Kayak Fishing Spots
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Kayaking is a favorite pastime along Alabama’s Beaches. Imagine a tranquil excursion where you are low to the water and in complete sync with Mother Nature. Now add a fishing pole and it takes on an entirely different level of connecting with wildlife.
Don’t let the sound of a motor scare away your next big catch. Become one with the water and glide your way to a great day on the water with kayak fishing.
Kayak Fishing on Alabama's Beaches
Whether you are an experienced angler, or a beginner, you’ll find picture-perfect places to kayak fish on the Alabama Gulf Coast. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream come true here. Numerous bodies of water welcome you to kayak fish, including the Gulf waters, countless rivers, numerous bays, and many creeks and streams. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan have a number of places to rent kayaks to enjoy the peace and quiet nature has to offer.
Best Kayak Fishing Spots
Little Lagoon
Little Lagoon
Little Lagoon on West Beach in Gulf Shores is considered a hidden treasure, offering shelter and a variety of fish. The channel at Lee Callaway Bridge is deep and dredged often, allowing for better water exchange between the Gulf and the lagoon. Trout is a popular catch, but there are also plenty of redfish and flounder. Anglers recommend using the boat ramp at Lagoon Park on Fort Morgan Road..
Dixey Bar
Dixey Bar
If you are staying on Fort Morgan Road and feeling adventurous, kayak fish the Dixey Bar, a large sand bar between the Gulf and Mobile Bay. Anglers warn of a strong current, but the catches include bull redfish, amberjack, pompano and king mackerel, to name a few.
Robinson & Bird Island
Robinson & Bird Island
For kayak fishing in Orange Beach, try Robinson Island and Bird Island. Conveniently located by Perdido Pass, kayak anglers can launch at Alabama Point. Check the direction of the wind to find which side of the islands is calmer and, therefore, a better option during your visit.
Kayak Rentals & Equipment
Many visitors and locals will already have their own kayaks, which are easy to transport to our beautiful coast and head into the water at one of the 21 launch sites in the area. If you don’t own a kayak, you can easily rent one from any of the local businesses. Most will even drop it off at your accommodation or launch point.
For those accustomed to fishing out of a boat, you’ll first have to downsize your equipment. Everything has to be on a smaller scale, including a small cooler for your bait or ice.
If you’re outfitting your kayak for fishing, consider spending the money on a good seat so you’re comfortable for several hours of fishing.
Tips for Kayak Fishing
- Most kayak anglers prefer a rod with a long handle to keep your reels out of the saltwater while you’re paddling, which usually means a 6-6 or 7-foot spinning rod with a 12- to 20-pound test line.
- Because you can get so close to your target in a kayak, keep the rigging to a minimum and just free-line a live shrimp or baitfish and let it drift with the current. Stay away from swivels if you can help it, and if you need a sinker, keep it as small as possible.
- If you’re new to the fishing method, take your time to learn how to paddle and maneuver the kayak into position to present the bait as naturally as possible.
Plan Your Kayak Fishing Trip
There are many benefits of kayak fishing, such as stress reduction, exercise, brighter mental health, and improved heart health. When you’re able to get a fresh catch for dinner as well, it’s a win/win. Whether you already have a kayak or need to rent one, visit Alabama’s Beaches for your next ’yak fishing excursion.
