one of the popular species – bluefish, snook, red drum, and trout – that call these waters home.

Anglers Who Double Duty [Juno Beach, FL]

Juno-Beach-Park-Pier

Located just under a 10-minute drive south of Jupiter, the 990-foot Juno Beach Park Pier serves as a full-service saltwater fishing pier, featuring a pier house home to fishing pole rentals and bait. Open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, the pier does require a small entrance fee: $1 for spectators looking to stroll and $4 if you are fishing. But the coolest part is that it’s also a hot spot for watching sea turtles swim out of the Atlantic and ashore (prime nesting season is March through October). In fact, many local anglers who fish the site regularly act as an extension of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, regularly reporting new nests or injured sea turtles.

Where to Stay Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Mammoth Atlantic Fishing from Shore [Deerfield Beach, FL]

In this Florida fishing area, there’s no need to catch a ride on a deep-sea afternoon excursion (although you could if you want to ride the waves). The International Fishing Pier at Deerfield Beach (located 25 minutes south of Delray Beach) has been known to see fishermen haul in huge catches from its dock – just ask the then-13-year-old Jake Hobbs about landing a 70-pound sailfish off this same pier in 2012. Young anglers can even get first-time advice from the tackle shop staff or take a private lesson to learn how best to cast into the waves.

Where to Stay Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa | Delray Sands Resort

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