Thread: Question about King fishing from the Pier

The baitcaster will be fine for catching bait You should be set

Those carts are individually owned, thus the advice about the rolling ice chest. You can dude up the ice chest with rod holders---that's just a long walk to the end of the pier having to carry stuff. Don't overload yourself with tackle (like I do). There are some really ingenious carts out there made from everything from baby buggies to wheelchair frames. Get a cooler big enough to carry plenty of drinks and room for your filleted catch. There are cleaning stations out at the octi so you can fillet your kings or reds as soon as you are through taking photos.

I may be having to take my b-in-law turkey hunting during the time you will be here, but if not, I look forward to making your acquaintance. Always nice to meet someone who is smart enough to ask questions ahead of time.

There will be plenty of people there with pier gaffs and pier nets to land your fish for you. Lots of the young guns on the pier had just as soon gaff a king as catch one---almost.

I think somebody already mentioned it, but always cast straight out, never sideways, and when you are hooked up move around and follow your fish so that it stays straight out, if you can. Sometimes the fish has other ideas.

I got my Coleman rolling ice chest at Wal-Mart. I'm pretty sure that I paid less than $40 for it. It's 24" X 16" X 15" and it has a telescopic handle. Your king is sure to be a lot longer than the ice chest, but you can put it in there, diagonally, and roll it down to the cleaning station. I'd have some quart-sized (or larger) baggies to put cleaned fish in.

Remember that "gotta haves" are a pair of needlenose pliers with wire cutters and a sharp fillet knife.

For years and years in N C I used a wire folding grocery cart with vinyl bag liner Tackle box or bag goes on the inside Rain Coat or whatever on top Several rods fit in and a 24" slender Igloo cooler or Igloo Playmate cooler fits perfect on top of all that Just roll it right out on the Pier Folds easy for travel I still carry one in my van to use on some small piers or when I don't want to carry but a few rods etc on the Pier

I use a hand truck with a rod rack attached. Put it together back in 1990 and it's still works fine.

Pretty sure I have the needle-nose covered. I was down Spanish fishing so I know about those teeth haha. I had considered the baggies, but you just confirmed that I should get them. I have absolutely 0 experience with filleting fish, but I have been watching videos on it. Seems relatively easy. I will have a knife on order soon. I am basically trying to get all the things I want to order together and then order them all in one shot, minus what I am buying when I get there of course. I have a feeling, within a couple of years my saltwater tackle will outweigh my freshwater stuff, and I am just starting haha.

"you can put it in there, diagonally, and roll it down to the cleaning station"

Heck, it's fun to put a big king over your shoulder and walk all the way to the cleaning station. You get looks of admiration and jealousy. The pride walk.

Hey Dan, if you have it with you when I come down in April, would you mind showing it to me? I am slightly curious as to what this would look like.

Also, thanks everyone for the awesome ideas to a mostly new saltwater fisherman.

Here is to hoping at least one king ends up on my line when I come down.

Also, as a note. To this point I am grabbing a rolling cooler a filet knife, and am getting line. The King rigs, or at least leaders will be got at J&M. I will also be picking up at least 1 or 2 sabiki rigs for catching bait. I already have needle nose pliers (pretty sure they have a wire cutter on them). Borrowing a rod. I think I am set from what I have read. Am I missing anything? Also if available, would someone be willing to show/teach me how to fillet? Pretty sure I get the jist of it, but since it is the first time personally, I would appreciate it.(Doesn't have to be my fish if showing haha).

This has been a great thread. Things have been "relatively" quiet on the Forum, someone mentions the word "KING FISHING" and all the lights, bells and whistles come on!!! Last year the first King I believe was one month from today. It won't be long. Made reservations today. Coming a couple weeks earlier than usual to hopefully catch the Pier Picnic!

I know you have seen these carts It s what some little old ladies put there groceries in Google Folding Shopping Cart and you'll find many of them Amazon and other sites loaded with them Here s a picture I just pulled up online Some come with liners I just use to use a waterproof bag from an Army Surplus store or camping store They work I used one for 15-20 yrs
As to filleting I'll show you It's pretty easy I actually use an electric knife You should have a good trip