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.