Historical Context

Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, located in Navarre Beach, Florida, has been a prominent landmark and popular fishing destination since its original construction in the 1970s. The pier initially served as a recreational spot for both locals and tourists, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and access to a variety of fish species.

The original pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The current Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, which opened in 2010, is the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico, stretching 1,545 feet into the water. It was rebuilt using modern materials and construction techniques designed to withstand severe weather conditions. The new design includes reinforced pilings, durable composite decking, aluminum railings, and state-of-the-art lighting for night fishing.

Over the years, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier has faced numerous environmental challenges, particularly from hurricanes and tropical storms. Each significant weather event has required repairs and reinforcements to ensure the pier’s safety and functionality. Continuous maintenance and upgrades have been essential in keeping the pier operational and safe for visitors.

Recent enhancements to the pier include improved lighting for night fishing, upgraded restroom facilities, and better accessibility features. The surrounding area has been developed to offer ample parking, picnic areas, and shaded spots, making it a family-friendly destination. The pier also features a bait and tackle shop and a concession stand, providing convenience for anglers and visitors alike.

Pier Specifics and Amenities

• Length: 1,545 feet, the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico.
• Lighting: Enhanced lighting for night fishing.
• Fish Cleaning Stations: Equipped with running water.
• Benches: Numerous benches for relaxation.
• Parking: Ample parking space available near the pier.
• Restrooms: Upgraded facilities available for visitors.
• Accessibility: Improved features for better accessibility.
• Additional Amenities: Bait and tackle shop, concession stand, picnic areas, and shaded spots.

Fish Species and Fishing Techniques

The waters around Navarre Beach Fishing Pier are rich with a variety of fish species. Here are some of the most common species and effective techniques for catching them from the pier:

1. Red Drum (Redfish)

Techniques: Use live bait such as shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures like soft plastics. Fish during tidal changes near the pier pilings and structures.

Best Months: March to November.

2. Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)

Techniques: Use live shrimp or baitfish, or artificial lures like topwater plugs and soft plastics. Fish during early morning or late evening near pier lights and shadow lines.

Best Months: April to October.

3. Flounder

Techniques: Use live bait such as minnows or shrimp, or artificial lures like bucktail jigs. Fish near sandy bottoms and around the pier pilings during tidal changes.

Best Months: May to September.

4. Black Drum

Techniques: Use live bait such as shrimp or crabs. Fish near the pier pilings and structures during tidal changes.

Best Months: February to April, October to December.

5. Sheepshead

Techniques: Use live bait such as fiddler crabs or shrimp. Fish near pier pilings and other structures where barnacles and crustaceans are present.

Best Months: January to March, October to December.

6. Spanish Mackerel

Techniques: Use small metal lures or live bait such as small fish. Fish near schools of baitfish and during moving tides off the pier.

Best Months: May to September.

7. Bluefish

Techniques: Use cut bait like mackerel or bunker, or artificial lures like metal jigs and poppers. Fish near schools of baitfish and during moving tides off the pier.

Best Months: April to October.

8. Pompano

Techniques: Use live bait such as sand fleas or shrimp. Fish near sandy bottoms and during rising tides off the pier.

Best Months: June to September.

9. Kingfish (Whiting)

Techniques: Use small pieces of shrimp or bloodworms on small hooks. Fish near sandy bottoms and during rising tides off the pier.

Best Months: Year-round.

10. Ladyfish

Techniques: Use small live bait or artificial lures like spoons and jigs. Fish near the surface during moving tides off the pier.

Best Months: May to October.

11. Sailfish

Techniques: Use live bait such as ballyhoo or goggle-eye, fished near the end of the pier in deeper waters.

Best Months: April to September.

12. Tarpon

Techniques: Use live bait such as mullet or pinfish. Fish near the end of the pier, especially during early morning or late evening.

Best Months: May to August.

Fishing Calendar