Where to go/first timer

Attempting my first time to fish in salt water(have bass fished for years). Quick question where do you go and what do I need? I would like to buy a cheap saltwater rig and just keep it a the coast. I don't think the light tackle rods I have will translate to the gulf nor do I want to haul them back and forth. I don't even know where to start. Is there somewhere on the beach that sales this or are you better off headed to walmart or bass pro before you leave.

Also are there 1 to 2 hour charters that stay close to land. Two small boys with limited attention would like to avoid boredom and sea sickness but would be willing to pay for a guide and or equipment who can put us on some fish.

Any info appreciated.

go here. they have what you need and can answer your questions. Welcome to J&M Tackle, Serving the Dedicated Angler Since 1988...

That's a quick question that does not have a quick answer. The variety of species available is so great that it is really a matter of personal preferences.

My advice would be to pick up a good spinning outfit that would hold about 250 yds of 10 lb line (6.5 to 7 ft fast action rod) and head to the pier. Then watch what people are catching by what methods and talk to folks to see what interests you. The shallow water at the first of the pier is equivalent to surf fishing and it goes up from there as you go south.

I thought about J&M but assumed they would be at the high end in terms of equipment. Since I'm just looking for something basic and cheap for the kids I thought their might be a better option. However, will probably swing by there anyway just for the advice. Thx

As far as taking the boys out, what you want is a nearshore trolling trip for Spanish Mackerel (and assorted others like ladyfish and hardtails/blue runners). Start fishing as soon as you get out of Peridido Pass and never get more than a couple hundred yards from shore (unless you see them schooling or birds diving - then head for them). Use small shiny spoons (Clark Spoon works great) on a 40-50 lb leader.

Understand that I'm not avoiding your questions. It's that the information that you need depends on several variables. You need a starting point. I suggest that you decide on the kind of fish that you want to catch. That will determine what kind of rod you use and how you rig. What I suggest is that you use the SEARCH bar to find out "What's Biting, When?" Also when you search, you'll come across recommendations to other neophytes to salt water fishing that may apply to you. In addition to fishing, what's valuable is to spend a minute on the pier (most people here know about pier fishing) to see what people are catching and what they're using for bait and what kind of tackle they use. Then you can make a quick trip to J & M Bait and Tackle (the ad is at the top of this page) to buy what you need to catch what's biting.

You can also go to the REPORTS page to see what's been biting. Just keep in mind that just because fish are biting on one day, it doesn't mean that they'll be there the next day. This site contains everything you could ever want to know about fishing in salt water in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area (including hiring charters). Just plug your search terms in and you can read for hours! If you want a starting point for what to fish for from the pier (since you may know nothing about the fish species) try WHITING. It's a bit like fishing for catfish in fresh water, using a Carolina rig in the surf/skinny water.

You didn't mention whether you'd have the kids on the pier with you (if so, then fishing for whiting is a good choice) or if you want to catch fish to eat (again, whiting is a good choice). If you're by yourself on the pier and you want to fish for BIG FISH -- it's a whole different way of fishing. You'll need to look up King Mackerel and the gear needed to catch them. It's not something kids can do well. Again, the good folks at J & M can fix you up with everything you need. Just google-search the directions.

Something ELSE that kids can do on the pier is fish for bait. That keeps them involved and having fun.

While you are at J&M, ask about inshore charters---lots of those guides are really good with kids and families---ask about "Capt. Bligh" aka "Hollywood".

You don't want really cheap tackle, you want inexpensive. J&M has a fine selection of just what you want, not something that will be all rusted and corroded next time you get it out of the closet---still won't hurt your wallet too much. One thing you want to ask yourself is whether the kids are physically able to handle the tackle you'll be getting. I ran a charter boat for years, and watched a lot of kids get frustrated when they couldn't---especially when Dad was too busy fishing to help them.

Which bring up another point; is the fishing trip mainly for them? Be prepared to spend a majority of your time helping them and keeping hooks out of little fingers---this is where you have a good idea about the charter where the guide can help you out.

Best of luck, use the search feature, welcome to the forum and enjoy your trip to J&M. (Take your wife! Half the store is for her.)

Do not go to Walmart to buy your gear. Since you don't know what you need, you will end up buying a bunch of crap that is useless! (Been there, done that, when I first started fishing salt water.) Go to J&M, they have FREE expert advice and also have a wide variety of equipment that will not break the bank from entry level to professional. As with any equipment that is used to fish in salt water, rinse it off with a fine spray of fresh water when you get through fishing and it will last a long time. As Eym-Sirius suggested, I also would recommend fishing for whiting. A simple Carolina rig (aka fish finder rig) will work fine. 10 - 12 lb test line, 1/2 - 3/4 oz. egg weight, small swivel, and #6 kahle hook. Also bait hook with small pieces of peeled FRESH dead shrimp (Never frozen). Hope this helps!

Plenty of good advice above.
Don't discount that the tackle you already have will not work at the pier, because it can.
Just needs a little more prep and care for occasional saltwater use.

Another good short-term charter is Capt Ritchie Russell...
https://www.russellsfishingcharters.com/home.html

Welcome to the forum!

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Originally Posted by rtpatter

I thought about J&M but assumed they would be at the high end in terms of equipment. Since I'm just looking for something basic and cheap for the kids I thought their might be a better option. However, will probably swing by there anyway just for the advice. Thx

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You'll find prices at J&M will be better than Wallyworld and the advice is priceless.