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Pier Fishing: Don't Fear the Pier

Pier fishing can involve anything from primitive fishing to an elaborate setup. At our local pier, fishing veterans are always willing to help beginners and there's a great family atmosphere.

Click Here to Share Your Pier Fishing setup

Call ahead to get a feel for the conditions, or check the Fishing Reports page before you head out to the pier.

Potomac River Fisheries Commission sign

Fishing info can also be found by contacting the Potomac River Fisheries Commission at 222 Taylor Street P.O. Box 9, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, (804) 224-7148; (800) 266-3904. Their website is at http://www.prfc.state.va.us.

Tune in weekdays at 5:50am for the Fishing Report

Tide Predictions

Potomac River striped bass regulations: Different regulations apply in the Potomac River and its tributaries, including its Virginia tributaries. These areas are subject to the rules and regulations of the PRFC.

You can also check with Marine Resources or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/Regulations/swrecfishingrules.shtm

Here's a handy, printable sheet to bring with you:

Season, Size and Possession Limits for 2010

Colonial Beach Pier Fishing

Ken's store can help you get set up for a day of pier fishing.

Ken's Field & Stream 3708 Kings Hwy. (Route 3) Oak Grove, VA 22443 phone: 804-224-7100

Ken's is a Game & Inland Fisheries Agent (also sells freshwater/saltwater recreational fishing and hunting licenses). Ken's is a MRC Automated Agent, meaning they can run the automated licensing system for MRC licenses; they are the only agents that can sell restricted licenses like crab pots and fixed fishing device licenses (pound nets, fyke nets, staked gill nets, crab traps) and the new aquaculture licenses.

Bait can be bought on the Boardwalk at Lollygaggin' Outdoors. http://lollygagva.com/

Crabbing from Pier at Colonial Beach Photograph - Colonial Beach, VA
Buy at AllPosters.com

Items to take with you for a fun day of pier fishing include your fishing gear (rod, reels, bait, knife, pliers, tackle, etc.) as well as sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunblock, etc.) and don't forget the munchies! Bring a cooler with ice and your favorite snacks and drinks. You might also like to have a camera with you to have a visual record of your fun time out on the pier.

Our local piers are:

Colonial Beach Municipal Pier

Pier Fishing at Colonial Beach

From Route 205, turn onto Colonial Avenue there at the McDonald's, then take a right onto Washington Avenue at Hunan Diner. Make a left on Hawthorne Street and you'll see the pier at the end of the road.

Westmoreland State Park Fishing Pier From Colonial Beach, take Rt. 205 towards Oak Grove, turn left onto Rt. 3 and follow the signs. Improvements were completed in 2001. The ramp is handicap-accessible and is open to all users of the Park. The pier is covered by a blanket pier license, so those who are pier fishing are not required to have a Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. Types of fish often caught here are croaker, spot, white perch and striped bass. The site is also a good spot for crabbing. The Park offers restroom facilities and a snack bar (seasonal). Boat ramps at the Park provide access to the upper and middle Potomac River.

Pier Fishing at Westmoreland State Park

Cat Point Creek Heritage Park Resort Pier 2570 Newland Road, Warsaw, Virginia 22572. From Colonial Beach, take Rt. 205 towards Oak Grove, turn left onto Rt. 3, turn right onto Flat Iron Road and follow the signs to Heritage Park.

...and further on down the road...

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier 14th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 phone (757) 428-2333 or e-mail vabvc@vbgov.com. Pier fishing in on the boardwalk in a resort area. No fishing license required. Hours vary depending on the season. Pier operates from April - October. Call for fall/spring hours. Open 24/7 from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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What Other Fishermen (and Women) Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

GOT FISH? Not rated yet
Catchin' Catfish on the Town Pier.

Katrina's Reply: Great shot, Lynn! Thanks for sending this in. Looks like y'all had a fun day of pier fishing ...

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