BlogAugust 2023

Three Pier Fishing Tips for August

Three Pier Fishing Tips for August

By Andy Whitcomb

Aug 04, 2023

Fishing action off a pier in August can be hot. Here are a few tips to help find ways to catch fish by using these popular freshwater and saltwater structures.
 

Late summer means vacations, warm temperatures, and fishing. It is important to know a few pier fishing techniques for August because anglers, much like fish, are drawn to these structures. Venture out on these handy, stable constructions and because you are standing on good fish habitat over deeper water, you can find great pier fishing in August for beginners as well as experienced anglers. Here are a few pier fishing tips for August and the rest of late summer.

Investigate

Some of this can be done online ahead of time by reading fishing reports of your destination. Coastal states will list best pier fishing spots in August, or any other month, and will provide maps of these popular locations. When arriving after a long drive, make your way to the water and scout the nearest pier, without necessarily fishing immediately. Notice the timing of the tide, anglers’ preferred pier fishing bait for August, and their August pier fishing setups. This way, you’ll be better prepared for the next day’s outing.

Pivot

Bring a couple of different rod and reel combos or medium gear that will allow for some options in presentations and rigs. Sometimes, you can find some great action by downsizing hooks. Depending on your August pier fishing regulations, you may even be able to use small fish as bait on a sturdier outfit for larger fish that are sure to be lurking in the area too. A selection of other bait such as shrimp, crab, or squid will help in determining which stays on the hook best and which the fish prefer at the time.

Timing

The tide can play an important part of locating a bite, but so can time of day and fishing pressure. Early morning and late evening often mean a good fish feeding time and amazingly, fewer anglers and a little more room to cast. However, as with many of the best pier fishing spots in August, casting distance may not be as important as say, beach fishing, because the fish may be right below so just get the bait in the water and “soak it.” With smaller freshwater piers, it is especially important to be stealthy on these relatively shallower, quieter waters where fish may also take advantage of the shade.

 

As long as you are also equipped with the right fishing license, these simple strategies for pier fishing tips for August can help you find fish efficiently even if there is pier pressure.

Andy Whitcomb
Andy Whitcomb
Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.