Long Pier, Long Story

One location often shamefully overlooked on Gulf Blvd is the appropriately titled "Redington Long Pier."  Nestled between two towering hotels, one can't really be blamed for passing it by; though it's certainly not a place to miss. 

Open seven days a week, Redington's Long Pier provides beach goers with the chance to get some fishing done without all the inherent hassles of first obtaining a Florida fishing license and then lugging poles and bait to the beach!

Constructed by beach founder Charles Redington in 1962, the pier has had a rather tumultuous history.

Built by Redington, the Long Pier's commercial amenities (the Bait Shop, Shelters, Restrooms) were added six years after its completion, by its second owner, Erine Torok, according to tampabayfishingpier.com. Torok also elongated the pier to its current 1,021 foot length after a barge collided with it.

While the Pier could overcome structural damage from ships, it was actually neglect that hurt it the most. Taken over by a bank in 1998, after Torok passed away, the Pier fell into a steady state of decline.  Caught under a constant barrage of tropical storms and hurricanes, attrition quickly took its toll, according to tampabayfishingpier.com.

Salvation came in 2000, in the form of the Antonious family.  They bought the Pier and then initiated major renovations in the hope of keeping it running for another 49 years.  The Antoniouses are hoping to not just refurbish the Pier, but to preserve it, by undergoing the long process of making the Redington Long Pier a true, historical landmark.  

"I've come here to waste my money and my time," admits local angler Jason Himes when asked why he chose this spot.

Redington's Long Pier is, after all, open seven days a week, 7AM to 11PM. At $12 a head for access to the pier ($15 for the V.I.P. area; $3 for spectators), the Long Pier is a perfect for tourists, as fishing licenses are not needed while on it. Rods are also available for rent, as well as baits for sale.