Fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a great activity for everyone. Whether you want to spend an hour or two on the pier, or spend an entire day at sea, there is a fishing excursion on the Alabama coast for you. Thanks to the region's artificial reef program, which is one of the largest in the country, offshore fishing doesn't get much better than in Gulf Shores. Equally impressive is the pier, shore, and lagoon fishing that is also available in the area. When you plan your next beach vacation, plan to explore the best fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The Licenses You Need for Fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Before you set out on your day of fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, be sure that you have the most current Alabama fishing license information. State law requires an Alabama fishing license for Alabama residents and non-residents who fish in any public fresh or salt waters in the state. Luckily, obtaining a fishing license is easy! You can purchase it online before your Gulf Shores vacation, by phone, or at most of the marinas and piers in Gulf Shores, AL.
Pier Fishing
If you are fishing with small children who might not be ready to board a boat, or if you only have a small about of time to fish, plan a trip to the Gulf State Park Pier for the best pier fishing in Gulf Shores, AL. The pier, which is the second largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, offers 2,448 feet of fishing space, plus indoor seating and concessions, and a retail area for fishing licenses, bait and tackle, and cool souvenirs.
What You'll Catch: pompano, whiting, redfish, bluefish jacks, ladyfish, flounder
Shore, Backbay, and Lagoon Fishing
No boat? No problem. There are plenty of lakes, lagoons, bays, and not to mention, 32 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, that offer plenty of opportunities to fish from the shore. Whether you rent a rod or bring one from home, you won't need much more than your pole, bait, and a chair to sit in as you relax on the shore while you fish in the shallow waters in the area. Maddog Fishing will even bring all of the gear and teach you to surf fish right in front of your beach house.
What You'll Catch: pompano, whiting, redfish, bluefish jacks, ladyfish, flounder
Inshore Fishing
If you'd like to get on the water, but only have a few hours to fish, inshore and nearshore fishing are great options for you. With plenty of places to drop anchor near Little Lagoon, Mobile Bay, Wolf Bay, Perdido Bay, Terry Cove, and more, there are a number of great places for Gulf Shores, Alabama, inshore fishing. If it's views of the beach that you're after, try casting your lines inshore fishing near Alabama Pointe.
What You'll Catch: flounder, speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, pompano, bluefish, Spanish and king mackerel
Offshore and Charter Fishing
For the serious fishermen in your group, take a trip offshore for the best fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Set sail in the early hours of the morning and cruise more than 20 miles out from the coast before spending your whole day at sea. For visitors with the right equipment, boat, and knowledge, it's possible to plan a day of deep sea fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on your own.
However, another great option is to charter your fishing trip. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have some of the largest charter fishing fleets in the country ready to take your group out for a hassle-free day on the water. With a chartered excursion, you can have all the fun of offshore fishing, with half the work. The captain of your chartered vessel will provide fishing licenses, bait and tackle, equipment, and deckhands to assist you throughout the trip. While a private charter provides the most flexibility and choices, you can also look for headboats, also known as party boats, which take as many as 60 people out for a day of offshore fishing.
What You'll Catch: bottom fish, red and black snapper, vermillion snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, king mackerel, grouper, tuna, marlin, swordfish, wahoo
Compete in a Fishing Tournament
If you've ever wanted to compete in a fishing tournament, there is no better place to do so than in Gulf Shores. Each year, there are a number of great fishing tournaments in Gulf Shores that draw fishermen from across the country. Some of the largest and most popular tournaments are the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf, and Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. At these events, you can either watch from shore or cast a line in the competition. Requirements vary by tournament and advance registration and entry fees apply, so do plan ahead!
Cook Your Catch
After you've spent a day on the water, bring in your catch and have it cooked for you by the experts! There are a number of chefs and restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores that will gladly cook your catch. Simply bring it with you to dinner and your hard day's work will be prepared just the way you like it.
Plan Your Visit to Gulf Shores, AL!
The only thing better than having your catch prepared for you in a restaurant is cooking it for yourself in a new, fully stocked kitchen at your vacation rental! Stay in any of the great vacation homes and condos that Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals has to offer and you'll enjoy more than stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. Our luxurious rentals feature breathtaking views of the ocean, sugar-white beaches, and a laid-back family atmosphere. Browse our collection of vacation rentals, and then book your next Gulf Shores, AL beach vacation with us!
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