Beginners Guide to Outfitting for the Pier

I am an avid freshwater fisherman, primairly bass and the occassional trip for the big game freshwater fish: Muskeelunge, Striped Bass, and Steelhead. I have made several chartered Gulf trips but never really fished from piers or surf. I am coming down there the last week of August and will be within walking distance (Lighthouse Condominiums) - I think, from the Gulf Shores Pier (how's parking there just in case?). I would appreciate any info that you guys will share on how to outfit myself for a successful week.

I have several heavy duty rigs that I use for Striper fishing and a multitude of baitcaster and spinning reels. I just have no clue what to pack and whether any of my freshwater crankbaits or plastics will do any good down there. From what I have read it looks like live bait is the way to go and as a matter of fact, alewives (LYs) are prominent in freshwater Lake Cumberland, in Kentucky so I have some experience using them. What about line and rigs? Hook sizes? Leaders? Other equipment? Do I bring a chair (bum knee that I cannot stand on for long periods)? From the pictures I can see that a good cart and a big cooler look to be a given, but a big cooler won't mean squat if you catch nothing to put in it. I would appreciate a "newbie" list of what to take to be prepared for whatever fish that might be hot at that time of year. I have no preference on species (bigger is better) and I have learned from Muskee to be patient.

I just need a packing list so that I won't look and feel "like a fish outta water"...pun intended

Rods: 6-9' medium/light, medium or medium heavy.
Reels: Capable of holding at least 250-300 yards of 12-20#
Some folks land kings on lighter rigs for more sport.
I suspect that your Striper rigs will be just fine.

For building leaders:
#2 -#4 4X trebles
Uncoated wire for leaders, single or 7strand, 27# 30# & 60# seem to be the most commonly used. 24" leader length is good.
Small #10, 30-50# barrel swivels.
The same rig with live or dead baits will catch your Kings, Jacks, Reds, Sharks, Rays and whatnot.

Lots of lures will catch Kings, anywhere from 7/8oz and up.
A wire leader for the lures is a must too.
Yozuri crystal minnows are a favorite and can be found for $7. at the local Walmarts.
Yozuri, Rapala, Bomber, Hendon all the usual players, floating and diving.
Bubbles rigs, 7/8-1oz Gotchas, various spoons and whatnot are effective on Kings, Spanish, Jacks & Reds.

Stock up on various Sabiki rigs for catching bait, sizes #6 -#8 are commonly used.
Get a ribbon rig too when ya get down here.
Sabikis tipped with shrimp/squid/cut bait will also catch most species in the surf.
Using the larger Sabikis tipped with bait will land Blues, Pomps, Whiting, White Trout, Ground Mullet and ect.

1/4-1oz egg sinkers for rigging Carolina rigs for bottom fishing.
Various jigs (white, yellow, orange and smoke) for Flounder, Pomps, White trout and etc.
Bull minnows on light Carolina rigs or with a split shot are deadly on Flounder.
Shrimp, Sand Fleas & crabs = everything in the surf or inshore.

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