I've only fished the pier on my last trip to Gulf Shores, but the majority of people there seemed friendly and helpful. I may have even met a few of the people from the forum there and not known it. I met a man who was originally from Colorado who gave me a few spanish and also gave me a few pointers on how to make better use of my bubble/straw rig (after which I caught a few of my own). I met a family (father, son, and grandfather) who were fishing with shrimp and gave me about a dozen to fish with when they noticed that I wasn't catching anything with my gotchas. I also had a guy come over next to my elbow when there was plenty of space and begin casting and letting his slack line blow into my face and gear. I didn't worry about anyone taking my gear, but then I didnt have anything as expensive as a van stall sitting on my hopped up rolling cooler either. A few bad apples can spoil the bunch if you let them, but taken as a whole, my trip was fun, and the pier was great, cant wait to come back- hopefully with more success. So, for all those who have answered my questions and gave/continue to give information and help out- Thank you. It's appreciated.