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.
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.
2021 Red Snapper Season
Known as “Red Snapper Capital of the World,” Gulf Shores is the best place to find these remarkable fish. For recreational vessels, red snapper season opens Friday, May 28, and includes fishing four days each week—Friday through Monday. The season will close when the private angler quota is met. 2021 federal recreational fishing season for charter vessels and headboats closed November 6.
2021 Amberjack and Triggerfish Seasons
Recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters closes November 1, 2021. The season will remain closed through April 30, 2022, and is scheduled to reopen May 1-31, 2022.
Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in federal and Alabama state waters closed September 15, 2021, and will remain closed through March 1, 2022.
Contact any of our charter fishing providers about booking a fishing trip.
Any Day Spent Fishing is a Good Day!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Plan ahead of 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 it be inshore, offshore, or nearshore. Fishing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach won't disappoint, as you get access to a variety of different 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!
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.
| Species | Best time to catch | Inshore | Nearshore | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amberjack, Greater | Year-round: Peak: May - mid September |
X |
||
| Bluefish | March - November | X | X | |
| Cobia (Ling) | March - October: Peak: April | X | ||
| Croaker, Atlantic | April - October | X | ||
| Crevalle Jack | May to November | X | ||
| Dolphinfish (Dolphin, Dorado, Mahi-Mahi) | June - October: Peak: June | X | ||
| Black Drum | March - October: Peak: My - June | X | ||
| Red Drum (Bull Redfish) | Year-round | X | ||
| Flounder ( Gulf, Southern) | April - October | X | X | |
| Groupers (black,gag,red,scamp,yellowfin) | Year-round | X | ||
| Kingfish, Gulf and Southern | May - September | X | X | |
| King Mackerel | April - October: Peak August - mid September | X | X | |
| Spanish Mackerel | March - September: Peak: July - August | X | X | |
| Pompano | March - October: Peak: July - August | X | ||
| Sailfish, Atlantic | May - October: Peak: July - August | X | ||
| Seatrout, Sand and Silver | May - November: Peak: June - July | X | ||
| Sharks | March - November | X | X | |
| Sheepshead | Year-round: Peak: March | X | ||
| Red Snapper, Snapper, Vermillion | Seasonal (changes year to year) | X | X |
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