Thread: Saltwater Fishing Noob coming to Gulf Shores in late June....

Hi guys I've been lurking the last couple weeks trying to get as prepared as I can be before we head down to Gulf Shores the third week of June (21-28). I'm from Chicago and the only salt water experience I have is a headboot trip I took over 20 years ago. And yes before you suggest it, I've already booked some guide time with David aka Pier#er.

What tackle would you recommend for mostly pier fishing? I have a 6.5" medium rod that I will be brining with. I am going to be realistic and just try for pompano, sheepshead, and all the other smaller fish. Should I go with fluorocarbon or braid? What size/color/type hooks? Any recommendations on artificial (or is this a wasted effort?). Should I buy a pier net / gaf (that wont be used except for this trip. Any other noob advice or even just Gulf Shores info (good non chain food etc..) is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Mike

your best bet would be to target spanish and use gotchas, bubble rigs, strip baits, yo zuris, small el-ys with a wire leader 31 pound single strand( or smaller). #4 3x strong mustad treble. theres so many things you can catch and use to catch them with its just ridiculous. I'm sure pier # r will show you anything and everything you'll need to know.

As a novice from Mich I found J&M tackle shop a few years ago and they will be a great help with setting you up for what is biting. This is an awesome site with a lot of helpful people. There is a link on the side of this site.
The locals on the pier are very helpful and friendly. I usually will just watch what is going on to learn.

Southern fishin is right spanish is your best bet looney jigs,gotcha plugs,and strip baits. also the sheephead are a good idea carolina rig #6 khale hook 1 oz lead. both of those species can be caught on light to med action rods.

Most folks show up on the pier with rods too long, reels too big, line too heavy, and terminal tackle that would choke Moby Dick!
In clear, calm water smaller hooks and thinner line become more important;-)

6 1/2 foot is OK, but a 7 foot medium action rod and a 3000-4000 series reel with a smooth drag that holds at least 250 yards of 8 - 10 mono (or fluro) will do you well.
You can use that for just about anything ;-)
Braid might help if you plan to do a LOT of lure chunking for bigger mackerel.

No need for a gaff, and not even a net really as there are usually plenty of good folks around to lend a hand when needed.
All you should have to do is ask.

Tons of great info I really appreciate it. I'll have to hit up one of our local outdoor stores ( have cabelas basspro and gander mountain all within half an hour) for some new toys. Any rod/reel brand recommendations?

I can't wait to get down there it's obvious you guys have a great community. My group is Looking forward to fishing with you on June 23rd David. We've watched your youtube videos and read up your pier reports for June 2013.

Lots of good advice. Listen to David and go light unless you're after kings or bull reds. The sheepshead may be hard to come by that time of year. If you're drifting live bait for Spanish, use #10 trebles and 50# mono or 15# braided wire (I learned this from Pier#r). Good luck.

The Penn combos are good maybe wait until you arrive and go by J&M's on canal they will fix you up and spool your reel with the best line. Your going to go anyway so kill two birds with one stone

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

Tons of great info I really appreciate it. I'll have to hit up one of our local outdoor stores ( have cabelas basspro and gander mountain all within half an hour) for some new toys. Any rod/reel brand recommendations?

I can't wait to get down there it's obvious you guys have a great community. My group is Looking forward to fishing with you on June 23rd David. We've watched your youtube videos and read up your pier reports for June 2013.

Go with a Penn Fierce 3000 spooled with 10 lb Monofilament in a bluish fluorescent color. (So you can see it). You can't beat them for the price and saltwater durability.

I'd go with a 7 ft medium action rod, something that has a fairly flexible tip.

Just some artificials would be a Yo-Zuri Cystal Minnow 3 1/2" and some 7 strand, non-coated wire leader, and really really really small, but strong BLACK swivels.

Also, some white Looney jig's would do you good.

You can buy 20 lb Flourocarbon and use it as a leader but for Pompano and bottom fishing, its really not necessary, but for Spanish Mackerel (or you can use 40lb. MONO), but it is needed.

Heres a link for a really good rig for bottom fishing and an outstanding rig for Pompano:

http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...-rig-how-8134/


And when you get down here, I'd DEFINITELY stop by J & M and tell them what you want to be doing, and they'll literally and figuratively "hook you up" haha. Everyone on the pier (or most everyone) is glad to help a newbie when you come down so just ask around when you get on the pier. If you see someone that looks like they know what they're doing, ask them what they're fishing for, we are very happy to share information

Hiring Mr #r is one of the best moves you could make for a Newbe....he will show you right the first time, no trial and error....One thing I would suggest is a cooler with wheels and rod holder attached whether perminate or not....I have seen them attached with ratchet straps that seem to work well and can always be used at home(the cooler) for ball games or anything else out door events....the pier is long and carrying everything is a pain, and you'll need a cooler anyway for your fish your going to catch, unless don't plan on keeping( what a shame if you don't) , even a 2 wheel dolly works...pull the handle up and load it up, a couple bungees and your good to go