Live on Bon Secour Bay in Gulf Shores, Al. Am retired and fish the bay or the Gulf surf 200 plus times per year.

I also live in Alabama and am over 65. Fishing license are not required for over 65 residents but you do have to register and carry the registration with you. This can be done on-line and then printed. Google Outdoor Alabama Fishing Regulations.

I agree, I fish Alabama Gulf Coast and have seen and caught many sharks including black tip and spinner sharks in 3 to 4 feet of water. Most of the sharks I have caught have been inshore using live mullet.

I was looking for longer cast also. Found 9’ 2 piece Ugly Stick for $39 at Sports Academy put spinning reel and braid line on it.....shocked how far I can throw it.

The replies show how difficult identifying saltwater fish can be. I started saltwater fishing in the Gulf about 25 years ago and fish identification was and still is a challenge. A key issue is different areas call the same fish different slang names. A Skip Jack in one area is a completely different fish. I use Angler’s Guide to Fishes of The Gulf of Mexico by Jerald Horst and Mike Lane.

I use the 7 foot Ugly Stik Elite Inshore version. Have always been a Penn guy but about a year ago ordered a Shimano Stradic C3000 after reading reviews. A great reel! Paired with Power Pro braid 20 pound test have landed number of 20 pound plus shark and some large redfish.