Hoping for warmth and a nice fish on a Florida pier
By Tom Adkinson
December 24, 2021

A chilly Florida angler. Image by Tom Adkinson

CLEARWATER, Florida – Many a Florida visitor has had to bundle up in unexpectedly chilly weather, but this angler came prepared and is eager to make the acquaintance of a hungry fish, all under the watchful gaze of a nearby stoic pelican. The angler is on Pier 60 in Clearwater on Florida’s west coast. The structure is 1,080 feet long and is the platform to pursue flounder, snappers, redfish, sheepshead, spotted trout, croakers, whiting and other species, even the occasional shark.

Florida pelican. Image by Tom Adkinson

Pier 60 is among almost three dozen fishing piers in Florida and is a multi-purpose attraction. In addition to fishing, you can stroll on the pier just to enjoy the scenery, shop from various vendors or enjoy a meal. The pier is especially active at sunset every day during a free, family-oriented festival that starts about two hours before sunset and lasts until two hours after the sun disappears into the Gulf of Mexico. You might have come to catch a fish, but musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and contortionists also can entertain you.