More advice for Pier Novices -
It's one of the critical questions when you're preparing for fishing- What species do you plan to target? It's an important question because the gear that you bring with you and how you rig make the difference in how successful you are.
You'll need to visit this site regularly to get the lastest information as to what fish are being caught. It wouldn't make any sense to target a species that isn't "IN" at that time. You can only take what Nature is willing to provide.
There have been countless "how-to" posts written on this site that are species-specific and tell you exactly what gear and lures or bait you need to use to catch them. Before coming to the pier, why not visit J & M Tackle in Orange Beach. They can let you know what's biting and what you need to catch them. Between the information provided here, regularly, and the information that you'll get at J & M Tackle, you should have a good idea of what to go after and what you need to catch them.
Pay attention to the little things and come to the pier prepared. Saltwater fish will test your equipment. What you should do now (if you don't already know how) is learn how to tie a quality knot. I use a uni-knot most of the time. When I connect a leader to my main line, I either use a black swivel or I tie a uni-to-uni knot. The important thing here is that you learn to tie a knot that will not cut into itself when the line is being pulled hard.
Don't use dull or rusty hooks and replace your fishing line if it has been on your reel for a long time. Look at it this way - You're likely spending a good deal of money putting you in a position to be successful fishing from the pier. Don't let your experience be lessened by using rotten line, dull hooks, stinky bait, or by tying a knot that cuts itself (like a series of overhand knots).
Plan to be successful and have in mind what you want to do with your fish. In other words, bring a cooler partially filled with ice if you want to keep the fish you catch.
I personally prefer being self-sufficient, so I have my own pier net and pier gaff that others are welcome to use if they ask. I've never heard anyone refuse to let someone else borrow a net, but you'll want to be especially courteous when using somebody else's stuff. Except for a net or pier gaff, though, you really should have everything else you need, including your own stocked tacklebox with hooks, sinkers, leaders, pliers, knife and a measuring tape (how else are you going to know that your fish is the correct size to keep?).
One more thing -- bring a camera/camera phone so that you can show your pictures on this site!
