Photo via Google Places
Lake Worth Pier (William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier):
The William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier — better known as the Lake Worth Beach Pier — stretches 960 feet into the Atlantic, and it punches well above its weight as a fishing spot. The Gulf Stream swings unusually close to shore here, pulling deep-water, hard-fighting species right up into casting range. In fact, this is reportedly the first place anyone ever caught a sailfish from land.
The original wooden pier opened in 1960 but took a beating from Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma in 2004–2005. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2009 — five feet higher and built to take a punch. At the base sits Benny’s on the Beach, a local dining landmark since 1986, so breakfast and a morning of fishing go hand in hand here.
It is a pay pier: $1 to walk and sightsee, about $4 to fish, which keeps it well-maintained. A bait-and-tackle shop on the pier rents rods and sells bait, and there are shaded spots, benches and cleaning stations out on the deck.
Anglers know this pier for snook — it is legendary for them — plus pompano, cobia, snapper, blue runners and kingfish. In winter, a few diehards even kite-fish live baits out to the deeper water. An oceanfront park, restrooms and picnic areas sit right at the base.
Popular Species
Gulf Stream Variety
Snook (legendary here), Pompano, Cobia, Snapper, Blue Runner, Kingfish
Pay & Fish
Well Worth It
$1 to walk, about $4 to fish. Bait shop and rod rentals on the pier. Shaded spots, benches and cleaning stations on the deck.
A Land-Fishing Legend
Sailfish From Shore
Reportedly the first place a sailfish was ever caught from land — the Gulf Stream runs close to shore. Rebuilt 2009, with Benny’s on the Beach at the base.
Fishing at Lake Worth Pier
The Gulf Stream’s closeness is the magic here — fish the end for cobia, kingfish and the occasional pelagic, and work the pilings and surf zone for snook, pompano and snapper. Live bait, sand fleas and jigs all produce, and winter brings the kite-fishing crowd. Dawn and dusk on a moving tide are prime.
Length
960 feet
Structure
Concrete (rebuilt 2009)
Hours
6am–10pm
Walk-On
$1
Fishing Fee
~$4
Bait Shop
Yes, rod rentals
Restaurant
Benny’s at base
License
Covered by pier
Tide Forecast
Tides shown for the nearest NOAA station — a planning guide. Always confirm conditions before you head out.
Before You Fish
- It is $1 to walk the pier and about $4 to fish; the fee keeps the pier maintained.
- Generally open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. — confirm current hours before a late trip.
- A bait-and-tackle shop on the pier rents rods and sells bait; some tackle restrictions apply.
- Shaded areas, benches and fish-cleaning stations are on the deck; oceanfront park and restrooms at the base.
- Benny’s on the Beach at the base is open for breakfast and lunch.
- Paid parking nearby runs a few dollars an hour. Follow FWC limits — especially snook seasons.
Plan Your Visit
10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460
A 960-ft Atlantic pier where the Gulf Stream runs close — legendary for snook and the first land-caught sailfish. $1 to walk, ~$4 to fish, with a bait shop and Benny’s on the Beach at the base.
Bait, Charters & Marinas Near This Pier
A few top-rated coastal businesses near Lake Worth Pier to gear up and get on the water.