Attitudes on the Pier

So, my last few trips to the Gulf Shores Pier, I spoke to some tourists and locals alike.

Outside a few cocky youngsters lately, it seems for the most part that people are commenting about how nice the fishermen are in Gulf Shores compared to other piers on the Gulf.

It is refreshing to feel the appreciation of these individuals, as many people here go way out of their way to help others, and make people visiting the pier feel right at home. Many times this goes unseen, but certainly not forgotten.

We want these people to come back every year. Show your support by helping out a tourist, keeping the cleaning stations clean and setting a good example. The people passing through are noticing and commenting.

Something that all contributors to the cause should be proud of. I know this goes without saying, but great job folks!

As long as I can remember the GSP has had a more friendly atmosphere than some of the other piers around. I have lived here all my life and can say I always love fishing the GSP even though it is more of a drive for me than P'cola, 3mile, or Sykes. I have never had a problem at GSP from anyone except as Viking stated the young cocky tourists which doesn't really bother me. There are some of the best and most helpful individuals that fish GSP and I always am bragging on ya'll to my friends at 3mile.

We've heard so much negative with this and that lately. It is refreshing to hear unsolicited positive comments from random people. :)

Wow... A Viking Guy sighting... it's been a while. As most/some know I came down last year for my family's annual trip and loved it so much that within a couple days we were already trying to figure out when to come back. The people I met on GSP as well on this board have to be some of the nicest people we've met in our travels. One of the main reasons we are returning was the people. I can't wait to get back down there in August.

Regarding negative posts... it's an epidemic across the web. People who are unhappy just have to share their displeasure with everyone. I think it has to do with the fact that in media negativity sells. Just look at the news, how often is it good? Maybe if we just started focusing more on the positives in life we wouldn't have to deal with the crap we have to today. I just wish more people would be willing to make their happiness known not just there displeasure.

that's why we come back every year. i have never felt anything but welcomed by the locals and feel that i have made a few friends along the way. see y'all july 12.

I'm usually fishing from my boat when on vacation and steering well clear of piers, but when we're down this fall, I may be trolling close to the shoreline.

Question:
What's the "polite" distance from a pier to make sure trolling equipment doesn't snag or otherwise interfere with those fishing from the structure? Are you guys heaving 2 ounces 100 yards out?
I'm thinking of cutting in closer because of chummed water and likelihood of predators lurking; but I surely don't want to be "THAT GUY."

Thanks!

SD, the prevailing attitude of pier patrons is that a boat is mobile and can fish ANYWHERE they choose.
Why they choose to 'potlick' the pier is seen as an example of poor sportsmanship and lack of angling prowess.

That being said beyond 100 yards is "legal" so boaters are within their 'rights' to fish there.
But they should be mindful that large fish are often hooked from the pier and can (and do) run 300 yards (or more) from it.

When I boat fished, I tried to give the pier and other stationary fishers at least 1/4 mile berth so as not to 'crowd' them.
There are times and places (obviously) where being closer than that is not an issue, but snuggling up to a pier full of folks is not one of them ;-)
Even if GSPPier has some of the most courteous fishers on the gulf coast. LOL

True southern hospitality I have always heard about and for years experienced .....I have fished them all, and none compares to the gulf shores pier and people .....It was my first to fish many years ago until the H that took it away, but always felt it to be my home pier, during the rebuild while I fished all the others that were open.....well worth the wait
We that visit are truly blessed for sharing the pier with us Googans :D

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Originally Posted by SalmonDaze

I'm usually fishing from my boat when on vacation and steering well clear of piers, but when we're down this fall, I may be trolling close to the shoreline.

Question:
What's the "polite" distance from a pier to make sure trolling equipment doesn't snag or otherwise interfere with those fishing from the structure? Are you guys heaving 2 ounces 100 yards out?
I'm thinking of cutting in closer because of chummed water and likelihood of predators lurking; but I surely don't want to be "THAT GUY."

Thanks!

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It isn't how far we can cast,but how far the fish run when hooked.....300yrds of line isn't out of the question to come off the spool on a GOOD run

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Originally Posted by Pier#r

SD, the prevailing attitude of pier patrons is that a boat is mobile and can fish ANYWHERE they choose.
Why they choose to 'potlick' the pier is seen as an example of poor sportsmanship and lack of angling prowess.

That being said beyond 100 yards is "legal" so boaters are within their 'rights' to fish there.
But they should be mindful that large fish are often hooked from the pier and can (and do) run 300 yards (or more) from it.

When I boat fished, I tried to give the pier and other stationary fishers at least 1/4 mile berth so as not to 'crowd' them.
There are times and places (obviously) where being closer than that is not an issue, but snuggling up to a pier full of folks is not one of them ;-)
Even if GSPPier has some of the most courteous fishers on the gulf coast. LOL

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Originally Posted by ironman172

It isn't how far we can cast,but how far the fish run when hooked.....300yrds of line isn't out of the question to come off the spool on a GOOD run

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Thanks guys. Quarter mile sounds "safe" Half mile seems "polite."

I knew you'd have good insights; that's why I asked. :cool:

I think that it is VERY "that guy" to troll close to the pier. If I were the one doing the trolling, I would start angling out to deeper water once I got within sight of the pier. Look at it this way: "out there" a half-mile or more south of the end of the pier is where pier fishermen can only WISH their baits could be! The kings and other large gamefish/sportfish - they're all coming in FROM the deeper water! This time of year - if the weather isn't too bad, I'm headed south, looking for tide-lines/weedlines, I'm trolling out there and then I'm live-bait fishing for dolphins and kings!

If someone wants to know, frankly, what's cool and what's not -- Trolling/anchoring close to the pier is about as un-cool as it gets, to my way of thinking!

If I were coming out of Perdido Pass to troll for kings & Spanish, running all the way down to the GSPP is waste of time anyway. The edge of the shoal around Perdido Pass, three mile barge, Vern Minton reefs and the trolling corridor are closer and probably more productive anyway,. And you avoid being in conflict with the pier.

If the REST of the people of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach were as nice as the pier users, I would hate to leave. Sunday I was in the empty J&M parking lot after closing (did not know Sunday hours end at 2) sitting and reading my map. A woman apparently pulled up behind my car, did not like the fact that I was in her way, and got out to kick my car and hand signal (actually, finger-signal) to get out of her way. I guess going around me in the empty lot never occurred to her. Must have been an important person to be that entitled.

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Originally Posted by midwestexile

If the REST of the people of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach were as nice as the pier users, I would hate to leave. Sunday I was in the empty J&M parking lot after closing (did not know Sunday hours end at 2) sitting and reading my map. A woman apparently pulled up behind my car, did not like the fact that I was in her way, and got out to kick my car and hand signal (actually, finger-signal) to get out of her way. I guess going around me in the empty lot never occurred to her. Must have been an important person to be that entitled.

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My guess is that, instead of "entitled", she was probably just insane. Sometimes we just forget that a certain portion of our society is mentally ill, in desperate need of some time at the "nervous-hospital". It's biblical - there'll aways be crazy folks!

Yeah---sometimes I spit out my meds when nobody's looking and go on a little adventure, but somehow I always seem to end up back on the floor where the doors only have locks on the outside. Sure is fun, though.

For years I had fished other piers. About 7 yrs ago I told my wife I wanted to go to gulf shores and fish so we came down n I absolutely loved it and been back every single yr since twice a yr. I have met some of you guys I'm sure in person and didn't realize it I'm sure bc we come down 5-7 days each time n I fish pier almost every day at some point. I usually just walk the first day n watch everyone n how they r fishing of course outta the way. Then next day I start my adventure in fishing the GSP. About two yrs ago I hooked a red I think it was some guy showed up outta no where n gaffed it for me n got it up of course since I don't know how to clean them I gave it away to him. I have had some guys come up and offer information on what I did or was doing wrong of course I listened and tried to do what they was trying to help me with. I will take all the criticism and help when available bc I'm learning n always will be learning. Said all that to say this thank you to the reg guys on the pier for helping out the tourist that come down making our visit enjoyable. I will b down June 22-27 this yr I hope to meet a few of y'all in person to put names w faces. I will be the one out there the first day just staring at everyone and the second day I'm there til I leave I'll be the one who looks so clueless trying to catch something besides a ray n croaker like I normally do.

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Originally Posted by Javery

For years I had fished other piers. About 7 yrs ago I told my wife I wanted to go to gulf shores and fish so we came down n I absolutely loved it and been back every single yr since twice a yr. I have met some of you guys I'm sure in person and didn't realize it I'm sure bc we come down 5-7 days each time n I fish pier almost every day at some point. I usually just walk the first day n watch everyone n how they r fishing of course outta the way. Then next day I start my adventure in fishing the GSP. About two yrs ago I hooked a red I think it was some guy showed up outta no where n gaffed it for me n got it up of course since I don't know how to clean them I gave it away to him. I have had some guys come up and offer information on what I did or was doing wrong of course I listened and tried to do what they was trying to help me with. I will take all the criticism and help when available bc I'm learning n always will be learning. Said all that to say this thank you to the reg guys on the pier for helping out the tourist that come down making our visit enjoyable. I will b down June 22-27 this yr I hope to meet a few of y'all in person to put names w faces. I will be the one out there the first day just staring at everyone and the second day I'm there til I leave I'll be the one who looks so clueless trying to catch something besides a ray n croaker like I normally do.

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Feel free to reach out to some of us while you're in town via either the forum or Facebook. I'd gladly show you some local content, and some hands on fishing techniques. Bring a knife. I'll hit it with my stones for a polished edge, and will show you how to clean your next red. ;)

Will have to do that hopefully thank you and each and everyone of u for all the post on this forum and all the help you guys give on here n out on the pier

Just finished touring and fishing seven different piers along the NC Atlantic Coast from Duck , NC to where I am at present Atlantic Beach ,in NC and if you are not familiar with these piers it will do to say that on most ,when there is a stiff breeze it is like walking on the deck of a small boat in a storm . Grab for a rail and chance going over . They are only about three foot high . Yesterday we were on a pier with the bragging rights of being 800' . I did find most of the fishermen friendly ,but as we were leaving the Atlantic Pier today , My wife made the comment that the people fishing on the piers that we visited were just not of the class as those at GS . Can't wait to get back to GS this Fall . And by the way I have caught so far one Spanish and one 14" under sized flounder .

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Originally Posted by midwestexile

If the REST of the people of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach were as nice as the pier users, I would hate to leave. Sunday I was in the empty J&M parking lot after closing (did not know Sunday hours end at 2) sitting and reading my map. A woman apparently pulled up behind my car, did not like the fact that I was in her way, and got out to kick my car and hand signal (actually, finger-signal) to get out of her way. I guess going around me in the empty lot never occurred to her. Must have been an important person to be that entitled.

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I am always jealous of folks like her; I spend thought and effort not be her, or other folks like her, using valuable energy that my brain can not afford to spare. She can just be all drama and high maintenance without any effort. Not because of gender, only a high need for something that's not there for them, personally. And I could be wrong, and she was just teed off at someone else, and you caught it!

Javery I second Viking Guy Anytime I can help you just ask I'm no expert but I do know what you are normally suppose to do to catch different fish I also carry most anything a fish could want with me on the pier I'll be glad to show you what to use and how to use it I actually use an electric knife to clean most fish and if you like I'll show you how to fillet one and get the skin off and never let go of the fish Looking forward to fishing with you some

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Originally Posted by SalmonDaze

I'm usually fishing from my boat when on vacation and steering well clear of piers, but when we're down this fall, I may be trolling close to the shoreline.

Question:
What's the "polite" distance from a pier to make sure trolling equipment doesn't snag or otherwise interfere with those fishing from the structure? Are you guys heaving 2 ounces 100 yards out?
I'm thinking of cutting in closer because of chummed water and likelihood of predators lurking; but I surely don't want to be "THAT GUY."

Thanks!

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pardon me...but trollling from a boat close to pier and pier "trolley" fishing both seems to have the same parallel intentions of occupying "space"... I believe we all should enjoy pier fishing freely within the bounds of rules, and not to be limited by "somebody" who wants to keep just their spot. No hard feelings guys but that's what I have been seeing lately. And also, the "youngsters" VG mentioned, personally, is certainly not limited only to tourists. These are just my opinion.

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Originally Posted by eym_sirius

My guess is that, instead of "entitled", she was probably just insane. Sometimes we just forget that a certain portion of our society is mentally ill, in desperate need of some time at the "nervous-hospital". It's biblical - there'll aways be crazy folks!

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I agree. It did not really fit into the thread, but it was just one of those things that cause me to scratch my head.


Meanwhile I need to get down more often. I took the toll bridge for the "Foley Expressway" and was surprised to find out that it no longer goes to Foley.

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Originally Posted by Traxxx

pardon me...but trollling from a boat close to pier and pier "trolley" fishing both seems to have the same parallel intentions of occupying "space"... I believe we all should enjoy pier fishing freely within the bounds of rules, and not to be limited by "somebody" who wants to keep just their spot. No hard feelings guys but that's what I have been seeing lately. And also, the "youngsters" VG mentioned, personally, is certainly not limited only to tourists. These are just my opinion.

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Nail on head. In fact, they weren't tourists at all based on what I was told. However, they'll hopefully learn in time the meaning of respect. :)

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Originally Posted by DAN S II

Javery I second Viking Guy Anytime I can help you just ask I'm no expert but I do know what you are normally suppose to do to catch different fish I also carry most anything a fish could want with me on the pier I'll be glad to show you what to use and how to use it I actually use an electric knife to clean most fish and if you like I'll show you how to fillet one and get the skin off and never let go of the fish Looking forward to fishing with you some

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thabk you also sir I will look you up while I'm down look forward to meeting you all

I just spenr a week on PCB City pier. GSSP is miles ahead with the friendliness of it's fishermen.