Gulf State Park Pier Update
David Thornton, Pier#r • April 3, 2020
Number of fishermen is limited but fishing continues
(OBA®) - David Thornton, aka Pier#r is an avid lifetime Gulf Coast angler. He and Alan White WNSP Outdoors Radio discuss the catch and conditions the Gulf State Park Pier.
The spring run is starting and they talk about details of the first king mackerel catch of the year landed that was landed this week. They also discuss the measures being taken to ensure folks have a safe experience while fishing.
Many consider fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, etc. to be some of the “essential outdoor recreational activities.”
Operations Supervisor of South Region of state parks Lamar Peterson said he hopes the pier at Gulf State can remain open.
“I think the public who are coming out really appreciate the fact that with the beaches being closed and literally everything being shut down that they have an opportunity to come out and at least enjoy this aspect of being out in the open and having the opportunity to fish,” Peterson said. “They’re actually self-policing a lot of what goes on.”
He said workers at the state park are working closely with fishermen as well as people staying in the campground which also remains open.
“We’re actually working and have a good relationship with the folks that are showing up fishing,” Peterson said. “A lot of them are locals and a lot of them fish that pier on a daily basis and regular basis and really would hate to see it shut down. We’ve limited the number of people on the pier, we’re are making sure that they ensure and maintain the six-foot distance and basically just trying to adhere and follow all issues and guidelines that have been mandated from the governor on down through the park system.”
While people are staying in the campground Peterson said not many new new folks are coming in during the pandemic.
“The campground is still open but there’s not a lot of activity coming in as far as reservations at this time,” Peterson said. “A lot of states are sheltered in place so that’s slowed everything down. The campground is open not only here but throughout the park system. The same kind of communication when you go talk to some of those folks who are staying, they are kind of confined to their motorhome they do have access to hiking trails and biking trails and things of that nature. Again, as best we can we are monitoring and ensuring that rules and guidelines are followed.”
April is a prime month to catch pompano and Spanish mackerel along the Alabama coast. Anglers without access to a boat still have a venue open where they can fish for them in relative safety while being outdoors. They can protect that privilege by willingly following the safety guidelines being enforced. It's for their own good, and the good of others.
Below David Thornton, aka Pier#r, and Alan on WNSP Sports Radio discussing the Gulf State Park Pier during the V. David's discussion begins at 43:20 on the recording below.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is getting a much larger, more feature-rich public library at a new location on East Orange Avenue. The new facility will offer residents twice the space of the current building and bring a wide range of new services and programs to the community. A grand opening celebration is planned in A
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County has opened a new Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials in Orange Beach. The facility is the third CHaRM location the authority has launched since August 2025 and is also the largest of the three currently operating in the county. The open
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A new multi-year scientific study has found that the Gulf of America holds roughly twice as many greater amberjack as federal fisheries managers have estimated. The research, which used the same methods developed for the landmark Great Red Snapper Count, involved 11 institutions across the
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — Pat McClellan, co-owner of the Flora-Bama and one of the Gulf Coast's most recognizable names, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday evening. McClellan came to the Gulf Coast after a decorated career in the U.S. Navy and the hospitality industry. He is remembered not only as a busi
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A Work of Art of Orange Beach won the 2026 Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf. The team became the first three-time winner in tournament history and caught the event’s heaviest blue marlin. The victory came during a tournament that set records for both fleet size and prize money.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Main Street has launched a new community giving initiative, the "Friends of Downtown Foley" program. The effort allows residents and supporters to directly invest in the artistic and cultural growth of the city's historic downtown district. The program was created by the Foley Main Street C
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Drive around the South, especially near the coast, and you will notice a special group of drivers who enjoy taking off their tops, some who greet you with special waves, and others who even have funny little ducks across their dash. For the Jeep enthusiast, the spirit of adventure is never c
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores police officers arrested eight people Wednesday after an armed robbery at a home in the 5500 block of Lemon Tree Lane. The suspects—six adults and two juvenile males—face multiple felony charges. Officers located the suspect vehicle within one minute of responding to the call. N
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach City Schools invites students, staff, and the community to celebrate the start of the school year at the annual Makos on Main Parade. The event will be held at The Wharf in Orange Beach and is free and open to the public. Students from Pre-K through 12th grade will march toget
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach resident, Maria Hawkins, found more than she expected while checking their property Wednesday morning after Tropical Storm Bertha. A boat had washed up near their dock overnight. Hawkins spotted it after waking up and stepping outside to survey the damage. What followed was
