Thread: Attitudes on the Pier

So, my last few trips to the Gulf Shores Pier, I spoke to some tourists and locals alike.

Outside a few cocky youngsters lately, it seems for the most part that people are commenting about how nice the fishermen are in Gulf Shores compared to other piers on the Gulf.

It is refreshing to feel the appreciation of these individuals, as many people here go way out of their way to help others, and make people visiting the pier feel right at home. Many times this goes unseen, but certainly not forgotten.

We want these people to come back every year. Show your support by helping out a tourist, keeping the cleaning stations clean and setting a good example. The people passing through are noticing and commenting.

Something that all contributors to the cause should be proud of. I know this goes without saying, but great job folks!

As long as I can remember the GSP has had a more friendly atmosphere than some of the other piers around. I have lived here all my life and can say I always love fishing the GSP even though it is more of a drive for me than P'cola, 3mile, or Sykes. I have never had a problem at GSP from anyone except as Viking stated the young cocky tourists which doesn't really bother me. There are some of the best and most helpful individuals that fish GSP and I always am bragging on ya'll to my friends at 3mile.

We've heard so much negative with this and that lately. It is refreshing to hear unsolicited positive comments from random people.

Wow... A Viking Guy sighting... it's been a while. As most/some know I came down last year for my family's annual trip and loved it so much that within a couple days we were already trying to figure out when to come back. The people I met on GSP as well on this board have to be some of the nicest people we've met in our travels. One of the main reasons we are returning was the people. I can't wait to get back down there in August.

Regarding negative posts... it's an epidemic across the web. People who are unhappy just have to share their displeasure with everyone. I think it has to do with the fact that in media negativity sells. Just look at the news, how often is it good? Maybe if we just started focusing more on the positives in life we wouldn't have to deal with the crap we have to today. I just wish more people would be willing to make their happiness known not just there displeasure.

that's why we come back every year. i have never felt anything but welcomed by the locals and feel that i have made a few friends along the way. see y'all july 12.

I'm usually fishing from my boat when on vacation and steering well clear of piers, but when we're down this fall, I may be trolling close to the shoreline.

Question:
What's the "polite" distance from a pier to make sure trolling equipment doesn't snag or otherwise interfere with those fishing from the structure? Are you guys heaving 2 ounces 100 yards out?
I'm thinking of cutting in closer because of chummed water and likelihood of predators lurking; but I surely don't want to be "THAT GUY."

Thanks!

SD, the prevailing attitude of pier patrons is that a boat is mobile and can fish ANYWHERE they choose.
Why they choose to 'potlick' the pier is seen as an example of poor sportsmanship and lack of angling prowess.

That being said beyond 100 yards is "legal" so boaters are within their 'rights' to fish there.
But they should be mindful that large fish are often hooked from the pier and can (and do) run 300 yards (or more) from it.

When I boat fished, I tried to give the pier and other stationary fishers at least 1/4 mile berth so as not to 'crowd' them.
There are times and places (obviously) where being closer than that is not an issue, but snuggling up to a pier full of folks is not one of them ;-)
Even if GSPPier has some of the most courteous fishers on the gulf coast. LOL

True southern hospitality I have always heard about and for years experienced .....I have fished them all, and none compares to the gulf shores pier and people .....It was my first to fish many years ago until the H that took it away, but always felt it to be my home pier, during the rebuild while I fished all the others that were open.....well worth the wait
We that visit are truly blessed for sharing the pier with us Googans

Originally Posted by SalmonDaze

I'm usually fishing from my boat when on vacation and steering well clear of piers, but when we're down this fall, I may be trolling close to the shoreline.

Question:
What's the "polite" distance from a pier to make sure trolling equipment doesn't snag or otherwise interfere with those fishing from the structure? Are you guys heaving 2 ounces 100 yards out?
I'm thinking of cutting in closer because of chummed water and likelihood of predators lurking; but I surely don't want to be "THAT GUY."

Thanks!

It isn't how far we can cast,but how far the fish run when hooked.....300yrds of line isn't out of the question to come off the spool on a GOOD run

Originally Posted by Pier#r

SD, the prevailing attitude of pier patrons is that a boat is mobile and can fish ANYWHERE they choose.
Why they choose to 'potlick' the pier is seen as an example of poor sportsmanship and lack of angling prowess.

That being said beyond 100 yards is "legal" so boaters are within their 'rights' to fish there.
But they should be mindful that large fish are often hooked from the pier and can (and do) run 300 yards (or more) from it.

When I boat fished, I tried to give the pier and other stationary fishers at least 1/4 mile berth so as not to 'crowd' them.
There are times and places (obviously) where being closer than that is not an issue, but snuggling up to a pier full of folks is not one of them ;-)
Even if GSPPier has some of the most courteous fishers on the gulf coast. LOL

Originally Posted by ironman172

It isn't how far we can cast,but how far the fish run when hooked.....300yrds of line isn't out of the question to come off the spool on a GOOD run

Thanks guys. Quarter mile sounds "safe" Half mile seems "polite."

I knew you'd have good insights; that's why I asked.