PIER 60 FISHING PIER
Historical Context
Early Development
Pier 60, located on Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida, has been a central hub for fishing, sightseeing, and recreation for decades. The original pier was constructed in the early 1900s, serving as a crucial point for both locals and tourists to engage in fishing and enjoy the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Construction and Enhancements
The pier has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions to maintain its structural integrity and enhance its functionality. The most significant reconstruction occurred in the 1980s when the pier was rebuilt to withstand the harsh marine environment better. This included the use of more durable materials such as concrete and treated wood, which were designed to last longer and require less maintenance than the original materials.
Environmental and Structural Challenges
Pier 60 has faced several environmental challenges over the years, including hurricanes and tropical storms, which have caused varying degrees of damage. Each significant weather event necessitated repairs and reinforcements to ensure the pier’s safety and usability. Continuous maintenance and upgrades have been critical in preserving the pier as a safe and attractive destination for visitors.
Recent Improvements
In recent years, Pier 60 has seen several enhancements aimed at improving the visitor experience. The surrounding area has been developed to include a family-friendly park, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The pier itself has been equipped with better lighting for night fishing, upgraded restroom facilities, and improved accessibility features. Additionally, the pier features a bait and tackle shop and a concession stand, providing convenience for anglers and visitors alike.
Pier Specifics and Amenities
- Length: Approximately 1,080 feet into 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, shaded spots, and a playground.
Fish Species and Fishing Techniques
The waters around Pier 60 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. 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: April to October.
2. Snook
Techniques: Use live bait such as pilchards or pinfish, or artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics. Fish during tidal changes near the pier pilings and structures.
Best Months: March to November.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. King Mackerel
Techniques: Use live bait such as blue runners or pilchards, or artificial lures like spoons and jigs. Fish near the end of the pier during moving tides.
Best Months: April to October.
8. Pompano
Techniques: Use live bait such as sand fleas or shrimp, or artificial lures like jigs. Fish near sandy bottoms and during rising tides off the pier.
Best Months: January to April, October to December.
9. 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.
10. Jack Crevalle
Techniques: Use live bait such as pilchards or mullet, or artificial lures like topwater plugs and jigs. Fish near the surface during moving tides off the pier.
Best Months: Year-round.
Fishing Calendar
Month | Spanish Mackerel | Snook | Red Drum | Sheepshead | Tarpon | Flounder | King Mackerel | Pompano | Bluefish | Jack Crevalle |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | Bad | Bad | Bad | Great | Bad | Bad | Bad | Great | Bad | Bad |
February | Bad | Bad | Bad | Great | Bad | Bad | Bad | Great | Bad | Bad |
March | OK | Great | Great | Great | Bad | OK | Bad | Great | OK | OK |
April | Great | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
May | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great |
June | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great |
July | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great |
August | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great |
September | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great |
October | Great | Great | Great | Great | OK | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
November | OK | Great | Great | Great | Bad | OK | OK | Great | OK | Great |
December | Bad | OK | OK | Great | Bad | OK | Bad | OK | Bad | OK |
Address
7 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA
Website
http://pier60fishing.com/
Operating Hours
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Christmas Day 10am-6pm
Admission & Pricing
Adult Fishing – $8
Seniors: $6.75
$1 walk on admission fee
Children 5-15: $5.25
WEEKLY PASS
Adults: $30.00 | Seniors: $25.00
MONTHLY PASSES
Adults: $60.00 | Seniors: $50.00
YEARLY PASS
Adults: $250.00 | Seniors: $200.00
Rod Rentals
Per Hour – $8
Bait Option
Unknown
Amenities
- Length: Approximately 1,080 feet into 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, shaded spots, and a playground.
Fish Caught
- Spanish Mackerel
- Snook
- Red Drum (Redfish)
- Sheepshead
- Tarpon
- Flounder
- King Mackerel
- Pompano
- Bluefish
- Jack Crevalle