So guys, me and the Ol' Lady are heading to Anna Maria Island in June for about a week and Id really like to do some pier fishing while im there... Heres the problem. I have lived in Kentucky for 27 years and have no idea what to do in salt water... Anyone have any tips as far as gear/bait/tackle goes?

P.S.  I know this probably should have gone in the "Other Species" category, but I really wanted some Florida locals to see it...  Sorry

First, make sure you get the saltwater license, non-resident 3 day license is $17. All saltwater fishing from shore or on the water requires a license now.

Second, saltwater fish are a lot less picky than freshwater, so anything from shrimp to cut up fish will work.

Someone with more Florida saltwater experience should chime in shortly.

Depends what you are fishing for, if just general fishing to get your pole to bend, frozen sardine, dead or live shrimp, crabs will get you something.  Artificials can be tough if there are no baitfish swimming around, best bet is a silver spoon.

Piers are high, you will need a rod with some backbone, like a freshwater catfish setup, personally I would add about $50 to the trip and buy a Walmart spinning rod and reel combo5-6000 reel 10/25 hvy rod.

  Appreciate all the responses so far...  Especially about the saltwater license.  I was under the impression that no license was needed for fishing off the piers.  As far as rod and reel go, I was looking at this one from BPS...

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10208390_151003000_151000000_151003000_151-3-0#prodDescription

Tell me what you think.

Decent choice for the $, I'd pick the 7 footer, 15-40 pretty heavy, be fine for the pier, and 16# of drag is not that strong.