Managed Shark Fishing events will take place on the Gulf State Park pier, on designated dates, times and locations as approved by the State Parks Director.
The 2019 shark-fishing events will take place on the south end of the pier – called the octagon – from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning for the Sundays and Tuesdays listed on this 2019 Shark Fishing Event Calendar. Only registered and selected anglers may participate.
The octagon will close to routine use 30 minutes prior to these events, and reopen to routine use 30 minutes following them. During the events, the octagon area of the pier will be designated for the exclusive use of participating anglers and their designated assistants. The remainder of the pier will be open to anglers and other pier guests as normal.
The 2019 managed shark-fishing events will allow for 15 anglers per occasion, with no more than one rod and reel per angler in use. Each angler may have one additional assistant, and anglers are encouraged to assist one another while fishing. This allows for a maximum of 30 individuals on the octagon area during each event.
Angler gear shall allow for larger reel sizes, but otherwise remain the same as provided for under existing pier rules, and anglers are required to provide their own gear. Gaffs are allowed, but sharks that do not satisfy the minimum size limits may not be gaffed;
Anglers will be provided “first come, first serve” options for online registration of specific fishing dates, as well as a waiting list should advance notice of participant cancellations occur. In that automated process, registrants will also be able to identify their availability for short notice opportunities associated with participant cancellations. Numerous reasonable and practical provisions are being managed to support the participation of 15 anglers for each managed fishing event.
Interested anglers may apply online using the link below, and provide contact information for notification of selection for a pending Managed Shark Fishing event. Anglers may only submit one registration request.
All participating anglers must provide photo ID to gain access to the designated fishing area during the designated Managed Shark Fishing events, and have a signed Managed Shark Fishing Permit in their possession;
Anglers and assistants constitute an Angler Group. The participating angler named on this permit is responsible for the compliance and conduct of the parties inclusive to their respective Angler Group. Participating anglers and assistants agree to abide by the pier rules, the provisions stated within this permit, and all fishing regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and other fishing laws which are in force in the State of Alabama. Failure to comply with the provisions of this permit may result in the expulsion of any or all parties within an Angler Group.
Before clicking the registration link, note the following:
- You will be selecting a specific fishing date during this year's registration. Only dates with available slots will be shown. Know what dates you are available to fish before you begin. Wait list options will also be available. (Available dates)
- Local anglers and those who can be available to fish when given 12-24 hours notice should indicate so during the registration process. Park management reserves the authority to locate and place participating anglers based on daily circumstances and related adaptive management strategies.
- Each angler may only submit one registration form. Anglers not abiding by this requirement may be disqualified from registration.
- Anglers are expected to have read and understood the Provisions and Rules for the Shark Fishing Events, and will be required to sign a permit before participating. Rules and Provisions found here. Also shown below.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MANAGED SHARK FISHING EVENTS
Provisions and Rules
- Managed Shark Fishing events will take place on the Gulf State Park Pier, on designated dates, times and locations as approved by the State Parks Director, as provided under Regulation 220-5-19 and Regulation 220-5-13.
- Managed Shark Fishing events will be limited to 15 anglers per occasion, with one rod/reel per angler in use. Further each angler may involve one assistant in the actual Managed Shark Fishing event during the specified date, time and location.
- During the events, a specified area of the pier will be designated for the exclusive use of the participating anglers and their designated assistants. No other anglers or pier guests will be allowed within the specified area during these periods.
- Anglers will be provided “first come, first serve” options for online registration of specific fishing dates, as well as a waiting list should advance notice of participant cancellations occur. In that automated process, registrants will also be able to identify their availability for short notice opportunities associated with participant cancellations. Numerous reasonable and practical provisions are being managed to support the participation of 15 anglers for each managed fishing event.
- Angler gear will remain the same with the exception they may choose to bring a larger rod/reel that our current pier rules allow. Gaffs are allowed, but sharks that do not satisfy the minimum size limits may not be gaffed.
- All participating anglers must provide a photo ID to gain access to the designated fishing area during the designated Managed Shark Fishing events, and must sign a Managed Shark Fishing Permit.
- Anglers and the assistant constitute an Angler Group. The participating angler named on the permit is responsible for the compliance and conduct of the parties inclusive to their respective Angler Group. Participating anglers and assistant agree to abide by the pier rules, the provisions stated, and all fishing regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural resources, and other fishing laws which are in force in the State of Alabama. Failure to comply with the provisions of this permit may result in the expulsion of any parties within an Angler Group.
- Park management reserves the authority to locate and place participating anglers based on daily circumstances and related adaptive management strategies.
- No chumming is allowed during Managed Shark Fishing events or at any other time from the Gulf State Park Pier.
Updated March 21, 2019
