The “Reel” Adventures
By Linda Williford
The Gulf Coast is a true angler's paradise, offering a variety of fishing experiences from freshwater to saltwater fishing. No matter what your skill level, you are sure to find an interesting or fantastic "reel" story to embellish as you share it with friends and family.
Jordan Gooding owns and operates G2 Coastal, which is a guided surf fishing business. Gooding says, "No need to leave dry land when you can catch fish right off the beach." He provides all the gear, so all you have to do is show up and start fishing. Gooding says that it’s not uncommon to catch five or more species in a single guided fishing trip. The best times of the year are spring and fall, and the best times of the day are around sunrise and sunset. Go to www.G2coastal.com for more info about surf fishing.
Suppose you want to specifically shark fish from the beach, contact Kyle Mac, owner and operator of K.M. Shark Fishing Charters and Surf Fishing Excursions. His business is based in the Pensacola area due to the blood baiting ordinance laws in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Mac says, "We use giant bait like stingrays and go out about 400 + yards in a kayak and drop off your bait while you fish from shore." They offer various package plans that cater to the whole family. They generally fish at night for 6 hours and provide all the fishing gear along with chairs. Mac says, "We catch, tag, and release for NOAA. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) One of the NOAA’s missions is to help conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. For more information about shark fishing, contact Kyle Mac on Facebook.
The bow fishing experience might pique your interest. Captain Dust Mizell says they can set up freshwater or saltwater trips. He says, "Since fish can see you, it's better to fish at night." Mizell has 18 years of experience and has worked with clients ranging from 4 to 96 years old. He says they have smaller bows for children. He provides quick training before the boat departs. Captain Mizell says, “Most people shoot stingrays because they are bigger targets. The largest stingray caught was 30 lbs.” And he added, “You can also eat Stingrays.” For more information, visit fishkabob.com.
Another interesting method of fishing is spearfishing. Spearfishing combines scuba diving with hunting. Chris Kendrick, owner of Southern Patio and Screen in Summerdale, says, "We scuba dive 10 miles out 100 feet deep water when spearfishing for Flounder or Snapper. We go further out for Grouper, Sheepshead, Amberjack, and Lobster. It all depends on what you are fishing for." Kendrick participates in many tournaments and comes home with trophies. He says, "Anything you can catch with a rod and reel, you can catch spearfishing." When scuba diving, sharks usually show up. Kendrick says, "That’s because they are inquisitive and want to see what you are. If you are in 100 feet deep water and they have clear vision of you and they know you are not bait fish or prey, then they will not bother you.”
Anglers who fish from the Gulf State Park pier can catch some interesting species. The pier is 1,540 feet long and 22 feet deep at the end of the pier. According to Travis Milton, pier manager, "The best time to fish the pier is early morning around 5:00 a.m. or in the evening around 7 or 8 p.m." Other than an occasional landing of octopus or shark, the most common fish caught at the pier are Redfish, Sheepshead, Pompano, and Spanish & King Mackerel. A little tip from Milton, "The lighter your fishing line, the better. Because the line is not as visible to the fish.”
The pier offers an Angler’s Academy class for those who want to gain skills in saltwater pier fishing. Check www.OutdoorAlabama.com for information on fish and size limits.
If you want to go out on the open sea with a small group, consider chartering a boat. Ari Looney with Tight Line Charters in Orange Beach says, "We generally take about three to four people out for four hours. Tight Line Charters provide all the necessary gear, except for food and drink. They usually go about nine miles out, which is the State water boundary line. Looney suggests Dramamine for those who are concerned about motion sickness. Looney said that one of the coolest unusual catches he had was a Mantis Shrimp, which was between a foot and a foot and a half long. “I didn’t know what it was at first until I did the research,” he said. The Mantis Shrimp has an exceptionally powerful punch, comparable to that of a .22 caliber bullet. Tight Line Charters will clean and fillet your fish for you, and they will also recommend a couple of restaurants that will cook your catch. Website: www.fishtightlinecharters.com.
Whether you are a true angler or a recreational fisher, the Alabama Gulf Coast has it all and is enjoyed by millions.
