Fishing

Alabama's Beaches

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Red snapper caught from a charter boat in Orange Beach lined up at a marina
angler holing a large jack crevalled caught in the Gulf while inshore fishing in Orange Beach

Alabama's Best Fishing

Alabama's Beaches is a fishing heaven. Our waterways are home to an abundance of prized species and plenty of fishing experiences, such as inshore and offshore charters, piers, 32 miles of beaches to cast off on, and one of the largest artificial reef systems in the world. No matter what you're hoping to catch, you'll have a blast fishing in our coastal waters.

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What's Biting

Now

You can hook something anytime on Alabama's Beaches. Spring brings various species like pompano, Spanish mackerel, and black drum near our shores, while summer is the ultimate season for an offshore trip to target red snapper, mahi, and grouper. Cast off for Jack Crevalle and flounder in fall, then brave the chill and head to the surf for redfish and whiting in winter.

Fishing Seasons

Get Ready to Fish

Plan the perfect fishing trip from start to finish with these local businesses. If you plan to bring your own vessel, learn about the area's marinas and boat launches. No boat? No problem! You’ll find several boat rental companies in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. After you return from a day on the water, take your haul to one of Cook Your Catch restaurants, where you can have your fish prepared just how you like! 

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Explore Fishing Services

You’ll find everything you need for a successful excursion in our area. Stock up with all the right gear at a local bait and tackle shop, discover a nearby boat launch, or find a spot to store your vessel at a marina by using the filters below. You can learn more about each business by clicking on the pins on the map.

 

Fishing

License

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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Man holding up a vermillion snapper caught on a fishing charter in Orange Beach

Watch Fishing Stories

Check out what fishing along Alabama’s Beaches is all about by watching these stories highlighting authentic fishing experiences.

 

Fishing Charters & Tours

With one of the largest charter fleets on the Gulf, there is no better place to fish than Alabama’s Beaches. Choose from inshore, offshore, and deep-sea trips, as well as half-day, full-day, and overnight experiences. When you book a charter excursion, your bait, tackle and fishing license are provided as part of the package. Your knowledgeable captain and deckhands will get you to the fish and show you how to hook your trophy.

Alabama's Gulf Coast Fishing FAQs

Do I need a fishing license in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach?

Anglers need a saltwater fishing license to fish in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Exceptions include children under 16 and Alabama residents 65 and older. Those fishing on a charter boat excursion do not need to purchase a license, as the boat’s license covers passengers. Freshwater spots require a separate license. Targeting reef fish species calls for an extra endorsement. Licenses are easily available online through Outdoor Alabama.

What are the rules and regulations for fishing in Alabama's Gulf Coast?

To fish along Alabama’s Beaches, you must have an Alabama fishing license, which can be purchased through Outdoor Alabama. Those under 16, Alabama residents over 65, and passengers on a charter boat do not need a license. When fishing along our shores, do not discard fishing gear. Clean up any leftover lures, hooks, and lines from the shores and fish before releasing them. Discharging fuel, oil, or other petroleum products into the water is illegal. Do not use detergents or soaps to break up any spills. If renting a boat, adhere to all the rules the rental company sets. Abide by all no-wake and idle-speed rules.

What types of fish can I catch offshore?

Offshore species found on Alabama’s Beaches include Amberjack, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, grouper, red snapper, mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, and triggerfish. View our fishing season page to discover more fish in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.

What types of fish can I catch inshore?

Inshore species found on Alabama’s Beaches include black drum, Jack crevalle, flounder, pompano, redfish, sheepshead, tripletail, speckled trout, and white trout. View our fishing season page to discover more fish in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.

What types of fishing are available in Alabama's Gulf Coast?

The angling possibilities are endless on Alabama’s Beaches. Inshore, nearshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing are available for boaters and fishing enthusiasts looking to book a charter excursion. Those looking to stay on dry land can head to the public fishing piers or cast off from the surf at one of our public beaches.

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