Pier fishing is one of the best methods for anglers to land fish. The technique offers a host of benefits, including saving anglers the stress of worrying about boats’ expenses. Piers provide anglers with access to fish in both freshwater and saltwater.
In case you’re a beginner trying to get familiar with the basics of fishing, pier fishing is one of the best options for you. To get started, you need to first learn about the tricks and trips to land fish from a pier. Apart from that, you also need to make use of the best equipment for better results.
Some of the equipment needed for pier fishing include a fishing rod, drop net, rod holder, plier, filleting knife, and bait bucket. There are different types of fishing rods out there; however, when it comes to pier fishing, the best rod is the one that suits the kind and size of fish you’re aiming to catch. That said, here’s a burning question; can you use a boat rod for pier fishing?
You can always use a boat rod for pier fishing. However, for you to choose the best rod, you need to put a couple of factors into consideration. They include the length of the rod, the type of fish you’re planning to catch, as well as its size. A boat rod about 9ft long will likely work for pier fishing.
In case you’re new to choosing the right equipment for pier fishing, you need to understand that there’s no such thing as specialist pier fishing rods. There are different boat rods out there, but many of them are not ideal for pier fishing. In the rest of this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to use boat rods for pier fishing.
Can You Use A Boat Rod For Pier Fishing?
As earlier mentioned, you can always use a boat rod for pier fishing. However, you need to understand that choosing an ideal rod isn’t always easy. That’s so because most boat rods are around 6 feet and 7 feet in length. Of course, they aren’t perfect for pier fishing, as they are stout and somehow short.
For pier fishing, the ideal rod length is around seven feet and eight feet in length. This type of rod is better for dropping bait down into the water. If you’re interested in casting, the perfect rod length should be slightly longer than 8 feet. That said, in the case, you’re going to use a boat rod for pier fishing, ensure that you go for the correct size.
One of the few reasons why I’ll advise you not to use boat rods for pier fishing is because of their functionalities, length, weight, and strength. However, if you think you can deal with the factors, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from utilizing the fishing equipment.
Furthermore, you need to understand that one of the beauties of pier fishing is positioning yourself better and casting at moderately far distances into the waters.
3 Ways To Use Boat Rods For Pier Fishing
Now that you’ve decided to use a boat rod for pier fishing, the next question is; what is the best way to utilize the equipment for the intended purpose?
You can use boat rods for pier fishing in three different ways. These include having them in light setup for baitfish, medium setup, and heavy setup.
1- Light setup
As previously mentioned, one of the few ways to use boat rods for pier fishing is by setting up the equipment for jigging. With this method, you can always use the rods to catch small fish species.
Since most boat rods are around 6 feet and 7 feet in length, you’ll undoubtedly find it pretty easy to find the best products for this purpose. In addition to using short boat rods, it’s worth knowing that you’ll also need to use some light tackle. The best type of boat rod for light setup and light tackle is the spinning rod – it functions well when handling lighter lines.
2- Medium setup
Unlike the light method, a medium setup of your boat rod for pier fishing is a better choice if you’re interested in landing bigger fish (about 5 to 10lb range). For this technique, the boat rod should be around 7 feet and 8 feet in length and come with a heavy or medium power rating.
With an eight-feet long boat rod, you’ll be able to cast longer distances. That’s not all; the medium-sized rod will also enable you to steer fish away from the towers located beneath the pier.
3- Heavy setup
Lastly, you can use your boat rods for pier fishing by heavily setting up the fishing equipment for larger fish species. For this technique, you can use a spinning rod around nine feet in length that comes with a heavy power rating.
Furthermore, you can also use conventional rods and reels if you’re looking to land the biggest catches, such as sharks. One of the benefits of conventional boat rods is that they provide better starting power.
What Can You Use For Pier Fishing?
1- Pier fishing rod
One of the essential tools for pier fishing is the fishing rod. They come in different different types, including spinning rods and baitcasting rods.
Furthermore, both spinning and baitcasting rods differ because of the kind of reels attached to them. However, you can find both of them available in various lengths. That said, one of the best-selling fishing rods for pier fishing is the PENN Battle II, Battle III Spinning Reel, and Fishing Rod Combo.
The fishing rod comes as a pair; a robust full metal body reel and an ultra-responsive fishing rod. The benefit of these offerings is that they provide you with a potent mix of strength and sensitivity. You can check here to read more about the product’s offerings and how you can make an order.
2- Fishing cart
Another tool that you need for pier fishing is the fishing cart. The equipment’s primary benefit is that it makes it pretty easy to transport your tackle and gear from your vehicle to the pier.
One of the best-selling and most reliable fishing carts for transporting your tackle and gear is the Berkley Fishing Cart. The product comes in varieties of models and sizes. Furthermore, the fishing carts also have a compact design, including four removable rod holders, making it easy for you to convey your fishing equipment to the pier. You can check here to read more about the product’s offerings, price, and how to order it.
3- Fishing hoop net
Occupying the third spot is the fishing hoop net, which you’ll find handy for landing large fish species, including kingfish. Furthermore, one of the benefits of hoop nets is that they make it easy for anglers to bring fish out of the water into the pier without breaking your fishing line.
That said, in case you’re interested in buying a hoop net for pier fishing, one of the best-selling products is the Frabill Conservation Telescoping Handle Net. The product offers a host of unique features, including a 100% knotless mesh that will help you prevent fish injuries.
4- Fishing sinkers
You’ll find fishing sinkers handy for pier fishing if you’re interested in covering specific depths and conditions. In case you don’t know, there are several different types of fishing sinkers. We have the pyramid sinkers – a tool that’s widely used in rougher waters, as they can hold to any raging ocean floor.
Another type of sinker is the Pancake Sinkers, which anglers utilize to prevent their lines from getting twisted and tangled up. That’s not all; there are also bank sinkers and breakaway sinkers.
If you’re interested in getting a sinker to cover your desired depths and conditions, one of the best-selling products is the Hilitchi Fishing Pyramid Weights Bullet Fishing Sinker. The product packs several unique features, including getting designed with high-purity lead and high abrasion resistance. That said, you can check here to read more regarding the fishing sinker and how you can order it.
5- Rod holders
The purpose of rod holders is help to clamp your rods onto pier railings. Furthermore, the fishing equipment makes it possible for you to utilize multiple rods without worrying about losing any of them.
Are you interested in buying a reliable rod holder for pier fishing? If yes, one of the best-sell products that you’ll find handy is the KastKing Patented V15 Vertical Fishing Rod Holder. The product packs many different and unique features.
For instance, the V15 fishing rod rack comes designed with durable non-rusting amorphous polymer material. Interestingly, the material is chemical and heat-resistant, meaning that it’s 100% safe for use. Furthermore, by opting for the product, you’ll be able to hold as many fishing rods as possible at a time.
To be precise, you can hold up to 15 fishing rods without worrying about losing any of them. That said, you can check here for more information regarding the product’s offerings and how you can take advantage of it for pier fishing.