Heading down April 1-7

Second time heading to GS.
Last time (two years ago), the pier was unproductive (for me) and incredibly windy. Caught a few trashfish out on Little Lagoon - fun catching and releasing.

Planing to spend at least one whole day/night on the pier this time and a day out on the banks of Little Lagoon - found a neat spot to get through there the last time and just enjoyed the day on the quiet bank. Coming prepared with one rod for bottom/tightline and another to cast the day away with some sort of artificial. I know I can get info and baits on the pier, but would like to prep my gear before we head south. Accepting tips on what tackle to bring/buy for this week.

Regarding Little Lagoon: Given that the waterhole next door is called "Gator Lake", what are the thoughts of letting the kids/family along the little lagoon beach? I didn't see any lizards the last time - anyone have info on their presence? Kids are happy on the gulf beach but I wanted to take the wife out to Little Lagoon just to show it to her and I know kids will want to splash around a bit (if it's safe).

Weather seems like it's going to be even cooler this year than it was two years ago (has anyone seen spring, yet)?

Cheers!
Will

Looks like mid 70’s for your trip. That’s plenty warm for me! I’m in Kentucky and it’s 40’s. 70’s would be welcome. Lol. Should be a good week to fish with the moon cycle.

Gulp shrimp with a lead head works great. Work the drop offs and bump it up and down. Flounder can’t resist. Throw artificial towards grass flats. Top water artificial or freeline shrimp in these areas.

Live shrimp that is...

Are you referring to Little Lagoon for the "grass flats" or is that structure found near the pier?

Also, what part of KY? I'm near Louisville.

Ky Boy here too. Hardin County. Grass flats would be Little Lagoon. Freelined shrimp is pretty deadly on specks and reds. Gold spoons worked pretty good too.

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Originally Posted by websitewill

Regarding Little Lagoon: Given that the waterhole next door is called "Gator Lake", what are the thoughts of letting the kids/family along the little lagoon beach? I didn't see any lizards the last time - anyone have info on their presence? Kids are happy on the gulf beach but I wanted to take the wife out to Little Lagoon just to show it to her and I know kids will want to splash around a bit (if it's safe).

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Don't often see gators in mid Lagoon, they stay to both ends, but I have seen some serious sized ones near Moe's Landing, apparently traveling from one end to the other (or maybe scavenging discarded fish). As far as kids on a beach, I would not let them play near dark water (drop offs) and would keep an eye out just for safety's sake.

This must be the spot for Ky boys. I'm from Whitley County originally, been in Lexington since 89. I am guessing that working the dropoffs from the deep side would be preferred?

If you see a good looking guy in kayak that's me. My 12 year old son will be in an identical kayak. Shout out if you see us.

Spoons? Big ones?

We just bought two fishing Kayaks week before last. Haven't fished or even paddled more than 10' off the bank with them yet. My first attempt was wobbly as heck so I've built myself some stabilizers for mine - can imagine setting a hook and ending up in the drink.

Considered bringing them with us to GS but probably won't this trip. Pier and banks of Little Lagoon will be good.

Anyone have a recommended LL spot to try? I know the place I found was nice (to look at and walk on), not sure it was the best for fishing. North side between Childress Point and Eugene Point (according to Google Maps).

Johnson silver minnow spoons in gold, 2.5" and 1/2oz. Worked decent in shelby lake on reds too.

OK Kentucky fellows, my Feb trip has done wore off, so don't make me come down. Will be a month or two before next trip. Childress and Eugene Points can be accessed easily by putting in at Jeff Friend Kayak Launch, 5.6 or so miles from Rouses on Fort Morgan Rd. That's where I put in 90% of the time. I look for the deepest holes for trout and drop offs for flounder with my depth finder or you can usually see the cut offs with polarized glasses. Disappointing, I didn't catch any flounder last year. Last spring, the best holes were further west. Trout didn't run as big in the spring as last fall, good eating non the less. I've never found grassy areas, but I'm still learning salt water, since I moved north from Tampa 35 years ago, and this by no means expert advice, mostly "observations". Boy, I wish I could follow you all down. Work is getting the way, I'm supposed to be semi retired.

Owensboro. And yes , little lagoon for grass

Where can I launch my kayaks on Shelby lake? It looks deeper than Little Lagoon on google earth.

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Originally Posted by dmoses

Where can I launch my kayaks on Shelby lake? It looks deeper than Little Lagoon on google earth.

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At the public access spot just across from the pier, not sure if there is a launch fee.
Just remember you have to have a freshwater license, and mostly going to catch bass & bream. There are some reds in there, but its mainly a freshwater system.

Yes, don’t forget your freshwater liscence. I never got a bite there, so I stuck with little lagoon where I’d catch fish. If I had more time when done there, I’d like to figure it out. Some good articles on fishing Lake Shelby if you google it.

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Originally Posted by CarlF

At the public access spot just across from the pier, not sure if there is a launch fee.
Just remember you have to have a freshwater license, and mostly going to catch bass & bream. There are some reds in there, but its mainly a freshwater system.

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Right next to the dog park is a kayak launching area that could use a big upgrade and the sign says that there is a fee last time I was there.

I guess I am a little confused. The saltwater boundary I found on outdoor Alabama seems to include Shelby lake?

Saltwater / Freshwater License Boundary | Outdoor Alabama

I went while camping at the campground and used the boat ramp there, thier pamplets state the need for a fresh water liscence.

Shelby Lake system is part of the Park and is considered freshwater for licence purposes under the Park regulations.
I believe this is posted at the access points around the lake system, as are the size & bag limits.

Fishing at Gulf State Park | Alapark

Thanks for the info gents! Might as well get a freshwater license too. Spending 30 bucks to avoid a $500 fee is just good math.

I am going to stick with only the saltwater. Only plan to fish Little Lagoon (which is definitely saltwater) and the Pier.

A personal note about Little Lagoon. Hiking out Jeff Friend trail to wade fish for flounder, on two occasions, we encountered many, many rays. Not large, a foot or so across, but, hey, still made us edgy. Both times were in October, spring may be different, just wanted to let y'all know.

I saw the same the time I went there, between the two points I mentioned. Must have been about 30 of them, all around that size. Neat to see. We just didn't wade into the water there.

Wading shoes are a good idea ;-)

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Originally Posted by websitewill

I am going to stick with only the saltwater. Only plan to fish Little Lagoon (which is definitely saltwater) and the Pier.

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No surf fishing? That's one of my favorite things to do. I'll be down the same time, but getting there a few days earlier.

I am not opposed to doing that. Just not sure where it's allowed on the beach, what time (not that there is ever a bad time to go fishing), etc.
We are staying in Gulf Shores Plantation, which has a private-ish beach. Not sure, yet, what the rules are there, or if I just need to walk a while to get to a proper spot.

Taking any/all tips.

As long as your licensed , you have just as much right being there as swimmers imo. But early in the morning at sun up you usually have a few hours before the beaches are attacked. But even when that happens I’ve fished. I’ll holler hey!!!! There’s a hook at the end of that line. They usually turn around. But don’t let swimmers/waders keep you from fishing!!

Catching the same stuff as from the pier I guess?
Same tackle? Or more of a bottom-fishing engagement?
I am much more a fan of cast-cast-cast as opposed to cast-wait (drink too much beer during those activities). :)

Ha, that's the reason I have taken up those activities..

I mostly bottom fish from the surf. I will also cast pomp jigs and other artificial while doing so. And oh yeah , drink a few brews..

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Originally Posted by websitewill

Catching the same stuff as from the pier I guess?
Same tackle? Or more of a bottom-fishing engagement?
I am much more a fan of cast-cast-cast as opposed to cast-wait (drink too much beer during those activities). :)

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I usually do both. Set some lines out and then walk around casting or sometimes I just grab my medium light pole and walk and cast. Sliding weight around an ounce or so, swivel, 1.5 to 2 foot of leader, size 6 or so khale hook, fishbites tipped with pieces of shrimp, just cast and retrieve or jerk and retrieve or whatever works, should get you some whiting, pompano, or flounder.

You have a good stretch of non-built up beach to the east of GSPlantation.
Good plugging area for pompano/redfish with a pompano jig or Silly Willy.
Depends on the weather/water conditions really.
Sounds like you are due a break in the weather from last year ;-)

Gator Lake is apply named!

Thanks!
Really hoping the weather straightens up this year.
The moon seems like it will be agreeable but, as of now, weather app says rain most days next week.
Here's hoping...

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Originally Posted by Pier#r

You have a good stretch of non-built up beach to the east of GSPlantation.
Good plugging area for pompano/redfish with a pompano jig or Silly Willy.

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Where is the best place to access this part of the beach from?

Not sure if there is any public access.
Maybe down Gulfway St?

We made it! Beautiful weather. Red flags are now yellow. Spent the day at the pool and beach woth
kids. Tomorrow, Infish. Only dilemma. To the pier near daybreak or out to little lagoon?

Isn’t he a the pier at daybreak, armed with gotchas and bubble rigs.
That is If I weren’t 250 miles away I would be......

Make sure you have a fishing license

Bought that earlier, then rigged up my poles - need to buy a new one as found one of my reels wasn’t up to the task.