Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier

There are actually two piers at Fort Desoto Park. One is on the bay side, and the other is on the Gulf. The pier on this page is the Gulf Fishing Pier. It is the longest (over 1,000 feet). It is open 365 days a year, and always has people fishing on it. There is no charge to fish on the pier, and thanks to the Friends of Fort Desoto who purchased a pier fishing license, you will not need to have a Florida fishing license to fish from the pier. The pier used to be open 24 hours, but now closes at 11 p.m.

Address: Anderson Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33715
Daily parking fees of $5

Note: Fort Desoto Park, like most other County and State Parks, closes at sunset. Gates block access to certain areas of the park. But the fishing piers are open later. The pier has plenty of lighting at night, and it has tables with running water to clean your catch.

Bait shop and concession hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 5pm. The “bait shop” is more of a tackle shop and food concession. They only sell frozen bait. They are famous for their homemade lemonade!

Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier is considered one of the most fantastic fishing spots in Florida. Located at Fort DeSoto Park near St. Petersburg, this pier offers anglers of all levels an opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner looking for a fun and rewarding fishing experience, Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier has something for everyone.

Fish Species at Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier

1. Snook: Fort DeSoto is well-known for its population of snook. These highly sought-after game fish can be found year-round, but their numbers tend to peak during the spring and summer. Target snook around the pilings and structure of the pier, using live shrimp, pilchards, or pinfish as bait.

2. Redfish: Redfish can be found in the shallower waters surrounding the pier, especially during the fall and winter months. They are known to hang around the pilings, offering a good opportunity for anglers. Live or cut bait such as shrimp, crab, or small mullet are excellent choices for redfish.

3. Spanish Mackerel: Spanish mackerel are abundant at Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier during the spring and fall. These fast-swimming fish are often attracted to shiny and flashy lures, such as spoons or small jigs. You can also use live bait such as pilchards, threadfin herring, or shrimp.

4. King Mackerel: Kingfish, or king mackerel, are a popular catch at Fort DeSoto Pier. Often caught during the summer, these fish can grow to impressive sizes. Trolling with large spoons, plugs, or live baitfish like blue runners or mullet is an effective technique to catch them.

5. Sheepshead: Sheepshead are plentiful around the pier, particularly during the cooler months. These bottom-dwellers have strong teeth, so using a sharp hook is important. Fiddler crabs, live shrimp, or barnacles are excellent baits for sheepshead.

6. Pompano: Pompano can be found near the sandy areas near the pier. They are most active during the spring and summer months. Use sand fleas, shrimp, or small jigs tipped with shrimp to entice these silver-colored fish.

7. Flounder: Flounder can be caught throughout the year at Fort DeSoto Pier, but they are most abundant during the fall and winter months. Casting live shrimp or small baitfish near sandy bottoms or structures can increase your chances of landing a flounder.

Fishing Tackle and Bait for Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier

Now that you know the fish species you can catch at Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier, it’s essential to have the right tackle and bait to maximize your chances of success.

Fishing Tackle:

1. Rod: A medium to heavy-action rod, around 7-8 feet in length, would be suitable for most of the fish species available at the pier.

2. Reel: A spinning reel with a reliable drag system is recommended. Choose a reel size that matches the rod and offers a suitable line capacity.

3. Fishing Line: Use 15-30 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line, depending on the size of the fish you’re targeting.

4. Hooks: For most species, hooks ranging from size 2 to 4/0 will work. Use circle hooks for catch and release to minimize harm to the fish.

5. Weights: Depending on the current and depth, you may need a range of weights, from split shot to sinkers, to keep your bait in place.

### Bait and Lures:

1. Live Bait: Live shrimp, pilchards, pinfish, crabs, sand fleas, and small baitfish like mullet or herring are excellent choices. These can be used with a variety of rigging methods, including free-lining, using a bobber, or bottom fishing.

2. Cut Bait: Pieces of shrimp, squid, or mullet can be used as cut bait, particularly for attracting species like redfish, snook, and sheepshead.

3. Artificial Lures: Lures such as spoons, jigs, and plugs can be effective for species like Spanish mackerel and pompano. Choose lures in shiny or bright colors to attract their attention.

## Tips for Fishing at Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier

1. Observe the tidal movements and fish during the incoming or outgoing tide when the fish are more active.

2. Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon, when the fishing activity is usually at its peak.

3. Respect other anglers on the pier and be mindful of their space. Keep a safe distance while casting to avoid tangling lines.

4. Stay updated on local fishing regulations and size limits for each species. Practice catch-and-release whenever possible to help preserve the fish population.

5. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated during your fishing trip.

Inshore/Coastal

Black drum: Fall-spring

Cobia: Spring-fall

Gray (mangrove) snapper: Year-round but best bite in late spring-early fall

Gulf flounder: Fall-spring

Ladyfish: Fall-early winter

Pompano: Winter-spring

Red drum: Year-round

Sheepshead: Fall-spring

Snook**: Spring-late summer

Spanish mackerel: Winter-summer

Spotted seatrout**: Year-round

Tarpon: Spring-summer

Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier offers a remarkable angling experience with a variety of fish species and ample opportunities for success. With the right tackle, bait, and a little bit of patience, you can embark on a memorable fishing adventure at this beautiful pier. So grab your fishing gear and head to Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier to enjoy a day of fishing in one of Florida’s premier fishing locations!