nb&twil (7/28/2009)first off: ben, why even throw fuel out there before there's even a fire going. dang you went from one of my favorite kids to an annoying member of this forum. sure hope it changes.
secondly: i think "dontpanic" might be a little off based with his statements. sure, there are plenty of guys out there that are very capable of being complete jerks but they're usually pushed to it.
before i moved, i fished the pier as much as i could and would look for an opportunity to help someone that was willing to learn. if you go out there willing to take the advice that some folks have, you should do fine. don't go out there with any pre-concieved ideas about the caliber of people being poor. odds are you'll see exactly what you expect - if you go out there thinking everyone is a jerk and have that attitude, you'll probably prove yourself right. but if you go out there with a good attitude and looking for some folks to help, you'll probably find it.
my advice would be to go out there, try to observe as much as possible and ask a few questions. don't get discouraged if you don't have everything down at first. and don't let it get to you if someone does tell you you're doing something wrong.
www.ecpff.com is a GREAT place with several pier fishermen from various gulf coast piers that are very helpful. check it out.