Biggest Fish Ever Caught

Local residents catch big fish at Waveland pier

PICAYUNE — Two Picayune residents caught five large black drums at the Garfield Ladner Pier recently.

The five black drums caught by Logan Crain and Brittany Anthony, both of Picayune, ranged in weight from 19 to 32 pounds. According to a press release from the Garfield Ladner Pier, Picayune residents represent ten percent of the Annual Family Passes at the pier.

The 1,200 foot-long pier is named after Waveland’s long-time mayor, Garfield Ladner, who served from 1942 to 1973. It is the only pier on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that has lighting for night fishing and is staffed 24 hours a day, the release states.

After being destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, the pier was officially reopened April 10, 2010 after a year of reconstruction. The new multi-million dollar pier is constructed of concrete instead of the wood, of which the previous pier was built.

Many native Gulf Coast fish can be caught from the pier, which also offers conveniently located bait cutting boards. Some of the most prominently caught fish include speckle trout, red fish, black drum, flounder, croaker and white trout. Occasionally, pier anglers catch shark, alligator gar, sting ray, triple tail and Spanish mackerel.

Visitors can also sit on one of the 15 covered benches along the pier and observe dolphins and sea turtles feeding in the area. Several areas along the pier railing are hinged in a clam-shell fashion to easily accommodate small children or those in wheelchairs persons who wish to fish.

Pier fees range from an Annual Family Pass for $30 that covers two adults and dependent children at the same address; a Daily Walking Pass for $1; and a Daily Fishing Pass for $3. Passes for Seniors, ages 65 and older, and handicapped Citizens Daily Fishing Passes are available for $1.50 each. Passes for children under 12 cost $1. Daily passes are good for 24 hours.

Alcoholic beverages, including beer, and glass containers are not permitted on the pier, which is also a non-smoking area.

Men’s and women’s rest rooms are located on the pier and there are six picnic pavilions on the jetty. Reservations are recommended for the pavilions.

Pier passes can be purchased at the pier office located on the pier. The pier also offers sodas, water, 10 pound bags of ice, some fishing supplies and rental fishing poles and nets. The pier office can be reached for up-to-date fish and weather information at 228–467–4006.

Source : Picayune Item