Thread: Fish finder for pier mount

I just bought a property on the bonsecour with an amazing fishing pier. I would like to find a fish finder that will cover as large an area as possible surrounding the pier. Ideas?

Maybe a castable fish finder such as Deeper, https://deepersonar.com/en

I looked at the castable types. Look gimmicky to me. Reviews are mixed.

I don't know that it would be worth the money, not sure that it would show you much useful information.

I would save that money for lighting, have the fish find you instead. In time you'll know how deep the water is all along your pier and where to fish it. I don't see where a fish finder would shorten that time enough to justify getting one.

Originally Posted by DRH

I would save that money for lighting, have the fish find you instead. In time you'll know how deep the water is all along your pier and where to fish it. I don't see where a fish finder would shorten that time enough to justify getting one.

There's also more you can do to make your pier more appealing, find oyster shells, many available for next to nothing, sometimes literally free. Oysters will actually come and occupy the shells again giving reason for gamefish to come and crack them open, shells and rocky bottoms also give shrimp and other small bait fish to lay eggs. A lot of small changes can really add up to a great pier.

My research agrees with all of the above. Are their regulations on creating structure or oyster beds in the Bon secour? Or do we just not talk about it?

Will try to help. I don't know of any regulations.
What matters more is where you are on the Bon Secour River/Bay area.
I live on a bayou upstream near Highway 10. There are no living oysters in my area. I believe it's because of low salinity and no salinity from time to time.
If you know where Bon Secour Fisheries is, consider that the river bank and way out in the water is nothing but trillions of oyster shells. None are alive.
I have seen a few live ones around the bridge to Plash Island though. (Across the intercoastal from Oyster Bay).

The good news is that you won't need anything more than a good light or two to catch lots of specks and reds.

Good Luck.

You might want to call Marine Resources in Gulf Shores to discuss inshore protocols for 'reefing' pier structures. Gulf Shores (251) 968-7576

Construction Protocol | Outdoor Alabama

Or maybe it would be easier just to ask forgiveness ;-)

Originally Posted by Drsjnt

My research agrees with all of the above. Are their regulations on creating structure or oyster beds in the Bon secour? Or do we just not talk about it?

I don't know about regulations concerning inshore artificial reefs. However, if you were to create something that would effectively enhance fishing it would be a big enough project that it should be regulated Keeping it to yourself wouldn't happen if you went big enough to matter. Also there is no guarantee that oyster shells would make a real difference at any given location and may take more time than you would expect if you do get positive results.

Hang some lights, since it is easy, works everywhere and provides almost instant results.