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Hello, I will be traveling from Michigan to Gulf Shore the week starting March 23. I was wondering if anyone would give me a pier to fish and what species may be hitting them. Also, any special gear or lure I should be sure to bring? I would be happy to return the favor about hot Michigan fishing spots this summer if anyone is heading north. Thank you in advance.
there is a million threads on tackle. but i'll save you a bit of time: 3 or 4 spinning reels of decent quality, 8-17lb mono obiviously the heavier line on the larger reels. One reel that will hold 250-300 yards of mono for kings and reds, and a couple smaller '30-40' size reels for spanish and such when working lures. bigger isnt always better, your arm will wear out trying to work a big ole reel. I like panfish size reels and tackle in the shallows with 6-8lb mono and small hooks.
bait with live shrimp or a thumb nail size of fresh peeled shrimp. Carolina rig the dead shrimp, free line or use a small cork for the live ones(no weight or one tiny split shot)(pomps, specs, blues, red drum, black drum, whiting)
My absolute favorite spanish rig is medium light 7' rod with a 25-30 size reel and 8lb mono with a 3' 30-40lb mono leader tied via uni knot, a small #10 treble and a live shrimp floated about 3' under a cork.. Best fun ever... I originally used 6lb but the macks shred the fragile line so quick... good reels with smooth drag is a necessity..
Go by j&m and they can assist you in your hooks and lure needs... or the pier shop if you are pressed on time. (but i highly recommend j&m)
Dedicate one fairly cheap 30 size reel to a sabiki rig or ribbon. this will catch your bait when your run out of shrimp. you can also tip the sabiki with shrimp and have good results on spanish, spades, hardtail etc etc.
Good luck... safe travels...
Ps: mind the flow on the octi... it's important to follow your line and not be all up in the way when a fish is coming down. get clear and watch.(helps to kinda look and observe when it's busy until you see how the regulars work) most are very willing and friendly to assist you as long as you have working ears...
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...r-pier-r-9236/
From the reports from the same time last year (doesn't guarantee you'll catch these, or any other fish, though)
March 23, 2017...http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...23-17-a-13703/
March 24, 2017...http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...24-17-a-13709/
March 26, 2017...http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...ed-king-13716/
March 27, 2017...http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...27-17-a-13725/
March 28, 2017...http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-2017-a-13730/
jshep40 - what did you end up taking south? We are coming down from Michigan from Mar 30-April 7. Would love to hear how you did.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jshep40