Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Virginia Pier Fishing

By John C. Banks



Pier fishing varies from the most simple fishing to a few very complicated rigs. Beginners will feel very much at ease and many piers have a family atmosphere and lots of people willing to help each other learn.


Calling ahead to commercial piers is one way to prepare. Anglers can also check local websites for fishing reports and tips. In either case its a good idea to create a list of items needed and bring them beforehand. You will also want to consider how you will transport all this gear. Many serious pier fishermen use wagons or special carts to move their gear onto piers.


Common items might include a cooler, ice, drinks, snacks, sunblock, insect repellent, knife, bait, rags, pliers, rod and reels, tackle, and a camera. Some piers will have a store and feature everything you need, even rental rods and food. Others have no resources.


Fishing varies with time of day, wind, season and other factors. You can check local fishing reports, call the pier or contact the local authorities. The best way to find out is usually to enjoy time on the pier itself though!


These are some popular Virginia fishing piers:


The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
15th Street & Oceanfront
Virginia Beach Virginia


The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a very popular and productive fishing spot. Anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels congregate to enjoy a fun day on the pier. The pier is located on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia.


The Seagull Pier


This is an good local pier to fish from. It lies on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and extends into the bay. Trout, croakers, spot, bluefish, spanish mackerel, small sharks and even black drum are sometimes caught here. Daytime fishing can be productive and at night, bait congregates under the lights, attracting trout in close.


The Ocean View Pier
400 W. Ocean View Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 25303


The Ocean View Fishing Pier offers anglers excellent fishing opportunities. The 1690' long by 16' wide pier was constructed after Hurricane Isabel destroyed the original Harrison's Fishing Pier. The structure features at 48' wide T section at it's end and extends into the Chesapeake Bay between the Chesapeake Bay bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Tunnel.


The Saxis Pier


This is an excellent local pier to fish from. It lies on the eastern shore of Virginia a few miles off the highway. Saxis Island is off the main highway a good map or GPS should get you there. Bait is available locally including peeler crab or soft crab baits.


The pier extends 200 feet into Saxis Harbor and terminates with a 100-foot t-head. The pier is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant. The pier is lit and is open 24 hours a day. There is no fee to use the pier, However a valid saltwater fishing license is required.


Check with VMRC or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.








The author maintains seafood related websites including Worldwide Charters and Guides, Fresh-Seafood and Chincoteague Island Virginia.


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