Invite Friends

Description

Forum

Photos

Videos

Weather

Radar

Tides

Directions

Live Camera

Lunker Photos

Pier Pics

Videos

GULF STATE PARK FISHING PIER

Early Development

The Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has a rich history deeply connected to the development of Gulf State Park itself. The park was established in the 1930s as part of a series of public works projects initiated by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. This period saw the construction of various facilities within the park, including cabins and a casino on the beach. The park officially opened in 1939 and quickly became a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

In 1968, the first significant fishing pier was constructed within Gulf State Park. This 825-foot pier was a major attraction for anglers and visitors alike until it was destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The pier was subsequently rebuilt but was again destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, highlighting the vulnerability of coastal structures to powerful storms.

Modern Enhancements and Rebuilding Efforts

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan, the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier was rebuilt once again and reopened in 2009. This version of the pier was designed to be more resilient, stretching 1,540 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and offering 2,448 feet of fishing space, making it one of the longest piers on the Gulf Coast. The pier featured modern amenities, including areas for disabled anglers, restrooms, a bait shop, and a snack bar, making it a more accommodating destination for all visitors.

Unfortunately, the pier sustained significant damage during Hurricane Sally in 2020, which destroyed a 200-foot section of the structure. Extensive renovation efforts, including the removal and replacement of damaged pilings and lighting systems, were undertaken, costing around $13.6 million. The pier finally reopened in August 2024, with enhancements aimed at improving the overall visitor experience. While some areas, such as the observation deck, are still undergoing improvements to meet accessibility standards, the pier continues to be a beloved spot for fishing and sightseeing along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Pier Specifics and Amenities

  • Length: 1,540 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, with 2,448 feet of fishing space.
  • Lighting: Full-length lighting for evening and nighttime activities.
  • Fish Cleaning Stations: Available with running water.
  • Benches: Numerous benches along the pier for relaxation.
  • Parking: Ample parking available nearby, with fees applicable.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms available on the pier.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible for all visitors, with ongoing enhancements to improve accessibility.
  • Additional Amenities: Observation deck (currently under renovation), bait shop, and snack bar.

Fish Species and Fishing Techniques

The waters around the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier are rich with a variety of fish species. Here are some of the most common species and effective techniques for catching them from the pier:

1. Spanish Mackerel

Techniques: Use Gotcha plugs, spoons, or live bait such as shrimp or small fish. Cast far from the pier, particularly in clear water conditions.

Best Months: April to October.

2. King Mackerel

Techniques: Use live bait such as cigar minnows or large spoons. Fish farther out on the pier during the early morning or late afternoon.

Best Months: May to September.

3. Red Drum (Redfish)

Techniques: Use live bait such as shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures like soft plastics. Fish near the pilings and during tidal changes.

Best Months: April to October.

4. Speckled Trout

Techniques: Use live shrimp or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Fish during early morning or late evening near the pier lights.

Best Months: March to November.

5. Flounder

Techniques: Use live bait such as minnows or shrimp, or artificial lures like bucktail jigs. Fish near sandy bottoms and around the pier pilings during tidal changes.

Best Months: April to September.

Fishing Calendar

Month Spanish Mackerel King Mackerel Red Drum Speckled Trout Flounder
January Bad Bad OK OK Bad
February Bad Bad OK OK Bad
March OK OK Great Great OK
April Great Great Great Great Great
May Great Great Great Great Great
June Great Great Great Great OK
July Great Great Great Great OK
August Great Great Great Great OK
September Great Great Great Great OK
October Great Great Great Great Great
November OK OK Great Great OK
December Bad Bad OK OK Bad

Address

20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA

Website

https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/fishing-and-education-pier

Operating Hours

Open daily 24Hours

Admission & Pricing

Sightseeing (All Day)
Adult – $2
Veteran – Free
Children under 12 years – Free
Gulf State Park Campground/Lodge Guests – Free

Fishing (All Day)
Adult – $9
Veteran – $6
Campground/Lodge Guest – $6
Children under 12 years – Free

Extended permits
Weekly Fishing Permit – $41
Monthly Fishing Permit – $81
Six Month Fishing Permit – $161
Annual Fishing Permit – $321

All anglers must possess a valid fishing license. Purchase at www.alabamainteractive.org/dcnr_hf_license/welcome.action?GSPpressrelease.

Rod Rentals

4 Hours: $10.00 All Day: $20.00

Bait Option

Amenities

Pier Specifics and Amenities

  • Length: 1,540 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, with 2,448 feet of fishing space.
  • Lighting: Full-length lighting for evening and nighttime activities.
  • Fish Cleaning Stations: Available with running water.
  • Benches: Numerous benches along the pier for relaxation.
  • Parking: Ample parking available nearby, with fees applicable.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms available on the pier.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible for all visitors, with ongoing enhancements to improve accessibility.
  • Additional Amenities: Observation deck (currently under renovation), bait shop, and snack bar.

Fish Caught

Catfish Speckled Trout Redfish Blue Crab

Update Pier Information

Fishing Reports

Tackle and Gear

Buy / Sell / Trade

Tips and Techniques

State Regulations

Events / Tournaments

Share Your Fish Pics

Share Your Pier Pics

Share Your Pier Videos

Pier Videos

20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA

Get Direction On Your Phone