When many people think of Gulf State Park, the first thing that comes to mind is the saltwater fishing pier that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The 825-foot-long pier was Alabama’s most popular place to fish and watch others fish. Hugh Branyon, Gulf State Park’s superintendent, says the pier attracted about 250,000 anglers and sightseers each year. On the busiest days, he said, almost 5,000 people would visit the pier.
Construction of a new pier – this one 1512-feet-long and the longest on the Gulf Coast – began in December, and a lot of anglers are counting the days until it opens.
The new pier is being built 250 feet east of the old one. It will be 20 feet wide, 6 feet wider than the old pier. At the base of the new pier, there will be a concession area with rest rooms, picnic tables, an air-conditioned snack bar and a tackle shop. Those who need fishing licenses will be able to buy them at the new pier. The pier’s middle section, which will have an octagonal shape, will contain more restrooms.
Alabama’s Gulf State Park Pier (includes pictures and drawings)
14 comments ↓
what will be be the cost of entering the pier?
When is someone going to discuss the progress of the new pier?? My gosh, don’t you know how important that is up here in freezing Indiana. We can’t wait to get down there to see it.
Sorry for the delay Judy D. I’ve been by there a couple of times lateley. The pier is progressing nicely and should be opening in the next few months. The entrance road was paved last month, but there may be more needed. Perhaps I might find some pictures of it online and link them here… We’ll have to see
From what I heard it;s suppose to open January of 2009
Danget Judy D hold on to you pants , it will get done when it gets done.
You will be lucky to see it finished by 2009, hurricane season. let’s hope we do not have another minor storm this year or it might fall again.
im so excited!!!im ready 2 toss that live bait out and have that smoker king sky rocket =]
What is the target date for the opening of the new fishing pier at Gulf Shores?
GOD is good.
Who needs a pier? I can walk on water.
Glynis Bethel for Alabama Governor
Hey, Glynis, speaking of miracles, how about meeting some of us down at the pier and turning water into wine or beer? With this economy I may have to switch back to drinking PBR. You can yell at us for being sinners while we drink it up.
Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough.
I don’t drink in excess… I drink as much as I want!
Father O’Malley was driving down to Gulf Shores when he got stopped for speeding here in my hometown. The state trooper smelled alcohol on his breathe and then saw a paper sack tightly wrapped around a bottle on the floor of his car.
Mr. Trooper asked, ‘Father, have you been drinking?’
‘Only water’, Father O’Malley said.
The trooper asked to see the sack and bottle - pulled the bottle out. Trooper said, this is WINE! Father said, ‘Good Lord! He’s done it again.’
The latest news is the new pier will not be open until sometime in May.
http://www.emeraldcoastpierfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=973
Let’s pray for good weather so they can complete the construction soon!
(or we may need one of Fr. O’Malley’s “miracles”
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