Easy Ways to Drop a Line for Spring Fishing

Do the anglers in your group crave a fishing trip?

February 11, 2021

You’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s Orange Beach charter fishing, pier fishing, kayak fishing or surf fishing, the Alabama Gulf Coast has more than the lion’s share of great fishing excursions.

Do you enjoy hanging out on the pier while you drop a line in the gulf? Come to the Gulf State Park pier and fish from one of the longest piers on the Gulf of Mexico. The pier is a full 1,540 feet and offers 2,448 feet of fishing space along the rails. Experts say there’s no need to purchase saltwater fishing tackle, since bass tackle will work just fine. Concessions and comfort stations are conveniently placed on the pier and there is wheelchair-accessible rail fishing, as well. Rates for fishing for adults and children ages 12 and over are $8 per day; children 11 and under are $4, or free with a paying adult.

Deep sea fishing in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico has brought the area national acclaim. Home to more than 100 charter fishing boats, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are sure to have a trip that’s right for you and your group. Several offer inshore, offshore and back bay fishing trips. There’s no need to obtain a fishing license or bring along bait and tackle – your charter captain will provide these for you. Trips range from four hours up to two days.

Kayak fishing is a fun way to land your catch. It’s proof that you don’t have to cast off from a big boat to reel in a great catch! If you’ve never been kayak fishing, the Wind & Water Learning Center in Orange Beach offers classes throughout the year. Topics include maneuvering in a kayak, using and detaching an anchor trolley, casting techniques specific to a kayak, and the importance of staying visible.

Shore or surf fishing along the 32 miles of white, sandy beaches is also a popular pastime. Cast your line along the beach or in one of the back bays of Baldwin County.

Stay current on what to fish for in our weekly What’s Biting blog and get the inside angle on everything from preparing your boat to which fish are biting. You can also find a monthly guide for fishing on our website.

Don’t forget the fishing licenses, now available online. An annual saltwater fishing license for 2015 is $22.40, or get one for a seven-day trip for $9.50. Annual freshwater fishing licenses for 2015 are $12.75.