I just bought a property on the bonsecour with an amazing fishing pier. I would like to find a fish finder that will cover as large an area as possible surrounding the pier. Ideas?
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I just bought a property on the bonsecour with an amazing fishing pier. I would like to find a fish finder that will cover as large an area as possible surrounding the pier. Ideas?
Maybe a castable fish finder such as Deeper, https://deepersonar.com/en
I looked at the castable types. Look gimmicky to me. Reviews are mixed.
I don't know that it would be worth the money, not sure that it would show you much useful information.
I would save that money for lighting, have the fish find you instead. In time you'll know how deep the water is all along your pier and where to fish it. I don't see where a fish finder would shorten that time enough to justify getting one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DRH
There's also more you can do to make your pier more appealing, find oyster shells, many available for next to nothing, sometimes literally free. Oysters will actually come and occupy the shells again giving reason for gamefish to come and crack them open, shells and rocky bottoms also give shrimp and other small bait fish to lay eggs. A lot of small changes can really add up to a great pier.
My research agrees with all of the above. Are their regulations on creating structure or oyster beds in the Bon secour? Or do we just not talk about it?
Will try to help. I don't know of any regulations.
What matters more is where you are on the Bon Secour River/Bay area.
I live on a bayou upstream near Highway 10. There are no living oysters in my area. I believe it's because of low salinity and no salinity from time to time.
If you know where Bon Secour Fisheries is, consider that the river bank and way out in the water is nothing but trillions of oyster shells. None are alive.
I have seen a few live ones around the bridge to Plash Island though. (Across the intercoastal from Oyster Bay).
The good news is that you won't need anything more than a good light or two to catch lots of specks and reds.:D
Good Luck.
You might want to call Marine Resources in Gulf Shores to discuss inshore protocols for 'reefing' pier structures. Gulf Shores (251) 968-7576
Construction Protocol | Outdoor Alabama
Or maybe it would be easier just to ask forgiveness ;-)
I don't know about regulations concerning inshore artificial reefs. However, if you were to create something that would effectively enhance fishing it would be a big enough project that it should be regulated Keeping it to yourself wouldn't happen if you went big enough to matter. Also there is no guarantee that oyster shells would make a real difference at any given location and may take more time than you would expect if you do get positive results.Quote:
Originally Posted by Drsjnt
Hang some lights, since it is easy, works everywhere and provides almost instant results.
What kind of light? I grew up fishing two houses from the plash bridge on county road 6 and we had the opportunity to buy it this summer. After twenty years of not being able to fish that pier we are excited to get it going.
I don't know of a particular color or wavelength that is the best, they all work if the light is bright enough and concentrated to small area. I like fishing floodlights that are mounted low and angled downward about 45 degrees. This helps concentrate the light to the right amount of water and attracted insects tend not to get in my face as they do with lights mounted up high.
Up here on Smith lake best fishing is around submersible dock lights. Pretty sure they make saltwater versions.
I've never see anyone using submersible lights in salt or brackish water. It would probablybe great if you could find a submersible that is made for saltwater.
underwaterfishlight.com has a saltwater system in green can get from 1 to 4 bulb system depending on how deep your pockets are. submersible light with a bait sack tied just below is an awesome combo.
Drsjnt,
This type is what I use:
Globe Electric 500W Portable Halogen Yellow Work Light-6050401 - The Home Depot
Most any 500 watt halogen lamp will work well. It will work best if it is not shining in your eyes or on you at all when you are fishing. You want to be in the shadows.
Mine is mounted a bit out in front of me and overhead about 7' above the pier.
It's pretty easy to remove the frame and fasten the lamp to a length of pipe, conduit, or a 2x4.
I have always pulled more fish off of the green underwater lights than any other.Quote:
Originally Posted by DRH