Fishing in Fort Pierce: The Ultimate Guide

In Fort Pierce, fishing isn't just a hobby – it's a way of life. For decades, locals have nurtured a fishing tradition that attracts tourists who want to try their hand at the most exciting fishing techniques. Every day brings a new experience, and every catch has a backstory worth sharing. You can tell your story, too.

Located on the scenic Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce offers excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, guaranteed good catches and expeditions to some of the region's most exciting spots, from the Indian River Lagoon to deep-sea adventures in the Atlantic Ocean.

Gear up and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure, as Fort Pierce offers an exciting experience for every angler!

Fish Species Found in Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce, Florida, is home to many fish species but is also an angler's paradise, considering the rich marine life. Below, we reveal why this destination is a must-visit for all fishing enthusiasts.

Native Species

Fort Pierce has many resident species, and the area is incredibly rich in aquatic life. Read the information below to learn about the native fish species, the best time to fish, and how difficult each is. 

Sailfish

Gulf Streams in Fort Pierce attracts Sailfish, making it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts. The adventure promises a challenging experience in catching the fish and the surrounding circumstances. Locals suggest using ballyhoo trolling or squid as bait to increase your chances of success.

• Best Time to Catch: From November to April

• Habitat: The surface epipelagic and oceanic waters

• Preferred Bait: Using squid as bait

• Fishing Technique: Ballyhoo trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging to hook due to long, tapered lower jaw

• Depth: 120 to 300 feet

If you are an experienced angler, catching this particular fish may be challenging but daunting for a beginner. However, a good photo of this fish will remind you of this moment. With its torpedo-like body that can reach up to 68 miles per hour, it is proudly among the fastest fish in this ocean.

Snook

Fort Pierce is especially crowded in the summer and early fall because of the popular Snook fishing. Beaches, piers, bridges, and coves are the main places for local anglers and tourists who strive for a successful catch. This period is considered the most productive for Snook. 

• Best Time to Catch: May through September

• Habitat: Coastal waters, mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, and beaches

• Preferred Bait: Pinfish, mullet, minnows, sardines, shrimp, or artificial lures

• Fishing Technique: Luring, casting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow waters (less than 5 feet)

Snook also thrive along the mangroves of the Indiana River. If you want to catch Snook as efficiently as possible, dead bait will attract them. Try mullet, minnows, sardines, and herring; you will surely get lucky.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout are ideal for fishing for several reasons. First, they are easy to catch; second, they are easy to find; and third, they are delicious. The Speckled Trout world record was caught in Fort Pierce. As their name suggests, they are exciting, with spots on their sides, back, fins, and an elongated silver-colored body.

• Best Time to Catch: Fall (prime season)

• Habitat: Coastal waters, bridges, and jetties

• Preferred Bait: Shrimp lures

• Fishing Technique: Live bait fishing, jigging

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Depth: 15 to 60 feet

The grass flats of the Indian River are an excellent starting point for fishing for Speckled Trout. However, if you head east, among the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, especially around bridges and jetties, you are more likely to find it. Prepare good Trout bait, such as live shrimp and soft bait.

Snappers

This species migrates to different regions, from Florida to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is recognizable by its red and yellow color, compressed body, characteristic spiny dorsal fin, and short, sharp, needle-like teeth.

• Best Time to Catch: All year round, especially in the winter months 

• Habitat: Open water, reefs, holes, and between pins in the gulf

• Preferred Bait: Usually dead bait, but also squid, pogies, and cigar minnows

• Fishing Technique: Slow-jigging

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Depth: 30 to 620 feet

Anglers prize this fish for its juicy, shellfish-like flavor. Typically sold in fillets, it can be fried, baked, or grilled. Snappers inhabit shallow-water reefs but move to deeper waters during their autumn spawning season. They are most active at sunrise and sunset, making timing and location key for a successful catch.

Groupers

Groupers are widespread on the Florida coast. They have a recognizable thick body and a large mouth, making swimming difficult at greater depths. Some species of groupers can even be up to several feet in size, like the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, which weighed 880 pounds and was 2.43 feet long – a record catch. 

• Best Time to Catch: October through December

• Habitat: Nearshore shallow waters in macroalgal and seagrass habitats

• Preferred Bait: Sardines, squid, white crabs, and chub mackerel 

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Not so easy, considering the sturdy fishing gear

• Depth: 30 to 200 feet

It is a very popular catch because of its taste. Some compare it to the taste of a shark, which again depends on a person's preferences. You can prepare it on the grill. They are rich in nutritional value and contain all essential amino acids, and they are a good source of minerals, vitamins, and fats that contain essential fatty acids.

Redfish

The Redfish, also called the "Red Drum," is a commonly seen fish in this area. You can find it in various habitats, such as seagrass beds, mangroves, oyster bars, and sandy or muddy bottoms, so it's great to consider kayak fishing as it's an excellent choice for hunting this fish. They also live in coastal waters so you can catch them by boat or from the pier.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring and early fall months

• Habitat: Deep offshore structures (spawn), lagoons, salt marshes, bays, inlets

• Preferred Bait: Pogies, mullet, pilchards and greenies

• Fishing Technique: Live bait fishing, drifting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: 10 to 15 feet 

Redfish gets its name from its copper or reddish-bronze hue, which lightens during spawning. Anglers recognize it by its distinctive black spot near the tail. It is highly nutritious, and packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy, low-calorie option. Depending on preference, it can be fried, poached, sautéed, or steamed.

Migratory Species

In contrast to the permanent inhabitants of Fort Pierce's waters, some occasional visitors immigrate from other areas. Here are some species worth catching. 

Tarpon 

The Tarpon fish, known as the "Silver King," can reach extraordinary sizes, exceeding 6 feet and weighing over 100 pounds. Such large ones become even more impressive when they jump out of the water, so hunting them is a real challenge but an unforgettable experience.

• Best Time to Catch: March and June or September and October 

• Habitat: Shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but also coral reefs

• Preferred Bait: Mullet

• Fishing Technique: Dead bait on the bottom

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Depth: 4 to 10 feet

Tarpon have a striking appearance, with bluish or greenish backs and silvery scales covering most of their bodies except for their heads. They have large eyes with fat lids and broad mouths with prominent lower jaws. They usually live in warm, isolated areas. Female Tarpon is highly prolific and can lay up to 12 million eggs at a time, and spawning is generally in late spring to early summer.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel is a subtropical species of fish found on the Atlantic coast of America. It swims in depths of about 40-150 feet, where fishing is most successful. However, it is not rare to find them in bays or harbors, even at an incredible 590 feet where the Gulf Stream is present.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring and fall

• Habitat: Bays or harbors

• Preferred Bait: Live or cut bait like blue runners, herring, cigar minnows, or mullet

• Fishing Technique: Trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging due to their power and speed

• Depth: 40 to 150 feet 

King Mackerel has a silvery body with pale to dark fins and migrates seasonally in large schools. Found in Florida, the South Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico, it is a favorite among sport anglers for its speed. Common fishing techniques include trolling with live or dead bait, often using gill nets.

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle Jack is a predatory fish that usually eats small fish. Its diet depends mainly on age, location, and season, suggesting that this species is indiscriminate in its feeding habits. Its appearance is recognizable by its deep, compressed body and black spot. This species is robust, agile, and a highly valued catch for anglers.

• Best Time to Catch: Fall (prime season)

• Habitat: Coastal estuaries for spawning, growth, and congregation

• Preferred Bait: Mullet, herring, or pilchards (sardines) 

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, casting lures

• Difficulty: Hard

• Depth: Up to 1,148 feet

Crevalle Jacks are migratory fish and feed on a variety of prey, significantly smaller fish and crustaceans. Because of their aggressive nature and mighty fight, they are a favorite among sport anglers looking for a challenge.

Prime Fishing Spots in Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce, Florida, offers anglers opportunities to explore a variety of fish habitats, from rivers to deep-sea expanses. Depending on your interests, some places are ideal for adventure seekers, while others are ideal for relaxation.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

You can fish from land, kayak, or canoe in this place and catch fish such as Snook, Trout, and Flounder. However, those are only some of the activities here. Fort Pierce is the perfect place for lovers of diving and surfing. You can always have a picnic on the beach and relax and enjoy the charms of the sea.

Fort Pierce Inlet is an excellent place for anglers who want a rich meal. Not to be outdone is Jack Island Preserve, 1 mile north of the park, which has outstanding hiking and biking trails.

Another point of interest in this place is the Marsh Rabbit Run Trail, where you can climb a tower with a perfect view of the Indian River and the island.

Chris Benson Reef

Chris Benson's Reef, an interesting picturesque place belonging to artificial reefs, is a favorite place for anglers for many reasons, primarily because of the abundant marine life. The place bears the name of a local diver and conservationist and deserves it because of the history he left his mark on.

Underwater ecosystems intrigue anglers the most and are often visited by recreational divers. This famous tourist attraction boasts a developed fishery that attracts anglers from different regions yearly.

D.J. Wilcox Riverside Preserve Fishing Pier

D.J. Wilcox Riverside Preserve Fishing Pier is a popular fishing spot in the heart of Fort Pierce. Located along the Indian River Lagoon, it provides anglers with outstanding coastal views and access to various fish.

Due to its natural wealth, it is considered a protected area is known for its natural beauty and abundance of wild animals. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers in fishing.

Bear Point Sanctuary Fishing Pier

Bear Point Sanctuary is perfect for anglers who organize hunts for Sheepshead, Snapper, Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle hunts. For those who enjoy kayaking, there's no better place than the Indian River Lagoon and the surrounding mangroves. These habitats are perfect for kayaking tours and offer a unique and beautiful experience.

There are hiking and biking trails, observation towers, and a 500-foot fishing pier. From these viewpoints, you can enjoy the natural beauty.

Explore the lagoon and its surroundings by paddling through it using a canoe or kayak. Local guides are available for boat tours.

Fort Pierce City Marina

The marina is a favorite place for fishing charters, so if you want to go further from the coast, this is the ideal starting point for this type of adventure.

The Fort Pierce City Marina is a publicly owned marina operated by a state-of-the-art pier system in historic downtown Fort Pierce. In the center, you can find everything: shops, galleries, restaurants, theaters, museums, parks, libraries, and places where fishing tournaments are organized.

Many say Fort Pierce is the best all-weather spot on the East Coast. It is a leader in day trips, barbecues, diving/snorkeling, kayaking, and world-class fishing.

Fort Pierce Inlet Jetties

The jetties are good fishing spots accessible all year round for catching Snook, Tarpon, Mackerel, and even sharks.

This beautiful place on Florida's east coast has the charm of a fishing village, and these jetties allow boats to enter and exit Fort Pierce Harbor safely.

It's also worth mentioning that the fishing piers in Fort Pierce are popular among anglers, offering diverse opportunities for fishing and recreation.

Fort Pierce Ledge

Fort Pierce Ledge attracts many anglers because it is an exciting fishing spot. It is a natural underwater formation consisting of ledges and rocky outcrops. The main catches are Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Cobia.

This place allows anglers to do pelagic fishing, targeting different species at different depths. The presence of the Gulf Stream contributes to the diverse marine life and fisheries of a wide range of fish species in a dynamic and picturesque environment.

Fishing Techniques in Fort Pierce

When you get into fishing, you want to learn various techniques over time. There are plenty of places in Fort Pierce that offer different approaches. The area's unique landscapes, with the Indian River Lagoon to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, provide a wide range of opportunities and a dynamic fishing environment that attracts anglers of all skill levels.

Embarking on a fishing adventure requires experience, preparation, and knowledge to get the most out of fishing. There are several ways to go fishing, and we'll go through them individually to help you decide which one suits you best.

Light Tackle

This widespread technique is also the easiest for most anglers, considering lightweight and more flexible fishing rods, reels, and lines, most often in coastal waters. Light tackle anglers prefer to use small sharp hooks of high-quality steel and laser strong.

In this case, more lightweight equipment provides less resistance, which is more convenient. Specifically in Fort Pierce, light tackle fishing is commonly used for Walleye, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, Mahi Mahi, and Sailfish. You can use both live and artificial bait.

Remember that you may catch a big fish using light tackle fishing, given some careful planning, the right equipment, and skill. The great thing about light tackle is that if you set it up and use it correctly, you can catch fish reasonably quickly and do much less damage to the fish than heavy tackle, which can damage the jaws and burn the fish.

Heavy Tackle

Fishing with heavy tackle is a technique you use when targeting big and robust fish. This rugged fishing gear includes strong rods, reels, and lines, 30 pounds or more, to make catching fish like Marlin, Sailfish, or Tuna much easier. For this to be successful, you must have skills and be durable. It gives you a dose of adrenaline and an exciting experience.

This technique is mainly used by anglers who are experts in not hooking the fish, and the equipment is heavier, so more extended experience is expected. In the case of a heavy catch, use a more serious line than a lighter hook. A more severe line helps you control the fish better and makes retrieving the fish easier.

Some saltwater fish you can catch with heavy tackle include Striped Bass, Bluefish, or Tuna. The type of bait you use will depend on the kind of fish you want to capture.

Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing is popular in Fort Pierce, especially on the coast. This method is used to catch various fish, including Shrimp, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sailfish, and Mahi Mahi. Different rigs are used depending on the fish targeted, including fish finders or Carolina rigs.

Live bait is one of the most effective methods to catch fish, as natural food sources are usually more appealing to fish than artificial bait. This makes it more likely to catch more fish using live bait, mainly freshwater fish. However, one downside is that live bait requires refrigeration to keep it alive and attract certain fish.

Jigging

One of the popular fishing techniques in Fort Pierce is jigging, which involves using a jig that aims to imitate the movement of prey fish. The irregular movement of the bait up and down attracts fish such as Grouper.

It is mainly applied around reefs, wrecks, and underwater ledges where large fish congregate. Although this technique is used primarily by experienced anglers, even beginners can try and learn some new skills to catch prey.

These are easy steps to learn how to jig. First, cast out and let your jig sink to the bottom before allowing your lure to fall back to the bottom. To increase your skill, raise the jigging rod to a point about 45 degrees below the horizontal and then lower it again. Spin the reel handle following each rode cycle.

Fly Fishing

Estuaries and backwaters are famous for fly fishing. In this method, you use a light bait called a fly to imitate insects, bait fish, or other prey that the fish feed on. Specialized fly rods, reels, and weighted lines are used in this case. This technique catches Redfish, Walleye, Tarpon, and Trout, usually found in shallow water.

The difference between fly fishing and conventional fishing is that in the former, you use a weighted line (fly) to cast, while in the traditional method, you use a weightless line to cast the bait to the fish. Nymphing is the most challenging method, but it is also the most effective.

Surf Fishing

The surf sounds exciting, but imagine what fishing with it would be like. Well, luckily for surf lovers, surf fishing is a favorite adventure in Fort Pierce. This technique is remarkable but not very easy. It takes skill to do this activity successfully.

You need to cast off the shore and maintain your balance on the board, and if you practice well, you will be lucky to catch Pompano, Snook, and even the occasional Tarpon. For this type of fishing, we recommend using long rods to cast further away from the waves, along with sturdy reels and lures designed to withstand harsh surf conditions.

Regarding fish finder gear, slip gear is the most popular choice for surfing. You can use it in most conditions and for any species you want to target. You will need a pyramid pan with a line swivel, a two-inch leader, and a circle hook with cut or frozen bait.

The best time of day to surf fish is at dawn and around dusk, but the tide is still the essential factor during that period.

Trolling

Trolling ranks at the top of the list of popular fishing techniques in Fort Pierce and many other fishing destinations worldwide. It involves trolling for bait fishing while on the move to attract fish, such as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Kingfish.

The goal is to catch fish that swim close to the water's surface and feed right there or in the middle depths. Boat speed and line distance from the boat can vary depending on the fish you want to catch and the water conditions.

The purpose of trolling is to lower the bait to a certain depth using weights, sinkers, or planning boards, which primarily depends on what time of year you are fishing. For example, a Trout at a particular time can be much deeper than the casting range, usually up to 20 feet. By trolling in this way, you cover much more water and lower the bait quickly and profoundly if the circumstances require it.

Charter Fishing

The Treasure Coast in Fort Pierce offers plenty of opportunities for anglers. One is charter fishing with a local charter captain, who will especially capture the catch of the most famous fish in this place. With a charter, it is possible to cover long distances, thus encountering a game that mainly attracts your attention.

You will have the safety equipment on a charter to reach the great depths. If required, you will receive training at the very beginning, and every day during the tour, you will receive helpful advice from local professional anglers. Apart from fishing, you will learn everything about this area.

If you are lucky, you can catch Grouper, Kingfish, Sailfish, and many other species. Of course, experienced anglers will always point out where to go to catch the desired fish.

Kayak Fishing

Although fishing on a kayak seems calm and slow at first glance, it can be stimulating if you are an experienced kayaker and want to visit some accessible, hidden, and beautiful places.

Paddling mostly inshore or a little farther but safe, you can catch various species, including Walleye Trout, Tarpon, and Flounder.

Some secluded spots are ideal for exploring, especially by kayak. So get ready because this is an excellent opportunity to blend in with beautiful Fort Pierce. If you have ever been on a kayak, you may know you need strength, good coordination, and balance.

Shore Fishing

You can also spend your day on shore fishing beside sandy beaches, rocky piers, and fishing jetties. The convenience and accessibility of the inshore fishery offer the perfect opportunity for a catch, and you can come across various sought-after species, including Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Pompano, Sheepshead, and a variety of sharks.

This type of fishing is the most uncomplicated and relaxing, much like a picnic by the shore. Whether alone or in the company of fellow anglers, the aim is to enjoy a peaceful day while appreciating the beautiful surroundings. Casting a line and observing the scenery around you, both up close and far away, is exciting.

Fort Pierce offers numerous convenient locations for peaceful fishing, including parks and less crowded beaches.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Fort Pierce

To fish smoothly, you must know specific rules and regulations. One of the prerequisites for fishing in Florida is a fishing license. Since the rules can vary from place to place, it is best to check with the fishing pier.

A case where you don't need to think about a license is fishing with a charter captain, but if you are interested in kayak fishing or fishing from the pier, check what documents you need.

Sometimes, it's not just paper; fishing in Florida can include restrictions in certain places or times of the year. For more information, check with FWC official website to avoid side effects.

Different licenses are also available because of the many fishing opportunities in Florida. For example, separate freshwater and saltwater or combined licenses are available. Which fish you will catch depends on your license. So, if you intend to fish for Snook, lobster, or Tarpon, you will need a special permit. You can purchase licenses and permits on the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

Final Thoughts

Fort Pierce has a lot to see, so you will find everything you need by reading this article before heading to this fantastic fishing place. This comprehensive guide to fishing in Fort Pierce highlights the diverse fishing techniques and rich marine life you won't want to miss.

There are many opportunities here, from exploring various fishing spots to catching many fish species, making your experience even more exciting. 

We hope you get detailed insight into where and how to fish in this region, ensuring anglers of all skill levels can benefit from fishing in Fort Pierce. 

We invite you to join our fishing community and share your experiences because we know that Fort Pierce is a vibrant fishing destination with incredible fishing opportunities awaiting you in this beautiful coastal city.