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For the most part you can use your surf gear to troll. The setup I have for catching bull reds from the beach is the same for trolling for kings. I think hauling the yak is worth it if the forecast is looking good. There's nothing quite like catching a smoker king in a yak. You could easily just carry out a 3-4000 size reel to throw for spanish, bonita, etc. (you can even manage a king on one) and a 5000+ sized reel for kings. (something with 300 yds of 15b test)
Also, if you really want to fish reefs you are better off heading over towards Ft Pickens towards Destin. Much more in yakking distance. For GS you can do a zig zag pattern starting past the last sandbar out another 100 yards and find plenty of fish. I've caught the majority of my kings right at the color change close to the beach.
Looks visible on Google Earth in 2012 and 2013. 2015 is covered with bait.
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...tid=5024&stc=1
Seen guys kayaking out from Veterans Rd. several times and they caught some of the largest southern flounder I've ever seen just 300-400 yards out from shore.