Taking the family down to Gulf Shores and would like to do some surf fishing. Anyone have any advice on tackle, bait, technique?

Thanks!!

We were down there in gulf shores last week and did fairly decent fishing the surf. The key was getting it past the second sand bar and we had our best luck with shrimp. We were using 4 oz. pyramid weights off of a swivel about 18" above our shrimp. We caught a lot of sharks along with a couple flounder and some hard heads. Early morning was the best time for us. We were mainly targeting flounder and hoping for some reds or trout but didn't quite dial them in. Best of luck to you!

I would be very careful in the surf. There is a double red flag warning for Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.

http://www.wkrg.com/story/25722286/alert-sharks-in-orange-beach

What this means to me is sharks should be your best bet, but you need to be set up for it. Personally, if I were headed to Gulf Shores, I would focus on Oyster Bay. We had really good lucks with Reds & Speck's there about this time last year. Also, the pompano's should be running in the surf. Any local tackle store should have these rigs for you. Can be deadly with shrimp(dead). If you have into site fishing, I have a great guide out of Pensacola. If you want to go deep sea, check with the guides at Zeke's Landing in Orange Beach.

Keep it simple. Make this rig with 20# to 30# mono, tie a regular barrel swivel a few inches above the first three way. Low tide cast it past the second sand bar, high tide get it past the first sand bar.



Use these swivels.


Use these hooks in 4/0


Use these sinkers....more weight the rougher the water or stronger the current is.


Preferably use these sand fleas for bait....you tube how to catch them


PVC sand spike rod holder, Stout rod, pull up a chair, cooler of beer, keep line tight and the fish will hook themselves.


Catch these for dinner. You will not catch very many and probably none of these without sand fleas. If you use shrimp you will mostly catch Whiting, sharks and catfish. The sand fleas will catch these as well.

Awesome. Thanks guys for the tips! I will be going late July so I have time to prepare.

Huckleberry. What is that fish in the last pic?

July is not a good time of year for Pompano. March and April is best.

Good info. I'm headed to Destin area (30A) this weekend. Still deciding on weather to surf fish or bay. Since I'm alone getting a charter was just out of the question.

Did good in the surf in front of hotel on trout with Rapala top waters. They aren't cheap but out fished everything else by far.

What if I wanna target only big bull reds with surf rods, what should my tactics be.Ive read whole mullet head could be good or crab.Also is there any chance I can get a tarpon?