Pier Fishing for Carp

I have spent a big part of my carp fishing season fishing on public piers. Piers provide access to water that is often restricted to shore fishermen due to industrial, residential, sports (i.e.golf course), development, or by government ordinance.

Success from pier fishing requires some prior planning. Most notably, a good net capable of supportive a 30# carp or 20# catfish is key, especially if you plan to catch fish weighing more than a pound or two. There is zero chance of lifting a 15 # (or more) fish 8 feet from water to pier decking by lifting the rod like you might for small shad, perch or walleye.

It's also key to bring along a chair, supplies, and some type of padding to lay the fish on for unhooking (i.e. an unhooking mat). A wagon is helpful because once you are out on the pier it's inconvenient to keep going back to your vehicle. When you're walking to the vehicle, you're not catching fish.

Bringing a friend along is preferable. Netting carp alone from 8 feet above the waterline is a challenge. You can share the netting duties to save your arms and back.

Public piers are very popular attractions. Locals and tourists are attracted to piers like a magnet to metal. They love sightseeing and walking along the water, seeing a sunrise, viewing a sunset, and talking to pier fishermen to ask a variation of these popular questions:

• Catching anything?
• What's running?
• Do you keep them?
• Do you eat them?

And, believe it or not, boaters also like to buzz the piers from time to time. They may even run over your lines or cause a breakoff.

So, when you fish from a pier, be prepared for all the scenarios, pack your patience, and have fun.