Thread: Okaloosa island pier

Been invited by a buddy to fish with him and stay in condo for nothing at end of this week , how is that pier compared to gulf shores ? Never been there before

Higher off the water 30ft , shallower water, good bait (cigs) not to many sharks, but flipper use to be the problem there....decent fishing

I havent fished it since the mid-90s but back then it was good fishing. I caught lots of Spanish and "Northern Macs" (small atlantic bonita). A few kings back then, but as noted, flipper was a problem, almost as bad as sharks. Not sure if that is still the case.
Water is very clear most of the time. Blackfins show up just about every Fall.

How close do I need to watch my stuff ?

Originally Posted by Johntr21

How close do I need to watch my stuff ?

No idea, was not a problem back in the 90s.

Blackfin tuna show up at a pier? Dang.

Originally Posted by Johntr21

Been invited by a buddy to fish with him and stay in condo for nothing at end of this week , how is that pier compared to gulf shores ? Never been there before

You'll find the water a bit clearer there, likely. There's usually good pompano, whiting, black drum, slot redfish in the skinny water and Spanish/King Mackerel fishing near the end. You can catch cigar minnows just off the bottom, sometimes. I like OIP. This time of year should be good for cobia!

I have not fished there in over a year.
Plenty of nice people
Place to grab some food at the entrance, bathrooms at the end. (alcohol allowed)
Little tighter area. (Watch the entrance, very low will catch your poles if upright)
I would go in a heartbeat
As long as you are that close I would also make the 20/30 minute drive to Navarre and experience that pier as well.
Only irritating thing this time of year are the guys standing taking up space on the rail hoping to spot a cobia.

Originally Posted by Geno

Blackfin tuna show up at a pier? Dang.

I never experienced it myself but its happens. Not an every day occurrence but from what i understand it happens almost every year late summer/early fall.
Sort of like mahi at GSP: it could happen but if you are going there to target them you better be there every day and you just might (might) catch the run!!

I wouldn't leave my stuff unattended - not nearly as friendly as GS Pier.