Bridge Pilings / Courtesy

[Destined_to_succeed]

Kind of new to fishing under bridges and wanted as much input on this as I could get. Is it wrong to anchor under a bridge to fish the pilings? Is it unlawful? I see people that appear to be anchored under them or tied off to the pilings all the time. Does this scare the fish? And if not what is the proper method to stay put without getting tossed around or drifting off because of the wind. I would assume to slowly let down a anchor off the bow and one off the stern.

[ColdSVT]

Check you state and local regs for tying off to a pilling or abutment

I tend to just use my trolling motor to hold position around bridges. Then again it isnt often that i ever anchor

[EvanT123]

I often anchor around pilings. I don't know if it's illegal but no one has said anything yet. Couple words of advice. Depending on the type of bridge make sure other boaters can see you if they are approaching the bridge. The pilings seem to catch tree logs and other debris. I like to make sure I anchor outside this zone. 1. Fish seem to be there and 2. It can be a real pain if you get your anchor stuck in the debris. Good luck!

[Sam]

Just be sure to leave an opening for traffic to go under the bridge.

 

Otherwise, unless the area is posted "no anchoring" you probably can go ahead and anchor.

[geo g]

In South Florida, Alligator Alley runs along I75 which cuts right across the heart of the Everglades east to west. Because the everglades is a river of grass with constant water flow, there is a bridge every mile to allow water to flow south to Florida Bay. When summer storms pop up, I often duck under the roadway and tie off to a piling. I'll rap my bow line around the piling and hook it to a front cleat. I have sat out quite a few bad storms, safe from lightning, and nice and dry.

You could also tie off to a piling and fish and then relocate and tie off again.

[buzzed bait]

if it's illegal, it will be posted. 

in my kayak, i tend to try and stick to the low/no traffic areas of a bridge to avoid any mishaps.

[scyounggun]

Most of the bridges around here have big metal rings made especially for tying off to.  They label them "fisherman mooring rings"

[Bladesmith,]

A word of caution while fishing around bridge pilings; be aware that people often throw things like pop or beer bottles out of their vehicles as they cross the bridges. I once was narrowly missed by a flying beer bottle that broke on my casting deck and made a mess. I now use care when fishing around bridges.

[matuka]

A word of caution while fishing around bridge pilings; be aware that people often throw things like pop or beer bottles out of their vehicles as they cross the bridges. I once was narrowly missed by a flying beer bottle that broke on my casting deck and made a mess. I now use care when fishing around bridges.

That didn't sound like an accident. Low lifes all around.

[uncustered]

Also, most bridges have a lighting system, many times it is high voltage, avoid conduits and any metal railings under the bridge....

Up here in Virginia our major bridges have a high security rating and you cannot moor to them in any manner. They all also have cameras and work with marine fisheries. ....

[A-Jay]

Right from the Texas Parks & Wildlife web site ~

 

How do I find out if there are any special water safety regulations on waters I want to visit?

The rules in the Texas Water Safety Act apply to all public water in Texas. The local governing body of incorporated cities or towns, county commissioners courts, and political subdivisions can pass rules relating to restricted areas and the operation and equipment of boats it deems necessary for the public safety. You must contact the entity in charge to determine if any special rules apply. Find the local governing entity for a specific water body.

 

A-Jay