Can't wait to get there

I have to say that this is the best fishing report site I have seen. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. (Anyone that has used lake-links in Wisconsin knows what I mean)
I haven't been to gulf shores since the new pier was built but my family spent spring break in gulf shores every year. Rented a condo right across the street from the pier. As a kid who got a serious addiction to saltwater fish I lived on the old pier day and night.
I am finally able to return to the area again with my family and can't wait to do some fishing. Hopefully I can get my 3 yr. old hooked as well.
Since it's been so long I have no clue what I need for gear or what to fish for ( In Wisconsin I am just about ready to walk out on the lake and stare into a 8" hole with a 24" lite weight rod using 2lb test ). I do plan on hitting the local bait shop to gear up and also ask you guys. The forums on here have been very helpful so far, as well as fueling my addiction.
Thanks for keeping this site clean, informative, and fun.
Seth

Welcome to the forum, carpaquack, and remember that the search feature is your best friend for tackle info. Make your priority a trip to J&M Tackle in Orange Beach---tell them what you want to do and they will set you up with tackle that really works in this area. All the salesmen are experienced fishermen. Good fishing.

Welcome carpaquack

(Seth)!

Welcome carapaquack I second the J&M motion They will fix you up with what you need Not sure when you are coming so don t know what fishing to suggest but if I can help while you are here just let me know

Welcome to the forum Seth!
J & M is THE place for all your fishing needs and information.

Thanks guys. I will be there this weekend for a week. I will be staying in foley. Any where in that area that maybe worth while shore fishing? Also anyone have suggestions that a 3yr old might like to do? Already planning on the zoo.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM CARP, This forum is GREAT!!! They will help you out with any problem that you have AND they will forgive you for your SINS. They are a COOL bunch of guys!!!! What you said about Lake Link in WI is very true, I deleted mine. I have a buddy that we call "Carp", he is a good guy. Tight Lines!!!

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Originally Posted by carpaquack

Thanks guys. I will be there this weekend for a week. I will be staying in foley. Any where in that area that maybe worth while shore fishing? Also anyone have suggestions that a 3yr old might like to do? Already planning on the zoo.

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If get a chance, the Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola is great for all ages!
http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/
Also there is an awesome model train display and museum in Foley
http://www.foleyrailroadmuseum.com/

Welcome. leave your ice gear at home, if you have room bring some summer type med. gear for the fresh water , just rinse daily at the end of the day.....carolina rigging will be the most this time of year for whiting,sheephead, flounder,and pompano although some jigging for a few will also work too
as stated J&M is your go to place for all your tackle needs and advice along with many on the pier, watch and learn who is catching and duplicate them..... fluorocarbon leader will help out a lot ....the salt fish have good eyes unlike me anymore and can make the difference along with light main line (as light as you can get away with)
good luck and enjoy

Carpaquack, being from Wisconsin also, I share your views on Lake-Links....I also share your love of the Gulf Region. Can't wait to get back myself. I still sometimes think it's a bit strange to be getting advice from these guys, seeming I'm so far away. That being said, I have received great advice from anything from Pier/Surf fishing, raising chickens, smokers, boats, and a lot of other stuff! It's the friendliness and fun of this forum that keeps me coming back.

Brad

Oh, and the Cold Mill Dolphin Cruise. My 2 year old as well as my older kids loved it! Not sure if it's year round or not however.

Carpaquack looks like you in luck the weather next week looks great should be good fishing as well as good family time i'll be on the pier off and on next week pulling cart with big gray sand tires come up and say hello

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Originally Posted by BDL1969

Cold Mil Dolphin Cruise

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We will have a trip Wednesday at 1 and probably Friday at 1, call 251-943-2510 if you would like to make a reservation. There is also a playground nearby, just east of where 161 hits 180, that you can bring little man to. If you come by ask for Captain Tom and we'll talk fishin!

Thanks for the ideas for my daughter I really appreciate it. You guys know how it is happy wife happy life. Hitting the road tomorrow afternoon a stop at mammoth cave and then fun in the sun. I will have my baby girl with me once or twice ( mom may not be into fishing but my daughter sure seems to be :D). I was also excited about the ghost shrimp hunting. Since my parents have a house down there I may have to build a vac. figure it's a win win Kid will have fun and I will have bait.
Thanks again and hope to meet a few of you guys out there.

Never underestimate the power of live minnows or shrimp in the bucket with a small net to keep youngsters amused. She may need her own bucket as she converts live bait to fresh dead bait. Adding a few small pinfish or other catch to a bucket of water rather than tossing them back is also very satisfactory entertainment when you are 3.

Invest in a sand flea rake for her to help you find bait; she will enjoy using it and may even catch a sand flea! Welcome to the Forum.

This time of year the whiting are usually plentiful in the surf and a light weight rod such as you might use for Crappie fishing at home equipped with six pound test line and a carolina rig with a quarter ounce sinker and a size 4 or 6 kahle style hook should produce an ice chest full of great eating. Whiting and ground mullet both should be available in the shallows at the state pier. I personally recommend fresh local shirmp over the frozen shrimp bait cups and a half pound should provide you with plenty to catch a great mess of fish. Filets off both of lthese fish are great and with no bones the kids can enjoy fried fish with you. Good Luck and I wish I could be there with you.

Got into foley last night and did some running around today. Hit up J & M today picked up some sinkers, hooks, and line. Is 10lb mono to heavy or to light? They tried to sell 12lb or 16lb. I normal fish 4lb in wisconsin for everything. So I can handle light line. Anyways I will make it down to the peir soon. Hope to see some of you there.

I'd say go with what you know carpaquack!
I like to use 4# for whiting when the water is calm and clear (like now ;-)
Just don't 'overweight' your rod as it will cut down on the sensitivity.
For weight i use anything from a single splitshot (or two) up to 1/2 or even half ounce.
But if it is rough or blowing (or I otherwise need more weight) I go with an 8# outfit that is good for 1/4 to one ounce.

12-16lb would allow pulling almost everything over the rail of the pier without a net, and would be security if you hooked a bull red. Plenty of sharpies on here use #4 test (assuming the reel has ample capacity just in case of a pleasant surprise) and as an experienced light line user you will know how to handle the gear even with a bull.

Better to hook up with 4 and lose a few than to sit and wait for action with 12.

Better to hook up with 4 and lose a few than to sit and wait for action with 12.

Plenty of sharpies on here use #4 test (assuming the reel has ample capacity just in case of a pleasant surprise) and as an experienced light line user you will know how to handle the gear even with a bull. 12-16lb would allow pulling almost everything showing up now hand-over-hand over the rail of the pier without a net, and would be security if you hooked a bull red.

Well guys had a great week in the sun and the good weather. Hate to head home to snow and ice. Thanks to the few guys I talked to for the advice and bait ( I am kinda shy when talking to people at first ). Alway great to talk with a friendly crowd. As far as fishing went didn't get out as much as I wanted or when I wanted, but that how life works with family. Only managed a few cats and small croaker one night after dark. I love the pier at night it is just so peaceful. Also caught a ray off alabama pt. Other wise your pinfish probably gain a few lbs. Watched a gentleman fight and land a big red this mourning that was a great fight to watch and the skill it took was truely amazing. Thanks again guys and gals and I will be back again.