'Speculative' pier upgrades for improved fishing!

Just running off a couple of brain storms here. I of course want everyone's' ideas in this matter as; I think it would be awesome to see what people can come up with to make our tourists attractions not only more exciting but more productive for the fisherman who fish them! My main thoughts are that of adding powerful lights tied near the bottom of the of the sea floor to keep predators in throughout the night; as well as adding more structures near the pier that will attract more fish to visit the are. I would love to see yalls suggestions!!

p.s. I didnt look into regulations for this post. Hopefully they are lenient as I think it would be awesome to add to these already wonderful fishing attractions!!!!!

Not sure attracting more sharks (predators) would be well-received.

The rubble piles (artificial reefs) are far enough out not to snag tackle from average casters, but it is therefore hard to fish them. More sounds better unless it attracts skin divers who would hamper fishing.

I agree with that, however there is always solutions to problems; maybe setting powerful shark deterrent magnets in the water or on the structures themselves could help get rid of most the pesky shark???

I'm thinking of all the tales from the "good old days" when there was only the pier---no added attractants needed. From the number of boats that anchor on the little rubble piles off the end of the octi, I'm afraid that more rubblel would definitely attract more boats. Does anyone have any reports on how the fishing is on those structures that were placed close in to the east?

If only they could just make the pier a protected zone. I guess my ideas are just too far out there:(

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Originally Posted by Haywire

I'm thinking of all the tales from the "good old days" when there was only the pier---no added attractants needed.

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I think that there are already enough tourists who are already thrilled at the experience. I listen to them marvel at the massive schools of mullet, at the size of huge black drum, at the sight of a turtle, crabs, or a dolphin. Extra electronic enhancements would be expensive, making the costs to everyone else go up. Lights on the bottom would be corroded with time, covered with sand during storms and maintenance would be impossible. As it is, the existing down lights are poorly maintained.

There is one enhancement that I've suggested in the past. There is a company that makes artificial fish reefs out of concrete, mixed with a person's cremated remains. A plaque is attached for identification and memorialization purposes. It would cost nothing to the pier and might serve as a perpetual contribution from present-day pier lovers to future generations of them.

I actually think your ideas are great , if you could have them off limits to watercraft and scuba divers .

Well, if we are wishing...one thing to copy off I think is Okaloosa Island Pier....bathrooms on the octi....they are soooooo nice, and the vending machines don't hurt...

I think that enforcing the no swimming and no watercraft within 100 yards of the pier with citations and fines would be an enhancement... Yeah, I'd be willing to start with that.

Revisiting and enforcing the rules and regulations would be a good step.
Having more of the 'Ranger' presence on the pier aids greatly in enforcement of rules!