My first saltwater fishing experience was on a pier. I'm sure this is true for a lot of kids and adults. Without piers you have two other saltwater fishing options: shore fishing and boat fishing. The problem with shore fishing is you don't catch any fish. The problem with boat fishing is you must be rich or willing to spend more money than you can really afford for a boat or a charter trip.
One negative impact of the coastal housing bubble (and hurricanes) is the reduction in the number of piers and, as a result, reasonable fishing opportunities for regular people. The number of NC piers has fallen from 32 to 23 in the past 10 years. The Long Beach pier in Brunswick County NC is the latest to go -- a victim of about a $10 million opportunity cost.
