North Causeway (Little Jim Bridge Park) Fishing

North Causeway (Little Jim Bridge Park) is one of the Treasure Coast's best-known shore spots for snook, on the Fort Pierce North Causeway just inside the inlet. Lagoon and inlet fish meet here around the bridge.

• A short fishing pier plus causeway shoreline
• Snook, seatrout, redfish, sheepshead and snapper
• Tarpon, jacks and winter pompano with inlet water
• Restrooms, a pavilion and a bait shop next door

The park is at 601 North Causeway in Fort Pierce, beside the Little Jim bridge on the North Causeway (SR A1A) between the mainland and North Hutchinson Island, and is run by St. Lucie County.

• Getting there: take the North Causeway (SR A1A) east from US 1 over the new high-level bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway, opened in May 2026; demolition of the old drawbridge is still going on nearby
• Parking: at the park, beside the water
• The pier: short and level, reached from the park
• Nearby: North Causeway Park, at 500 North Causeway, is closed while its boat ramp, parking, restrooms and pavilions are rebuilt, with reopening expected in October 2026
• Surface: level park ground and a short pier

Inlet water and lagoon grass flats give this spot a long species list.

• Spring (Mar-May): snook moving back toward the inlet, seatrout on the grass, jacks, the last pompano
• Summer (Jun-Aug): snook early and late in the day, mangrove snapper, tarpon in the channel, ladyfish
• Fall (Sep-Nov): the mullet run brings snook, tarpon, jacks and redfish; the best season
• Winter (Dec-Feb): sheepshead and black drum around the bridge, pompano on the sandy edges, seatrout on warm afternoons

A medium spinning rod with 20-30 lb braid covers most fish, with a heavier rod for snook near the bridge.

• Snook: live pilchards, finger mullet or shrimp on a 3/0 circle hook and 30-40 lb leader; swimbaits and jigs in low light
• Seatrout and redfish: soft plastics under a popping cork or on a light jig over the grass and sand edges
• Sheepshead and black drum: fiddler crabs or shrimp on a strong hook near the pilings
• Pompano: small pompano jigs on the sandy bottom in winter
• Mangrove snapper: small live shrimp on a knocker rig

The Fort Pierce Inlet brings two tides a day into the lagoon here, averaging about a foot and a half at the North Beach Causeway gauge, and the water under the bridge moves well.

• The incoming tide brings clear inlet water and is best for snapper, pompano and trout
• The outgoing tide pulls bait off the flats; snook feed on it at the bridge
• Early morning and evening are prime snook times; check posted park hours before planning a night session
• A light wind makes the channel easier to fish
• Heavy rain and discharges up the lagoon can muddy the water for days; clear water fishes better

This is a comfortable park with level ground and a short pier.

• Boat traffic runs to and from the nearby ramps and marinas; keep casts clear of the channel
• The current near the bridge is strong; do not wade into it
• Summer thunderstorms bring lightning; leave the pier when they build
• Bring sun protection and water in summer
• The level ground and short pier suit most visitors, including wheelchair users with help

The park is simple, with a busy bait shop next door.

• A short fishing pier
• Picnic tables and a pavilion
• Restrooms in the park
• Little Jim Bait & Tackle, beside the park at the same address, sells bait and has a bar and kitchen; its posted hours can change, so check before you rely on it
• North Causeway Park next door on the causeway is closed for renovations until its expected October 2026 reopening
• No confirmed lights for night fishing; take your trash with you

• The water right under the Little Jim bridge often has the best flow and the cleanest water on the incoming
• Fish the shadow lines at the bridge early and late for snook
• Bring fiddler crabs in winter for sheepshead on the pilings
• The fall mullet run is the peak; watch for bait showers along the causeway
• Buy live shrimp next door rather than carrying it over the causeway
• A long-handled net helps with snook near the pilings

Little Jim Bridge Park is a St. Lucie County park, and posted county rules apply.

• Follow posted park hours and rules, and take out everything you bring in
• Keep clear of the boat ramps and channel
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Snook and tarpon have their own seasons and release rules; check FWC before keeping any snook
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything