What's Biting on Alabama's Beaches
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.
From Spring Runs to Fall Bites
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! 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.
Fishing
If you plan to fish, whether by boat, pier, or on the shores, when in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, you will need a saltwater fishing license. You can easily purchase a license online from Outdoor Alabama. Those fishing on a charter boat trip do not need a license, as the boat’s license covers passengers.
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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 re-open at 12:01 am on December 11 and close at 12:01 am on January 1.
Amberjack Season - CLOSED
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters will open on August 1 and will close on October 31. 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.
