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I am looking to come to the Gulf Shores area for Vacation, staying near the Pier. Is there any place on the pier to rent Tackle and get bait? Would rather not haul equipment down for a couple of hours of Fishing. What is typical fishing, species and type of catch in mate March early April?
Pretty sure you can rent gear right on the pier. They also have some bait there, but I'd suggest driving down the road a short ways to J&M tackle for your bait.
They definitely have rods and reels to rent at the pier, but do not have live bait. By late March - early April the Spanish Mackerel will be running ( a very popular fish) but king mackerel will be just getting started (one of the most sought after gamefish).
Whiting and sheepshead are going strong and several other species are hit or miss. Whiting can be caught on dead bait in the shallows, sheepshead on live bait (J&M) near pilings all over the deeper part of the pier.
Spanish can be caught on artificials (lot of fun) or small live bait. Kings on live or dead natural baits mostly (some artificial, but it's hard work). Small live bait (various sardines and other small fish) can be caught on the pier.
It all depends on water temperatures and currents, you will be right at the transition. There will be something to be caught, for sure.
If you stop at J&M they will tell you what's biting and how to rig for them.
If you are not a very experienced fisherman you will probably be happier focusing on whiting or Spanish Macks. More bites that way.
Unless you are really, really, really pinching pennies, I think you should invest in some cheap rod and reel sets when you here instead of using the rental tackle at the pier. It is abused and poorly maintained. Those inexpensive rigs will do a fine job for you, they just don't last. Use small pieces of fresh dead shrimp, not frozen, about the size of your little fingertip and put it on a #4 or#2 Kahle hook. Go down to J&M Tackle for lures, tackle and advice---and live bait. Their sales people are all experienced fishermen and will tell you the right stuff. Best of luck.
Check out the fishing reports for that time of year for the past few years, and use the 'search' feature of the page. Lots of info available.
The last time I was in J&M they had some nice rigs for $41 - $55.
And of course Wal-Mart has the $20 - $30 variety.
I'd suggest J&M
Anngabza,
As stated, you can rent gear at the bait/tackle shop on the pier, but I've seen that stuff and the cost and you'd be cheaper to buy a combo from wallmart or J&M. Both have entry level combos that would work just fine, but J&M will give you the latest "good" advice.
The tackle shop,on the pier carries live bait when available, fiddlers and shrimp, but I would stop at a seafood place and get a small amount of fresh dead shrimp, (not frozen), and stay away from squid. Then with your new cheap tackle setup and fresh bait, observe what everyone else is doing to catch that day and duplicate it. You'll be surprised how helpful everyone is on the pier.
Have fun, and just maybe you'll take home some groceries.
Love J&M, I was supposed to come to OB this week after fishing my tournament in Florida changed my mind after the weather change. J&M was to be my first stop they have stuff for every price point and WAY more fun than shopping at Walmart, you'll have someone to help you and they will steer you right.