What Size Rod For Pier Fishing?

Fishing from a pier is quite an exciting way to catch fish and can be a rewarding way to feed yourself.

But some experts out there believe you need to have just the right size of fishing rod to get the best results.

Experts say that the best size fishing rod for pier fishing is about 7 to 8 feet in length.

But we will investigate and find out what the correct size should be and why that size is the right one.

To find out what size fishing rod is suitable for pier fishing, keep reading and see for yourself to improve your experience.

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How To Know What Is the Right Size Rods For Pier Fishing

There is much more to the perfect pier fishing rod than just the size of the rod you are using or the reel combo.

There are other factors you need to consider, and we will take a look at all of them to make it easier for you.

Everything depends on whether you are an experienced fisherman and are changing to pier fishing to experience new things or are completely new to fishing.

An experienced fisherman will be acquainted with their type of fishing and the rod they use to be successful.

If you are new to fishing, you do not need to worry about what you are used to and can start from scratch.

Let’s look at the different types of setups you will use when you pier fish.

Pier rods come in various sizes and can be used in the primary setup to improve your gear for pier fishing.

Light Setup

You will be using a light spinning fishing rod with a reel to handle the lighter lines for this type of setup.

This setup is great for catching smaller types of fish and even bait for those looking for an affordable pier fishing rod.

A light setup is much more sensitive and will provide you with better feedback on the line and rod.

You can use a graphite rod rather than a fiberglass rod for the best results because of the better tip sensitivity.

The ideal length of a light setup rod will be 6.6′ and a maximum of 7 feet for the best results.

It would be best if you also tried to go for a medium/light setup rod with a medium/fast action rod to fit in with this setup.

The reel for a light setup should be sized 2000, 2500, and up to 3000 maximum.

The best line for a light setup is a 20-pound braid line or a 10-pound monofilament line.

For beginners, it is best to use a 10-pound monofilament line that has a bit more stretching and better sensitivity with more feedback.

Braided line is stiff and may tangle easier, so it is best suited for experienced anglers.

Medium Setup

You will use a spinning fishing rod with a length of 7 to 8 feet and has a medium to heavy power rating.

This is best used for lighter baitfish and lure casting with a light to medium size of fish.

A good option is to get a fishing rod with a more extended rear grip so you can easily tug it under your arm for more support.

This is a good setup if you target fish types in the weight class of 6 to 10 pounds.

Longer fishing rods will also help cast further away from the pier so the fish does not move under it.

Most of the time, the fish will try to hide between the pier’s pylons, but you will be able to steer them away.

You need to pair an excellent strong spinning reel of around 4000 or even 5000 with this medium setup rod.

A 12 to 15-pound monofilament line is ideal, or if you want to use a braided line, you should use a 30-pound line.

The medium setup is the best option for beginners and experienced anglers new to pier fishing and who want to try it out.

Heavy Setup

This setup is better if you want to catch larger species and if you want to make use of large lure types.

To use the heavy setup, you need to have a heavy rod that will be able to catch a wide variety of fish.

The best type of rod to use with this setup should be around 9 feet long and have a heavy power rating.

This means that you will cast to deeper waters, and for that, you need to have a solid heavy reel.

Most people going for the heavy setup also want a lot of cranking power, so they use a conventional rod and reel.

If you do not want to cast great distances, you can use a spinning rod and reel to hook medium size fish species.

Seeing that it will almost always be the experienced fishermen using this setup, they will also use braided line for its strength.

In this case, the conventional reel will handle the heavier braid line far better than a spinning reel would.

Remember that you will catch larger fish, which will exceed 30 pounds and even be up to 80 pounds.

A long rod will help take the heavy lifting off the wrist to make it much easier to handle them.

When Is the Best Times To Do Pier Fishing

To have the best results when you go pier fishing, it will be best to try your luck early in the morning.

This is when the tides attract a lot of bait to the pier area to set up for larger catches more quickly.

Late afternoon, around sundown, is also a great time to go pier fishing because of the tides and big fish coming to feed.

Listen to other experienced anglers you encounter on the public pier to find out the best bait for fish.

Every day is a good day to have a good day of fishing for the beginner angler and the experienced angler.

Just remember to always keep your fishing license in your tackle box.

Summary

To sum it up, you need at least a 7 or 8-foot spinning rod with a decent reel to get the best results.

So, take your fishing gear and tackle box, and a comfortable chair, and have fun and a good experience on the pier.

All these rods can also be excellent choices to be used as surf rods if you want to go surf fishing.