Russell-Fields City Pier
Iconic pier offering stunning Gulf sunsets, abundant marine life sightings, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch fish
Russell-Fields City Pier
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch fish
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pier offering stunning Gulf sunsets, abundant marine life sightings, and excellent fishing opportunities.
"A nice walk to see wildlife and a great fishing area with lots of room."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is across the street. Arrive well before sunrise for prime fishing spots and easier parking. :car:
🎣 Fishing Gear Rental
Rentals available on-site, including poles and bait. Knowledgeable staff can help you choose. :fishing_pole:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
End of the Pier
Witness breathtaking Gulf sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues. A truly magical end to any day.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the Pier
Spot sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and a variety of fish. A natural aquarium experience.
Angler's Paradise
Fishing Areas
Cast a line and enjoy a day of fishing with ample space and opportunities for a good catch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Prime Spots
Fishing Etiquette & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is across the street. Arrive well before sunrise for prime fishing spots and easier parking. :car:
🎣 Fishing Gear Rental
Rentals available on-site, including poles and bait. Knowledgeable staff can help you choose. :fishing_pole:
🐢 Sea Turtle Sightings
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! A lucky fisherman even rescued one. :turtle:
🚶♀️ Pier Entrance Fee
A small fee ($4 per adult) helps with upkeep. Worth it for the views and experience. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is across the street. Arrive well before sunrise for prime fishing spots and easier parking. :car:
🎣 Fishing Gear Rental
Rentals available on-site, including poles and bait. Knowledgeable staff can help you choose. :fishing_pole:
🐢 Sea Turtle Sightings
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! A lucky fisherman even rescued one. :turtle:
🚶♀️ Pier Entrance Fee
A small fee ($4 per adult) helps with upkeep. Worth it for the views and experience. :ticket:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach Nearby
A dog-friendly beach is located near the pier for your furry friends. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Russell-Fields City Pier for its stunning sunset views and opportunities to see marine life like sea turtles and dolphins. It's a great spot for fishing with rental options available. However, some find the local fishermen to be territorial, and parking can be a challenge during busy times.
"It's a nice little walk to see some wildlife. Was able to capture a sea turtle. Nice fishing area with lots of room if your into that. But there isn't much else to do. Local fisherman tend to stay to themselves and don't care for public safety. They just swing their fishing rods without checking if anyone is behind or around them."
Eric Valdivia
"If you like fishing and scenery, great place for that. The one thing about this place is that the local fishermen are not all that friendly, and they take up almost all the good fishing areas and don't make room for other fishermen. Advise you to get there very early it's open 24 hrs a day, so be there we'll before sunrise if you want a good spot to fish. Make sure to bring your own bait no tackle store. Hardly any parking close only across the street, so bring you a cart to haul your stuff."
Chuck Groves
"My family and I go fishing here every time we come. You can see sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and of course fish! You can buy a pier pass or rent fishing gear and buy bait other gear you might need. The shop guy is very knowledgeable and willing to help you pick out what to get depending on what has been biting. Poles are about $16 for 6 hours I think. Bait is around $6-$10. Pier entrance is $6 I think"
Mackenzie Ruiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Russell-Fields City Pier is located in Panama City Beach, Florida, adjacent to Pier Park. Ample free parking is available across the street from the pier. 
Yes, there is ample free parking across the street from the pier. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times or events.
Absolutely! Russell-Fields City Pier is right next to Pier Park, making it easily accessible for shoppers and diners.
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings, especially if you plan to fish. Sunset hours are popular for views but can be busier.
The pier is long and generally flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, it can get crowded, so exercise caution.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around $4 per adult for walking the pier. Fishing passes or gear rentals have separate costs.
Yes, you can rent fishing poles and purchase bait and tackle at the shop on the pier. Prices for rentals are around $16 for 6 hours, and bait is about $6-$10.
Yes, Russell-Fields City Pier is open 24 hours a day, allowing for early morning fishing or late-night stargazing.
Typically, a fishing license is not required when fishing from a public pier in Florida. However, it's always best to check current regulations.
Yes, the pier hosts events like the Gulf Coast Salute Airshow, beach clean-ups, and sometimes sea turtle releases.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife
Anglers often catch a variety of fish, including mackerel, snapper, and various other Gulf species.
Yes, sea turtles are frequently spotted from the pier. One was even rescued after being accidentally hooked by a fisherman.
There are wash stations available for cleaning fish, which can make it easier. Some restaurants in the area also offer to clean and cook your catch.
Besides sea turtles, visitors have reported seeing dolphins and sharks from the pier.
Some reviews suggest that local fishermen can be territorial and may not always be friendly. It's advisable to be respectful and aware of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunset offers dramatic and colorful skies, making it ideal for photography. Early mornings can also provide beautiful light with fewer crowds.
The pier is quite long, stretching approximately 1500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico.
Yes, you can get great shots of the Pier Park skyline and the SkyWheel from various points on the pier.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and near piers for safety and privacy reasons. Check local regulations before flying.
The unobstructed view over the Gulf of Mexico allows for panoramic sunsets with vibrant colors reflecting on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting fishing gear for a family activity, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll and the beautiful ocean views. Remember that parking is across the street, so a stroller or wagon might be helpful for younger children and their gear. 🎣 Anglers on a Budget
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Early mornings also provide beautiful, soft light with fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the coastline. Don't forget to capture shots of the marine life if you're lucky enough to spot any, like sea turtles or dolphins. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Pier: More Than Just a Walk
Beyond angling, the pier is a popular destination for sunset viewing. The unobstructed horizon over the Gulf creates a spectacular canvas for vibrant colors as the sun dips below the water.
+1 It's also a place where nature enthusiasts can spot a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks. For those interested in community events, the pier has been a venue for beach clean-ups and even hosted an airshow.
+1 It's a place that offers a blend of recreation, natural beauty, and community engagement, making it a well-rounded attraction in Panama City Beach.Fishing at Russell-Fields City Pier: Tips and Etiquette
While the fishing is good, some Reddit users have noted that local fishermen can be territorial, and it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and fishing rod swings.
For those looking to secure a prime fishing spot, arriving very early, even before sunrise, is highly recommended, as the pier can get crowded.
Wildlife Spotting and Conservation
This event underscores the importance of responsible fishing practices and the collaboration between fishermen, pier management, and marine rescue organizations. Beyond sea turtles, the waters around the pier are home to other fascinating creatures. Dolphins have been spotted, adding to the excitement of a visit.
For those interested in conservation efforts, events like beach clean-ups are sometimes organized near the pier, highlighting the community's commitment to protecting the marine environment.
These initiatives, along with the rescue of animals like 'Arrow', demonstrate a collective effort to ensure the health of the Gulf ecosystem for both wildlife and future visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit