Pier and jetty fishing
Piers and jetties are man made structure that concentrate bait, current, and predators in one accessible spot. The rocks and pilings hold shellfish and small fish, the current sweeps food past, and gamefish stack up to feed. Learn to fish the tips, corners, and edges and you get boat quality fishing on foot.
Best spring through fall, with structure fish available much of the year
How it works
- 1Fish the current side of a jetty where the tide sweeps bait along the rocks and predators wait to ambush it.
- 2Target the pilings, corners, and the deeper water off the end where structure and current meet.
- 3Drop baits tight to the rocks and pilings, since that is where fish like tautog and sheepshead hold.
- 4Use a fish finder or high low rig to keep bait near the bottom structure in current.
- 5Cast lures and let them swing naturally with the current along the face of the structure.
- 6Bring a bridge net or drop net to land larger fish that you cannot lift straight up from height.
Gear
A medium heavy rod with enough backbone to pull fish away from the rocks is essential. Use braid for its low stretch, a strong abrasion resistant leader, and jigs, plugs, or bait rigs depending on your target.
Tips
- • Fish snag structure. Bring extra rigs and sinkers because you will lose some to the rocks.
- • A rising tide often pushes gamefish right up onto the jetty rocks to feed on trapped bait.
- • Fiddler crabs and green crabs tucked into the rocks tempt tautog and sheepshead better than anything.
Knots to know
FAQ
Where on a jetty should I fish?
Focus on the current side, the corners, and the deeper water off the tip. These spots collect bait and hold the most gamefish. The rocks themselves also hold structure feeders like tautog and sheepshead.
How do I land a big fish from a high pier?
Use a drop net or bridge net lowered on a rope. Trying to lift a heavy fish straight up on your line risks a break off, and many piers keep a net on hand for exactly this reason.