Thread: I am planning a surf and pier fishing trip in Oct

I am new to surf and pier fishing. I don't have a clue where to fish. What to get to help me.I plan to be there in that area for 5 days and I want to fish everyday. Can anyone help me with info

Mr. David Thornton is a pier/jetty/surf fishing guide in this area. He has forgotten more about fishing the pier than most of us tourists will ever know. He goes by Pier#r on this board. I would advise you to pay him for a few hours of instruction and catch some fish rather than wing it for 5 days and go home and have buy frozen fish sticks. A trip to J&M Tackle is also a must do while you are here.

I have been thinking of hiring someone to teach me how to fish in saltwater. I am going to be fishing the whole time Im there. I want to enjoy everything I can because this trip is birthday present to myself I will turn 32 down there. I plan on going alone and still have a blast even if I don't catch anything. Thank you for the information

Pier#r is the way to go if you want a guide.

take the advice and hire #r.

Do yourself a favor and spend at least half of your first day with David as your guide, then strike out on your own.
http://www.gulfshoresfishing.com/Pie...hing-Guide.htm

Not only will you learn a lot from David, you will enjoy his company.

personal preference with me....but stick to the pier....I hate sand all over my stuff on the beach and one undetected speck of sand can ruin a reel ,real fast....plus the pier only fishing license is way cheaper then the salt water fishing license....but this year I will be getting the more expensive one in case I get to go offshore out of Alabama....and we will be staying a short walk from Alabama point where I can fish the end of the rock jetty..... if I so desire ....as stated.... get with Pier#r he has a wealth of knowledge for the entire area!!!!!

I was already thinking about hiring him before I joined here. I did a Google search and found him I bookmarked his page. By the sounds of it he is a good guy and great fisherman. I think I will still have a blast even I don't catch anything its about the experience for me. I got hooked on saltwater fishing when I went inshore and deep sea fishing out of Destin Fl. And I went bottom fishing in 340 feet 30 miles off of Oregon's coast to catch lingcods and seabass. I love the fight of a aj and they taste good. Should I buy a pier net or a gaff or both. Thank you guys for the info

for your short time, I wouldn't(unless it is just something you feel you need or want)....there is always someone around willing to help, and being by yourself ....just ask and be helpful yourself and it will usually be returned ....I will be there that month, so I will have both, you can borrow, if needed....I have no problem reeling in or stop fishing to help get a fish on the deck, it is all part of the pier experience for me.....and usually rewarded with help when I could use it