The Pier and Pavilion Are Free to Walk, But Fishing Requires a License

Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion is a public fishing pier that extends into the Atlantic, open year-round during daylight hours. You can walk the pier for free — no ticket, no fee. If you want to fish from the pier, you need a Georgia fishing license, which you can buy online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or at local bait shops on Tybee. The pavilion at the base of the pier is available for rent for events, but day-use visitors can walk through without paying.

The pier itself is 1,600 feet long and sits in water that ranges from 8 to 15 feet deep depending on tide and location. It's a working fishing pier, not a sightseeing structure, though plenty of people walk it just to be over the water. The pavilion provides shade and picnic tables, and there's a small tackle shop on-site if you forgot gear or want to rent a rod.

Key Takeaways

  • Walking the pier is free; fishing from it requires a valid Georgia fishing license purchased before you cast.
  • The pier is open during daylight hours year-round, but hours vary by season — call ahead if you're going at dawn or dusk.
  • Parking is available in a dedicated lot across the street, and the pier is wheelchair accessible from the pavilion level.
  • Spanish mackerel, whiting, and black drum are the most common catches from the pier; summer brings Spanish mackerel runs and winter brings larger drum.
  • The pavilion can be rented for events, but day-use visitors can use the picnic tables and shade without reservation.

What Fish You'll Find and When

Spanish mackerel dominate the pier from May through September, especially in early morning and late afternoon. They're fast, aggressive, and fight hard — a good first fish for someone new to saltwater. You'll catch them on small shiny lures or live mullet. Whiting (also called silver trout) are present year-round but thickest in fall and winter; they're bottom feeders and easier to catch than mackerel, making them reliable for kids or beginners.

Black drum show up in fall and winter, particularly November through February. They're larger and stronger than whiting, and they'll test your drag. Flounder move through in spring and fall migrations. Summer brings occasional cobia and tarpon, though these are less predictable. The pier's depth and current make it good for bottom-feeding species, so bring a sinker and some shrimp if you're targeting drum or whiting.

Parking, Hours, and Accessibility

There's a dedicated parking lot directly across the street from the pier entrance. Parking is free. The lot fills quickly on weekends and holidays, especially in summer, so arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday. The pier itself opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, though exact times shift with the season — in summer that might be 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., while in winter it's closer to 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call the pier directly at (912) 786-5444 to confirm hours before you go.

The pier is wheelchair accessible from the pavilion level, with a ramp leading onto the main deck. The pavilion has restrooms and a small concession stand. There's no bait shop on the pier itself anymore, but several tackle shops operate within a few blocks on Tybee Avenue, and they stock live mullet, shrimp, and tackle.

Licensing and What You Can Keep

Georgia requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a 3-day license, a 7-day license, or an annual license through the Georgia DNR website or at any authorized vendor on Tybee. The 3-day license is the cheapest option if you're just visiting. Resident and non-resident rates differ, so check the DNR site for current prices.

Bag limits vary by species. Spanish mackerel has a 15-fish daily limit. Whiting has a 20-fish limit. Black drum is 5 fish per day. Flounder is 10 fish per day. Size minimums also apply — Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches, black drum 12 inches, flounder 12 inches. The tackle shop or pier staff can tell you the current regulations if you're unsure.

Renting the Pavilion for Events

The pavilion can be rented for weddings, family reunions, and other events. Rental is handled through the City of Tybee Island Parks and Recreation Department. You'll need to contact them directly for availability, pricing, and reservation dates — they manage the schedule and can tell you what's included with your rental (tables, grills, restrooms, parking). The pavilion holds roughly 100 people under cover, with additional standing room on the pier itself.

Event rentals typically require a deposit and a signed agreement. The city may require liability insurance for larger events. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at (912) 786-5444 to start the process.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the pier offers no shade except under the pavilion, and the sun reflects off the water. If you're fishing, bring your license, a cooler for your catch, and a net if you have one (helpful for landing larger fish). Bring your own tackle unless you rent a rod from the shop. The pier can get crowded on weekends, especially in summer, so expect to share space with other anglers.

The pier is exposed to wind and weather. On rough days, the swell can make walking uncomfortable, and the pier may close if conditions are dangerous. Bring a light jacket even in summer — wind off the water cools things down fast. If you're new to saltwater fishing, arrive early and watch what other anglers are using; most pier regulars are friendly and will point you toward what's biting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to walk the pier if I'm not fishing?

No. Walking the pier is free and requires no license. You only need a Georgia fishing license if you're casting a line or holding a rod.

Can I bring my own cooler and keep fish I catch?

Yes. Bring a cooler with ice, and keep any fish within the daily bag limit and size minimum for that species. The tackle shop can ice your catch if you didn't bring a cooler.

Is the pier good for beginners?

Yes. Whiting are easy to catch and forgiving, and the pier staff and other anglers are usually willing to help. Rent a rod if you don't have one, bring shrimp and a sinker, and fish the bottom.

What's the best time of day to fish the pier?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive. Midday is slower, though Spanish mackerel will bite anytime during their season.

Can I fish at night?

The pier closes at sunset, so night fishing is not permitted. Plan your trip for daylight hours.