PARTNER FEATURE: VISIT ST. LUCIE

Fort Pierce: A Fishing Haven with Century-Old Roots and World Records

Discover the unparalleled fishing adventure that awaits you in St. Lucie, especially in Fort Pierce, a destination celebrated worldwide for its exceptional angling opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Fort Pierce offers a thrilling fishing experience, both inshore and offshore, with an abundant variety of fish species.

Tracing back over a century, Fort Pierce's fishing legacy is deeply rooted in its history. It was once a bustling hub for commercial and recreational fishing, with fish houses and packing plants dotting downtown Fort Pierce. The area's rich fishing heritage, combined with modern attractions, makes it a unique and compelling destination for anglers from all over.

Today, Fort Pierce stands as a top recreational fishing hotspot. Anglers flock here, rods in hand, eager to land the big one. The Indian River Lagoon, a renowned fishing ground in the area, was where a world record 17.7lb spotted sea trout was caught. Imagine the thrill of potentially setting a new record yourself!

Venture offshore into the deep-blue Atlantic for an exhilarating experience, where you can catch bottom fish like grouper and snapper or troll for surface dwellers such as mahimahi and sailfish. Fort Pierce is also the proud host of the national championship tournament for kingfish, organized by the Southern Kingfish Association.

For those new to the sport, Fort Pierce is incredibly welcoming. You can easily rent poles and cast your line from the jetties at Fort Pierce Inlet, or even try beach fishing, where tarpon, blacktip sharks, snook, and pompano are common catches. The Indian River Lagoon offers a diverse inshore fishing experience, teeming with species like snook, trout, snapper, black drum, and flounder.

What sets Fort Pierce apart for visiting anglers is not just the variety of fish but also its excellent amenities. With multiple marinas, free public boat ramps, bait and tackle shops, fish cleaning stations, and charter boats, everything you need is at your fingertips. Plus, there are plenty of fishing-friendly accommodations, including hotels with fishing piers or boat slips.

Fort Pierce is more than a fishing destination; it's a complete angling adventure that beckons you to return, time and time again. Pack your gear and head to Fort Pierce, where the promise of a fishing paradise awaits!