Thread: Help for a first time Gulf Shores visitor

Hello. I'll be visiting the Gulf Shores for the first time during the tail end of March, first week of April. I'm from Indiana via Colorado so if it's not a bass or a trout, I'm out of my element. I should probably specify that I'll be fly fishing, staying on western end of Ono Island and have no boat. Looking for some recommendations on best places to shore/surf/wade fish on or near there. Fly fishing specific advice - what to tie on, techniques, etc greatly appreciated. Also if there are fly fishing guide services that would work for a solo fisherman (all I've found cater to 4 or more) I'd love to know. Looking forward to my visit and warmer weather.

Welcome to the Forum, lonswain. All of your questions can be answered, and some you have not thought of yet, by checking out the Q&A link on the home page. Just spend some time hunting through that treasure chest and you will probably learn more than you need to. You are very lucky to be getting to the Northern Gulf Coast in March and April, as the bite really begins about then. Or, at least it seems that way for those of us who visit at that time. Good Luck, and smooth drags.

Welcome aboard!
There are numerous good surf fishing spots along our coast and we have a great pier also. But, there is one thing we have that no one anywhere on the Gulf Coast can claim.
We have the best Surf and Pier Fishing Guide there is; right here in Baldwin County, AL.
Hire Pier#r aka David Thornton for a half or full day and you won't regret it! No boat, no problem.

Get him early before he gets booked up!
Orange Beach Surf Fishing Guide

Welcome aboard Ionswain, I've have been down here since Jan, 1st., I was told by a very wise individual on the Forum and most of the forum members know what they are doing, except me, I'm a dumb Yankee. He told me to leave my fly rod at home, and it was very good advice. I have fly fished the Northern Gulf Coast in TX. and FL. and caught many specks and reds. Northern and walleye in Canada, trout in MN.,Iowa, S.D., Mont. & ID. You would catch fish around the area that you staying and a few other places with the fly rod, but you will catch more fish with your bass gear than the fly rod, and it would be so much easier than wade fishing. This is my dumb Yankee opinion.

Fly fishing the flats on the Ono Island will be warming up then depending on the Temps. David Thornton is a great guy and will help you a bunch. I fish a fly rod most of the year walking along the beach throwing clousers and minnow imitations and do pretty well. good luck.

Dave is the Man you want to get. I hired him last year and let me tell you, not only did we gain a wealth of knowledge from him but we caught a ton of fish. Good luck and Rip some Lips!

You could call SAMs tackle in Orange beach and ask for Chris. He is one of the most knowledgeable ppl around here for fly fishing advice.