Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    Meeting in Gulf Shores
    Five Tips to Becoming a Confident Speaker
    beach bag, gulf shores
    How to Pack for a Meeting at the Beach
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions for Your Next Workcation
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    Meetings and conventions on Alabama's beaches
    5 Unique Meeting Spaces at the Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    Non-Traditional Meeting Spaces on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Meeting at The Lodge
    Which Social Media Networks Help Meeting Planners the Most
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    Gulf State Park Orange Beach
    3 Meeting Tips To Make Your Next Gulf Coast Meeting a Success
    Hashtag Events Happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
    5 Ways Social Media Can Help Meeting Planners Communicate & Educate Attendees
    Meeting Ballroom on Alabama's Beaches
    How to Increase Attendance at Your Next Conference
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    Woman relaxing on the beach in Alabama
    Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance as a Meeting Professional
    AmyPeralta
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sales Manager Amy Peralta
    MaryStatkewicz
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book Lodging
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    Family Lodging Gulf Shores
    Budget-Friendly Planning Tips for Sports Parents
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    4 Spots to Fuel Up for the Game
    Teens playing on Alabama's beaches
    What to Pack for Your Sportcation?
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    Grab n go Gulf Shores AL
    On the Go Dining
    Orange Beach, Lunching For Less - Teaser
    Budget-Friendly Meals for the Whole Team in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Crab claws at Pink Pony in Gulf Shores, AL
    Places to Grab the Best Crab Claws on Alabama's Beaches
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    7 Quirky, Must-Visit Places in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    The Factory Trampoline Park
    5 Action-Packed Activities Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    What to Do When Your Tournament is Rained Out
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    Baseball player
    Get to Know the Beach's Best Sports Facilities
    Man running a race
    Event Planner Resources for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    NCAA Softball Gulf Shores
    Start Planning Your Sportscation to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Blog
    All Blog

Time for Night Fishing

A Part Of The What's Biting Series

August 1, 2014

Reel it in

Couple night fishing in Orange Beach

As summers go, the current one hasn’t been too oppressive, although I don’t expect to escape the dog days for the whole summer.

When it gets to the point that it’s really too hot to fish during the day, it’s time to break out the running lights on your boat and make sure they meet U.S. Coast Guard standards because it’s time to go night fishing.

That’s the great thing about the Alabama Gulf Coast. Whether you just want to beat the heat or you’re getting off too late at work, the opportunities to catch fish under the lights is excellent.

For the majority of people, fishing after sunset is the most common occurrence. But it works just as well for those early risers who prefer to head out in the cool of the early morning and revel in the magnificent colors of a sunrise.

Probably the key word in night fishing is stealth. Being quiet is essential, because the target fish species typically are not at the top of the food chain, and any disturbance will have them finning for cover.

The target areas are the bays, bayous, and islands with piers and boat houses with lights. The overhead lights attract insects, which attract small fish and crustaceans, which attract the target species of speckled trout (spotted seatrout) and redfish (red drum). Shrimp and glass minnows will be the most common bait species under the lights. Therefore, bait choice is important except during a feeding frenzy, which has happened on occasion, but not often.

Live shrimp and minnow imitation plastic jigs have worked best for me. Sometimes, it’s very important to downsize the lure to match the bait under the light.

Approach the light slowly and start fan-casting the light; never throw directly under the light with the first cast. I always start in the shadows and work my way through the light to the shadows on the other side.

More often than not, the larger fish are going to be hanging out in the shadows, waiting to ambush one of the glass minnows or shrimp that gets too close to the edge.

I usually fish with 10-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon as the main line on either spinning or baitcasting tackle. Depending on the water clarity, I’ll use 20-pound fluorocarbon leader for stained water and 15-pound fluorocarbon when the water is clear.

That leader can be important if you hook a nice redfish or big trout, which usually try to head for the barnacle encrusted pilings after the hook is set.

And that hookset can be important as well. I had a buddy relate a story recently about how he and a friend were fishing a light with live shrimp. His buddy was not familiar with the finesse required in some saltwater situations and couldn’t seem to hook a fish despite losing plenty of bait.

The fish were grabbing the live shrimp under the light and moving to the shadows before they swallowed the bait. The friend was setting the hook like a bass fisherman when he felt the first tick and was jerking it out of the fish’s mouth.

“I caught six or seven fish before I ever told him what was going on,” the successful fisherman laughed. “He was really getting frustrated by that time.”
Any pier with a light will do, but those near deeper water seem to produce better numbers and better fish. Be courteous around the piers and move to the next light if the owners or guests are using the pier.

Enjoy the cool of the night and the good fishing around the lights. Oh, did I mention the running lights?

Are you a Fin-Tastic angler? Submit a short essay telling us why you and your friends or family would make the best fishing reporters for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. The winner will receive a three-night beach getaway. To learn more, go here.

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

Share This

You May Also Like

See All Blog Posts
Boating in Perdido Pass Orange Beach

Stay Smart Off-Shore with Boating Safety

Southern Charm Fishing Charter Orange Beach

Book a Charter to Catch Amberjack, Snapper, & Triggerfish

Fishing Charter Orange Beach

Discover Endless Fishing Opportunities on Alabama’s Beaches

Little Lagoon Pass Park

Try Little Lagoon for a Day of Fun Fishing

Billfish Classic 2023

Record-Setting Marlin Caught During OB Billfish Classic

Gulf State Park Pier

Everything You Need to Know About the Gulf State Park Pier

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us