Williams Pier is located at the intersection of 54th Street South and Shore Boulevard in Gulfport. The first in a series of piers was built in 1907. The latest pier was recently renovated, and a dedication to Bert and Walter Williams was held in June 2001. Bert and Walter Williams, a father and son, were instrumental in the development of Gulfport, serving as city officials for a combined tenure of over twenty-seven years.

Features of the pier:

– 521-foot extension into Boca Ciega Bay providing access to fishing in deeper waters
– Free admission
– Exterior lighting
– Benches
– Fish cleaning table

Address: Shore Blvd. S. and 54th St. S.
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours

Fishing License is required unless you’re exempt and meet the requirements to not need one.

Best type of bait appears to be live Shrimp and Fiddler crabs or Swimming / Passing Crabs also Green Backs or Threadfin are a good pick as well.

You should be able to find Free bait around February and March if you get to the Pier just as its getting dark. If you check around the lights that shine in the water and have a long enough net to scoop the crabs that hand around the lights you can use them for bait.

I’d highly recommend fishing at night here if you can fish by the lights in the water with live bait I was catching some nice Spotted Sea Trout at this location and some Gray Snapper.

Take in mind I fished here in Early March so the weather was a little cold and windy that day.

There is also a few restaurants in this location fishing here on a weekend could lead to limited places to find to park at.

And it can be sketchy over there by that I mean homeless people and drug users. Please take in mind that we want people to be aware of stuff like this before they go out to places like this. Based on what we seen when we were there fishing.

Otherwise you will have to locate a bait shop around that area I bought mine way back at Riviera Bait and Tackle located at 1106 94th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 Which was roughly 11 miles away.

Mention Fishing Florida Water to them if you stop in.

About Williams Pier: 

Located on the picturesque coastline, the Bert and Walter Williams Pier is a popular destination for anglers of all levels. The pier stretches out into the deep blue waters, offering fishing enthusiasts ample opportunities to cast their lines and reel in some impressive catches. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, this blog post aims to provide you with valuable insights into the types of fish you can expect to catch at the Bert and Walter Williams Pier, as well as the best bait and fishing tackle to enhance your chances of success.

## 1. Red Snapper
Red Snapper is a highly sought-after fish commonly found in the waters around the Bert and Walter Williams Pier. These prized game fish are known for their vibrant red color and delicious taste. To successfully catch Red Snapper, you’ll need to use a heavier tackle to handle their powerful resistance. A sturdy fishing rod and reel equipped with a braided line should be your go-to, paired with a versatile fishfinder rig. For bait, these fish are particularly fond of live or cut bait such as squid, shrimp, or small fish.

## 2. Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel is another popular species to target at the Bert and Walter Williams Pier. They offer a thrilling fight and are known for their speed and agility. To increase your chances of hooking a Spanish Mackerel, opt for a medium-action spinning rod paired with a sturdy reel. A fluorocarbon leader and a set of long-shank hooks should also be included in your tackle box. When it comes to baits, shiny lures, spoons, and live baitfish such as threadfin herring or cigar minnows prove to be irresistible to these voracious feeders.

## 3. Sheepshead
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white striped bodies, are a common sight around the Bert and Walter Williams Pier. Known for their incredible resistance and bait-stealing habits, Sheepshead can put up a fight. To outwit these crafty fish, use a medium-heavy spinning rod with a sensitive tip and a conventional reel spooled with a braided line. Sheepshead have strong teeth, so it’s essential to choose sturdy hooks, preferably J-style hooks, to prevent them from easily stealing your bait. Good bait options include fiddler crabs, shrimp, or barnacles.

## 4. Flounder
Flounder are flatfish with both eyes on one side of their body. They are known for their incredible camouflage skills and are a popular catch at the Bert and Walter Williams Pier. To reel in flounder successfully, it’s best to use a medium-action spinning rod paired with a reel that offers a smooth drag. Since flounders spend a lot of time on the ocean floor, a high-quality bottom rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a set of sharp circle hooks can significantly increase your catch rate. When it comes to bait, live or artificial shrimp, as well as mullet or mud minnows, are ideal options.

## 5. Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout, also known as Spotted Sea Trout, are a prized catch for both recreational and professional anglers. These beautiful fish are renowned for their fighting ability and delicious taste. To target Speckled Trout effectively, opt for a light to medium spinning rod paired with a reel that offers a smooth drag. A fluorocarbon leader with a set of live bait or artificial lures such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, or spoons, should be part of your angling arsenal. Look for areas with grassy bottoms, oyster beds, or drop-offs to increase your chances of a successful catch.

## Conclusion
The Bert and Walter Williams Pier offers a diverse range of fish species to target, providing anglers with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience. By equipping yourself with the right fishing tackle, choosing the most suitable bait, and understanding the behavior of each species, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re aiming for Red Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Flounder, or Speckled Trout, this beautiful pier is bound to offer you memorable fishing adventures that you will cherish for years to come. So grab your gear, head out to the Bert and Walter Williams Pier, and get ready for an incredible angling experience!