The Pier is a special place....

You know, people look at me funny when I tell them I go to Gulf Shores to fish on the pier. Its hard to explain what makes it so much fun, but my trip down Friday was a great example. I fished on the octi for kings, and up walked "Slim." We fished and visited about the last couple of years as we snobbled cigs to mostly empty water. Lou showed up and provided an hour or two's entertainment.

My pompano excursion was really an accident -- I went to get a hot dog and on the way back a guy at the "T" was standing there with a fish in his hand and he asked, "Is this good for cut bait?" It was a nice pompano. I asked if he didn't want it, would he be willing to swap it for some cigs for cut bait. Good trade. I went and got my stuff and came back to fish for pompano. Good choice. Guys name was Doug, and we caught our limits together. Great guy from Birmingham.

Meanwhile, Mr. Harley was also there at the "T" fishing and decided to leave. He was cleaning his pompano, so I called his name and asked him if he minded if I watched what he was doing. He wondered how I knew him, I explained I had seen many pictures of his cooler on the internet. He told me how to clean them, cook them, and use their belly strips for "the best flounder bait there is." I was impressed. Such a good man -- quiet, unassuming, no pretentiousness -- wealth of info.

Where else on the planet can you go fishing, catch fish, and be around so many great folks?

Of course, I also figured out I was old. I was standing at the rail in my coveralls, wool socks, insulated thermals, and goose down vest when I turned around to see a girl in a bikini. I thought, "I bet she's cold."

I bet to an old man she was pretty hot!

Nice read Rich, and my feelings exactly....the only other place I could think of to be around good people, is church....but no fishing there, so I'll take the pier....and love every short minute of it too....thanks for sharing

It's people like you Rich, that make it a special place to be for hours on end

Well put Rich!
HR has always been a fellow to be admired as a person as well as for his angling skills.
Another thing I love about pier fishing is how somebody with hardly (or not even) a clue can (at times) show us something new that makes the day special for us both ;-)

There is a great community of folks on the pier and I've enjoyed getting to know a lot of them. I'd like to offer special thanks to the moderators of this forum who help give the pier group its personality and keep up the communication and information.

I hear ya Ritch. People give me strange looks all the time when I tell them I rather pier fish than go with them offshore.

Fixed it for ya John.

The pier regulars, both local and long distance frequent fishers, have become an extended family for many. some days it takes an hour to get all the way to the Octi just stopping along the way to chat with friends. The bad thing about that is; when you finally make it to the Octi, people greet you with: "Man, shoulda been here a few minutes ago!" :cool:

I have always loved pier fishing and have done so in many different parts of the country but Gulf Shores Pier is my favorite. Overall I think it is because of the many nice people met over the years. Thanks to all for the many nuggets of wisdom over the years.