Fishing Piers for Jack Crevalle

Image credit: Pexels

1. Pier Fishing

1.1 Structural Influence of Piers

The construction of a pier – with its pilings, beams, and deck – disrupts the natural flow of water. This disruption forms multiple microhabitats:

• Under-Pier Areas: The area directly under the pier deck tends to have slower water flow and can serve as a resting or ambush spot for predatory fish.
• Pilings and Columns: These vertical structures generate eddies as water flows around them. Such turbulence attracts baitfish, which in turn attract Jack Crevalle.
• Pier Ends: The terminal areas of a pier, where the structure meets open water, often experience a convergence of water currents. These “hotspots” are prime for fish that are actively feeding.

1.2 Environmental Conditions Affecting Fish Behavior

Several environmental factors play a significant role in how Jack Crevalle behave around piers:

• Tides and Currents:
  Tidal movements have a pronounced effect near piers. During an incoming tide, water flows toward the pier, concentrating baitfish around its base and pilings. Conversely, an outgoing tide may see fish retreating into deeper water, but often strong currents near the structure keep them in the strike zone. Understanding and timing your fishing session around these tidal shifts is critical.

• Water Clarity:
  Water clarity near piers can vary dramatically. In areas with clear water, Jack Crevalle are more cautious, and natural presentations tend to work best. In murky or turbid conditions, lures with extra flash or vibration are more effective to catch the attention of these aggressive fish.

• Water Temperature:
  The temperature of the water under a pier can differ from open water due to shading and the depth variations. Warmer water generally increases feeding activity, while cooler water may slow it down. Recognize these changes and adjust your bait presentation accordingly.

• Cloud Cover and Wind:
  Overcast skies reduce glare, often encouraging more aggressive feeding behavior in Jack Crevalle. Wind conditions can also affect water movement; a light to moderate breeze can enhance current strength around the pier, funneling baitfish into feeding zones. However, heavy winds may require heavier tackle and more controlled presentations.

2. Where Jack Crevalle Lurk Around Piers

Jack Crevalle are opportunistic predators that take advantage of the natural concentration of baitfish around pier structures. They are known to:

• Patrol Beneath the Pier Deck:
  The area under the pier often has reduced light and slower water flow, which can be attractive to fish looking for cover and ambush opportunities.

• School Around Pilings:
  The turbulent water created by pilings generates eddies where baitfish become concentrated. Jack Crevalle often position themselves in these areas to ambush prey.

• Concentrate at Pier Ends:
  At the terminus of a pier, where water currents converge, baitfish density is typically higher. These areas are especially productive when the tide is turning.

3. Targeting Jack Crevalle Around Piers

Effective targeting near piers involves a combination of heavy-duty gear, strategic bait presentations, and careful observation of water conditions. Due to the confined space and potentially rough water conditions near piers, your tackle should be built to handle strong runs and the increased abrasion from pier structures.

3.1 Bait Options for Pier Fishing

3.1.1 Live Finger Mullet

Overview:
Live finger mullet are prized for their natural movement and enticing appearance. Their erratic swimming patterns trigger an aggressive response from Jack Crevalle.

Rigging Technique:

• Rig Type: Sliding sinker rig.
• Setup:
  1. Slide a small egg sinker onto your heavy mainline (preferably heavier than what you’d use in surf fishing due to the rougher conditions at piers).
  2. Tie a swivel 1.5–2 feet above the sinker.
  3. Attach a short heavy leader (1.5–2 feet) and tie on a robust hook (size 1/0 to 2/0).
  4. Insert the mullet through the lips or just behind the dorsal fin so that it can swim naturally.

3.1.2 Live Pinfish

Overview:
Live pinfish are abundant in many coastal areas and offer a very natural presentation when rigged correctly. Their constant movement and scent are very attractive to Jack Crevalle.

Rigging Technique:

• Rig Type: Fish-float rig.
• Setup:
  1. Tie a heavy short leader directly to your mainline.
  2. Attach a weighted swivel about 2 feet above the leader connection point.
  3. Add a longer heavy leader (approximately 2–3 feet) to the swivel, and then tie on a strong hook.
  4. Hook the pinfish so that it retains a natural swimming action.

3.1.3 Cut Mullet

Overview:
Cut bait from mullet releases a strong scent that can attract Jack Crevalle from a distance. The presentation of cut bait is effective especially in turbulent pier waters where the scent disperses quickly.

Rigging Technique:

• Rig Type: Carolina rig.
• Setup:
  1. Start with a heavy sliding sinker rig similar to the live bait setup.
  2. Instead of a short leader, use a longer heavy leader (around 3–4 feet) to allow the cut bait to drift naturally.
  3. Tie on a robust hook using a secure knot (such as the Palomar knot).
  4. Cut the bait into strips or chunks and secure them on the hook so that they remain in the strike zone as they drift.

3.2 Lure Options for Pier Fishing

3.2.1 Topwater Plugs and Poppers

Overview:
Topwater lures like plugs and poppers create exciting surface action and are ideal when Jack Crevalle are striking near the surface under a pier.

Retrieve Technique:

• Use a “jerk-jerk-pause” retrieval to mimic injured baitfish. The explosive surface action generated by these lures is especially effective in low-light or overcast conditions.

3.2.2 Metal Spoons

Overview:
Metal spoons are classic and effective in a variety of water conditions. Their reflective surfaces and vibrating action make them excellent for attracting Jack Crevalle, especially in choppy or turbid water near piers.

Retrieve Technique:

• A steady, moderately fast retrieve that allows the spoon to flutter naturally. This action creates flashes and vibrations that are irresistible to predatory fish.

3.2.3 Soft Plastic Swimbaits

Overview:
Soft plastic swimbaits offer a lifelike presentation that can mimic injured baitfish very effectively. Their natural swimming action is particularly effective when fishing around the structural complexity of a pier.

Retrieve Technique:

• Employ a slow, deliberate retrieve with intermittent pauses and subtle twitches. This method mimics the erratic motion of distressed baitfish.

3.2.4 Jerkbaits

Overview:
Jerkbaits are effective for provoking strikes from Jack Crevalle by simulating an injured baitfish with erratic movements. Their twitching action can incite aggressive strikes.

Retrieve Technique:

• Use a “jerk-jerk-pause” method to create an irregular, lifelike movement in the water.

Jack Crevalle Fishing off Piers: A Case Study

1. Skyway Fishing Pier – Tampa Bay, Florida

Location: Spanning Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia
Structure: Long concrete pier with heavy pilings and deep water access
Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May–September)
Techniques:

• Using medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 20–40 lb braided line and fluorocarbon leaders
• Casting live bait such as mullet or pinfish near pilings and drop-offs
• Using heavy jigs and spoons retrieved aggressively around structure
• Targeting early morning or late afternoon feeding times for active jacks
  Notable Features:
• One of the longest fishing piers in the world, offering access to deep water near shore
• Consistent jack crevalle presence with trophy-sized fish reported
• Well-maintained fishing amenities and ample parking
  References:
• Florida Sportsman - Skyway Fishing Pier
• Tampa Bay Times - Fishing Report

2. Okaloosa Island Pier – Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Location: Gulf of Mexico shoreline on Okaloosa Island
Structure: Wooden pier extending into the Gulf with pilings and artificial reefs nearby
Best Season: Summer months (June–August)
Techniques:

• Medium spinning gear with 20–30 lb braided line
• Using cut bait, live shrimp, and artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons
• Casting near pilings and around artificial reef structures for ambush points
• Evening and nighttime fishing for increased jack activity
  Notable Features:
• Popular pier with a variety of saltwater species including jack crevalle
• Good pier facilities with cleaning stations and bait shops nearby
• Night fishing allowed and often productive for aggressive jacks
  References:
• Okaloosa Island Pier Official Website
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

3. Biloxi Fishing Pier – Biloxi, Mississippi

Location: Extends from the Biloxi coast into the Mississippi Sound
Structure: Long pier with concrete pilings and deep water access
Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May–September)
Techniques:

• Using heavier tackle for large jacks with braided line (30–50 lb) and fluorocarbon leaders
• Live bait like mullet or mud minnows fished near pilings and structure
• Casting large spoons and jigs with fast retrieves to provoke strikes
• Fishing during tidal changes to take advantage of feeding activity
  Notable Features:
• Known for producing large, aggressive jack crevalle
• Pier equipped with lighting for night fishing
• Scenic location popular with local and visiting anglers
  References:
• Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
• Biloxi Fishing Pier Info

Click the thumbnail above for tips on fishing Piers for Jack Crevalle on YouTube. |

Popular YouTube Searches	Watch
Jack Crevalle Fishing on Piers
Jack Crevalle Pier Fishing Tips
Best Baits for Jack Crevalle on Piers
Jack Crevalle Pier Fishing Gear
Night Fishing Jack Crevalle on Piers
Jack Crevalle Pier Fishing Spots