ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – At this time of year I get asked one question a lot. It comes from viewers and other Outdoors Bound followers who are planning a beach vacation, and it deals with fishing.
“What do I need to know about fishing piers at the beach?”
The easy answer to that is pretty standard. Ask at the pier itself or check with the folks at a local bait and tackle shop. Fishing piers provide access to water many anglers do not have without a boat or specialized gear. They can also be a great way to catch a lot of different species, depending on the time of year.
Location and amenities also play a role, and those definitely factor in. While everyone has a favorite saltwater pier, here are a few I recommend:
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- Easy access right on The Boardwalk
- One-thousand feet long
- Bait and tackle shop on premises
Sandbridge Fishing Pier
- Less crowded
- Dedicated parking for a fee
Kiptopeke State Park
- Big and open
- State Park amenities (Camping, Store, Cabins)
- Easy crabbing
Chincoteague Waterfront Park
- Easy access, though parking is limited
- Restaurants and stores nearby
- Dog friendly
- Easy crabbing
The types of fish you can catch depend on the time of the year, but they can include striped bass, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, croaker, spot, black sea bass, and ribbonfish.
In the heat of the summer, you can usually expect to catch croakers, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel.