Thread: First timers need help not lookin stupid!!!

We are planning a vaca in gulf shores in 2 weeks. My son and i want to try some fishing down there, i could use help finding a reasonable guide or some tips on what we need to bring. we have fished fresh water but never salt water. Thanks in advance for any help. I would love for this to be a great time for him.

pier#r is your man.
i spent the first day on our first trip just watching and asking questions. the locals are more than willing to help if you are willing to listen.

I come down every summer and fall and fish the pier, the regular guys are GREAT people. They are always willing to help. Look through some of the threads on this forum. There are tons of good tips for new people to the pier. I am still learning new stuff every time I go. You will have a blast.

Awesome i just figured it was like other places the regs dont like tourist lol

Welcome to the Forum, elialspach. You should take time before your trip to check the Question and Answer page. Use the search features to find answers for specific questions, like Flounder rigs, or Spanish rigs, and focus on the basics. We use medium and light tackle in the surf when we are there; typical freshwater gear. Just hose it off every day when you quit. The search feature is your best buddy for answers to many questions that have been asked a lot. It is how I all learned to be the amazing success that I am now, imho. It is just as amazing as what I have left to learn. We will be down at Ft. Morgan this Oct., and you can believe be, I am studying. We have 7-9 days to surf fish when we are there, and I always want to be as successful as possible. Please post some pics for us; y'all will have a ball. Good luck and smooth drags.

Originally Posted by elialspach

Awesome i just figured it was like other places the regs dont like tourist lol

You'll see from the hundreds of other responses to newbie fishermen that the Gulf Shores pier is more inviting and welcoming. You'll want to do a complete search of previous posts that completely cover every possible nuance of the pier fishing experience. There are hundreds of tips to help you be more successful! Another great idea is utilizing youtube for demonstrations and tutorials.

Start here: http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-members-3182/

You don't need anything fancy to get started, just a couple of decent spinning reels will do just fine.

Originally Posted by elialspach

We are planning a vaca in gulf shores in 2 weeks. My son and i want to try some fishing down there, i could use help finding a reasonable guide or some tips on what we need to bring. we have fished fresh water but never salt water. Thanks in advance for any help. I would love for this to be a great time for him.

I have fished the pier for the last 3 years and every time I catch more fish. The people on the pier are great. Buy a red bait net. The bait will swim into it and then use live or cut in half. Use 2/0 circle hooks with steel leader. Remove the snap and put on a split ring with a split ring plier. Attach your hook to the new split ring. Fish early morning 5 or 6 am. Fish until 9 or 10. It started to get hot around 9 or 10. Fish next to first tower on the side of the tide moving out. You will catch blue fish and red fish. They taste great fresh. You can catch 10 blues in a few hours. If you move past the first tower and throw a silver spoon or gottha plug with leader you will catch spanish mackerel. At the end of the pier kings are catch on the live bait. Go the zeekes marina for deep sea fishing. They have shared trips and i never had a bad experience. I hope this helps. I will be there 12-19 of July. May be I will see you there

Originally Posted by elialspach

We are planning a vaca in gulf shores in 2 weeks. My son and i want to try some fishing down there, i could use help finding a reasonable guide or some tips on what we need to bring. we have fished fresh water but never salt water. Thanks in advance for any help. I would love for this to be a great time for him.

A successful strategy i have found as a tourist fisherman on the pier over the last few years is to acquire and rig 3 spinning rod/reels with some basic lures. The first two target the larger fish like kings, jacks, reds, etc (like most of the locals fish for at the end of the pier) - and sharks. The 3rd is for smaller like Spanish, bluefish, maybe a bonita.

1st rod is bait catcher. Light/medium, doesn't have to be anything special, maybe 12# mono. Like others said, get a ribbon bait catcher with egg sinker. Watch how others use this to catch bait that you will use on 2nd rod/reel. Always leave the bait ribbon rigged on this. If you struggle to catch bait, ask others who catch multiples if you can use one of their extras. Catch bait as you need them so they will be lively.

2nd rod/reel needs to be a bit nicer, maybe a Penn fierce holding 300 yds or so of 15-20# good mono, I like Momoi hi-catch. I got mine at J&M, pre-spooled with line for around $100. Smooth drag and fairly stout rod are important if you want a good chance to tire out and land a nice fish. Rig this setup with pier king rig from J&M. Basically swivel, wire leader, and treble hook. Buy several of the pier king rigs. Use the bait fish caught on first rod, hook it on the treble, and cast with the wind on the end of the pier. Pay attention to everyone else and you will get the hang quickly. If you hook a fish, let it run pulling drag, move with it, and don't be in a hurry. You'll likely get lots of instruction.

3rd rod is a medium action, good casting, spinning rod/reel with 12-14# mono. Basic lure choice is gotcha plugs and bubble rigs. If not familiar with these, search other posts. A lot of work to fish these, but can be very productive at times. Again, always watch what others are doing with this similar setup who catch fish. Filleted Spanish are some of the best eating fish i have found.

We've caught some nice fish and made some good memories with these setups. We've always found the locals friendly and willing to help with landing nets, gaffs, and advice.

Hope this makes sense and Good luck!

I can assist you. Have been working with a number of seasonals. Message me either here or on facebook at Adam Vįkįng Guy.

You are welcomed to utilize random portions of my gear.on an outing to determine what works best for you and then make an educated decision on what you should buy thereafter.

Not all equipment that works for one works for all others. You really need to put some to practice.

Welcome to Gulf Shores, whatever your decision.