Piers and harbours offer access to deep water throughout the tidal cycle. This allows a longer fishing session in the same place than other mark types and since they are not covered by the sea (hopefully) a chance to go fishing at anytime. However it must be remembered that these places will often have a reputation for fishing well during certain times (e.g. perhaps at slack water). Access is normally very easy and it is often possible to fish from the comfort of your car. (If fishing from the car then do not park facing the water as rolling in is both embarrassing and costly). Sadly this also means they can get overcrowded, often by holiday makers and their once a year angling jaunt. Night fishing offers the best chance of a free space during the holiday season in the more touristy areas.
| There is often a long drop to the water so the line and rig must be strong enough to lift the fish out. The rod and reel must also be capable of winching the fish up the side, stouter rods fitted with multipliers are best when larger fish are expected. Every article on pier fishing sings the praises of the dropnet, yet I rarely see them in use. I do not carry one because an assistant is required to lower the net and around here the fish don't grow that big. (not when I'm fishing anyway) If large fish are the norm on your pier then dropnets may be more common. Handballing is a useful if nervewracking technique, as the fish reaches the surface your partner grabs the shock leader and pulls up by hand. Always allow enough shock leader for this purpose. | |
There is rarely need to show off your casting ability, in fact the bigger fish tend to be close in, long distance casters tend to be a nuisance as their lines cross other anglers. Pendulum casting is too dangerous and you are guaranteed an audience in the summer as tourists seem to feel the urge to walk along piers. Either drop your line down the side or have a short cast to clear the rocks and rubbish that accumulates at the base, experience tends to teach how far to cast. Harbours are a different story and the locals will advise on casting distance e.g. Amble harbour favours the short cast while in the Tyne a long cast is usually better (particularly further up river). Long casts also cause problems for boats.
When fishing harbours priority must always be given to boats. Professional skippers are ok as they travel at sensible speed and in a straight line. The deliberately cutting of anglers lines by speed boats and jetskis is not unheard of. Yachtmen caught offguard by wind changes (sails down before you enter the harbour please) and youngsters messing about in dingies also cause problems. Sadly the angler usually gets blamed and fishing banned in that harbour.
Harbours often contain large shoals of immature fish often making fishing impossible as they strip the bait intended for larger specimens. These fish should always be thrown back and children should be discouraged actively fishing for them. Sadly it is common to see a nine year old sitting next to a huge pile of dead tiddlers. If you wish to use small fish for bait buy some frozen sandeels, sprats, whitebait or sardines rather than catch immature fish.