I think I was born to fish, especially in salt water. I've done it all - surf fishing, deep sea fishing, offshore trolling, angling tidal creeks and rivers from shore and from a boat, and casting from the jetties. My absolute favorite type of fishing, however, is from a pier.

Pier fishing is easy and relaxed, and now that I'm older, I appreciate both of these salient qualities. My favorite piers are partially covered, so you can get some sun if you choose, or stay in the shade. They also have amenities like running water, fish-cleaning stations, and lights for night-time angling.

Piers are a natural gathering spot, not only for anglers, but for anyone seeking a great view of the ocean and the salty breezes that often caress pier-goers. There's a great deal of camaraderie on the pier among the fishermen, too. Just about everyone in attendance is helpful and friendly, and we all kind of "root" for each other - it's us against those briny monsters of the deep.

Of course, the best thing about the pier is the fish. Just like the fishermen, a pier is also a gathering place for fish. Most species are attracted to structure, and a pier does not disappoint. Barnacles grow on the pilings, and they attract fish. Bait fish seek the cover of the pier, and their presence attracts predatory fish. Since fish are constantly being cleaned and the scraps being thrown overboard, there's a constant "fish restaurant" inherent in a pier, which attracts more fish.

One reason pier fishing is so exciting is that you never know what you might catch. For example, from my favorite pier, I've caught black drum, redfish, bluefish, spots, whiting, sheepshead, spadefish, mangrove snapper, sand trout, flounder, stingrays, pompano, huge starfish, octopuses, whelks, skates, cobia, spotted seatrout, weakfish, croaker, tarpon, catfish, needle fish, cutlass fish, hogfish, Spanish mackerel, blue crabs, puffers, sea robins, toadfish, stone crabs, and several species of sharks. Something's always biting!

For successful pier fishing, you'll need a simple rod-and-reel combo, weights, a variety of hooks in different sizes, a large float, and a big round pier net. This is needed to retrieve large fish from the water. Many piers keep one on hand, attached to the pier by a long rope.

As for bait, you might be able to catch your own from the pier. If you can sling a cast net, include one in your pier-fishing arsenal. You have a great vantage point from the pier, and you'll often be able to spot schools of bait fish in the surf.

In addition to any live minnows you may be able to net, some of the best baits to take with you to the pier include fresh dead shrimp, live shrimp, mud minnows, sand fleas, fiddler crabs, and cut mullet. Add a few artificials to the mix, too, like spoons, jigs, tube baits, and plugs.

Fish some baits on the bottom, and attach a live shrimp or minnow to a float. Every once in a while, cast an artificial in the depths. If you have some heavy tackle, hook a live fish to your line for tarpon, big sharks, and cobia. That way, your bases will be covered. You'll hit the bottom feeders, the surface feeders, and those in between.

One note of caution: If you like to cast your bait out and then set your rod down and take a break, tie your rod to the pier railing with cord. There are some huge fish that could strip your rod from the pier, so better safe than sorry. I've seen gigantic tarpon come through and snatch rod and all off the pier.

For tips on catching individual species of fish, along with ways to procure free bait, see the attached articles below.