Thread: Thanks to the "Pier Rats"

I just returned from a week in Gulf Shores and while there I spent much of my time at the pier. I was amazed by not only the quality of the fishery but also by the quality of the people I encountered while there. Being a "googan", I think I did a pretty good job hooking up with some big Kings and Jacks but I was extremely unprepared for actually landing them. I was fortunate enough to encounter some really great people who were very quick to offer advice and to drop a gaff so I was able to land several nice Kings. In addition to the help landing fish, I had some great conversations with several of the local "pier rats". You guys are very fortunate to have such an amazing fishery and even more so to be a part of such an amazing group of people! I can't thank you enough for the hospitality!

Glad to here that, we are heading down Saturday, spending a week. Plan on my boys and myself pier fishing. This will be our first trip.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Did they tie a rope to there gaff,or a long handle.

Originally Posted by kerr dog

Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Did they tie a rope to there gaff,or a long handle.

All the times I been there it's always been a rope pier is too high for a long handle

Originally Posted by kerr dog

Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Did they tie a rope to there gaff,or a long handle.

We use a pier gaff its built like a big trebel hook but most have 4-5 prongs

Originally Posted by kerr dog

Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Did they tie a rope to there gaff,or a long handle.

when I first started coming down I had taken a large boat landing net with removable handle added rope for a drop net, found out I needed to add weight to it so it would sink due to the aluminum frame being a hollow tube.....since I have made my own out of stainless rod and works great along with making a few gaff to drop down with a rope....

here is one I made and gave to Mr. Haywire, they do work rather good but a pier net will be more handy then a gaff, unless you target kings (with teeth) .....there are plenty gaff's on the pier with many people willing to assist you
also one Mr. Wilson got his cobia up with
J&M tackle has a gaff similar to the store bought one I have in the second to late picture, for size reference and I still like that one if we were aloud to harvest sharks I would have that one with me when I come, but it stays at home anymore
.

Kerr Dog, sounds like ironman172 has got you covered. While there, I was using a freshwater catfish rod/reel with 17 lb. test and was able to pull up everything (Bonita, Spanish Mackerel & Blue Fish) other than the Kings or Jacks without the assistance of a gaff or net and each time I hooked-up with a King or Jack someone was always quick to assist. Unfortunately, I brought in the Jacks to green and broke them all off under the pier. I just got too excited I guess. If you are fortunate enough to hook-up, just have fun and let 'em run. If you are as lucky as I was, you might even see someone hook-up with a giant Tarpon. I was in awe by the size and jumps.

While most people fishing the octagon were using live LYs, on windy days I threw a Gotcha for better line control and was pretty successful. That's actually how I hooked-up with the 3 Kings I was able to deck.

You and your boys are in for a great time!

yea most smaller fish can be reeled up, but some I will still use a net(that I don't want to loose on the way up, flounder for 1).....I find reeling up fish.... it is best to point your rod STRAIGHT down, tighten the drag and reel till the fish is a few feet from the rod tip, raise the rod and step back bringing the fish over the rail straight at you, having it under control ....NOT slinging it over the rail out of control ,
that puts the fish on the reel only, and not through the guides that adds friction ....it is way easier this way
try it

Thanks for all the good tips. I have been cooped up sick in house for 14 days ,I may have to watch more than fish,but I am ready. Thanks again

Thanks for the tips. Can't wait to get there.