Any day spent fishing is a good day! Plan ahead for your next family fishing vacation to make sure you get access to all of the fish you're looking for. Get insight into the best time of the year to visit depending on the fishing season and where you plan on fishing, whether inshore, offshore, or nearshore. Fishing along Alabama's Beaches won't disappoint, as you get access to various fish, from king mackerels and Spanish mackerels to red snappers and groupers, depending on the season. Several area restaurants will complete your Gulf Coast fishing experience by preparing your fresh catch for you. It just doesn't get any fresher than that!
When fishing on Alabama's Beaches, ensure you have your saltwater fishing license, which can be purchased online through OutdoorAlabama.com. This license is required for all fishing in Alabama if you are between the ages of 16 and 64, unless you are on a charter with a licensed captain.
Don't forget to make things easier on yourself by booking a fishing charter and get access to local experts and captains to ensure your catch is plentiful when you visit.
For the most up-to-date information on receiving a fishing license, bag limits, fishing seasons, and more, please visit OutdoorAlabama.com.
Red Snapper Season - OPEN
Known as the “Red Snapper Capital of the World,” Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the best places to find these remarkable fish. Alabama state waters and federal waters will be open 7 days a week from May 23 until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025 for private recreational anglers. The season will then transition to four-day weekends starting July 4 until the private angler quota is met. The daily bag limit will be two red snappers per person per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches in total length. Any angler over 16 years of age must have a saltwater fishing license.
Red snapper season for federal-hire charter vessels will begin on Sunday, June 1 and remain open every day of the week until Tuesday, September 16 at 11:59 pm.
Amberjack Season - CLOSED
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters will open on August 1 and is expected to close at the end of August. The bag limit for greater amberjack is one per person.
Triggerfish Season - CLOSED
The recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in federal and Alabama state waters opens on March 1, 2025, and stays open through May 31, 2025. Harvest will close on June 1.
From pier fishing at the Gulf State Park Pier to spending the day at Little Lagoon, there is somewhere for both novice and experienced anglers to cast their line. Details may be found on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Fishing is a year-round sport along the shores of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here's a list of what's biting and what's in season.
