The kind of tackle you will need for pier fishing is important in catching a multitude of fish. If you are planning to have a fish fry for your neighborhood, you'd better make sure you have the right tackle! A lot of fishing tackle catalogs carry what is called a pier rod, but in truth the best rod for pier fishing is a beach caster.

A rod needs to be at least 12 feet in length to aid in drawing the fish away from the pier supports with your bait. Choose a reel with strong gears and load it with 25 pound to 30 pound test line so that you will be prepared for the big fish.

Having a good selection of bait will be the sure fire way to catching the most fish. On shore baits are usually a good choice and a lot bait can be picked up right off the pier from previous fisherman! Mussels are a pier fishing bait because when the tides come crashing in, that is usually what the fish come looking for. Mussels are slammed around against the rocks and broken open by strong tides, so putting your line out there with a mussel ready for eating is a great way to get a bite!
 
Pier fishing is popular in that most anyone can get out there and try their hand at it. Always be mindful of any rules or regulations that are associated with the pier you are on and take care if that pier is crowded on the day you go fishing. If you don't mind getting wet and aren't afraid of storms, the fishing for big cod and bass is best when the waves are smashing those mussels!

Make sure the storm isn't so bad that you chance getting struck by lightning or swept off the pier!

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