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My wife and I will be staying in Gulf Shores for the month of January. I hope to fish everyday!!! I'm a newfer from Nebraska and can't wait to do some saltwater fishing. I have a million questions and hope to meet some people to fish with. Is January a horrible time to fish? Thanks for the forum!!!!
Fishing slows up in January but you can still have lots of fun. Surf fishing is inexpensive (cheap rod &reel,,pyramid sinkers and live or dead shrimp. You can buy or make a couple of rod holders to push into the sand and just sit in a lawn chair and enjoy the day. You can catch redfish, black drum, rays or whiting. You can also fish from the pier and catch the same kind of fish. There is a daily fee for the pier. Pier fishing only requires light rods and reels (about 10lb. test) and you can use live or dead shrimp.
I surf fish all Fall/Winter long at Fort Morgan Point, and big fat Red & Black drum are my main catches.
Move around the Point and to the East, you'll find more Ground Mullet, Whiting and White Trout.
Here is a handy chart showing what is usually around.
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...r-pier-r-9236/
Hey, Chile---check your PMs.
Its a tough time to fish but you can be successful if you are prepared and choose wisely. Honestly the pier at the end, late at night is one of the better spots in deep winter. Seems like the reds like the deeper water when it gets really cold, so anywhere around deeper channels is a decent spot. Its just really hit and miss, and it can be VERY cold with the wind and humidity, and occasional sea mist. Alabama point, parts of west beach, ft. morgan around the ship channel. Sheepshead, and ground mullet can also be had in the surf if its decently clear and not too churned up.
We'll be staying on the lagoon side with a fishing pier. Is it worth throwing a line out off the dock? Would waders be a good idea. The weather has been cold in Nebraska. I might try some ice fishing this weekend. It's really early, I guess it must be the global warming!!!
If your lagoon pier has lights focused on the water you need to check and see if the speckled trout are around. Live bait and artificials that mimic the live bait usually work as well.
If you're from Nebraska, then our cold shouldn't bother you. However a water proof jacket would be a good idea, strong winds can make for a wet fishing trip.