Overview
Crystal Beach Pier is a public fishing pier in Florida. Melbourne Beach Pier sits on the Indian River Lagoon side of the barrier island, giving you a sheltered, inshore-style pier experience compared with open-ocean surf piers. Its a good option when the ocean is rough, and its well-suited to light-tackle fishing for lagoon and channel species around moving tides. Because its protected water, presentations like live shrimp, small jigs, and cut bait often outperform heavy surf rigs.
More Info
Amenities
Inshore lagoon pier access; check local postings or official sources for current parking/restroom availability near the pier.
Rules, Regulations & Safety Notes
FWC seasons/size limits apply. Because this is a lagoon pier, be mindful of boat traffic and avoid casting into navigational paths. Handle fish gently and keep them in the water when releasing.
Hours of Operation
Park hours vary; Town info notes parking closes at 11pm (verify pier access hours on-site).
License Requirements
Yes (Florida saltwater license or resident shoreline license).
Fishing Fees
No admission fee listed by the Town (verify on-site).
Who This Pier Is Best For
Light-tackle anglers; families who prefer calmer, sheltered water; anyone looking for an alternative when ocean surf conditions make open-coast piers less comfortable.
Fish Species Commonly Caught
Spotted seatrout (seasonal), redfish, snook (seasonal), mangrove snapper (seasonal), black drum, sheepshead, jacks, ladyfish
Local Insights
Lagoon bites can be tide-drivenif the water isnt moving, change locations or wait for flow rather than changing baits repeatedly. When bait schools show on the surface, switching to small paddletails or jigs can be fast.
Pier Fishing Tips
Scale down compared with ocean piers: lighter leaders and smaller hooks can help in clearer lagoon water. Fish live shrimp under a popping cork or on a light bottom rig. Work small jigs along the edge for trout and jacks. If you hook a larger fish, use a net/sling for a safe landing.
Best Times to Fish
Low-light periods (dawn/dusk); moving tides along the channel edge; cooler months for drum and sheepshead; warmer months for snook and snapper activity.
Address
299 N Gulf Dr, Crystal Beach, FL 34681
State
FL
Municipality
Crystal Beach
Zip/Post Code
34681
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Everything you need for a successful day on the pier — from bait and licenses to nearby stays and fishing charters.
Location
299 N Gulf Dr, Crystal Beach, FL 34681
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