State Record Caught from Shore

Photo by Chris Vecsey

A local resident has caught the apparent new state record bluefish from the shore near Alabama Point/Perdido Pass. Rustin Musgrove, a resident of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, fishes regularly – and successfully - from the shore for pompano, bluefish, and redfish just after dusk. 

Caught on the evening of January 26th, Musgrove’s massive bluefish measures over 37 inches and, pending formal certification, will surpass the existing Alabama state record by 4 ounces. Perhaps more impressively, the fish was not weighed until 60 hours after being caught while Musgrove sought a certified scale.

When finally weighed, the bluefish came in at 17 pounds, 8 ounces at the Alabama Marine Resources Office in Gulf Shores. Research indicates that a bluefish of this size is likely 12 to 14 years old and nearly doubles the typical mature Alabama bluefish length of 18 inches.

Fishing with a frozen finger mullet on the bottom using a "Carolina rig" with a monofilament leader to target redfish, Musgrove unexpectedly hooked the colossal bluefish. Musgrove said the battle with the fish took him nearly 1,000 feet along the east jetty, with the fish making two spectacular jumps clear of the water. Fortunately, the circle hook secured the fish in the corner of the mouth, preventing the monofilament leader from encountering its razor-sharp teeth.

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Fishing from the Pier in Gulf Shores AL

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One of the most fun things you can do while visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, especially with kids, is to go fishing off the Gulf State Park Pier. The pier was damaged by Hurricane Sally a couple of years ago, but it remains open just past the half-way point and the restrooms are still accessible.

You can rent fishing equipment there, if you don’t have your own, but you will need to get your Alabama Saltwater Fishing License in advance at Walmart’s sporting goods counter or by going online here. Also, before you go, it’s a good idea to visit one of the local bait shops in the area to get yourself some frozen squid and mackerel and to make sure you have the right kind of setups for your leaders, hooks, and weights. You can ask the bait shop personnel for some advice on that and about what artificial lures might be working well at the time you go.

Live bait is best, of course, but you’ll need a bait bucket with motorized air pump for that – available at the bait shops. When you’re at the pier, there is almost always a local or two there who will be happy to give you some advice, too – especially if you offer to buy them a drink at the pier concession ;)

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There is a wide variety of fish that can be caught from the pier including Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano, King Mackerel, Redfish, Whiting, sharks, and more. If you hook something too big to reel up, just yell for help from a local who has a lift basket designed for that purpose. They’ll be happy to help you land your fish – especially if you offer to give it to them after you get some pictures ;)

If you really want to learn something, the Gulf State Park Pier offers a pier fishing Angler Academy for beginners that you can attend. It costs $15 per person and lasts about 2 hours. Angler Academy is by reservation only, so contact them in advance to set it up.

The pier is open for fishing 24/7, but if you need to rent fishing equipment, you’ll need to go during the hours it is staffed (6AM-10PM). There is a restaurant and concession stand available if you get hungry or thirsty, too. Here are the basic fees to expect:

Parking: $3 for 2 hours; $5 for 4 hours; $10 all day parking & includes fishing permit (not to be confused with a State Saltwater Fishing License, which much be purchased separately at Walmart or the link provided above

Fishing permit: $9 for the day; $41 for the week

Rod/Reel rental: $10 for 4 hrs; $20 all day

Sightseeing (if you don’t want to fish): $2 for all day

LEARN MORE about fishing at the Gulf State Park Pier

VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for more local favorite guides and fishing advice

Surf Fishing in Gulf Shores | Guided Beach Fishing Trips and Lessons

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Want to fish from the beach? You can have a great time casting your line from the beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, AL without risking getting seasick on a charter boat. Also known as Surf Fishing, fishing from the beach is great for kids and adults alike. 

Beach Bum Outdoors in Gulf Shores offers guided beach fishing trips that include rods & reels, the correct baits, and lessons on how to catch a variety of fish species from the shore! Cast your line and anticipate encounters with Pompano, Whiting, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Bluefish, Jacks, and even sharks. These thrilling catches provide a diverse and exciting fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. With the help of Beach Bum Outdoors, you’ll be digging your feet into the beach fighting a saltwater catch you’ll never forget!

LEARN MORE about Beach Bum Outdoors

VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for a list of more local favorites

Orange Beach Fishing Guides | Distraction Charters | A Local Favorite

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Distraction Charters in Orange Beach, AL specializes in family friendly deep sea fishing charters. All trips are private, which means your family or group is the only one on the boat. They can accommodate up to 6 passengers per trip and have a professional crew with the owner of the company, Troy Frady, as your Captain. Capt. Troy prides himself on offering a "G" Rated atmosphere for your family. Specializing in half-day fishing charters for bottom fishing and trolling trips for Snapper, Grouper, Redfish, Mackerel, Jacks and more, they will also provide you with a full day charter by request (reserve early!) where additional fish species can be targeted. Their 41' Hatteras Sportfishing Yacht is safe, clean, air conditioned, and comfortable with a private restroom and a cabin to get you out of the sun when you wish and their fishing gear is new and well maintained. Plus, unlike some other charter companies, Distraction Charters will not take you out fishing in rough, unproductive conditions just to get your money.

LEARN MORE about Distraction Charters

VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for more local favorite fishing guides and charters

Gulf Shores Fishing Guides | Russell's Coastal Fishing | A Local Favorite

Captain Richie Russell is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed fishing captain who has been delivering fantastic fishing experiences to locals and guests for decades. While Capt. Russell is known locally as the "Shark Whisperer," he is adept at putting his anglers on every type of saltwater game fish there is. As this writer has experienced personally, Capt. Russell's laid back demeanor is welcoming, his knowledge is unmatched, and his determination to make sure you have a successful fishing trip is ferocious. Great for adults and kids alike, Capt. Russell specializes in offshore and inshore saltwater fishing.

LEARN MORE/BOOK YOUR TRIP with Russell's Coastal Fishing

VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for a list of additional charters and fishing opportunities

Gulf Shores Fishing Guides | Addicted 2 Fishing | A Local Favorite

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Among the many fishing charter options available, Addicted 2 Fishing Charters stands out as a beacon of excellence, offering an unparalleled adventure on the open waters. Combining the expertise of seasoned Captain Marty with a commitment to customer satisfaction, their fleet of well-maintained vessels is equipped with top-notch gear, ensuring that even the most avid anglers are equipped for success.

The beauty of Addicted 2 Fishing Charters lies not only in the bountiful fish awaiting your bait but also in the enchanting scenery that surrounds Gulf Shores. As the sun rises over the Gulf of Mexico, casting vibrant hues across the sky, you'll be immersed in nature's awe-inspiring spectacle.

Prepare to embark on a journey that combines the thrill of reeling in a prized catch of speckled trout, redfish, red snapper, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and more with the tranquility of witnessing a mesmerizing sunrise on the Gulf Coast. Book your Addicted 2 Fishing Charter today and get ready for an experience that will leave you hooked for life.

LEARN MORE about Addicted 2 Fishing Charters

VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for a list of locals' favorite fishing charters