Everyone who has been deep sea fishing in Alabama knows about the gulf red snapper. Orange Beach has long been known as the “Red Snapper Capital” of the world. For over 25 years they have been the staple of charter boats and recreational anglers. The problem is that Red Snapper’s proposed 2009 season hasn’t been announced yet. We anticipate a two month season during June and July like we had in 2008. There is also a limit of two bags of fish per person and a minimum length of 16 inches.
Red Snapper isn’t the only fish in the gulf. There are many other species available in Alabama waters that are available to fish. Whether you decide to fish from the waves, off a pier, from the jetties, or by boat, there are always fish to catch in Alabama. One thing is for sure, there is some great saltwater fishing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, and you should enjoy it.
Depending on when you want to go fishing, back bay or inshore species such as redfish, speckled trout, sheephead, flounder, white trout, croaker, pompano, and saltwater catfish are often available. during the spring, summer and fall months. Some fish are more abundant than others and are available all year. You should check a tackle shop or coastal guide to find out what you’re biting for. Some good tackle shops in Orange Beach are Mo’s Bait & Tackle, Top Gun Tackle, J&M Tackle, and Sam’s. They all have a good feel for what you’re fishing for and can suggest what baits, rigs or inshore charts you can use.
Typical offshore species caught on daytime reef fishing trips are red snapper, mangrove snapper, red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, ruby lips, shark, cobia, bonita, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, redfish, wahoo, jack crevalle and amberjack. , Almaco Jacks, Mahi-Mahi, Shark Suckers and Barracuda. These species can be caught throughout the year, but the best fishing is from April to October. Some may be caught while trolling or sight fishing. Most are caught while reef fishing. Some species, like Bull Redfish, are available during the winter months of November through March. Cobia migration occurs at the end of March and into April.
Overnight trips to oil rigs generally produce migratory game fish such as yellowfin tuna and blackfin tuna. They can also produce Blue or White Marlin. Rainbow Runners and Dorado or Mahi-Mahi are also available offshore and can be found in cut lines farther out. Our closest tuna-producing oil rigs are 60 miles offshore. It takes a fast boat in calm seas or an overnight charter to get there and get in position for a chance to catch them.
As with all fishing, there are no guaranteed catches. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama have wonderful fishing available. If you are fishing and have no luck catching fish, you may need to consult a fishing guide or rent a charter boat to take you out. As with anything, knowledge costs money. Hiring a charter is an investment well spent.