Alabama's Gulf Coast: What's Biting?

Fishing Reports Return Next Week

2012-01-31T17:05:00.0000000

We are excited to announce the return next week of our weekly what’s biting posts from John Phillips slightly earlier than originally expected.

Taking a Short Break; See You in March

2011-11-29T17:05:00.0000000

While you are enjoying the winter season on Alabama’s Gulf Coast (or are wishing you were here), our weekly What’s Biting posts are taking a short break and will return March 2012. In the meantime, please check out the extensive archive at the bottom of this page.

Battling Bull Redfish at the Gulf State Park Pier and Abundant Inshore Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-11-22T17:05:00.0000000

David Thornton, who’s on the Gulf State Park Pier at Gulf Shores, Alabama, every week, year-round, has the late November pier report. “The fish at the pier are starting to slip into the transition period between fall fishing and winter fishing. The second weekend in November were both good days for pier fishing. The big schools of redfish were starting to come-in during the early morning hours, and the bull reds went on a feeding spree at night. Plenty of big bull reds were caught that weighed from 15 to 25 pounds. At one time, five-different anglers had hooked-up to big bull reds.

Catch Big Reds the Rest of the Year on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-11-15T17:05:00.0000000

The good news about fishing at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is that the area enjoys an endless fishing season. Fisherman can catch speckled trout, redfish and flounder in the coastal rivers. Near shore they catch large numbers of big bull redfish that can weigh up to 30 pounds or more. While fishing for redfish, you may catch Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, and for the anglers willing to go offshore, there’s plenty of amberjacks, tuna, triggerfish and vermilion snapper. On the 2-day trips you often can deep-drop for tilefish, snowy grouper and sea bass and at night catch swordfish. Because Alabama’s Gulf Coast has such mild weather and often warm fronts move in from the south, even through December, January and February, you can fish, while wearing just a sweat shirt and a wind breaker.

Early November Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast for Specks, Redfish, Flounder and Mackerel

2011-11-08T17:05:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: As the weather cools-down, the fishing heats-up on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and some of the best fishing in the year is ahead for anglers.

Captain Troy Frady Says Alabama’s Gulf Coast Fish Are Hot in Late Fall

2011-11-01T17:05:00.0000000

We ran several trips this last week in October out of Orange Beach, Alabama, and right now, the grouper are biting really well. Our gag grouper are running about 8 to 10 pounds, and we’re also catching a few scamp grouper. The vermilion snapper and red porgy bite slowed-down some when our area of the Gulf Coast had a cold front come through, but those fish now are biting again. Because the big Spanish mackerel are migrating back to the south, we’re catching plenty of 3- to 5-pound Spanish mackerel here during the last part of October and first of November.

Fishing’s Red Hot at Alabama’s Gulf Coast during Cooler Weather

2011-10-25T17:05:00.0000000

Recently in mid-October, big chunks of yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna and wahoo made a mountain of meat before a party left to go fishing on the “Reel Surprise” charter boat out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. A boat docked at the marina just had come in from an overnight trip with 10 people on-board. Each of the anglers had caught and landed a yellowfin tuna that weighed from 50-150 pounds. Next, the blackfin tuna, weighing 8- to 12-pounds each had started biting. The blackfins put-up fights, as all the anglers loaded-up on them. Then on the way back in to Orange Beach, the wahoo began biting, and anglers enjoyed reeling-in those sharp-nosed silver-with-black-striped tiger-looking fish.

Clear Water, Cooler Weather and Fantastic Fishing in Mid-October at Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-10-18T17:05:00.0000000

The water’s starting to clear-up, the weather’s nice, and the fishing’s fantastic at Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Cooler Weather Brings Numbers of Fish to Alabama’s Gulf Coast in October

2011-10-11T17:05:00.0000000

With this good weather, you’ll enjoy angling for the fish biting at Alabama’s Gulf Coast and the Gulf State Park Pier.

You Can Catch a Wide Variety of Fish off Alabama’s Gulf Coast in October

2011-10-04T17:05:00.0000000

Captain Charles “Chip” Day (251-981-1943, www.chippersclipper.com) of the “Chippers Clipper” charter boat based out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, had a great 12-hour trip the last weekend in September, proving that fishing for all types of species of fish in the Gulf of Mexico is good right now.

Get Out Of The Way, Here Comes the Grouper to Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-09-27T17:05:00.0000000

The weather’s cooling-down, gag grouper season has started, the blackfin and the yellowfin tuna are biting, the big bull reds are starting to show-up, amberjack season is still open, the big wahoo are biting, and the amberjack bite is good.

The Weather’s Great, and the Fishing’s Better in Mid-September at Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-09-20T17:05:00.0000000

The water’s clearing-up, gag grouper season has started, the flounder are on the rampage, the bull reds are starting to show-up, the speckled trout are biting, and the weather’s still warm.

Plenty of Fish Inshore and at the Gulf State Park Pier in Early September

2011-09-13T17:05:00.0000000

The last days of August and the first days of September brought rough weather with high seas and plenty of rain to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. However, regardless of weather and water conditions, anglers can find productive places to fish, especially inshore and at the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores.

Loads of Flounder and Plenty of Offshore Fish Are Being Caught off Alabama’s Gulf Coast in September

2011-09-06T17:05:00.0000000

Inshore and offshore fishing are really heating-up this month, and as the weather cools-down, the fishing will get even better.

And the Fish Keep Coming In at Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-08-30T17:05:00.0000000

Late summer and fall are some of the best times of the year to fish at Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The boats are bringing-in nice-sized catches of fish, and anglers are returning from their fishing trips with smiling faces after a day of bent rods, fun fishing and warm weather.

Catch Em’ All in August on Alabama’s Gulf Coast at the Pier, Offshore and Inshore

2011-08-23T17:05:00.0000000

“We want our fishermen to have a chance to catch all the different species of fish they can on a 2-day trip,” says Captain Johnny Greene (251-747-2872, www.fishorangebeach.com) of the “Intimidator” charter boat based at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, and a member of the Orange Beach Fishing Association (OBFA). At this time of year, Greene targets yellowfin tuna and blackfin tuna and catches a number of other species on the way from Orange Beach to the deep-water rigs where he fishes for tuna.

Catch a Variety of Fish in August on Alabama’s Gulf Coast at the Pier, Offshore and Inshore

2011-08-16T17:05:00.0000000

“We’ve added a new option to our party-boat trips this fall,” says Captain Randy Boggs of Reel Surprise Charters (251-981-7173, http://www.reelsurprisecharters.com) out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, and a member of the Orange Beach Fishing Association (OBFA). “We’re offering both 6- and 8-hour trips. Our 6- hour trips leave at 8:00 am and return at 2:00 pm. Our 8-hour trips leave the dock at 7:00 am and return at 3:00 pm. On our 6-hour trips, we’re catching lots of triggerfish, vermilion snapper, scamp, white snapper and a few amberjacks.

Orange Beach Fishing Has It All in August

2011-08-09T17:05:00.0000000

Jeff Chambliss of the charter boat “Baby Therapy” in Orange Beach, Alabama, is catching speckled trout and redfish right now in early August, although the weather’s very warm. According to Chambliss, “We’re catching around 10 to 15 trout on a 4-hour trip in the morning, which is a pretty-good catch for one morning. A great morning will be when my clients take 15 to 18 trout and a couple of redfish.

Football and Fishing at Alabama’s Gulf Coast Go Together like Peanut Butter and Jelly

2011-08-02T17:05:00.0000000

Today anglers don’t have to give-up football games on the weekend to go fishing out of Orange Beach, Alabama. Captain Dale Woodruff (251-974-5911, www.classactfishing.net/) of the “Class Act” charter boat, based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Ala., a member of the Orange Beach Fishing Association (OBFA), is just one of the charter-boat captains on Alabama’s Gulf Coast who believe anglers shouldn’t have to miss their favorite college and professional football team games to enjoy deep-sea fishing.

Double-Down Offshore Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-07-26T17:00:00.0000000

“We’ve had some fun fishing trips lately,” says Captain Johnny Greene (251-747-2872, www.fishorangebeach.com/) on his charter boat, “Intimidator,” based at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Ala. “More people today want to fight sharks. So, on a 6-hour trip, we’ll start trolling for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel as we come-out of the pass. Then once we reach 10- or 15-miles offshore, we’ll start bottom fishing, and we’ll catch and release American red snapper, since the season’s out.We’ll also catch lane snapper, triggerfish and a variety of other reef fish. Because we create such a feeding frenzy when we’re catching reef fish, we usually attract sharks. So, we put-out big baits with big hooks, while we’re bottom fishing. Once the shark takes the bait, the battle starts. On a recent 6-hour trip, I saw four grown men get whipped twice by one big shark. Each man spent about 15 or 20 minutes on the rod, fighting the shark, and then passed the rod to the next angler. After each fisherman fought the shark twice, and all four of the anglers were worn-out, we finally got the shark up to the boat. We made pictures and videos of it and then released the shark to fight another day.

Tarpon’s King on the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama

2011-07-19T17:00:00.0000000

When tail walking and dancing in the air, a tarpon’s scales reflect the sun like hundreds of newly-minted silver dollars thrown into the air. The tarpon (Alabama’s silver king) puts-on a show every day on Gulf Shores’ Gulf State Park Pier. “We’re averaging four to five tarpon hook-ups every day on the pier in mid-July,” says Peter Aguon, the unofficial mayor of the pier. “But we’ve only officially caught five. Anglers have brought the tarpon up to the side of the pier and laid the fish on their sides where they can be gaffed, but they then have been released to fight another day. Those tarpon really put-on a show for the fishermen and visitors to the pier. We’ve also seen big schools of redfish come-down the beach every afternoon.”

Family Fishing Fun on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-07-12T17:05:00.0000000

On any summertime day, you’ll see children, moms, dads, teenagers, aunts, uncles and grandparents getting-off the fishing boats at the marinas on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. When the “Wishbone,” captained by Reuben Ware (http://www.sanroccay.com/charterboat_wishbone.html, 251-981-5423) and based at SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Ala., unloads his fishermen for the day, the scene is much like the door of a circus being opened as excited, smiling children come ashore.

Orange Beach, Alabama, Never Has Had Snapper Fishing or Pier Fishing Better

2011-07-05T19:10:00.0000000

Thirty-two fishermen caught 64 red snapper in 36 minutes of actual fishing time, on the “Reel Surprise” party boat with Captain Randy Boggs of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, the last week in June. “The fishing was so good that we didn’t catch or have to throw-back any under-sized snapper,” Boggs explains. “The red snapper caught by our clients weighed 8- to 10-pounds each, and we had about 15 snapper that weighed 10 to18 pounds.”

Everything’s Biting This Summer at Alabama’s Gulf Coast According to Captain Randy Boggs

2011-06-28T17:05:00.0000000

Captain Randy Boggs of the “Reel Surprise” charter boat, based out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, offers walk-up trips where anglers can walk-up and fish with groups of one to 20 fishermen on the same boat. When asked what’s biting at Alabama’s Gulf Coast right now in late June, he answered “Everything!”

Summertime’s Big Snapper and Plenty of Them on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-06-21T17:05:00.0000000

Captain Joe Nash, a member of the Orange Beach Fishing Association (OBFA) and the captain of the charter boat “Cool Change,” docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, says that red snapper fishing, especially offshore, has really been good all of June. “We’ve been catching 8-10 pound red snapper. On our longer trips like our 10-hour trips, we can get further offshore where the average red snapper will weigh 10-14 pounds.

Snapper, Snapper Everywhere at Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Chip Day

2011-06-14T17:05:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: Captain Charles “Chip” Day of the “Chippers Clipper” charter boat based out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished almost every day of June’s red snapper season. This week, Day will tell us how he’s catching the snapper, what baits he’s using to catch them, and what size snapper he’s catching.

June Means Red Snapper Time on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and the Fish Are Hungry

2011-06-07T17:05:00.0000000

Anglers are throwing-back red snapper that weigh 5- to 7-pounds each now, and if you’re wondering why, Captain Troy Frady of Distraction Charters docked at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, says, “The red snapper we’re keeping are weighing 8 to 15 pounds this June. Although most of our red snapper are 8-12 pounds, just about every day, someone catches a 12-15 pounder.”

Captain Rick Murdoch on Inshore Fishing at Alabama’s Gulf Coast at Fort Morgan in June

2011-06-01T17:10:00.0000000

Rick Murdoch is captain of the “Alabama Girl” inshore charter boat, based out of Gulf Shores Marina at Fort Morgan, formerly the Fort Morgan Marina, located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This week, he’ll give us a fishing report for Fort Morgan.

Catching Boatloads of Fish with Captain Randy Boggs at Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-05-24T17:05:00.0000000

Orange Beach’s Unbelievable May Fishing at the Pier, Inshore and Offshore

2011-05-17T17:05:00.0000000

Adam Morck of Tillmans Corner, near Mobile, Alabama, started fishing the Gulf State Park Pier at midnight with his son, Jeremiah, in May. “That’s when the speckled trout come under the lights, and you can catch them,” Morck explains. “But the main reason we were there was to catch the LYs (alewives), small menhaden that we use for live bait to catch speckled trout and redfish off the end of the pier. My son and I caught one speckled trout, some white trout and some small barracuda. Several-other speckled trout were caught that weighed up to 5 pounds. In the morning, a huge school of redfish came past the pier with about 300-500 redfish in it. I caught one and released it.

The King Bite Is On at Alabama’s Gulf State Park Pier

2011-05-10T17:05:00.0000000

The 2nd Annual Pier Rats Picnic, held on Alabama’s Gulf State Park Pier at Gulf Shores, Alabama, the last weekend in April, was a huge success, with more than 155 people in attendance. There also was a king mackerel tournament at the pier in the morning before the picnic and another one in the afternoon after the picnic. The morning tournament produced 10 king mackerel, with the heaviest king mackerel weighing 23 pounds, and the afternoon tournament produced six king mackerel.

Springtime Fishing for Amberjacks, Snapper, Triggerfish, Scamp and Tuna at Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-05-03T17:05:00.0000000

Captain Bobby Walker of the “Summer Breeze II” charter boat, based at Zeke’s Landing Marina, has a long history of fishing off Alabama’s Gulf Coast. “Our family started charter-boat fishing in Orange Beach, Alabama, in the 1920s and the 1930s,” Walker says. “My dad, Bob Walker, was a charter-boat captain, and I was born into this life.” Walker expects a great snapper season this year.

Cobia and More This Spring at Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Ben Fairey

2011-04-26T17:10:00.0000000

Captain Ben Fairey of the “Necessity” charter boat docked at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, is one of the most-knowledgeable cobia fishermen on the Upper Gulf Coast. Fairey holds the Alabama state record for cobia and recently proved his prowess again by finishing second in a major cobia tournament in Florida.

Captain Jeff Chambliss Says Plentiful Cobia, Speckled Trout, Redfish and Pompano on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-04-19T17:10:00.0000000

Captain Jeff Chambliss of the “Baby Therapy” charter boat docked at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, is an inshore charter-boat captain and an offshore fisherman. On his off-days, he fishes for cobia. But when he’s working, he guides anglers to speckled trout, redfish, flounder and pompano.

My First Time Offshore Fishing at Orange Beach, Alabama, with Brian Wood

2011-04-12T17:00:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: Brian Wood of Mountain Brook, Alabama, always had taken his family fishing in Destin or Panama City, Florida. But on the recommendation of a friend, he decided to fish with Captain Johnny Greene on the “Intimidator” charter boat, based out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Ala. This week, Wood will tell us about his first-time offshore fishing trip at Orange Beach.

Springtime Inshore Fishing is Great and Getting Better at Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Gary Davis

2011-04-05T15:35:00.0000000

Captain Gary Davis of Tidewater Fishing Service in Foley, Alabama, has fished and guided in the back bays, Mobile Bay, Perdido Bay and all the rivers that feed Alabama’s Gulf Coast for more than 35 years. He knows the seasonal patterns of all the saltwater fishes, and, more importantly, he understands which species will show-up when, where and why. This week, Davis tells us what’s biting in April.

Catching Plenty of Springtime Fish from Alabama’s Gulf Coast Beaches

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Why do some surf and shore fishermen along Alabama’s Gulf Coast catch more fish every time they go out than other anglers do? To find the answer to this question, we talked with Karon Aplin, a fisheries biologist for Alabama’s Marine Resources and a lady who loves to fish from the beach and the bank.

Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast Continues to Get Better in March

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Right now, I’m finding speckled trout 2- to 4-hours before the high tide, out of the wind in the creeks that feed Perdido Bay. Some of the trout are moving into the Intercoastal Waterway during mid-March, and that’s another good place to get out of the wind and fish for trout.

The Fishing’s Heating-Up for Sheepshead, Black Drum, Redfish, Pompano, Snapper and Triggerfish at Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The weather’s warming-up on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and the fishing’s heating-up. Charter-boat captains have reported nice-sized catches of both inshore and offshore species of fish already in March.

Spring Break Fishing at Its Best in Orange Beach

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Our What’s Biting Series has returned just in time for spring. Learn the latest tips and techniques with a new post each Tuesday. Editor’s Note: Spring break finally has arrived. School’s out, the temperature’s heating-up, the water’s warmed-up, the seas are calm, and the fish are biting. Anglers have a variety of choices when picking where and how to fish this month. Plenty of charter boats and captains are available. You can fish inshore, near shore, offshore or at the Gulf State Park Pier. You can charter a private boat for you and/or your family, friends and co-workers, or you can book a party boat. This month, the choices are limitless.

Alabama’s Gulf Coast Where the Fishing Light Is Always On Year-Round

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Red snapper season will come to a close at 12:01 am on November 22. The fall of 2010 has been one of the greatest red snapper seasons that Alabama’s Gulf Coast ever has seen, with the average red snapper weighing 8 to over 20 pounds. Anglers have brought-in giant wahoo weighing 70 pounds or more. As the weather cools, the wahoo fishing just heats-up and you can expect bigger and better wahoo fishing all the way through the spring of 2011. At Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the fishing light is always on, even after red snapper season closes. Orange Beach, Ala., captains will be doing deep-dropping for tilefish, snowy grouper and other deep-water species. The yellowfin tuna bite will continue strong through February. You can load your cooler with gag grouper, scamp, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, lane snapper, white snapper and other reef fish on charter trips this winter.

Alabama Gulf Coast Anglers Catch Speckled Trout While You Sleep

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

While most visitors to Alabama’s Gulf Coast are tucked in their beds, Captain Don Holloway and the anglers who fish with him are pulling-in speckled trout and redfish. By the time you get-up to go eat breakfast, they’re gone, but not far. They’re usually catching loads of redfish then. “I like to get to the lights at about 5 am,” says Captain Holloway. The lights he’s referring to are the dock and pier lights from the Highway 59 bridge west to Mobile Bay on Alabama’s Intercoastal Canal. Many of the docks and piers along the Canal have lights that shine-down in the water and concentrate baitfish at night, thereby attracting speckled trout and redfish. At 5 am, Holloway and his party have the Canal mostly to themselves. They don’t see the usual boat traffic that goes up and down the canal later in the morning. “We can usually catch our fish from 5 am until 8 am, when the boat traffic picks-up,” Holloway says. “Even after the sun comes up, trout and redfish will hold around these docks in the Canal, even though the lights have turned-off.”

A Charter Boat Trip to Alabama's Gulf Coast Pays for Itself

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

“I’ve never seen red snapper fishing better than it is right now at Orange Beach, Alabama, and going into this last weekend of snapper season, which ends at 12:01 am on November 22,” says Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat “Necessity.” A 40-year veteran of fishing the Upper Gulf Coast, Fairey has seen both great years and weak years of red snapper fishing. To make a statement like this is a monumental assessment of the red snapper stock living off Alabama’s Gulf Coast. “I hope we get the opportunity to have another fall snapper season next year,” Fairey explains.

Crowds of Fish and Bait Gather at the Rivers' Mouths in Mobile and Perdido Bays on Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Crowds are gathering at the mouths of the rivers that feed Mobile Bay and Perdido Bay, and there’s about to be an all-out fight. “The menhaden and the shrimp are gathering-up in the mouths of the rivers that lead into the bays,” says Captain Gary Davis of Tidewater Fishing Service in Foley, Ala. “And right in there with the baitfish and shrimp you’ll find plenty of slot redfish (redfish 16- to 26-inches long). You can use live shrimp, croakers or 4-inch chartreuse ice Fin-S soft-plastic lures to catch them. Although you’ll also find some small speckled trout mixed-in with these fish and bait, the bigger speckled trout won’t start moving-in until the weather gets colder than it is right now in early November. Too, some of the redfish already have begun swimming-up the rivers, where you can catch them around any type of structure – trees fallen in the water, stumps, logs or grass.”

We’ve Got Too Many Red Snapper

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Alabama’s red snapper population is much like Alabama’s deerherd. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, red snapper and white-tailed deer both were scarce in Alabama. Since Alabama had very-little natural reef bottom, red snapper had little habitat where they could live off the coast. The white-tailed deer, after the Great Depression of the 1930s, had only small numbers then, because the deer had fed so-many of the state’s families during those hard times. Some Alabama counties no longer had any deer. However, through conservation measures enacted, the improvement of habitat and the provision of more food and cover, both the white-tailed deer and the red snapper have rebounded in Alabama tremendous numbers. In 2009, Alabama deer hunters harvested over 285,000 white-tailed deer (44% bucks and 56% does) of the 1.5 million statewide deer population, although in 1940, the estimated deer population for the entire state was only 16,000.

When Santa Claus Plays Second Fiddle to the Fish at Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Now’s the time of year that locals and visitors to the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama, have been dreaming of all year. Few people ever see and even fewer get in on a rally of big redfish. Many vacationers have gone home in November. Only the real fishermen get off their couches, leave the comforts of their homes and stand out in the wind and nippy air to look for the big schools of giant redfish like little children peeping out the window on Christmas morning, looking for Santa Claus. However, because these tough fishermen pay the price, they’re privy to one of the most-phenomenal sights in nature – acres and acres of big bull redfish moving-down Alabama’s beaches in a slow procession, much like the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving Day.

The Unofficial Fishing Chairman of the Board on the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

“That gentleman over there is the chairman of the board out here on the pier,” says David Thornton, a regular fisherman on the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “His name is Harley Rogers, and he’s probably put-in more time on the Gulf State Park Pier than anyone else who fishes here. He fished the old pier before it was blown-away by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and no one really knows his age. But keep your eye on him – he’s a master at catching fish off the pier.” As I watched, Rogers, a resident of Foley, Ala., caught Spanish mackerel after Spanish mackerel with a workmanlike attitude. He never got particularly excited; he just continued catching Spanish mackerel and calling to his friend Danny Smith, also from Foley, to get the net. Both Smith and Rogers fished with live LYs (alewives), small baitfish that swam around the pilings on the pier.

The Best Red Snapper Fishing Ever and Just Getting Better with Captain Ben Fairey

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

We caught limits of snapper weighing 5- to 15-pounds each, triggerfish up to 7-pounds each and really-big amberjacks. I expect the fishing to be even better in the future. I’ve fished these waters for 37 years and never have seen the sizes or the numbers of fish we’re catching now from the artificial reefs off Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The biomass of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico right now is amazing.

Bet on the Inshore Bite at Alabama’s Gulf Coast This Fall with Captain Keith Powell

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The rod held by Bill Hamrick of Montgomery, Alabama, dove for the water as he leaned back and started to reel. Hamrick already had felt the redfish pick-up the bait. But, because Hamrick was using a circle hook, instead of setting the hook, he waited on the redfish to take-up line and set the hook itself. Once the fish was on, the battle between angler and redfish was what made fishing Perdido Pass near Orange Beach, Ala., near the Perdido Pass Bridge, one of the most-well-known inshore fishing spots on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. “Depending on which way the current’s running, we position our boat to fish to the bridge pilings that the current is hitting,” says Captain Keith Powell of Alabama Inshore Fishing.

Handpicked Snapper on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Randy Boggs

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Randy Boggs of the charter boat “Reel Surprise” in Orange Beach, Alabama, has found a way and a place for you to handpick your red snapper, just like you handpick the tomatoes you want to buy at a vegetable stand.

Living the Orange Beach Fishing Dream with Jerry Morrison

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Jerry Morrison had the courage to do what most of us only dream of – he left his job in an automobile manufacturing plant as an assembly-line worker, packed-up all of his belongings and moved to Orange Beach, Alabama, in hopes of becoming a fulltime fisherman. Today, his only regret is, “I wished I’d done it sooner.”

A Bonus of Swords and a Variety of Fish off Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Johnny Greene

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Johnny Greene of the “Intimidator,” based at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, often takes his customers on 2-day, overnight trips, where he shows them the many varieties of hard-fighting, great-eating offshore fish available out of Orange Beach.

The Kingdom of the Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

There’s no more magical place for a youngster to grow up than the Kingdom of the Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The ruling classes at the pier consist of the Pier Rats (the fishermen who fish the pier almost daily) and right below them are the Pier Mice (the children in training to become Pier Rats), followed by the regulars, the sometimers, the once-a-year visitors and the tourists.

How to Catch the Speckled Trout of a Lifetime on the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Probably not too-many anglers know that Alabama’s Gulf Coast homes a good population of monster-sized trout. To catch one of these monster trout, however, you must wake-up before sunrise, fish with small-diameter line and have the patience of Job from the Holy Bible and the angling skills of a master fisherman. For many years, visitors to Alabama’s Gulf State Park Pier have watched big speckled trout swimming around the lights of the pier after the sun sets, and the moon rises. Hooking and landing one of those huge trout can be difficult, but not for a new breed of anglers on the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf shores, Alabama, who have learned the secrets to catching those monster trout that have eluded so many fishermen for so many years.

Six-Hour Trips for Big Snapper this Season on Alabama’ Gulf Coast with Captain George Pfeiffer

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain George Pfeiffer of Action Charter Services has fished out of Orange Beach most of his life. Pfeiffer, who captains both the “Emerald Spirit” and the “C.A.T.” charter boats, names October as a great month to catch big red snapper at Orange Beach, Alabama, even on 6-hour fishing trips.

Catching Fish Bigger Than Children on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

When 5-year-old Elizabeth Boggs, daughter of Captain Randy Boggs of the charter boat, the “Reel Surprise,” stood next to a 70-pound wahoo, she had to look-up to see the wahoo’s tail. At Orange Beach, Alabama, the first weekend in October, fishermen were catching fish bigger than children. This giant wahoo was caught on Saturday, October 2, 2010, out of SanRoc Cay Marina about 30-miles offshore. The big wahoo took almost all the line off the reel before Captain Boggs could stop the boat and let Bryan Thomas of Daphne, Ala., begin to recover some of the line the wahoo had removed from the reel.

The Flounder Ladies Are Back on Gulf Shores’ Gulf State Park Pier

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Like the swallows’ annual return to the most-famous mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano, on March 19th each year, the Flounder Ladies of Shelbyville, Tennessee, return to the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for fall flounder season. Since the 1970s, Patricia English and her husband have driven from their Tennessee home to fish at the pier. But a few years ago, Patricia and her daughter, Kimberly, decided to take a mother-daughter fishing trip to the pier, and that’s when the legend of the Flounder Ladies began.

Don Pate – the Mackerel Man of the Gulf State Park Pier

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: Don Pate of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a Spanish mackerel fisherman who fishes the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama, regularly, caught a 40-pound-plus king mackerel off the end of the pier in October, 2009. With large numbers of Spanish mackerel invading the Upper Gulf Coast in the fall, Pate regularly catches his limit of mackerel. This week, he’ll share his secrets for catching those hard-fighting, delicious-eating Spanish mackerel.

All Kinds of Snapper and Mackerel As Well As Triggerfish Right Now on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

“I can’t wait for the opening of snapper season,” says Captain Chip Day of “Chipper’s Clipper,” based at Orange Beach, Alabama. “One fact that many fishermen coming down to fish with us during this fall season don’t realize is that the fishing trip isn’t over when you catch your two red snapper. Triggerfish and vermilion snapper have been biting really well, so on every trip we can usually come-in with a good box of fish besides the red snapper. Let me tell you something – those triggerfish and vermilion snapper are delicious, and they’re fun to catch. I believe they should be almost as big a drawing card as the red snapper will be during October and November.

Fishing Isn’t Just About Snapper – Sailfish & More

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The catch of a lifetime was made last week on the “Distraction” charter boat, fishing out of Orange Beach, Alabama. John Hatch of Navarre, Florida, his wife Kelly and his father-in-law were having a great day catching king mackerel and Spanish mackerel from Perdido Pass out to the Trolling Alley a few miles offshore, when suddenly the sky lit up with shades of neon blue and silver. A 3-foot long sailfish took a pink duster with a cigar minnow on the end of the hook and put on a show that will be remembered for a lifetime. “John was able to land the sailfish, we took pictures of it and then released it safely,” says Captain Troy Frady. “We’d already caught a limit of king mackerel for everyone onboard and about 20 Spanish mackerel. We also caught and release smaller-sized king mackerel and still had 1 hour remaining on our 4-hour charter trip.”

Sargassum – The Nursery of the Gulf

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Most people call it seaweed, weedlines or grass, but the correct name for the weeds floating offshore of Alabama’s Coast out in the Gulf of Mexico is sargassum. As scientists and researchers begin to study these free-floating grass lines, we’ve learned that they’re not just a great place to catch dolphin, marlin, wahoo, tuna, tripletails and many of the other pelagic species, but they’re also the nursery of the Gulf of Mexico. As fishermen leave the Port of Orange Beach on 8-, 10- and 12-hour and 2-day trips to catch red snapper starting Friday, October 1, they more than likely will see these sargassum weedlines. Research completed by Dr. Jonathan Gorum and his research team, the Inwater Research Group, has uncovered one of the biggest mysteries on the Alabama Gulf Coast – where the baby sea turtles go once they hatch-out of the eggs on the beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Catch Big Red Snapper, Bull Redfish, Large Speckled Trout and Doormat-Sized Flounder Right Now on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

“I had a fishing party out on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay near Fort Morgan, Alabama, last week, and we caught and kept 40 flounder weighing 3-to 7-pounds each,” says Captain Gary Davis of Tidewater Fishing Service in Foley, Ala. “We also caught several speckled trout and had a fantastic trip. The speckled trout have started to move in to Mobile Bay and many of the backwater estuary areas this month. As the weather cools-down, we’ll expect to see and catch more and more big speckled trout weighing 2-6 pounds through the second week of December.”

Why I Came to Alabama’s Gulf Coast for a Fall Vacation and the Surprise I Got When I Caught a Giant King Mackerel

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Tom Daniels of Waterloo, Iowa, was on his first trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast the next-to-last week in September and fished at the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. On his very-first day to fish on the pier, he took the advice of the regular pier anglers who jokingly call themselves the “Pier Rats.” Daniels baited-up his line and cast it out to the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. He hadn’t been fishing long before a giant king mackerel took his bait. A tough battle was on, but with the help of the pier rats, Daniels landed a fish of a lifetime – a monstrous king mackerel that made a memory that will last for a lifetime.

More and Bigger Snapper at Alabama’s Gulf Coast than Ever Before

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Red snapper season begins October 1 and runs through November 21 in the Gulf of Mexico. The season is strictly a weekend season, with fishing permitted from 12:01 am Friday through 12:00 midnight Sunday. The payoff for snapper fisherman this year will be probably the largest number of big red snapper that fishermen in Orange Beach ever have seen. When the federal government closed the Gulf of Mexico to fishing because of the oil spill in the spring, thousands of anglers literally stood on the gulf’s bank and waited for the oil to go away. Since the snapper had little or no fishing pressure, they just hung-around Alabama’s more-than 5,000 artificial reefs and got fat.

Orange Beach Charters Gear Up for Fall Red Snapper Season

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

NOAA’s Fisheries Service announced today that recreational red snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico will reopen for an added season to allow fishermen to catch the quota they did not reach because a portion of the Gulf was closed due to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill. Recreational fishing will be allowed on Fridays through Sundays for eight weeks, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 21.

All Alabama Waters Now Open for Fishing

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Effective August 16th, all Alabama state waters are open to recreational and commercial fishing. In addition, the area north of Fort Morgan is also open to shrimping. The re-opening includes all gulf waters out to the three-mile state/federal line. Anglers are reminded to stay clear of booms and booming operations, all working vessels, and areas with visible oil and/or sheen. The pier at Gulf State Park is also open for fishing.

Alabama Opens State Waters for Catch and Release Fishing

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Effective June 24, the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources has opened all state waters for recreational catch-and-release fishing only. This includes all gulf waters out to the three-mile state/federal line. Anglers are reminded to stay clear of booms and booming operations, all working vessels, and areas with visible oil and/or sheen. The pier at Gulf State Park is also reopened for catch-and-release fishing.

We're Fishing at Alabama's Gulf Coast for Numerous Species in June - Y'all Come

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Eighty percent of the Gulf of Mexico remains open for fishing, including the back bays, the coastal waters and the Gulf State Park Pier. At Alabama’s Gulf Coast, anglers will find plenty of fish to catch, very-little competition for these fish and numbers of boats and captains available as well as great accommodations.

May Bottom Fishing for Alabama's Grouper, Scamp and All Types of Snapper with Captain Dewitt Sightler of the "C-Rose"

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Also, this year we should catch some really-huge red snapper, once it starts in June 1 at 12:01 a.m. and will continue through August 15 at 12:01 a.m. We caught some big red snapper last year, and this year I’m expecting the average snapper we keep will weigh 10-15 pounds.

Anglers Come from Everywhere in May to Fish Alabama’s Gulf State Park Pier

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

“We also often catch cobia at night here. This pier enables fishermen to get out past the second sandbar to fish, where we find and catch many-more fish than we did before the new pier was built. The biggest fish I’ve caught from the pier was a 42-pound ling (cobia).

NOAA Fisheries Service Modifies Boundaries; Charters Going Out Daily

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

NOAA Fisheries Service has modified the boundaries of the closed fishing area to better reflect the current location of the BP oil spill. Although commercial and recreational fishing including catch and release is prohibited in the closed area, this represents slightly less than 4.5 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters. The vast majority of Gulf waters have not been affected by the oil spill and continue to support productive fisheries and tourism activities. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25 miles out and in our very plentiful inshore waters.

Orange Beach Waters Open for Fishing; No Oil Effects

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Although NOAA has closed commercial and recreational fishing in a limited area between the mouth of the Mississippi River and Florida's Pensacola Bay, there is large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 20 miles out and in our very plentiful inshore waters.

Latest Update on Open/Closed Fishing Waters in Orange Beach

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

NOAA is closing commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters between the mouth of the Mississippi River to Florida’s Pensacola Bay. The closure begins immediately and is in effect for at least 10 days. However, fishing is open in waters up to 20 miles out in the Gulf and our inshore waters and charter boats are still going out from Orange Beach.

April Pier Fishing at Alabama's Gulf Coast for Pompano, Flounder, Mackerel, Whiting and a Cobia Tournament with Pete Aguon

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Pete Aguon of Robertsdale, Alabama, fishes regularly at the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He and the other Pier Rats, as the group of dedicated pier anglers are known, are always happy to provide information and to help other pier fishermen.

Catching Cobia, Triggerfish, Snapper, Mackerel, Grouper and Amberjack in April with Captain Chip Day on Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

On our 6-hour guide trips in April, we’ll be catching triggerfish, white snapper, vermillion snapper and lane snapper and catching and releasing a good number of red snapper. The cobia will be here, and we expect to do a lot of cobia fishing this month.

April's Inshore Fishing for Pompano, Sheepshead, Redfish and Other Species with Captain Dennis Treigle at Orange Beach, Alabama

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The number of inshore fishermen drastically has increased in Orange Beach, and this month, Perdido Pass, the jetties, the bridge and many of the docks inshore will start loading-up with fish. During April, the fishing will be really good.

March's Inshore Fishing on Alabama's Gulf Coast for Bull Reds, Mackerel, Trout and Pompano with Captain Kathy Broughton

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The big bull reds that we’ve been catching all winter long will still be holding just off the beach. The Gulf Coast area has had a really-cold winter, so those big bull reds still will be spawning. These fish will be from 30- to 40-inches long and will weigh 8-20 pounds each.

March Offshore Fishing for Cobia, Red Snapper and Deep-Water Species with Captain Ben Fairey on Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat “Necessity,” based out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been a charter-boat fisherman on Alabama’s Gulf Coast for most of his life. We discussed what Spring Break anglers can fish for and catch offshore during March.

Fishing on the Gulf State Park Pier and the Banks on Alabama's Gulf Coast in March

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers many fishing opportunities in March. The first-ever Gulf State Park Pier cobia tournament in Gulf Shores, Alabama, will start this month. To learn the details, we talked with Pete Aguon of Robertsdale, Alabama, who’s fondly called the mayor of the pier.

Bottom Fish During February and Spring Break at Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

During February, we’ll catch every species of known reef fish, and even though we can’t keep red snapper, we’ll be catching and releasing a number of them. We can, however, keep five or six other species of snapper that are just as good to eat and as much fun to catch. We also will be catching grouper, triggerfish and scamp.

February Sheepshead, Pompano, White Trout and Flounder at Gulf Shores, Alabama's Gulf State Park Pier

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

This month, we’ll still be catching whiting and ground mullet on the pier. Although you can catch them anywhere on the pier, most of the fish will be caught from the cleaning station in the middle of the pier back to the shoreline. These fish are fun to catch and delicious to eat. As the water warms-up this month, the sheepshead and the pompano will become more active.

February Pompano, Sheepshead, Redfish and Speckled Trout with Captain David Brown on Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The fish will be in a transition mode during February. We’ll primarily be fishing for a mixed bag. The fish we catch primarily will be caught on live shrimp, and our number-one target will be pompano.

Snowy Grouper, Tilefish, Longtail Bass and Scorpionfish – the New Deep-Water Glamour Fish off Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

We’re selling more tackle for deep-dropping than ever before in the history of our store. We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of charters that are going offshore to deep-drop for grouper, tilefish, longtail bass and scorpionfish.” But what is a longtail bass, a tilefish and a snowy grouper?

Uncover the Latest Insiders' Fishing Secrets on Gulf State Park Pier in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

David Thornton and John Giannini reveal their tips for landing monster fish on the Gulf State Park Pier in January.

Bank Bangers' Report for Alabama's Gulf Coast in January with Benjamin Sherrill

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: One of the new features at Alabama’s Gulf Coast this year is bank-fishing guides. Distraction Charters has introduced bank-fisherman guides who live in the area and fish from the bank. These guides have learned the places where you can fish from the bank and catch a wide variety of fish at almost any time of the year. Even when the Gulf of Mexico is rough and muddy, and the wind’s howling in January, these guides can take you to secret places where they consistently catch fish for a price anyone can afford. One such guide is Ben Sherrill of Orange Beach, Ala.

Fishing Doesn’t Get Better than at Alabama’s Gulf Coast in December with Pete Aguon on the Gulf State Park Pier

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Pete Aguon of Robertsdale, Alabama, fishes the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Ala., 6 days a week. Each day he’s on the pier from 8 to 12 hours, catching fish, visiting with friends and helping other anglers catch fish from the pier. Aguon knows December pier fishing.

December's a Great Month to Deep-Drop Fish and Catch Plenty of Fish Offshore at Alabama's Gulf Coast with Captain Johnny Greene

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Johnny Greene of the “Intimidator,” based at of Orange Beach Marina, in Orange Beach, Ala., takes his customers deep-dropping offshore for all kinds of hard-fighting, good-eating fish

Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder from the Bank During December with Captain Ben Sherrill Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Ben Sherrill, one of the new breed of inshore guides, takes anglers to places at Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and in the rivers where they can catch speckled trout, redfish, flounder, white trout, croakers and several other species from the shore in December. We asked Sherrill to tell us where he’s finding some of the best shore-fishing hot spots this month.

No Boat? No Problem to Fish Inshore on Alabama's Gulf Coast in November

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Jeff Colley, captain of the “Killin’ Time,” based at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, is an inshore guide who fishes for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead and other inshore species.

November’s Deep-Water Offshore Fishing on Alabama's Gulf Coast with Captain Brian Bracknell

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

November on Alabama’s Gulf Coast means Thanksgiving, football, deer hunting and lots of big offshore fish. That’s right – now’s the time that the big ones bite, and you often can stock your freezer with tuna, wahoo, grouper, vermilion snapper, tilefish, yellowedge grouper and snowy grouper. The big fish bite on Alabama’s Gulf Coast when the turkeys are on the table. And, one of the captains who particularly enjoys fishing those deep-water haunts is Captain Brian Bracknell of the charter boat the “Crowd Pleezer” that docks at the Dog River near Mobile, Ala.

Great Fall Fishing Blossoms During October in the Orange Beach Area

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Discover Captain George Pfeiffer’s secrets – including deep-dropping – to landing monster fish in the Orange Beach area.

Inshore Fishing Thrives in October along Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Erik Davis offers a few tips on how he lands speckled trout, flounder and redfish in the back bays and bayous.

Uncover Key Pier Fishing Tips with Longtime Angler

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Longtime pier fisherman David Thornton updates us on what’s biting at the new state park pier in October and how to catch those fish.

Reel in Big Speckled Trout along Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Keith Powell unleashes his top tips for landing big speckled trout deep in the Orange Beach, Ala., waters. Discover the must-have equipment for a successful day on the local waters.

Pier Fishing Results in Monster Fish off AL’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

According to the Trey Myers with the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, the newly opened public finishing pier has seen a healthy share of big game fish, including king mackerel. Discover several key tips from Myers.

Late Summer Fishing Bounty Awaits Off Coast of Orange Beach, AL

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

According to Captain Art Jones, September offers an incredible opportunity to reel in a large selection of fish, including amberjacks, grouper, and vermilion snapper from the summer. Learn where to look for the best catches.

Pier Fishing Returns to AL Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The new $14.8 million Gulf State Park Pier on Alabama’s Gulf Coast has opened, earning it the title of the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only pier on the Gulf.

Orange Beach Waters Offers Exciting August Fishing with Capt Ben Fairey

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat Necessity shares his insider’s secrets for successful August fishing.

August Offers Red Hot Bay Fishing on AL Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

For 35 years, Captain Gary Davis has navigated Mobile Bay in search of a large variety of fish and shares his insider’s knowledge.

Third-Generation Charter Boat Captain Shares Insider's Tips for Orange Beach Fishing

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

With a long fishing legacy, Captain Bobby Walker and his family bring an enormous amount of local knowledge to the helm. Uncover several key tips for a successful fishing trip in Orange Beach.

Families Reel in Memorable Experience Aboard Orange Beach Charters

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Don McPherson, who pilots the “Getaway” charter boat, offers family fishing trips. He discusses the various types of trips and what fish are biting this time of year.

Tuna Time Off Shores of Orange Beach

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Variety is the name of the game with Captain Rob Gams of Cool Breeze Charter Fishing, who offers every type of fishing experience ranging from 4 to 36 hours.

Inshore Action Heating Up in June

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Dennis Treigle frequently fishes the back bays of the Orange Beach area and shares a few of his insider’s tips.

Advantages to Party-Boat Fishing in Orange Beach

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Real-life Davy Jones pilots a party-boat in Orange Beach, Ala., and discusses the advantages of reeling in monster fish on this type of charter.

Abundant June Fishing Opportunities in Orange Beach

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Chip Day discusses the advantages of booking a six-passenger party boat and what guests can expect to reel in from the gulf waters.

Big Game Fishing Adventures off the Alabama Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Jack Wilhite of the “Summer Hunter” ventures into the area’s deep blue waters in search of the rod-bending action of big game fishing.

Land a New Fishing Experience Aboard Tucker's Party Boat

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Eager to reel in a monster, crowds of fishermen are headed to Alabama’s beaches. The once-popular party boats, such as Captain Butch Tucker’s Zeke’s Lady, are seeing more and more anglers.

Reel In May Inshore Trout on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Local inshore expert David Brown shares his insider’s knowledge of the speckled trout thriving in the back-bays and waters.

Warming April Waters Lead to Top-Notch Fishing Opportunities on AL Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

The gulf waters off the AL Gulf Coast are gearing up for an active month of fishing as the waters are warming and fish are moving inward. Captain Troy Frady, who pilots the “Distraction” charter boat, shares his thoughts and several great tips on April fishing.

Big Trout Take the Bait in April on the AL Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

In addition to boasting pleasant weather conditions, April on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an active time for anglers, who are in search on that monster catch. Veteran captain Gary Davis shares a few of his proven tips for catching the big trout and flounder that are biting in the bay.

Reel in Insider’s Tips and Recipes for April Inshore Fishing on the AL Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Jeff Chambliss shares his insider’s tips on landing numerous inshore fish – such as pompano, flounder, speckled trout and redfish – during April on the Alabama Gulf Coast. As a bonus, he includes a tasty and easy recipe for Pompano Supreme.

Captain Steve Foust Includes His Favorite Tuna Recipes and Tactics He Uses Offshore at Alabama’s Gulf Coast in March

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Steve Foust, of the charter boat, “Aqua Star,” based at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes successfully offshore as well as inshore during March.

"Intimidator" Captain Shares Insider Tips for Catching and Cooking Cobia

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Counting down the days to spring break is a tradition not only for students but also for the anglers, who are eagerly awaiting the spring cobia migration. After decades on the local waters, Captain Johnny Greene shares his tips for landing these monsters of the gulf and then capturing the favor in several tasty dishes.

Discover Captain Broughton’s Secrets to Capturing and Cooking Inshore Fishing in March

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Kathy Broughton shares her coveted tips for finding and reeling in “the big one” during March, which is a great month for inshore fishing. She also shares a few recipes for success once you return to the dock.

Fishing Inshore at Alabama's Gulf Coast in February with Clyde Brothers

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Clyde Brothers of Clyde’s Inshore Fishing, based at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes primarily around Perdido Pass. In February, anglers can expect to catch big bull reds, sheepshead and any other species of inshore fish off Alabama’s beaches.

Reminder to Watch Cobia Fishing Show on ESPN2 Saturday morning

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

On Saturday, February 14th at 9:30 a.m. (CST),George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing show will feature his cobia fishing trip along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Inshore Fishing off Alabama’s Gulf Coast and in Mobile Bay in February with Captain DeJuan Tedder

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain DeJuan Tedder of the charter boat, “No Excuses,” based at Fort Morgan, Alabama, has guided anglers off Alabama’s Gulf Coast and in Mobile Bay for 5 years. In February, Tedder expects to catch plenty of sheepshead and redfish.

Fishing Offshore at Alabama's Gulf Coast in February with Captain Dick Cappar

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

You can fish in February offshore for a wide variety of species off Alabama’s Coast. To get the most up-to-date report on offshore fishing, we talked with Captain Dick Cappar of Traveler Fishing Charters, based at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Bet on the Bon Secour for January Specks with Ross Whitworth

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Ross Whitworth of Jesse’s Trout Lodge on the Bon Secour River says that January’s one of the best months to catch speckled trout at Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Captain Jeff Chambliss Fishes for a Mixed Bag of Fish off Alabama's Gulf Coast in January

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Jeff Chambliss, who’s fished the front beaches, the back bays and Perdido Pass around Orange Beach for 19 years, fishes out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach as well as from Florida. In January, he’ll catch big redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, black drum and red drum off the front beaches from Orange Beach to Fort Morgan on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

"Chipper’s Clipper" - Offshore January Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Chip Day of the charter boat, “Chipper’s Clipper,” based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been fishing off Alabama’s Gulf Coast for 24 years.

Catching Wahoo, Tuna, Scamp, Blue Marlin and Red Grouper with Captain Mike Rowell in December

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Mike Rowell of the “Annie Girl” docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been a charter-boat captain for over 18 years. This month, Rowell tells us how he fishes for wahoo, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, scamp, blue marlin and red grouper.

Captain John Hollingshead Catches Various Kinds of Snapper, Triggerfish, Amberjacks, Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel in December

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

This month, he’ll tell us how to catch white snapper, red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, amberjacks, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel.

Inshore in December: Catching Speckled Trout, Big Bull Reds, Flounder and Pompano with Captain David Brown

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

In December, our main attraction will be the big bull reds caught off the front beaches at Orange Beach. To find these schools of big reds, look for...

Catching Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder on the Eastern Shore with Captain William Manci in November

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain William Manci of Eastern Shore Outfitters, guides and fishes on the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Shore area of Mobile Bay. This month, he’ll tell us what we can expect to catch inshore.

Catch Grouper, Vermilion Snapper, White Marlin and Other Species Off Alabama’s Gulf Coast in November with Captain Patrick Ivie

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Patrick Ivie of the “Intruder,” docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, guides and fishes oil rigs and other offshore areas for grouper, vermilion snapper, white marlin, tuna, king mackerel, sailfish and much more. Ivie will tell us what to expect to catch offshore in November.

Catching Big Bull Reds, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Much More in November on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Kathy Broughton

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Kathy Broughton of Kitty Wake Charters docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been a charter-boat captain for the past 15 years and has fished the back bays and the front beaches around Perdido Pass since 1975.

More Fish Than Ever Before on Alabama’s Gulf Coast in October with Captain Bobby Walker

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Bobby Walker of the Summer Breeze Charters docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has charter fished for 40 years.

Fishing Doesn’t Get Any Better Than October Offshore at Orange Beach with Captain Johnny Greene

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

October is the best month to catch a variety of fish along Alabama’s Gulf Coast because as the weather cools off, the baitfish move in, with the sportfish following not far behind. According to Captain Johnny Greene of the “Intimidator,” docked at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, anglers don’t have to travel nearly as far to catch fish in October as they do in the summer.

Catching October’s Inshore Specks, Reds and Flounder with Captain Chad Pruitt

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Chad Pruitt of the charter boat “Reel Job,” docked at SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, is an inshore guide along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Pruitt will tell us where to find specks, reds and flounder, and how to catch them.

Catching Vermilion and White Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Tuna and Amberjacks in September with Captain George Pfeiffer on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain George Pfeiffer, captain of the “CAT” charter boat docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished in the Gulf of Mexico for 35 years and has owned his own charter boat since 1995.

September’s Blue Water Report for Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Ricky McDuffie

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Ricky McDuffie of the “Sea Hunter,” docked at SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished out of Orange Beach for 30 years.

Catching September Speckled and White Trout, Flounder and Keeper-Sized Redfish with Captain Don Holloway on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Don Holloway, captain of the “Back Bay” charter boat docked at Gulf Shores Marina at the western tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula, is the owner and operator of Back Bay Fishing with Don.

A Second Offshore Cobia Run in August on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Seth Wilson

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the annual cobia run occurs toward the end of March. The cobia come from south Florida, migrating up Florida’s west coast around the Panhandle, and then move to the Alabama, the Mississippi and the Louisiana coasts to spend their summers around or near the mouth of the Mississippi River. In the fall, the cobia make a second, smaller run from west to east and back to south Florida. Now there’s a strong indication that the cobia make a second run from east to west in August.

The August Head Boat Report with Captain Butch Tucker

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Butch Tucker of “Zeke’s Lady” charter boat, docked at Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, runs a 6-hour trip in the morning and a 4-hour trip in the afternoon, during the summer months. Even if you can’t charter a boat on your own, you can go out on a head boat like “Zeke’s Lady” with other anglers and catch plenty of fish.

Inshore August Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Dennis Treigle

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

During August, most of our fish will be caught from the bay area near Perdido Pass. In the early morning, we’ll be concentrating on speckled trout. Later in the morning, when the sun’s up, and the trout bite is over, we’ll be fishing for redfish and flounder. As the weather warms up even more in August, fishing for speckled trout becomes tough. So, anyone who wants to catch speckled trout needs to get up before daylight and be on the water as soon as the sun glows. After the redfish bite’s over, we move from dock to dock inside the bay until we find a dock holding redfish. Certain docks will hold large numbers of redfish. When you locate these docks, you can have a good time catching plenty of redfish. Not every dock will produce redfish. We’ll still be catching quite a few flounder around jetties in the Pass when we catch the right bait for them.

Captain Jeff Chambliss Fishes for Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder in July on Alabama’s Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, the weather’s never too rough to fish. With the number of back bays, canals, lagoons, coastal rivers and artificial reefs in the area, regardless of the weather conditions or the temperature, fish are always biting somewhere on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Captain Jeff Chambliss, who’s fished Perdido Bay and Perdido Pass for 18 years, fishes out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach and specializes in catching speckled trout, redfish and the occasional flounder.

Catching a Box Full of Fish Near Shore with Captain Art Jones

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Art Jones of Orange Beach, Alabama, has operated the charter boat, “Dana-J,” docked at Outcast Marina in Orange Beach, since 1986. While many captains reach the dock early to get quickly to the offshore fishing grounds, the “Dana-J” is one of the last boats out and one of the first boats to return, always carrying a good box full of fish.

Finding and Catching Fish Offshore in July from Alabama Waters with Captain Peter Fill

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Peter Fill of the charter boat, “Yankee Star,” based out of Outcast Marina in Gulf Shores, Alabama, set the new state record for black grouper this past year. This month, Fill will tell us where he finds and catches fish offshore in July.

Fishing at Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Josh Hiller

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Catching the Aggregate in June with Captain Butch Tucker

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

To catch enough fish for a fish fry this year, you’ll have to fish for the aggregate, made up of a total of 20-different species of varying sizes of saltwater fish, with only a certain number of each species. Captain Butch Tucker of Orange Beach, Alabama, a 38-year veteran of fishing the Gulf of Mexico, tell us how to catch the aggregate this summer.

Captain Brian Lynch Gears Up for the Red Snapper World Championship on Alabama’s Gulf Coast in June

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: Brian Lynch is the captain of the “Island Girl” charter boat out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama.

The Gulf Coast Mystery Lake

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Kelly Reetz, the naturalist at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has plenty of information about Lake Shelby, as does Dave Armstrong, district fisheries supervisor for District V, which includes Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. One of the most-amazing bodies of water anywhere, Lake Shelby is the closest freshwater lake to salt water. Lake Shelby consists of three spring-fed lakes but also has had an intrusion of salt water throughout its history. When waves from hurricanes wash over the Alabama Gulf Coast, they often deposit speckled trout, redfish, white trout and flounder into the lake. When the storms subside, and the lake returns to its natural boundaries, Lake Shelby then will home good numbers of both freshwater and saltwater fish. “Lake Shelby is a part of the state park system,” Armstrong explains. “However, the Fisheries Section of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has often helped stock Lake Shelby.”

May’s Inshore Fishing at the Mississippi Sound and in the Mobile Bay

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Editor’s Note: Captain Scott Jordan of Dauphin Island, Alabama, guides on the Mississippi Sound and in the Mobile Bay. This month, Jordan will tell us where to find the best inshore fishing in May.

Tips for Landing Offshore Fish in May

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Don Walker of the charter boat "Lady D," docks at Sportsman Marina and Dry Dock in Orange Beach, Alabama, and has fished offshore on Alabama's Gulf Coast for most of his life.

Catching May Cobia

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Jeff Colley, Jr., of the “Killing Time,” based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has developed a technique for catching cobia that has resulted in his boat not spooking a single cobia during the 2007 cobia run. Colley and his fishermen boated 71 cobia in 2007 and tagged and released another 31 fish.

Reeling in April's Best Inshore Fishing

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

In April, some of the best inshore fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast occurs at the mouth of Mobile Bay under the guns of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. As a young boy, Erik Davis of Gulf Shores, Alabama, spent much of his childhood in his dad’s boat fishing these waters. Now, he’s fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a fishing guide, like his dad, Gary Davis of Foley, and guiding parties out of Fort Morgan. This month, Erik will tell us what to catch and how to catch them in this history-rich, extremely-fertile estuary area.

The King of Offshore Cobia

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat “Necessity,” based out of Orange Beach Marina, holds the Alabama state record for cobia with a fish that weighed 117 pounds and 7 ounces caught in 1995. He’s one of the most-relentless cobia fishermen on the Gulf of Mexico. Fairey prowls the beaches from Panama City, Florida, to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in search of the brown bombers that make their annual migration in the spring each year.

Gearing Up For A Mammoth March Close to Shore

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Jeff Chambliss fishes out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, for inshore pompano, speckled trout, redfish, flounder and sheepshead.

February's Fish-Catching Machine

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Sonny Alawine, captain of the “Summer Breeze,” based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished offshore from Orange Beach most of his life. The “Summer Breeze” has a long history of being a fish-catching machine.

Inshore Family Fishing Fun

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Kathy Broughton of Orange Beach, Alabama, an inshore charter boat fisherman since 1994, was once a typical suburban soccer mom and housewife living in Mountain Brook, Ala. “But ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be a fishing guide,” says Broughton. “My father always had big boats. I’d go along with him, drive the boat and help rig the tackle. I’ve always enjoyed taking people fishing. I finally found a time and a place to live out my dream.”

January's Offshore Bounty of Redfish

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

January’s a great month to take a charter and fish for redfish. We’re catching and releasing a tremendous number of redfish this month. You can catch 20- to 30-pound redfish on just about any bait you put in the water. Triggerfish and vermillion snapper (beeliners), which are both delicious to eat, have also really been biting well. During this month, we’re still catching and releasing large numbers of big red snapper.

Hot Inshore Fishing for January

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

I’ve been fishing from Mobile Bay to the Pensacola Pass for the last 30 years. There are plenty of fish concentrated between those two openings to the Gulf of Mexico, including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, pompano, sheepshead, bluefish and ladyfish.

December is the Month to Come to the Beach and Fish Offshore

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

We’re catching plenty of triggerfish, vermillion snapper and red snapper, which we have to throw back because red snapper season is closed. Grouper, snapper and amberjack are really biting well in December. The vermillion snapper we’re catching weigh from 1- to 2-1/2-pounds each. At this time of year, we usually fish for a mixed bag of fish. Generally, we’ll fish for vermillion snapper, white snapper and triggerfish first, but we’ll also catch amberjack and grouper.

Redfish are On Fire During December

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

At this time of year, we’ll go inshore on calm days and targeting big, bull redfish. We fish both the Alabama and the Florida coastal waters. Right now, we’re finding big redfish running about 4 yards off the beaches that weigh from 15- to 35-pounds each.

Tuna Time in Alabama

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Captain Johnny Greene of the charter boat, “Intimidator,” operating out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes 12 months out of the year.

November Fishing is Heating Up Inshore

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Rob Kritzmire, owner of Rob’s Inshore Fishing, operating out of Romar Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, says that November is one of the best fishing months on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

October's Offshore Fishing with Butch Tucker

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Butch Tucker, captain of the “Shady Lady” out of Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes all winter with charter parties. This month, Tucker tells us what’s biting offshore and invites you to fish Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Inshore Fishing in October with Gary Davis

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

At this time of year, the fish are moving out of the bays and into the mouths of the rivers. Dog River and Gillard’s Island (a spoilage area) are loaded with speckled trout, redfish and flounder. I fished there two days the first week in October with clients, and we caught flounder, black snapper (gray snapper), speckled trout and a good number of white trout.

Monster Fish off Alabama's Gulf Coast

2011-01-01T06:00:00.0000000

Four-hundred-pound-plus blue marlin breach from the cobalt-blue waters off Alabama's Gulf Coast and dance on their tails while engaging in a sword fight in the sky. You'll find some of the best and most-exciting big-game fishing just off Alabama's Gulf Coast. Anglers can catch blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo, dolphin, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, king mackerel and giant sharks when they leave the ports of Orange Beach and Fort Morgan and head out to the deep-water rigs and the Continental Shelf. Fast boats plow the Gulf of Mexico to get sport fishermen out to where the game fish feed. If this summer proves as dry as the last couple of summers, that deep cobalt-blue water will move fish in closer to shore to feed. From Orange Beach, you'll only have a short run in a fast boat to the Continental Shelf and the deep-water rigs.

New Inshore Reefs and More Fish on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

2011-03-29T14:30:00.0000000

"Right now, we're catching good numbers of speckled trout and redfish," reports Captain Gary Davis from Foley, Alabama. "I have a 9-1/2-pound speckled trout in my freezer, caught by one of my customers, waiting to be taken to a taxidermist. We usually catch plenty of good-sized specks, reds and flounder all the way into November down here. Inshore fishing along Alabama's Gulf Coast has always been excellent, but today it’s even better than in years past."