
St. Simons Island Pier
Early Development
The St. Simons Island Pier, located on the southeastern end of St. Simons Island, Georgia, has been a central part of the island’s history and community since the late 19th century. The pier was initially constructed to support the burgeoning tourism industry that began in the 1870s. By the 1880s, the area around the pier featured a grand hotel, which, together with the pier, became a focal point for visitors to the island.
Tourism and Community Hub
The pier quickly became an epicenter of activity, drawing tourists and locals alike for various recreational activities. The establishment of the Pier Village around the pier further cemented its status as a community hub. The village includes shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a vibrant area for both leisure and commerce.
Modern Enhancements
In recent years, the St. Simons Island Pier has continued to evolve. It remains a popular spot for fishing, offering excellent opportunities to catch species such as trout, redfish, flounder, and occasionally sharks. The pier is equipped with bait shops, gear rentals, and cleaning stations to support these activities. Additionally, the pier and the surrounding Pier Village host numerous community events and festivals throughout the year, enhancing its role as a social gathering place.
Pier Specifics and Amenities
- Length: Approximately 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Lighting: Full-length lighting for evening and nighttime activities.
- Fish Cleaning Stations: Available with running water.
- Benches: Numerous benches along the pier for relaxation.
- Parking: Ample parking nearby, with free and paid options.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms available at nearby Neptune Park.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible for all visitors.
- Additional Amenities: Nearby Neptune Park offers picnic areas, a playground, a public pool, and mini-golf.
Fish Species and Fishing Techniques
The waters around the St. Simons Island 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 near the pilings and during tidal changes.
Best Months: April to October.
2. Spotted Sea Trout
Techniques: Use live shrimp or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Fish during early morning or late evening near the pier lights.
Best Months: March to November.
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: April to September.
4. Striped Bass
Techniques: Use live bait such as anchovies or sardines, or artificial lures like swimbaits and jigs. Fish during tidal changes, especially near structure or deeper waters.
Best Months: March to November.
5. 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: May to October.
Fishing Calendar
Month | Red Drum | Spotted Sea Trout | Flounder | Striped Bass | Bluefish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | Bad | OK | Bad | Bad | Bad |
February | Bad | OK | Bad | Bad | Bad |
March | OK | Great | OK | OK | OK |
April | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
May | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
June | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
July | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
August | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
September | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
October | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great |
November | OK | Great | OK | OK | OK |
December | OK | Great | OK | OK | OK |
Address
100 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522, USA
Website
Operating Hours
Open 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission & Pricing
Free
A fishing license is required for anyone over 16 years old to fish from the pier
Rod Rentals
Rod Rental is available at the St Simon Boat and Tackle Shop located a block away from the pier
Bait Option
St Simon Boat and Tackle Shop located a block away from the pier is family owned and was just passed down to the sons of the original owner. Here is their current listing:
Small Bonita – $10
Finger Mullet – $7
2 Pack Whole Mullet – $7
3 Pack Whole Mullet – $7
Shrimp – $7
Squid – $7
Box Squid – $7
Sand Fleas – $5
Amenities
- Length: Approximately 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Lighting: Full-length lighting for evening and nighttime activities.
- Fish Cleaning Stations: Available with running water.
- Benches: Numerous benches along the pier for relaxation.
- Parking: Ample parking nearby, with free and paid options.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms available at nearby Neptune Park.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible for all visitors.
- Additional Amenities: Nearby Neptune Park offers picnic areas, a playground, a public pool, and mini-golf.
Fish Caught
Redfish, Black Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, Stripers