Visiting gulf shores in December

Hi everyone,
First time on this board and because I have never done any warm water fishing from a pier or shore...I need some help.
I have several fishing poles and reels, but I do not know what would be best to take with me so I can try my luck fishing from a pier. I would like to get a little information from one of you with some experience BEFORE I get there so I have some idea what to expect i.e. line test? Spinning reel or bait cast? etc.
Any help would be appreciated. I will be at gulf shores, al until Feb 1st. So have a month to become a pro.
Thanks,
Stew

The kind of reel you choose is a matter of personal preference. I use a baitcaster, but almost everyone else uses a spinning reel. For the most part, 10 - 12 pound test should be sufficient for whiting, croakers, and slot redfish. You'll want to review the fishing reports thread to see what fishermen were catching in previous years. Just keep in mind that skinny water fishermen (to clarify, it's the WATER that is skinny, not necessarily the fishermen) don't always report on this forum. But maybe you'll get an idea of what to fish for and what to use. Use the SEARCH feature to find out how to rig for various species. Everything that you'd ever want to know about fishing on the Gulf Shores Pier can be found somewhere in archived posts.

That search feature is your best friend. The subjects you bring up have been discussed at great length. Welcome to the forum.

I will be down there in Jan. & Feb. and I can show you and demonstrate to you what NOT to do. I will be staying in the Sanibel if you want to look me up, let me know. Welcome to the Forum, it's a great place to be!!!

+1 for 10#-12# class tackle for MOST uses and 'starter' combo.
You can get another lighter and/or heavier combo later as you get some experience.
That means a 7 foot medium action rod with a fast taper (tip) that is rated for 10#-12# line.
Balance that with a 3000-4000 size spinning reel that has sealed stainless steel or other corrosion resistant bearings.
Same goes for baitcasters, but your available corrosion resistant options are a little more limited.

As far as what to expect, check out this thread @ http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...r-pier-r-9236/

Stay out of Walmart when shopping for your fishing supplies. You will waste a lot of time and money on crap that you don't need. As has been stated on this forum many, many times, go to J&M Tackle in Orange Beach and they will set you up with everything you need. All employees are very knowledgeable about pier fishing and will only sell you stuff that you will actually need. As a first timer, don't think that you have to have a huge reel and rod with huge line. As was stated before, 10 - 12 lb. line with a 15 - 20 lb. mono or fluorocarbon leader, and there's a chance you might not even need a leader, depending on what's biting. Rinse your equipment off with fresh water with the hoses at the pier after every trip. If you already have bass fishing size reels and rods, they will work fine. Tons of information on here, just use the search feature for any questions you have. Good Luck!

Just remember it's a LONG WAY OUT if you carry more than you need. And a longer way back. So plan and maybe spend the first day looking and asking questions. Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by Stew

Hi everyone,
First time on this board and because I have never done any warm water fishing from a pier or shore...I need some help.
I have several fishing poles and reels, but I do not know what would be best to take with me so I can try my luck fishing from a pier. I would like to get a little information from one of you with some experience BEFORE I get there so I have some idea what to expect i.e. line test? Spinning reel or bait cast? etc.
Any help would be appreciated. I will be at gulf shores, al until Feb 1st. So have a month to become a pro.
Thanks,
Stew

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January-February aren't what I consider warm weather fishing even though it is warmer in Gulf Shores than here in North Alabama. Your best bet is to buy or borrow some waders and gather some ghost shrimp for bait. Buy or build a "slurp gun". There are tons of Youtube videos on how to build and use a "slurp gun" or "ghost shrimp pump". Medium 7" spinning tackle with 10-12# mono will handle most anything you will encounter. Size 4 khale hooks on a Carolina rig for the surf. Size 8 4x treble hooks for vertical sheepshead fishing by the pier pilings.