Best Fishing Piers in Cocoa Beach, FL: Expert Tips and Insights

Cocoa Beach boasts diverse fishing piers, each offering a unique opportunity to reel various fish species. The city provides an excellent angler experience, with each pier offering something distinct.

From Snapper to Mackerel, you can expect to encounter a range of fish on these piers, adding an element of excitement to your fishing adventure.

This article will discuss some of the most popular ones in detail. After reading it, you can choose the right pier for you.

Top 5 Fishing Piers in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has numerous piers. No matter how many different preferences you have, you will indeed find a pier that you will like. You can enjoy fishing in all of them. But, five piers are the most famous here. That is why we will present them in detail. Let's go!

Cocoa Beach Pier

This pier is located in the heart of Cocoa Beach. It is easily accessible and offers a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. The pier is suitable for anglers of all experience levels and offers various restaurants and shops.

• Species to Catch: Snapper, Mackerel, and Redfish

• Season: Year-round

• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening

• Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle

• Address: 401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

• Key Benefits: Busy spot, great for tourists

• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, cut bait

Rich catches are possible here. In addition to fishing, this pier offers a wonderful walking environment.

Jetty Park Pier

Jetty Park Pier in Cape Canaveral is the perfect place to fish and relax. The pier offers fantastic views of the ocean and beaches, and tourists from cruise ships often visit it.

• Species to Catch: Snook, Tarpon, and Pompano

• Season: Year-round

• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, evening

• Entrance Fee: $15.00

• Address: 400 Jetty Road, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

• Key Benefits: Popular with locals and cruise ship passengers

• Recommended Baits: Live bait, artificial lures

Jetty Park Pier is also great for relaxing on the beach. When you add excellent catches and an accessible location, you get a great experience.

2nd Street Pier

The 2nd Street Pier provides a peaceful atmosphere unique to this spot, where smaller jetties grant access to shallower waters.

• Species to Catch: Sheepshead, Snapper, and Flounder

• Season: Year-round, best in winter

• Best Fishing Times: Early morning, evening

• Entrance Fee: Free

• Address: 2nd Street, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

• Key Benefits: A good spot for local anglers seeking a quieter place

• Recommended Baits: Sand fleas, cut bait

Unlike the other large piers, which attract many tourists and generate noise, the 2nd Street Pier is one of Cocoa Beach's hidden fishing gems. It's a quiet retreat where you can enjoy peaceful and relaxing fishing.

Lori Wilson Park Pier

This small pier is surrounded by lush nature. Lori Wilson Park is a good choice for those who want to combine fishing with relaxation in nature. It is also an excellent place for family visits.

• Species to Catch: Snapper, Flounder, and Mackerel

• Season: Year-round

• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening

• Entrance Fee: Free

• Address: 1500 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

• Key Benefits: Small pier, great for beginner anglers

• Recommended Baits: Shrimp, squid

Escape from everyday life and visit this pier. Its natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere will allow you to relax while fishing.

Alan Shepard Park Pier

Alan Shepard Park Pier is located in Cocoa Beach's popular park. It offers excellent opportunities for surf fishing and is great for small groups.

• Species to Catch: Pompano, Sheepshead, and Redfish

• Season: Year-round

• Best Fishing Times: Morning, evening

• Entrance Fee: Free

• Address: 503 Glen Cheek Drive, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

• Key Benefits: Perfect for fishing with family or a small group

• Recommended Baits: Sand fleas, live shrimp

Alan Shepard Park is ideal for family fishing and an excellent day trip destination. It offers a pleasant experience.

More About Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is located in Brevard County, in the eastern part of the state. It is one of Florida's most famous vacation spots, known for its beautiful beaches and numerous water activities.

Cocoa Beach has an area of about 16.3 square miles. Its development began in the middle of the 20th century. Cocoa Beach has about 18,000 residents. The number of visitors increases significantly during the tourist season. The city is famous for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. This place also hosts many events throughout the year. These are various festivals and competitions.

One of the main attractions in Cocoa Beach is the beautiful beach, which is more than six miles long. The city is especially popular with surfers and hosts major sports competitions.

The city is also close to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can see various birds and alligators.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Cocoa Beach

Before fishing in Cocoa Beach, you must familiarize yourself with a few basic rules and regulations, which we present below.

• Fishing License: All anglers over 16 must have a fishing license. Permits can most often be purchased online. Also, you can buy them in local stores.

• Catch Limits: For most fish species, there are limits on the quantity and size of the catch. For example, it is legal to keep a Redfish only if it is between 18 and 27 inches long.

• Seasonal Rules: Some fish have specific fishing seasons, and certain species are subject to seasonal restrictions to protect them during spawning. 

Check current regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Failure to comply with the rules can result in consequences, including confiscating your equipment. More importantly, responsible fishing ensures that Cocoa Beach's waters remain sustainable for future generations.

Follow these rules and enjoy fishing while helping to conserve Florida's valuable aquatic resources.

Final Thoughts

Cocoa Beach is a real destination for fishing enthusiasts. Its numerous piers offer a variety of opportunities for anglers. The natural beauty and proximity to famous attractions make Cocoa Beach even more attractive. Enjoy fishing, but always respect nature!

Have you discovered the charm of Cocoa Beach's piers? Share your experiences with us in the comments!

Disclaimer: The images used in this article may not be of specific piers, even though we always strive to provide an accurate shot. Our team has manually checked all data. We strive to keep all information current; some details may occasionally become outdated.