Chesapeake Bay Fishing Piers
The Chesapeake Bay is home to a wide variety of saltwater fishing, including excellent pier fishing. Visiting a fishing pier is something anglers of all ages are likely to enjoy. Pier fishing is easy to do, often requires no licenses or permits and allows anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels to fish or just enjoy a day of fresh air.
Depending on the season and location, fishermen may catch trout, croakers, spot, pigfish, white perch, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, small sharks, red drum, black drum or other fish on Virginia fishing piers. Several saltwater fishing piers are easy to find and are suitable for first time visitors.
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park
29761 Bolingbroke Point Drive
Trappe, MD 21673
The Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is now open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Both sections of the piers are lighted for night fishing from April 1 through December 31 and the Dorchester County side of the pier is open and lighted year round. The pier adjoins Sailwinds Park via the walkway under the bridge.
Fishing and crabbing are the main attractions but other activities such as bicycling, walking, jogging, picnicking or sunbathing are also popular on the pier. Pier visitors can reach Sailwinds Park via the walkway under the bridge.
Saxis Fishing Pier
Saxis Island Virginia
The Saxis Fishing Pier on Virginia’s Eastern shore is an excellent local pier. The pier extends 200 feet into Saxis Harbor and terminates with a 100-foot t-head. The pier is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant. The pier is lit and is open 24 hours a day. Anglers visiting the Saxis Fishing Pier catch croakers, spot, white perch, trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder and other Chesapeake Bay fish. Bait is available locally including peeler crab or soft crab baits. There is no fee to use the Saxis Fishing Pier although a valid saltwater fishing license is required.
Morely’s Wharf Fishing Pier
Occohannock Creek Virginia
This pier lies on the lower eastern shore of Virginia on Occohannock Creek. The Morley’s wharf Fishing pier was completed in 1999. The pier extends 150-feet into Occohannock Creek and has a 50-foot l-head. The facility is totally handicapped accessible and meets current ADA standards. There is also a Boat Ramp at this facility. There is no fee to use the pier. The pier is open 24 hours and is covered by a blanket saltwater license.
The structure provides fishing opportunities for spot, croaker, red drum, spotted trout, gray trout, flounder, black drum, cobia, striped bass, tautog and other Chesapeake Bay fish. The Morley’s Wharf Facility is Located on Occohannock Creek. From US 13 in Exmore take Rt. 183 (Occohannock Neck Road) towards Franktown. In Wardtown turn right on Rt. 606 (Morley’s Wharf Road). Ramp is located at the end of Morley’s Wharf Road.
Seagull Pier
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia
The Seagull Pier is a good local pier to fish from. It lies on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and extends into the bay. Trout, croakers, spot, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, small sharks and even black drum are caught from the pier. Fishing can be productive and continues at night, when bait congregates under the lights, which attracts predators to the pier.
Ocean View Fishing Pier
400 W. Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 25303
757-583-6000
www.oceanviewfishingpier.com
The new Ocean View Fishing Pier offers anglers excellent fishing opportunities. The 1690′ long by 16′ wide pier was constructed after Hurricane Isabel destroyed the original Harrison’s Fishing Pier. The structure features a 48′ wide T section at it’s end and extends into the Chesapeake Bay between the Chesapeake Bay bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Tunnel.
James River Bridge Fishing Pier
6701 River Road
Newport News, VA 23602
757-247-0364
This pier is one of the longest fishing piers on the East Coast. Located in Newport News, the pier is open from April through November. Croaker and spot are caught throughout the season while striped bass, flounder, gray trout, and red drum also arrive at the pier at various times. A bait shop is on site.
Grandview Fishing Pier
155 State Park Dr
757-851-2811
Grandview Fishing Pier Fishing Pier is located in Hampton Virginia. The pier is a good spot to enjoy saltwater fishing for spot, croaker, striped bass and other Virginia fish.
Before visiting any saltwater fishing pier in Virginia, a good idea is to to contact the Virginia Marine Resources Commission or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.
