Vacationing in Gulf Shores week of July 20th

Hello to all,
I just registered to the site. I just found out that I am going to a family reunion at Gulf Shores Plantation the week of next July 20th. I live in Richardson Texas (near Dallas) and have no saltwater experience. I do a lot of bass fishing however. I would like to try beach fishing. I really don't care what I catch but would just like to have some fun catching anything. I have some questions I could use some help with:

1). Is that a good time to be fishing from the beach.
2). what can I expect to catch.
3). I have a 7" medium spinning rig, I can buy a longer spinning rig if needed. Should I buy one.
4). From looking online it looks like you have to use live bait Right?
5). do Fish Bites work?
6). Are there any lures I could have some success with. I would really prefer not to use live bait since I don't have a way of keeping it alive.

I know I am really posting this early for trip but I am very excited about it.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Thanks
Jim

That spinning setup will work just remember to rinse it with fresh water after each use and don't get sand on it. Dead shrimp will work for whiting among other surf fish. That time of year you can walk from ankle to waste deep and see the fish you trying to catch. Spoons or straw rigs will work for ladyfish and bluefish. Welcome and hope you enjoy your stay when the time comes.

THE man's name is Pier#r. Do a search for him on this forum. There is not a soul on here that would not say that 3 hours with him would be the absolute best investment you could make on your trip. You can learn volumes just by reading the various threads and do really good just going to the pier, watching and listening....but... a day with David is on my Christmas list!!!!!!!