Thread: I'm Hooked

Ok so the wife and I just got back from a beach trip and all I did was surf fish or fish off the pier at Panama City Beach. We normally come to Orange Beach but the in laws gave us the house in PCB for the week. I guess that I have overlooked these types of fishing (as I have not done either since I was a kid) but wow did I have a blast. I did not catch anything to write home about but now I can't wait til we come down in October. I have lots of questions so I will say sorry in advance.

Ok like I said I have lots of questions and the first let me start with rods and reels. Last time I used an older Shakespeare bait caster that I have any suggestions?

what you are most comfortable with, I prefer spinning(never like bait casters) ....another hooked on the salt fishing!!! I always can't wait for my next trip, and hope to move closer in the future

I think the Penn Fierce 6000 spinning with 8' Penn rod is a good value. You can get a combo at J&M, pre-spooled with 20# Hi-Catch mono for just under $100.

Thanks for the info. I looked at a Penn while I was in PCB and liked it very much. I may have to pick one up. Ok next question is about bait. I have only used sand fleas, shrimp, or squid. What works for what or is there another thread that I can use to help out? Of course I know bait would be for whatever species I was trying to catch but any help would be great. Ironman we were not going to be back until Oct but I think we may make a Labor Day trip. The wife is always up for a beach trip and I can't wait to fish again.

I'm sure its been said before and likely some good previous posts but I would suggest to just watch what everyone else is doing at the specific time you are there and ask questions. Our favorite is catching Spanish, either with Bubble Rigs, Gotchas, or Looney Jigs - this can usually be done about half way down the pier if any are biting - We normally use a smaller spinning rod/reel with about 12# mono. Fishing for larger fish at the end of the pier (octi), most everyone is using live bait, such as LY, that are caught straight down around the pilings with either a sabiki or bait ribbon. Some use frozen cigar minnows. The strategy is normally to only use a treble, wire leader, and swivel and drift the bait with the wind/current. You need a heavier rod/reel with a good bit of line for this (such as the Penn) and takes a little getting used to when you hook a fish - normally let the fish take drag out a couple hundred yards to tire out then slowly work them back in and hope no sharks eat them before you get them to the pier.

PENN FIERCE 6000 would be a good reel for your heavier fishing like Kings and such but you re going to need something smaller for casting artificials for spanish and others Most any medium light spinning reel will do I use Penns Mitchells and ABU Garcias with 8-10lb line even 6lb at times J&M BASS PRO and even Walmart can fix you up with one of these combos You really need at least two rods and reels to true enjoy the pier experience I love pier fishing Fished the piers and surf of North Carolina on the ocean as boy and young man years ago Retired now and just moved to Gulf Shores in September with the wife to live full time and have been fishing the Pier for 9 mos Hired Pier# twice once for Surf and once for Pier and can t tell you how much I learned even though I have fished salt water all my life I can truly say that I have never experienced Pier fishing as you find at GSP Not only is it amazing fishing but the locals and this forum make it an outstanding experience I fish for everything on the pier If you would like when you schedule to come down again give me a shout and I'll be happy to meet you at the pier and show you as much as I can about what I know or have learned about fishing there Take Care

Originally Posted by DSinMS

PENN FIERCE 6000 would be a good reel for your heavier fishing like Kings and such but you re going to need something smaller for casting artificials for spanish and others Most any medium light spinning reel will do I use Penns Mitchells and ABU Garcias with 8-10lb line even 6lb at times J&M BASS PRO and even Walmart can fix you up with one of these combos You really need at least two rods and reels to true enjoy the pier experience I love pier fishing Fished the piers and surf of North Carolina on the ocean as boy and young man years ago Retired now and just moved to Gulf Shores in September with the wife to live full time and have been fishing the Pier for 9 mos Hired Pier# twice once for Surf and once for Pier and can t tell you how much I learned even though I have fished salt water all my life I can truly say that I have never experienced Pier fishing as you find at GSP Not only is it amazing fishing but the locals and this forum make it an outstanding experience I fish for everything on the pier If you would like when you schedule to come down again give me a shout and I'll be happy to meet you at the pier and show you as much as I can about what I know or have learned about fishing there Take Care

Yeah I like the Okuma Avenger ABF40 (12# mono) on a medium action rod casting for Spanish, Penn Fierce 6000 on 8' rod (16-20# mono) for larger kings, jacks, and such, and one small spinning rod/reel rigged with sabiki or ribbon for catching bait.

Thanks Mackchaser and DS. I learned early in life that I sometimes just need to shut up and look around. That is great advice. I did alot of just watching and learning but I know I have so much more to learn. DS I will give you a shout when we are back in town. Looks like now maybe Labor Day weekend. Then back in October maybe we can get together. Any day with good people and fish sounds like a great day to me.

Firehouse, I think God realized the wisdom in what you said because he made us with 2 eyes, 2 ears and one mouth. I have learned something new every time I have got to fish the pier. So much experience and talent there every day. The "older" sages are great but keep your eyes on the young guns!