Thread: Newbie to Pier

I have only recently started fishing again and can't wait to try my luck on the pier. However, I'm so very green that I need to know some basics. What type of fish can I expect to catch as an inexperienced fisherman (woman) and what bait should I use. I just want to start with the basics and work my way up to the big leagues like you guys and gals. Hope I don't bore you with my elementary questions but I want to join the action and just don't know how to get started.

Welcome aboard. Here is a link that may be helpful as a start. A lot of the pics in the thread are not visible right now but we are working on restoration.
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-members-3182/

There is a ton of information on here, dive into the general discussion threads!

Thank you so much. I've tried to read through the comments but I'm finding that as a novice I'm still lost with all the technical terms. I guess I just need to dive in with the rods and reels I've accumulated, buy some bait at the pier store and start at the beginning. I am interested in knowing what's being caught currently. I live locally and am ashamed to say I've never fished on the pier until now but I guess it's never too late to start having fun and catching fish.

Welcome fishin4fun !

I guess I just need to dive in with the rods and reels I've accumulated, buy some bait at the pier store and start at the beginning.

That is THE most common 'rookie mistake' ;-)

If you haven't already, take a leisurely 'scouting trip' out on the pier.
Observe carefully the tackle and rigs in use on different parts of the pier for different fish and which are being used used successfully (or unsuccessfully).
And don't be afraid to ask questions or take notes.
Most anglers are happy to engage and oblige.

Even an hour of this will go a long way in helping you decide how, what, when, where you want to proceed and assist in outfitting your tackle in that pursuit.

I am interested in knowing what's being caught currently.

Now that you are an active forum member you can check the daily fishing reports from the pier to get a better idea of what is being (by whom) and often even how.
It's that kind of onsite intell that helps us all be more prepared and ultimately more successful!

Hope this helps!

Yes both comments help tremendously. Thanks.

Your best bet is to try to fish for some of the smaller species available on the pier before you venture out to the end and "mix it up" with the mackerel fishermen. If you have light tackle, say, that would be suitable for bass fishing, you can try for several species, including whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. Start by fishing north of the "T". A good basic rig is a "fishfinder" rig. Start by threading a 1-ounce egg weight onto your line. Then tie a small black swivel, roughly a number 3 or 5, onto your line. Next, tie a 12" to 18" length of 15 lb. fluorocarbon onto the other end of the swivel. On the end of the fluorocarbon leader, tie a #4 or #2 bronze Eagle Claw hook. For bait, go to a seafood market such as Fresh Market (at corner of Hwy. 59 and CR10) and get some fresh shrimp. Usually you will need to break each shrimp in two to get a properly-sized bait. Cast out a good ways from the pier and wait. This is a good way to catch pompano and whiting. Occasionally you will get a bluefish using this rig, and, of course, you may catch the lowly hardhead catfish. You just have to weed through the undesireables to get to the good fish.
Add some lures to your tackle box. Get some Gotchas (silver with red head or gold with yellow head), Looney jigs, and pompano jigs. You can find all the necessary tackle at J&M Tackle in Orange Beach. Don't be afraid to ask for help, most of the guys there fish at the pier. Gotchas and Looney jigs will catch Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Of course, the pompano jigs are for pompano. Use a 40 lb. test monofilament (regular fishing line) leader on the Gotchas and Looney jigs. You have to jig them vigorously through the water to get bites. I don't use a leader with a pompano jig. I tie straight to the line and cast out and let it sink all the way to the bottom. Then I "hop" it along the bottom by retrieving slowly and occasionally giving a sharp jerk on the rod.
Once you master fishing with dead shrimp and lures, you will be ready to buy a bait bucket for live shrimp and bull minnows so you can fish for speckled trout, sheepshead, and flounder. Flounder and sheepshead live near the pier pilings. You can use the similar fishfinder rig to fish for them with live shrimp and bull minnows (note: live shrimp will catch most anything, bull minnows are strictly for flounder.)
The best place to cast your lure for Spanish mackerel is the area of the pier just south of the mid-bathrooms. Pompano and whiting usually hang out north of the bathrooms, but occasionally you will find them further out.
Another note: fresh dead shrimp is ALWAYS better than frozen shrimp for pompano and whiting.
Don't be afraid to experiment and ask questions. Observe what other fishermen are doing and if they are successful try to mimic their tactics. John G is a forum poster and he owns J&M Tackle. If you visit the shop, you might be able to get him to directly help you with your tackle selection. Good luck and have fun!!!!

As a former novice turned pier fishing addict out of town googan my best advice is to spend $100 on a pier-surf fishing guide who will teach you more in 3 hours than you will learn in weeks on your own. Then the next time you come down you can read the forum and know what to bring. Pier#er above is the man to help you. Trust me this will save you a ton in the long run. A trip to J&M Tackle in Orange Beach is worth a visit for some good advice and just to look around.

I'll say "Amen" to Pier#r and J&M Tackle. David (Pier#r) is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, as well as an outstanding guide, and the folks at J&M are experienced fishermen and you'll make new friends there as well. Best of luck, and I look forward to meeting you on the pier.

Wow you guys are so helpful. Thanks so much.