Gulf Shores Advice (Aug 6-Sept 18)

[Hawg]

Headed down to Gulf Shores to stay in a condo.. 
 

Looking for any tips or advice from you guys that I can use on the trip as far as bank and kayak fishing the bays lagoons lakes or Gulf nearby (Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Orange Beach etc)

I like any and all types of fishing action haha. Yeah 

I'm in good shape physically and have taken my kayak with me before and fished the grass around the island.

Most of my stuff is for bass and trout (fly rods, various sizes of spinning rods and reels) but I do have a couple of 10 and 11’ surf rods and spinning reels that I have taken down previously. I also have a Shimano Curado Hg 201 baitcaster that I believe might be ok to use in the salt (?) paired with a nice 7’1” Dobyn’s Medium Heavy bass rod..

I’ve had some success fishing for redfish and black drum at night with live bait.

Can I rent a fly rod? All I have is 1wt 2wt and 5wt all cheapies and reels not made for salt.

Are there any go-to lures that I might have already that I should bring?

Last year I caught mullet and crab in a nearby lagoon with a cast net that I used for bait at night.

 

 

Any help is much appreciated!!

[MoCarp]

 

[netboy]

Well, I can't say much for the fishing over there, but you should plan a day trip to the Pensacola Naval Air Station Aviation Museum which is close by. It is one of the best museums we have been to and if you are lucky, the Blue Angels may be doing a practice show. Plan an entire day to see it (free admission) and they do have a good restaurant inside. 

[Hawg]

..

[Hawg]

1 hour ago, MoCarp said:

 

Never met him but I’ve met a couple of YouTubers  down there. 

[gotmuddy]

15 hours ago, Hawg said:

Headed down to Gulf Shores to stay in a condo.. 
 

Looking for any tips or advice from you guys that I can use on the trip as far as bank and kayak fishing the bays lagoons lakes or Gulf nearby (Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Orange Beach etc)

I like any and all types of fishing action haha. Yeah 

I'm in good shape physically and have taken my kayak with me before and fished the grass around the island.

Most of my stuff is for bass and trout (fly rods, various sizes of spinning rods and reels) but I do have a couple of 10 and 11’ surf rods and spinning reels that I have taken down previously. I also have a Shimano Curado Hg 201 baitcaster that I believe might be ok to use in the salt (?) paired with a nice 7’1” Dobyn’s Medium Heavy bass rod..

I’ve had some success fishing for redfish and black drum at night with live bait.

Can I rent a fly rod? All I have is 1wt 2wt and 5wt all cheapies and reels not made for salt.

Are there any go-to lures that I might have already that I should bring?

Last year I caught mullet and crab in a nearby lagoon with a cast net that I used for bait at night.

 

 

Any help is much appreciated!!

I have a buddy that lives in Pensacola and fishes from a kayak alot in the bay there, he does great with reds and specs.  You can fish from the beach, in september you will very likely see spanish mackerel schooling very near the beach.  There is a pier in orange beach that has good fishing as well.

There is a party boat located at Sanroc Cay marina, Reel Surprise Charters if you want to go offshore.  I highly recommend them, great people.

14 hours ago, netboy said:

Well, I can't say much for the fishing over there, but you should plan a day trip to the Pensacola Naval Air Station Aviation Museum which is close by. It is one of the best museums we have been to and if you are lucky, the Blue Angels may be doing a practice show. Plan an entire day to see it (free admission) and they do have a good restaurant inside. 

Dont waste your trip.  currently only people with navy credentials can go.

[Hawg]

31 minutes ago, gotmuddy said:

I have a buddy that lives in Pensacola and fishes from a kayak alot in the bay there, he does great with reds and specs.  You can fish from the beach, in september you will very likely see spanish mackerel schooling very near the beach.  There is a pier in orange beach that has good fishing as well.

There is a party boat located at Sanroc Cay marina, Reel Surprise Charters if you want to go offshore.  I highly recommend them, great people.

Dont waste your trip.  currently only people with navy credentials can go.

Thanks! 
 

How do I catch a mackerel?!?

[gotmuddy]

Just now, Hawg said:

Thanks! 
 

How do I catch a mackerel?!?

Spoons work great.  when they are on top they are feeding on schools of baitfish.

[Flysmallie]

I love fishing the beach in that area. A 5wt will work and is super fun with ladyfish but it's going to get a workout. You don't have to have reels designed for salt but you do want to take time to wash them out thoroughly with fresh water after each use. 

Anywhere along the beach will have some action as long as you go early and late. And I mean real early. Spoons are what I toss the most because you can cast them a mile. Topwater works too. Don't have to get real technical to catch these fish. Just remember they will be closer to the shore than you think. Just need to find the deep cuts and washouts. 

An early morning drive out to Fort Morgan would be recommended. Almost all the way to the fort you will find a turn off to the south with some road parking. It's a long walk out to the beach from here but it's well worth it. You see way more fish out here than you will in town.  

[netboy]

2 hours ago, Hawg said:

Thanks! 
 

How do I catch a mackerel?!?

Also be sure to use a wire leader as they have sharp teeth.