harrisvacation">Harris Vacation | December 12, 2022
The sun-soaked Gulf Coast is a haven for those seeking to enjoy scenic beaches, thrilling watersports, and the relaxation only the Great Outdoors can provide. Located in the heart of it all, Gulf State Park boasts miles of pristine white sands, wild dunes, and some of the best fishing in the state. If you’re looking for things to do near gulf shores AL, the newly renovated Fishing and Education pier offers over a half-mile of prime saltwater fishing spots as well as a bait and tackle shop, concession area, indoor seating (for the non-anglers or those looking to escape the sun), and is open 24 hours (facilities are open from 6am-6pm). Those seeking a freshwater experience will find ample fishing opportunities on nearby Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake.
Gulf State Park is home to some of the best fishing in all of Alabama, as well as the most scenic. From the expansive pier you will be afforded spectacular panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf State Park and its idyllic white sands and dunes, and the barrier islands of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Come for sunrise, stay for sunset, and enjoy your epic battles with flounder, sheepshead, pompano, Spanish mackerel, blue fish, red fish, speckled trout, King mackerel, and many more. Pier fishing is perfect for all anglers, from beginners to experienced anglers. Live bait and equipment rentals are available right on the pier, along with souvenirs and refreshments, and there’s covered seating at the concession area when you need a break.
Do your kids live for Shark Week? Check the Pier’s schedule for the special, organized shark fishing events are held on Tuesdays throughout the summer. Plus, signs are located along the rails full of information on the area wildlife, birds and of course the fish!
The Pier and its facilities are accessible to all persons and the Pier offers wheelchair accessible rail fishing. And, if someone in your group isn’t into fishing, that’s ok, they can still have fun on the pier. They can take advantage of the covered seating at the concession area and enjoy a cool drink while admiring the scenery or watching the action. The action isn’t just on the pier with fishermen pulling in their catches and seagulls angling for a little lunch; amazing things swim by in the water beneath the pier. It’s teaming with action too – fish, turtles, stingrays, dolphins, sharks and more!
For a different experience in your fishing things to do near gulf shores AL, head over to Lake Shelby and enjoy the hunt for redfish, bass, speckled trout, and the ever-popular catfish.
Seasoned anglers report that the “bites” along the Gulf State Park fishing pier are best once the water hits 68-degrees, so expect the best results in the early morning or late afternoon just before sunset (this happens to be our favorite time to visit the pier for pictures and sightseeing as well). On the lakes, the fish are most active in the mid-morning and afternoon.
The pier is open for fishing 24 hours a day, but the concession areas and bait shop are only open 6am to 6pm. A park permit and fishing license is required for all fishermen (kids under 11 are free with a paid adult), and an Honor box is available for off-hours fishing.
Park fishing permits are as low as $9 a day, and can be purchased for the day, weekly, monthly, semi-annually and annually. For non-fishermen, sightseeing fees are just $3/day. Alabama saltwater and/or pier fishing licenses may be easily purchased online. Forgot to buy one? Don’t worry, you can use the Fish &
Bait shop’s courtesy computer to get yours online on the spot!
Veterans sightsee for free and can purchase discounted fishing permits. Please think about making a contribution to the Veterans Sponsorship Program or purchase a Memorial Wall plaque for that special veteran in your life.
Bring your own equipment or rent what you need at the Fish & Bait shop. The shop is open Monday through Sunday from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, and you can buy coolers to hold your bait or refreshments, get your fresh or frozen bait and those refreshments to fill your cooler. Stop back by on your way out of the park to snap up some snazzy souvenirs!
Please remember that Gulf State Park is home to many types of wildlife, including alligators, so please be vigilant at all times. Don’t forget to check the Pier’s Rules and Regulations on their web site and for up to date hours of operation.
The pier is located on the Gulf Side of the state park on Highway 182 between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, at 20115 State Park Road in Gulf Shores. For more information, give the Park a call at 251.948.7272. You can also give our knowledgeable staff a call. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Fishing Pier, or fishing in the Gulf area.
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