Walk the Walk
by Rick O'Banion

Most often, when we think of pier fishing, we envision lots of people casting live bait rigs and waiting for a bite. Occasionally, you find the ever-diligent crank bait caster wearing out his wrist and his reel. The plain fact that many people overlook is that the pier itself is the magnet (structure) that attracts fish. Casting from the pier actually presents the bait further from the fish.

This becomes an even bigger truth when we examine modern pier construction methods. Today, the standard is concrete on piling. These are large wooden pilings driven deep into the lake bottom, upon which concrete slabs are laid or poured. Essentially, the concrete sits on large wooden stilts. This provides great cover for all kinds of aquatic life. Insect larvae, mussels, minnows and others on the food chain thrive in this environment.  It then becomes a sub-ecosystem that may not have existed prior to the existence of the pier.

The dilemma is how to get underneath the pier to where the fish are taking cover? Some go undercover for protection, while others are there for ambush. Knowing this, I set out to locate and catch fish that I knew had to be there. When searching for your very own pier, look for the following keys for fishing success:

The Walk

The walking method has existed, in many forms, for many years. I have been using it for over 10 years and have had more success with this method than any other. I have easily caught more fish pier walking than I ever have from my boat.

The particular pier I am fond of is located on Lake Ontario. It has every one of the key components listed above for a likely fish holder. While it does see a fair bit of boat traffic, I am generally a night fisher and prefer to fish during the week when the fishing pressure is lower. Each factor, no matter how small, that you can put in your favor, do it! Adding up all your advantages ensure a great trip!

Several years back, I was night fishing with a bunch of guys looking for late summer salmon. We'd always head to the end of the pier and toss spoons until our arms fell off. This particular night was a bit too slow for my liking so I decided to head out.  Remembering a rumour I had heard about walleye in the area (even though, in my arrogance, I assumed that since I had not caught any they did not exist) I tossed out a green fat rap for a few casts. Being the lazy one that I am, I figured I'd just cast and start walking the half mile back up the pier to my car. At first I was a little wary about the crank hanging up on the side of the pier as the line swung closer to it, but this was an older lure and I decided to press on.

No sooner had the line come parallel to the pier when I felt the lure come to a dead stop. Even though I figured I was hung up, my first instinct was to set the hook. And I did, right into my first ever 10 pound walleye. Now I was totally hooked!!

I began fishing the pier itself every night. I walked upstream and downstream with dozens of different set-ups and lure colours and sizes. After a few years, I had the pattern down. Mind you, it cost hundreds of dollars in lost crankbaits and spoons, but now I catch far more fish than bottom.

Equipment

There really is no need to go and spend substantial money on a rod and reel for this type of fishing. What you are looking for is a rod about 9 ft. long or greater with a strong backbone and sensitive tip. Rigger sticks are great for this application. My personal choice is an older Fenwick HMG Graphite noodle rod. The longer rod gives you greater flexibility in how close to the pier itself you present the bait. Remember the fish are either under the pier or near its base looking for food.

I know that a bait casting reel is far better in this application, but I still find myself using a spinner. Any quality reel with a good drag system will do fine.

I have been using Fireline for quite some time and I will fish with nothing else. It can handle anything you can throw at it and never breaks. That being said, in areas with high zebra mussel concentrations, some type of leader may be called for. We need to get right down into the bottom to scare up these fish.

Getting down to the bottom usually requires weight. My local tackle store carries home-made bottom bouncers. These are simply wires bent into an ' L' shape and weighted with lead. A buck or two a piece and I'm fishing.

Different times of year call for different bait strategies. Early in the season, when the water is cold, we need a slow moving smaller bait. Rapala Husky Jerks suit this mission well. Hot n' Tots, Fat Raps, and Frenzies also are perfect. Just remember, when using a bottom bouncer to use small-lipped stick baits. As the year progresses up-size your lure and speed up your presentation. Mid-summer sees me rippin these lures very quickly. The Rebel Fastrac is the ideal lure for these times because of their ability to hold a great wobbling action at any speed. As the fall arrives, beef up your lure to the biggest you can. Even a 10" stickbait is not too big for this time of year. These fish are chowing down for winter, and will eat anything.

So, you're all ready. Now comes the easy part & the actual walk. On a pier that extends a river and contains current, walk as far downstream as you can. Toss your presentation out as far as you like and start walking along the edge of the pier upstream. On piers without significant current you can do this easily both ways. However, until you are comfortable, do not try walking downstream or you will lose lots of tackle.

Try and have your bottom bouncer maintain periodic contact with the bottom. Occasionally let the lip of the lure tear into the bottom to stir things up. Remember though, most fish attack up. Their eyes are on the top of their head and see in front and above. Keeping you lure about 24" from the bottom is ideal. A sensitive tipped rod will let you know when your lure is fouled in weeds. Get to know the feel of each lures wobble on your rod.

Except during early spring, expect fish to crush your offering. There is no subtlety to this type of fishing. Most of the fish I have caught simply stop the lure dead. Almost as if you suddenly got hung up. Always lift your rod tip when you feel the lure stop. If you are snagged, this will help release the lure and if its a strike, you are halfway to a hookup.

An extendable net is often priceless when fishing piers. Try to fasten it to your back while you're walking to keep things out of your way and safer. A good quality fishing vest with numerous compartments and lots of smaller plastic trays will help you keep organized.

Keep a disposable camera handy so you can practice CPR (catch, photograph, release.)

As you fish a certain area, you will learn where the depth changes and where the bottom changes. You will most likely notice that these spots, while treacherous on tackle, hold the most fish. Always try different speeds, depths, colours and lures. Each day I find the fish prefer something different than the day before. But I find if I'm not afraid to experiment, the fish are usually co-operative. Even on days when I catch nothing, I am outdoors and getting exercise and fresh air. That's why fishermen live longer.