Question about King fishing from the Pier

Let me preface this by saying I am on a fairly limited budget.

My question is, what would be a good rod and reel combo, preferably under $100, to start off King fishing with. I have looked online, and most guides for fishing from a pier have a 2 rod setup, which at this point I pretty much cannot afford.

I am also trying to figure out a fairly comfortable setup for hooks and such. Would a 45lb steel leader and treble hook work, or is it a bit more intricate than that? (I have read a #2 treble hook should work). Without using the anchor rod, how does one keep the bait fish in an area and not running into other lines?

I have fished for Spanish the last couple of years on gotcha plugs and bubble rigs, and am broadening my horizons a little. Any advice to a novice salt water pier fisherman will be much appreciated.

With your budget a good bet would be a Penn Fierce 6000 combo ($99). (w/230 yards of 20# mono)

You will probably do better making your own leaders instead of using the 'gaudy' premade ones with the snap.
A 25' pack of 42# leader wire, a 10 pack of #10 swivels (black) and two 5 packs of #2 bronxe trebles should set you for a while.

When folks freeline a live bait they keep a light tension on the line so the bait swims AWAY from the slight resistance.
If your bait swims under (or over) a neighbor, just swap places at the rail with them.
It is easy really, we call it the "Gulf Shores Shuffle" ;-)

the fierce combo #r mentioned is a great choice. it's what i have used the last 4 or 5 years. as for technique, i spent my first day on the pier just watching and asking questions. didn't even take a rod with me.the cooperation and system they have working is amazing for what i would consider "combat" fishing. arguments are rare.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I really appreciate it. Hopefully some of the Kings will be coming in when I get there in April. You guys are awesome. Would you recommend a 9' surf rod or would it be better to go with a 7' rod for the pier?

I like the action of the 7 foot rod just fine and the shorter length is a bit lighter and less cumbersome on the pier when others are nearby.
Folkses taller than 6 feet seem to handle longer poles with a little more ease though.
I really preferred the 8 foot 2 piece rod the original Fierce came on, but it appears Penn stopped offering that when they rereleased the Fierce II last year.
The 9 footer has an extended handle for surf casting and that is not very 'comfortable' for pier fishing.

But that is just me, and everyone is different.
If you have the opportunity before you buy to hold each combo, try to imagine casting and fishing with it in the conditions you see pictured on the forum for prolonged periods of time.

Hope this helps!

I second the Penn Fierce combo Pier#er recommended You can't go wrong with that It's a good economical combo that will last if you take care of it Also J&M has ready made King rigs 2 for $4.00 I'd grab a couple of packs of those and with your Penn Fierce combo you'd be ready The next thing would be bait Can use frozen cigar minnows which you can pick up at J&M or most bait shops If you want live bait get you a couple of sabbiki rigs This may require another rod and reel but if you have any other outfit it would work If not you'll find someone that would be willing to catch you a bait As for the fishing itself it is surprisingly easy When I moved here I had fished mostly the two rod system you mentioned on the North Carolina coast Could not understand how all those people fished for such a powerful fish without tangles and fights I've fished saltwater for many years but I too spent a morning just watching I saw that it's surprisingly easy You just free line your bait taking advantage of the current or the swimming bait If you cross or go under someone you just change places Everyone co operates with each other really I have never seen a place where so many get along so well If you hook a fish the same will be true and there will be plenty of experienced anglers around to help you Bottom line is get set up and come on down and experience the joy and excitement I should be around so if I can help just ask I'll be glad to help you

It really does, I am used to about a 6'7" rod so 7' wouldn't be to far of a stretch. I was thinking about duel purposing the rod for maybe some surf fishing + pier fishing while at the beach. That said, however, my biggest concern was the fact that the 7' is a 1 piece and the 9' was a 2 piece.

The only other thing is I will only be using the rod one week, possibly two in a year.

Dan, thanks for the advice. I will probably go the route of pre made rigs for my first try at Kings. As I get more comfortable in the coming years I may branch out.

What great advice (from Pier#r), especially about "making your own leaders". Kings can be leader-shy and those relatively thick, gaudy leaders with a big snap-swivel are detractors. As well, a snap (safety-pin design) will often fail from the pressure put on it by a big king mackerel. It's so much better to use the wire leader and swivels. I connect the swivel to the wire and the wire to the treble hook with a haywire twist ( I twist/wrap the leader around about 10 times and I've never had the leader pull loose) on each connection and trim the tag ends with pliers.
The pier shuffle is quite easy and intuitive because you just watch your line and if your bait runs under/over another fisherman's line you just move with your bait down the rail until you're not crossed any more. Usually, if everyone is using similar baits, the baits will react to the wind and the current similarly, in proportion. Still, move down the rail with your bait on a windy day, so that the bow in your line doesn't get in the way of other fishermen trying to cast. It all quickly becomes intuitive and you just naturally move according to the situation.

There's a golden-rule aspect to pier fishing. You want other guys to watch their line so that it's not interfering with your line - So you do the same. Try to throw SOUTH when you're on the end of the pier and east or west from your position, when you're on the sides of the pier, especially when other fishermen are present. I mention the direction of your cast because the end of the pier isn't a rectangle.
When somebody else hooks up, the fish sometimes runs sideways, not straight out. Be aware and reel in your bait if there's a chance that you'll get in the other guy's way. Give the guy who has hooked up plenty of room and you'll be fine. It's what you'll want him to do when you're hooked up.

All great advice. As to the leaders, when you go to J&M in Orange Beach to get your basic tackle, get one of the salesmen to show you how to make a king leader. It really is easier, and works much better than pre-made, except for the pre-made leaders they actually make themselves at that store. If you see my pier cart with the yellow "HAYWIRE" flag, come say hello and I'll be glad to help you. DanS also has a flag on his cart, but he's not nearly as good looking as I am, nor as fat.

You will be amazed at the cooperation and friendliness you'll find at the pier, but remember that politeness goes a long way. If you smile at someone, they'll smile back but if you growl at them they'll throw you a bone and put you in a kennel.

Best of luck.

They have some fierce combo 6000 8 footers on Ebay. I too like the 8 foot models for the pier and they can double as a surf rod. They are a good fit for me.

This thread reflects the generosity of those I've met and fished alongside many regulars since the pier opened. Our sizable family gives far more than they take. Catching kings is so much fun. Tackle is diverse. I personally like just about any kind of terminal tackle as long as ya keep in mind your hooked to a chainsaw tied to the back of a rocket. Kings are amazingly fast. Their teeth razor sharp. Everyone has stressed the need to use wire leaders. Braided wire simply isn't trustworthy enough in my opinion. I use it on Spanish sometimes but prefer el-cheapo #50lb mono. Over the years, I've grown in knowledge thanks to all the pier rat's who love to lend advice. As long as your willing to listen, you'll love UM like my family does. Several master king getters show, by example, how to catch ki GS. Slim, T-Bucket, Tater, to name just a few. Davy Allison is a great wire leader instructor but there literally dozens who can tie UM well. Anywho, there are no strangers on this wonderful pier. We're ALL blessed to have it. Respectfully, FRANK.

I use 27# single strand (the brown wire, not stainless), #4 or #2 3x or 4x trebles and 50# flat black swivels. My reel, an older Shakespeare, holds about 275 yards of 14# mono, on a 35 year old 8' glass 2-peice rod. Works fine for me, has landed numerous kings & reds on the pier and offshore. Even a cobia or 2 back in the day.

I like to use a float (with live bait) on some days, most guys don't. Working a dead cigar minnow, no float is used.

You definitely don't need to break the bank on a rod & reel. The Penn reels & rods are great. Bass Pro has a Sea Lion 7000 reel for about $50 that is a good entry level reel, holds plenty of 14 or 20# mono. I like 1 piece rods better, but both my king rods happen to be older 2-peice glass rods. 2-peice rods are definitely easier to travel with.

Head to J&M when you get down here and they will set you up with leaders, hooks, swivels, bait and a good rod & reel combo.

And don't forget a 8-10# medium combo for Spanish macs. And a lighter rod for catching bait. Get some bait rigs (sabikis and a ribbon rig) from J&M while you are there. And some loonie jigs, bubble rigs and gotchas for Spanish.

+++++++1 on Pier#r's advice !!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fishingainteasy

Let me preface this by saying I am on a fairly limited budget.

I have looked online, and most guides for fishing from a pier have a 2 rod setup, which at this point I pretty much cannot afford.

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The two-rod set up is a form of "trolley" fishing, which is not allowed on the Gulf Shore pier. The "not allowed" is not a moral judgement, but different fishing styles can physically interfere, as between fixed lines and free-drifting lines. Either is fine, both at once are a disaster. There will be trolley-oriented piers where the techniques from here will make you the troublemaker.

The rods being described would be fine carp, lake sturgeon or catfish rods for the rest of the country not near oceans. They can also be a poor-person's pitching or flipping rod with a different reel. Multi-function rods involve trade-offs but few people can afford dozens of specialized rods for one place and one species each.

I'm not a great fisherman. When I am at the rail I'm frequently looking off somewhere enjoying the day and not fixed on my bait.

I use a stinger hook on dead cigars and get a much higher hookup rate than with a single hook. I may get fewer bites, but more fish this way, especially if there are bluefish about.

I use a #4 treble on 27# coffee colored single strand wire and put a second #4 hook about 4" down from the first (wire to wire with the first hook swinging free). It would probably be smart to use a smaller hook for the stinger, but that's too complicated for me.

I don't have to count and let them eat before setting the hook, just keep a light drag and they mostly commit suicide when they grab it.

Guys, I really appreciate all the advice. The do's and do nots. It makes me all that much more excited about getting down there early April and meeting some of you face to face.

I have been blessed with a loaner rod and reel now, which is a Penn 5500 with a 7' ugly stick (2 pieces). It is slightly older, but from what I can tell should do the trick nicely.

I've been out at the pier the last couple of times I came down. We were almost strictly jetty fishing, but it has become a not feasible option. The last few times, I have been pretty much catching Spanish and Blues on lighter tackle, but saw how much fun Kings looked and thought I would like to give it a shot.

So last two questions. I have a black max rod and reel combo(baitcaster) 6'7" MH rod. I figure that should be good for a sabiki rig. Am I right on this thought?
I most likely will be giving any "extra" bait away since I won't have a bait bucket or pump.

Is there any other last minute grabs I should make?

That will be a fine bait rig, very similar to what I use.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fishingainteasy

So last two questions. I have a black max rod and reel combo(baitcaster) 6'7" MH rod. I figure that should be good for a sabiki rig. Am I right on this thought?
I most likely will be giving any "extra" bait away since I won't have a bait bucket or pump.

Is there any other last minute grabs I should make?

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I suggest getting a rolling ice chest and bungee-lashing your tacklebox to it for easy transportation to the end of the pier. You're going to need something to put your catch in, right? Yes, your baitcaster will be fine for your sabiki rig. Sabiki-caught baitfish don't survive well in an aerated bait bucket anyway, so if you catch more than one at a time, you can give 'em away or toss 'em back.

I have my rods rigged and ready to go, so that when I catch my bait it goes right on the treble hook of my king rod and it's in the water while it's still lively. Sometimes, the bite is on as soon as you get there and you'll want to get a good bait amongst them ASAP.

Something the regulars told me to avoid are the "Killer Bee" brand cigar minnows from Walmart. (fall apart when thawed) It was great advice. The cigs from J&M or Fresh Market are much better.

So much information from all the regulars. This seems to be an awesome community.

As far as a rolling ice chest goes. What size would be a decent start. I might consider it since I don't have to buy the rod now. (At least at this point). As far as a tackle box. I have my freshwater one, which I will probably bring for extra spools of line, and maybe storage. I intend on getting a separate one specifically for the trip to the beach eventually.

Also, based on current temperatures, do you think Kings might come in a little earlier this year? As I said, I am coming down the week of April 4-9 so I am hoping a few are biting haha.

Also, are the carts that people are carrying rods, ice chests and what not for rent, borrow, or are the personally owned? Would be pretty nice to have that but not necessary obviously. (Blame Haywire for this question as I saw him in a gallery sporting a King with one of them in the background haha).

The baitcaster will be fine for catching bait You should be set

Those carts are individually owned, thus the advice about the rolling ice chest. You can dude up the ice chest with rod holders---that's just a long walk to the end of the pier having to carry stuff. Don't overload yourself with tackle (like I do). There are some really ingenious carts out there made from everything from baby buggies to wheelchair frames. Get a cooler big enough to carry plenty of drinks and room for your filleted catch. There are cleaning stations out at the octi so you can fillet your kings or reds as soon as you are through taking photos.

I may be having to take my b-in-law turkey hunting during the time you will be here, but if not, I look forward to making your acquaintance. Always nice to meet someone who is smart enough to ask questions ahead of time.

There will be plenty of people there with pier gaffs and pier nets to land your fish for you. Lots of the young guns on the pier had just as soon gaff a king as catch one---almost.

I think somebody already mentioned it, but always cast straight out, never sideways, and when you are hooked up move around and follow your fish so that it stays straight out, if you can. Sometimes the fish has other ideas.

I got my Coleman rolling ice chest at Wal-Mart. I'm pretty sure that I paid less than $40 for it. It's 24" X 16" X 15" and it has a telescopic handle. Your king is sure to be a lot longer than the ice chest, but you can put it in there, diagonally, and roll it down to the cleaning station. I'd have some quart-sized (or larger) baggies to put cleaned fish in.

Remember that "gotta haves" are a pair of needlenose pliers with wire cutters and a sharp fillet knife.

For years and years in N C I used a wire folding grocery cart with vinyl bag liner Tackle box or bag goes on the inside Rain Coat or whatever on top Several rods fit in and a 24" slender Igloo cooler or Igloo Playmate cooler fits perfect on top of all that Just roll it right out on the Pier Folds easy for travel I still carry one in my van to use on some small piers or when I don't want to carry but a few rods etc on the Pier

I use a hand truck with a rod rack attached. Put it together back in 1990 and it's still works fine.

Pretty sure I have the needle-nose covered. I was down Spanish fishing so I know about those teeth haha. I had considered the baggies, but you just confirmed that I should get them. I have absolutely 0 experience with filleting fish, but I have been watching videos on it. Seems relatively easy. I will have a knife on order soon. I am basically trying to get all the things I want to order together and then order them all in one shot, minus what I am buying when I get there of course. I have a feeling, within a couple of years my saltwater tackle will outweigh my freshwater stuff, and I am just starting haha.

"you can put it in there, diagonally, and roll it down to the cleaning station"

Heck, it's fun to put a big king over your shoulder and walk all the way to the cleaning station. You get looks of admiration and jealousy. The pride walk.

Hey Dan, if you have it with you when I come down in April, would you mind showing it to me? I am slightly curious as to what this would look like.

Also, thanks everyone for the awesome ideas to a mostly new saltwater fisherman.

Here is to hoping at least one king ends up on my line when I come down.

Also, as a note. To this point I am grabbing a rolling cooler a filet knife, and am getting line. The King rigs, or at least leaders will be got at J&M. I will also be picking up at least 1 or 2 sabiki rigs for catching bait. I already have needle nose pliers (pretty sure they have a wire cutter on them). Borrowing a rod. I think I am set from what I have read. Am I missing anything? Also if available, would someone be willing to show/teach me how to fillet? Pretty sure I get the jist of it, but since it is the first time personally, I would appreciate it.(Doesn't have to be my fish if showing haha).

This has been a great thread. Things have been "relatively" quiet on the Forum, someone mentions the word "KING FISHING" and all the lights, bells and whistles come on!!! Last year the first King I believe was one month from today. It won't be long. Made reservations today. Coming a couple weeks earlier than usual to hopefully catch the Pier Picnic!

I know you have seen these carts It s what some little old ladies put there groceries in Google Folding Shopping Cart and you'll find many of them Amazon and other sites loaded with them Here s a picture I just pulled up online Some come with liners I just use to use a waterproof bag from an Army Surplus store or camping store They work I used one for 15-20 yrs
As to filleting I'll show you It's pretty easy I actually use an electric knife You should have a good trip

Ahh okay, yeah I have seen those. I just couldn't picture it in my head. Also, my grandfather and my dad(passed away). Use/used an electric filleting knife as well. I am going to get a non electric, since my father and law and I go trout fishing as well. We don't fillet them so yeah.

Thanks for all the help.