Thread: Newbie Intro and Question(s)

Hey everyone. I'm been browsing the site for awhile but just recently 'joined the family.' Lots of good people and information here. I have been fishing all my life, but didn't get into salt-water fishing until my freshman year of college at USA in Mobile, 9 years ago. I spent way more time fishing at the coast than studying. That (and running out of money) are the reasons I only was at South for one semester. Anyway, I've basically been squeezing surf/pier fishing in whenever we vacation down at Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Pensacola.

I am planning a weekend trip to the pier for me, my son, my brother, and his son for late summer/early fall of this year. Do y'all have any recommendations for timing? I'm basically aiming for not too hot, not too cold for the boys. And I just want to catch some fish. Don't really care about size or species. For them, anything with fins would tickle them to death. I have a decent array of rods and gear, so I'm open to any input.

That leads me to my next question. I have one rig that I call my "anything that swims" rod. It is an Abu 7000ic3 on a MH Ugly-Stick Tiger rod. It is for giant cats, big gar, or any other monsters up here in the freshwater, but doubles as a stout rig for bigger fish in the salty stuff. I'm building another "anything that swims" rod. I have a Penn FTH 30, and need help with what rod to pair it with. I love the Tiger rod, but welcome any suggestions. Would the MH Tiger be too light for that reel?

Third question - The Abu works reels and casts very smoothly (as it should), but the clicker doesn't click. Does anyone know a good reel-repair guy? It is only 6 years old. Wifey bought it for me new, and I'd like to keep it in perfect shape, especially if we tear into something of decent size on this trip.

Thanks very much in advance, guys!

Hey welcome! I picked up a rod and reel at wal mart for $20. You might check that out for the boys. Decent reel and saves your ABU from the rust miser! I love the fall down there. Fishing is very good September and October. You might check out a morning guide on the pier with Pier#r on this forum. He can get you setup with all the info you'll need for your trip in a 3 hour guide session.

No matter what they say you cant go wrong with an ugly stick rod!

Welcome aboard. The guys at J & M tackle will fix you up with the gear you need. Watch the weather that time of year. Set up a trip with Pier #r can't go wrong with him. He will put you on the fish.

Originally Posted by coach

Welcome aboard. The guys at J & M tackle will fix you up with the gear you need. Watch the weather that time of year. Set up a trip with Pier #r can't go wrong with him. He will put you on the fish.

+1 on J & M and Pier#r, I will be seeing them this coming weekend, looking forward to a good time

Thanks very much for the help folks!

Originally Posted by Mcninja

Thanks very much for the help folks!

Be sure to post a report after your trip and post some pics for your fellow wannebe there too North Alabamians.