Ainger Fishing Pier Park

Address: 1385 Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Hours: 24/7
Restroom: (Pot-a-Johns)
Parking: Limited Spots
Seating: None Bring your own chair
Parking Fee: None
Fishing License: Yes, Unless Except

The Ainger Fishing Pier can be found near Englewood, Florida, and provides fisherman of all skill levels with a one-of-a-kind fishing opportunity.

The following is a list of important information about fishing at the Ainger Fishing Pier:
Since it is situated on the Lemon Bay Intracoastal Canal, the Ainger Fishing Pier is an excellent location for fishing in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The public is welcome to use the pier, which also provides easy access for those interested in fishing. It is constructed in the form of a T and goes out into the sea for roughly 700 feet. At the Ainger Fishing Pier, anglers have a good chance of reeling in a broad variety of fish, such as snook, redfish, trout, flounder, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and more.
It is highly advised that you carry your own bait and equipment on your fishing expedition in order to maximize your chances of catching fish. There are many bait stores in the area from which you may choose various fishing supplies in addition to live bait.

The pier provides a number of conveniences that might help anglers have a more enjoyable day. They feature areas for washing fish, sitting areas with seats, and bathrooms for your comfort and convenience.

The pier provides a number of conveniences that might help anglers have a more enjoyable day. They feature areas for washing fish, sitting areas with seats, and bathrooms for your comfort and convenience.
Fishing Regulations: As with any fishing location, it is essential to be aware of the local fishing regulations. Make sure to have a valid fishing license and adhere to the size and bag limits set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Remember to check the local fishing reports and weather conditions before planning your visit to Ainger Fishing Pier.

## 1. Snook
Known for their aggressive strikes and thrilling fights, snook are a prized catch among fishermen. To increase your chances of hooking a snook, live bait such as mullet, shrimp, or pilchards work extremely well. Using a 7-8 foot medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a 3000-4000 size spinning reel will provide you with the necessary power to reel in these feisty predators.

## 2. Redfish
Redfish are abundant in the waters surrounding Ainger Fishing Pier Park. For bait, using live shrimp, small crabs, or finger mullet on a jighead will surely entice these bottom-dwelling species. For tackle, a medium-action spinning rod paired with a 2500-3000 size spinning reel is recommended.

## 3. Tarpon
Tarpon, known as the silver kings, are some of the most sought-after game fish in Florida. These monsters can reach sizes of over 100 pounds, providing anglers with an adrenaline-pumping battle. Live bait such as crabs, pinfish, or threadfin herring works best for tarpon. When targeting these giants, an 8-10 foot heavy-action spinning rod paired with a large capacity spinning reel is ideal.

## 4. Snapper
The Ainger Creek area is home to several snapper species, including mangrove snapper and red snapper. These voracious feeders can be caught using live shrimp, pilchards, or cut bait. For tackle, a medium-action spinning rod coupled with a 2500 size spinning reel is sufficient to handle these feisty fighters.

## 5. Grouper
Grouper inhabit the reefs and rocky bottoms near Ainger Fishing Pier Park. For grouper, using live bait such as pinfish, large shrimp, or sand perch is recommended. Due to their strength, a 7-8 foot heavy-action rod paired with a 4000-5000 size spinning reel or a conventional reel with 30-50 lb line is best suited for battling these bottom-dwelling beasts.

## 6. Spanish Mackerel
Known for their speed and acrobatic jumps, Spanish mackerel are a thrilling catch. These fish are typically caught using lures such as spoons, jigs, or flashy metal lures. If using live bait, threadfin herring or shrimp can be effective. For tackle, a 6-7 foot medium-action spinning rod with a 3000 size spinning reel is recommended.

## 7. Kingfish
Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, are a highly prized game fish for their fighting abilities and delicious meat. These fish are typically found further offshore but can be targeted from the Ainger Fishing Pier Park during their seasonal migrations. For bait, live blue runners, threadfin herring, or cigar minnows are effective. Using a heavier setup, such as an 8-10 foot medium-heavy rod paired with a conventional reel and 20-30 lb line, is recommended.

## 8. Sheepshead
Sheepshead are known for their incredible teeth and knack for stealing bait. To catch these finicky eaters, using fiddler crabs, live shrimp, or barnacles as bait is ideal. When targeting sheepshead, a medium-action spinning rod with a 2500 reel is perfect for the job.

## 9. Flounder
Flounder can be found lurking along the sandy bottoms near the pier. Live shrimp, finger mullet, or mud minnows make great bait choices for flounder. A medium-action spinning rod paired with a 2500-3000 size spinning reel is suitable for catching these flatfish.

## 10. Pompano
Pompano are sought after for their delicious meat and are known for their powerful runs. These fish can be caught using sand fleas, shrimp, or artificial jigs in bright colors. A 7-8 foot medium-action rod paired with a 3000 size spinning reel is recommended when targeting pompano.

## 11. Black Drum
Black drum can be caught using live or dead shrimp, blue crabs, or cut bait. These fish are strong fighters and require a heavier setup. A 7-8 foot heavy-action spinning rod with a 4000-5000 size spinning reel or a conventional reel with 20-30 lb line is suitable for battling black drum.

## 12. Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle are known for their explosive strikes and fierce fights. These aggressive fish will strike a variety of lures, including topwater plugs, spoons, and jigs. Shrimp, pilchards, or mullet can also be effective bait choices. When targeting jack crevalle, a 7-8 foot medium-heavy rod paired with a 4000 size spinning reel is recommended.

## 13. Ladyfish
Ladyfish are abundant in the Ainger Creek area and are known for their acrobatic jumps. These fish will readily strike small spoons, jigs, or topwater lures. Using live shrimp or small pilchards can also attract these fish. When targeting ladyfish, a 6-7 foot medium-action spinning rod with a 2500-3000 size spinning reel is suitable.

## 14. Blacktip Shark
Ainger Fishing Pier Park offers the opportunity to catch blacktip sharks, which are known for their high jumps and strong fights. For bait, using large chunks of mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish is recommended. To battle these powerful predators, a heavy-action spinning rod paired with a large spinning reel filled with 40-50 lb line is necessary.

## 15. Spinner Shark
Spinner sharks are another shark species commonly found in the area near Ainger Fishing Pier Park. These sharks are known for their spinning jumps and aggressive behavior. Large baitfish such as mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish are great choices for hooking a spinner shark. Similarly, a heavy-action spinning rod paired with a large spinning reel spooled with 40-50 lb line is recommended for these fast swimmers.

## 16. Nurse Shark
Nurse sharks, known for their docile nature, can be caught near the pier using cut bait such as squid or small fish. These sharks do not require heavy tackle, and a medium-heavy spinning rod with 30 lb line is sufficient.

## 17. Lemon Shark
Lemon sharks venture into the Ainger Creek area, providing an exciting opportunity for anglers targeting larger sharks. These sharks can be caught using whole mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish as bait. To handle these powerful sharks, a heavy-action spinning rod paired with a large spinning reel loaded with 50-80 lb line is recommended.

## 18. Hammerhead Shark
Hammerhead sharks occasionally pass through the Ainger Creek area, providing a thrilling challenge for skilled anglers. Whole mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish work well as bait choices for hammerheads. Given their size and strength, a heavy-duty conventional rod paired with a large capacity conventional reel spooled with 80-100 lb line is necessary to tackle these giants.

## 19. Bull Shark
Bull sharks are known for their aggressive behavior and can be encountered near Ainger Fishing Pier Park. To target bull sharks, using large baitfish such as mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish is recommended. Heavy tackle, such as a heavy-action spinning rod or a heavy-duty conventional rod paired with a large reel and 80-100 lb line, is necessary to handle these formidable creatures.

## 20. Blacknose Shark
Blacknose sharks are common in the waters around Ainger Creek. These smaller sharks can be caught using cut bait or live bait such as mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish. A medium-heavy spinning rod or conventional rod paired with a medium-sized reel and 40-60 lb line is suitable for catching blacknose sharks.
Inshore/Coastal:

Black drum: Winter-spring
Cobia: Spring-fall
Gulf flounder: Fall-spring
Ladyfish: Fall-early winter
Mangrove snapper: Summer
Pompano: Fall-spring
Red drum: Year-round
Sheepshead: Winter
Snook**: Year-round
Spanish mackerel: Winter-early summer
Spotted seatrout**: Year-round
Tarpon: Spring-mid-summer
Remember, fishing regulations may change, so it’s important to consult the local DNR or fishing experts for any updates or restrictions. With the right bait and tackle, Ainger Fishing Pier Park offers boundless possibilities for memorable fishing experiences. Tight lines and happy fishing!