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So I'm here in Gulf Shores for the week and considering pier fishing, I just need a little more information about it. First off, what would the cost be? I have no bait, poles, or nets and want to spend 5-6 hours doing it one day. Also, how much fish should I expect to catch? If only a couple I wouldn't want to waste the time, so I'm curious. Lastly, how big are the general fish? I'm out of town and never been here before. Thanks.
spend a day or morning observing and asking questions. and go to J&M's tackle shop.
First off, welcome to the Forum, Lucas. Your post is packed with a lot of potential answers. What is your experience level, as a fisherman? If you are an experienced fisher, you already know that fishing is not equal to catching. After fishing for more than 60 yrs., I have become a good learner. What would be your maximum for expense outlay to fish one day? If you purchase a rod and reel, can you use it again, somewhere? Would you wish to catch something to prepare for a fresh meal, or only to catch and release? A general answer to what size fish you may catch would be somewhere from less than a pound to more than 25 pounds, in general. Might be that stik's idea is a really good place to start; maybe hang out at the pier awhile and get a sense of what it is about before committing a large cost of time and money. Wish you the best in fishing, and hope you hang a biggun. And smooth drags.
Well I enjoy fishing, and do it quite often in the Mississippi River for mainly bass. I've never fished anywhere other than a river or pond. I do plan on eating the fish I catch for dinner, maybe frying them. Becasue I live in Iowa, and don't need those huge poles I would use, I plan on renting it on for the day. Thanks for your answer, I will be hanging around the pier asking further questions to the fisherman.
It's possible to catch fish ranging from a 4" hardhead catfish (no good to eat) to a king mackerel up to about 40# or so, and everything in between. As for the number of fish you can catch, it all depends on the bite that day. I have seen people limit out on fish day after day after day, then not catch anything the next few days. I have also seen people catch a few fish one day, then nothing the next, and limit out the 3rd day. One thing's for certain...you can't catch them sitting in the condo or hotel room.
Here's a link to the pier rules with prices included in the post.
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...er-rules-6581/
That info is copied from the original pier rules and prices. I will update when I get a chance. Prices are slightly higher now.Quote:
Originally Posted by hammerhead
At the minimum you will need a pier only fishing license (out of state, is around 11.00 for a year Aug.31 to Aug .31) then the pierday fishing pass.....8.50 maybe 1 dollar more now.....prices have went up......as far as carching fish......it is the dog days of summer......sometimes can be OK.....sometimes very little, even for the anglers that know what they are doing......pier fishing is more then catching.....it is the experience, and watching the ocean,& Gods creations that live in it......at least for me.....along with ALL the Great people to share it with....good luck if you decide to try it
Buy you a $29.95 COMBO SPINNING REEL WITH 8 TO 12 # test line. some number 4 Kahle hooks, egg sinkers, and swivels. It will be adequate and better than a rental. Set up with weight above swivel and 12 inch monafilament leader then hook. Buy a half pound of fresh never frozen shrimp from a local seafood shop. Go to the pier. Talk to the people there. They will help. Fish shallow first then gradually move to deeper water. There are many types of edible fish you might catch and if you tell other people you are wanting to keep some edible fish then many will give you fish.. People on the pier tend to be friendly and helpful and many are fishing for fun and do not want to keep what they catch because they are in a hotel or condo.
Here is a link to the new GSP Pier site. Fishing and Education Pier | Alapark
Just notice the name change; GSP Fishing and Education Pier
Thanks for the information, where can I buy that pole oldfisherman? And so your saying many fisherman would be willing to just give us unwanted fish? What's the best bait to use this time of year? I don't have a clue. Thanks everyone for the feedback. I tried talking to some of the locals and yes they were very friendly indeed!
Lucas I just came back from there a couple weeks ago. I am from Kansas and had never been sea fishing before either. My advice would be to check the weather and just go sight seeing on a calm morning or evening. I fished 3 days in a row and had a good time but never got a bite. Guys helped me and i brought my own gear. I went to J M tackle shop. Just wrong time of year. The first morning I went was calm and you could see a lot in the water so that was fun. The other two days nit so much. Seen a big fish or two caught each day but not much. I want to go back when the weather and fishing is better that's for sure.
Spike---glad you had a good time. You hit the nail on the head about it not being a good time of year for catching fish. I wish there were something we could do to change that, but it is just an unfortunate fact. The water is warm and the fish aren't here/aren't biting except for an occasional aberration. The one exception might be bluefish which will bite cut bait, live bait, cigar minnows and lures. They are fine to eat fresh with the red meat cut out. Good luck and welcome to both you guys.