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I'll be headed down to Orange beach on saturday 03/31 for a week from IL. I'm mostly a tournament bass fisherman. Are there any lakes or ponds besides Gulf state park in the area that I would be able to access and catch bass? I'll also try to fish Perdido pass or Portage creek for whatever is biting. Is live bait the only way to go or can I get away with artificial lures while bank/surf fishing? What species should I be expecting this time of year? Any info would be appreciated !
I too was a bass tournament fisherman fishing with the likes of Roland Martin Bill Dance and Hank Parker before they got famous Enjoyed that too If you want to try your luck at that Lake Shelby right here in Orange Beach in the Gulf State Park right across from the Gulf States Pier is a freshwater lake where you can catch bass crappie and bream as well as speckle trout and red fish but I tell you if you haven't experienced saltwater fishing you are are in for a treat There's nothing like a spanish mackerel attacking a bubble rig or a gotcha plug You'll get addicted fast At least visit the Pier If you get in on some of this you'll never forget it and bass fishing could become boring You're close to hitting the initial run of those fish with your dates being here If weather stays warm like it is now hopefully some of them will be here for you to try Search this Forum Google Lake Shelby and you should find all you need to know Good Luck !!
You will need a nonresident freshwater permit to fish that lake. A saltwater nonresident permit for beach or pass. OR a pier only permit for the pier only.
Your topwater bass lures work for reds and specks but perhaps a bit early yet.
The heck with the bass, fish the pier or beach. Whiting & pompano in the surf.
A 12" whiting in the surf fights harder than any 5# bass I ever caught!
On the pier, sheepshead, reds, specs, pompano, whiting, black drum and Spanish macs (soon).
Medium spinning tackle is all you need.
Do a search, lots of posts on how-to.
Highs in the mid to upper 70 degree range with lows in the 60's could start any day. I know Slim will be out everyday trying for that first King. Hope to be there next week even if it is Spring Break.
Use the search feature for "Bubble Rig", get you some and go to the pier. If the spanish mackerel are there, you'll have a ball catching them on top water! Also pick up some gotcha lures and some Looney jigs in case they are not hitting top water. Spinning reels and 6.5 or 7' med. rod with 10-12 lb. line is sufficient. Since you bass fish, you probably already have what you need. Just remember to rinse your gear off with fresh water after every trip. Good luck!Quote:
Originally Posted by jc2b4