1st timer coming first week of August

Hey all, I'm new to the forums and new to pier fishing. I am an avid fresh water fisherman but need some help fishing the Gulf. I would like to catch some grouper and snapper while I'm down there. My wife will probably allow me to fish maybe two days while I'm down there so I would like to make the best of it. I am curious what size hooks and weight to use. I am going to use a medium action rod with a long cast spinner reel but I'm going to put 15# test on it. Any other suggestions would be great.

your wife will ALLOW you to fish??

You guys are pitiful ;-) LOL

Welcome pfjm!
If you want to catch grouper and snapper you will likely have to fish a boat out in the gulf.
You can catch a ride for under $100
http://www.fishingorangebeach.com/Pa...hing-Rates.htm

Also, snapper will be out of season. Season ends June 30.

Actually its supposed to close July 11th...
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishin...r/regulations/
For now...
Unless I'm missing something...

I guess they may have extended it due to the weather pattern we were stuck in.

yeah that's what I heard yesterday after talking to a charter captain. I was actually going to charter a boat because I'm wanting some nice sized fish. My boys are wanting to fish off the pier though.

ok... i need some help... I think I have two nice rod and reels but no saltwater tackle... not sure what to get. These are the rods and reels that I have:

1.) Rhino Titanium T733. 6'6" Med/Heavy 10-20lbs Line 1/4-1 Oz. Lure. Says it is pre-spooled with 20# line.

2.) Berkley Fusion 206. 7' 0" Med/Heavy 10-25lbs Lure 1/4- 1 1/4 Oz. I'm assuming it is pre-spooled with 20# line.

I know that they are cheap but I am only fishing for a couple of days off of GSP. Figured I wasn't going to spend a whole lot of money. What size hooks and weights do I need? Also, what type of leaders, swivles and etc. I wouldn't mind using one of them with an artificial bait as well. But my boys are wanting to do some fishing as well. Maybe for some reds, spades, and whatever else will bite.

Go to J&M Tackle on Canal Road when you get there and tell them to set you up with a Gotcha Lure and maybe a Bubble Rig and a fish finder rig (Carolina rig to bass fisherman). With these three rigs you are sure to catch some kind of fish. You may catch some ladyfish, bluefish, remora, or other undesireables but there is always a possibility of catching some tasty species as well. Your kids are sure to have fun as long as they are "catching" and not just fishing. :yay:

If you really want to learn how to fish the Gulf Coast and catch a few in the process, hook up with our buddy Pier#r it will be some money well spent!
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...fishing-guide/