What the Pier Offers and Who Can Fish There

Bay St. Louis Pier is a public fishing pier that extends into the Mississippi Sound, giving you access to deeper water and structure without a boat. The pier is open to the public year-round during daylight hours, and you do not need a saltwater fishing license to fish from it — that exemption applies to public piers in Mississippi. The pier itself is concrete, about 800 feet long, and draws both locals and visiting anglers because it holds redfish, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, and occasional larger species depending on the season.

The pier has a small bait and tackle shop at the entrance where you can buy live shrimp, frozen mullet, and basic tackle if you arrive unprepared. Parking is free and plentiful. The pier is also a popular spot for families and non-anglers, so expect foot traffic and noise, especially on weekends and during warm months.

Key Takeaways

  • Bay St. Louis Pier requires no saltwater license for public pier fishing and is open year-round during daylight hours.
  • Live shrimp under a popping cork works well for redfish and trout; heavier tackle and live mullet target Spanish mackerel and larger species.
  • The pier is most productive during incoming and high tides, when baitfish move into the shallower structure around the pier pilings.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce more fish than midday, and fall and spring typically offer the most consistent action.
  • The pier can be crowded on weekends, so arrive early or fish weekday mornings if you prefer quieter conditions.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Fall (September through November) is the strongest season on Bay St. Louis Pier. Water temperatures drop into the 70s and 60s, and baitfish concentrate around the pier structure. Redfish and spotted seatrout move shallow to feed, and Spanish mackerel often show up in October and November. Morning tides are typically best — fish the incoming tide from dawn until mid-morning, then return for the late afternoon bite as the sun drops.

Spring (March through May) is the second-best window. Trout and redfish are feeding heavily after winter, and the water is clearing after winter runoff. Summer (June through August) is slower; fish move deeper and the pier gets crowded with tourists. Winter (December through February) can be productive on mild days, but cold snaps push fish out to deeper channels, and the pier sees fewer anglers.

Tide matters more than season. Fish the incoming tide and the first two hours of high tide. Slack water and outgoing tides are slower. Check the tide tables for Bay St. Louis before you go — the difference between a rising tide and a falling one can mean the difference between steady action and a slow day.

Tackle and Bait That Work on the Pier

For redfish and spotted seatrout, use a medium spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. Fish live shrimp under a popping cork about 2 to 3 feet above the bottom. Cast near the pilings and work the cork with short, sharp pops — the noise and commotion draw fish from deeper water. This setup works year-round and is the most consistent producer on the pier.

For Spanish mackerel and larger species, step up to a heavier rod (7 to 8 feet) and 20- to 30-pound braided line. Use live mullet or mackerel on a simple sliding sinker rig, or cast small metal spoons and topwater plugs. Mackerel show up in fall and spring and will hit fast-moving lures. Fish the deeper water at the end of the pier where the bottom drops off.

The pier shop sells live shrimp and frozen mullet, but bring your own tackle if you have preferences. Popping corks, small jigs, and spoons are worth carrying. The pier has railings, so you will not lose as many rigs to snags as you would wading, but the pilings can still grab a careless cast.

Reading the Pier Structure and Finding Fish

The pier pilings are the main fish-holding feature. Redfish and trout use the pilings as shelter and ambush points for baitfish. Cast your popping cork within 3 to 5 feet of the pilings and work it slowly. The water around the pilings is typically 4 to 8 feet deep depending on tide, so adjust your cork depth accordingly.

The end of the pier drops into deeper water — 12 to 15 feet at high tide — and holds larger fish, particularly Spanish mackerel and occasional tarpon or large redfish. This end is also more exposed to wind and current, so it can be rougher to fish on windy days. The middle section of the pier is a good compromise: deep enough to hold fish but shallow enough to see what you are doing.

Early morning light lets you see baitfish schooling around the pilings. If you spot mullet or shrimp activity, cast near it. Fish often follow baitfish into the shallower water near the pier during incoming tides, so do not ignore the shallower sections.

Practical Details: Parking, Facilities, and Crowds

Parking is free and located at the pier entrance. The lot fills on weekends and holidays, especially during summer, so arrive early if you want a spot close to the pier. Weekday mornings are much quieter. The pier has a small covered shelter near the entrance, but it offers limited shade — bring a hat and sunscreen.

Restrooms are available at the pier entrance. The bait shop is open during daylight hours and sells ice, drinks, and basic snacks in addition to tackle and bait. There are no restaurants directly on the pier, but Bay St. Louis has several cafes and restaurants within a short drive if you want to grab food before or after fishing.

The pier can get crowded with non-anglers, especially on warm weekends. Families come to walk, take photos, and enjoy the view. If you prefer a quieter experience, fish early morning on a weekday. The pier is well-maintained and safe, but watch your footing on wet concrete, especially after rain.

What Fish to Expect and How to Handle Them

Spotted seatrout are the most common catch. They average 12 to 16 inches but can reach 20 inches or more. They are excellent eating and fight hard on light tackle. Redfish run larger — 15 to 25 inches is typical — and are strong, stubborn fighters. Both species are good table fish if you want to keep them; check current Mississippi regulations for size and bag limits before you fish.

Spanish mackerel show up in fall and spring and are fast, aggressive strikers. They average 15 to 20 inches and are excellent on the grill. Occasional larger species — tarpon, permit, large jacks — pass through the pier, especially in spring and fall. These are rare but possible, and they will test your tackle and your patience.

Bring a net or a gaff if you plan to land larger fish. The pier railings are high enough that netting a fish is easier than trying to hand-line it up. Keep a small cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish. Most anglers practice catch-and-release on the pier, which is fine — just wet your hands before handling fish and return them quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Bay St. Louis Pier?

No. Mississippi exempts public pier fishing from the saltwater license requirement. You can fish the pier without a license, but you must follow all other state regulations, including size and bag limits for each species.

What is the best time of day to fish the pier?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive. Fish are more active during lower light and cooler temperatures. Midday, especially in summer, is typically slow.

Can I fish the pier at night?

The pier is officially closed at sunset, so night fishing is not permitted. Stick to daylight hours. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best low-light fishing within those hours.

What should I bring if I have never fished the pier before?

Bring a medium spinning rod, 15- to 20-pound line, a popping cork, and a small tackle box with hooks and leaders. The pier shop sells live shrimp, so you do not need to bring bait. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. If you do not have tackle, the shop can sell you basics, though prices are higher than a tackle store in town.

Is the pier good for beginners?

Yes. The pier is protected, easy to access, and holds plenty of fish. Beginners can fish popping corks with live shrimp and catch redfish and trout consistently. The pier staff and other anglers are usually helpful if you have questions.