Top 5 Places to Fish in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Top 5 Places to Fish in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

December 23, 2021

Looking for the best place to fish along the Alabama Coast? You’ll find plenty, and all year long too. With 60 miles of diverse shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, a tidal shore borders rivers and bayous, extending another 600 miles, offering unique inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing. Abundant sandy reefs, shallows, back bays, and lagoons all present delightful opportunities to enjoy the majestic inland waterways in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Local anglers never miss the chance to cast a line and welcome fishers from all over to enjoy the abundant fresh and saltwater marine life.

Renowned as “The Red Snapper Capital of the World,” the area is primed for excellent fishing. Redfish and flounder spawn from October through December, sheepshead starts showing up in the fall, and spring brings schools of pompano coursing through our emerald waters. Cobia, amberjack, trout, and more all pass through seasonally, making any day on the water time well spent. “That saying that a bad day on the water or fishing is better than any day at work is truth,” says Kaiser Vacation Rentals Co-Owner Glen Kaiser, and we couldn’t agree more.

Read on to find out where the locals go for the best fishing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

WHERE TO CAST A LINE IN GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH

Whether casting a line at the pier, fishing in the shallows, or booking an offshore excursion, you’ll find fishing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach exciting and productive. If you’re new to these waters, learn more about the fishing seasons and what’s biting along the Alabama Gulf Coast and familiarize yourself with Alabama fishing license requirements. Take your pick from several public boat ramp access points scattered throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties, then get ready for fun days on the water!

Offshore Fishing in Gulf shores

Gulf State Park Pier

Stretching more than 1,500 feet out to the Gulf, Gulf State Park Pier is the longest fishing pier along the Gulf of Mexico. With varying water levels and diverse fish species, pier fishing is a great way for novices to get their feet wet, but still exciting for more experienced anglers. Featuring over 2,000 feet of fishing space, you’ll find plenty of room to spread out and cast your line for redfish, cobia, mackerel, and more. Rent a fishing pole at the tackle store, and don’t be shy about asking for tips on bait and lures. A snack bar, picnic tables, restrooms, and large fish-cleaning stations onsite all help make for a pleasant day of fishing.

Alabama Point Jetties

Comprised of large boulders that protect the pass from currents and tides from the Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Point Jetties attract a wide range of fish species. Located on the east side of Perdido Pass, water depths range from five to as much as 12 feet. A popular snorkeling and diving spot, you’ll find pompano, sheepshead, redfish, speckled trout, and more roaming the area. Whether you prefer to catch and release or serve the family your freshly caught grouper, you can’t go wrong fishing in the shallows between the Florida and Alabama Points. Too tired to cook after a long day on the water? Let one of our local restaurants cook your catch while you kick back with a cold one and reflect on the one (or two) that got away.

Inshore Fishing in Gulf Shores

Bayou St. John Reef

Situated southwest of Bear Point and northeast of Perdido Key lies Bayou St. John Reef, a barrier island on the western tip of Florida’s panhandle. Also known as Ornocor Bay, it’s nestled between Terry Cove and Ono Island in Perdido Bay. One of 30 inshore artificial reefs along the Alabama coastal waters, depths vary between 11 and 25 feet. Clear waters present ideal conditions, and locals like to fish for trout, redfish, and flounder, preferably during an incoming or outgoing tide.

“THAT SAYING THAT ANY DAY ON THE WATER OR FISHING IS BETTER THAN ANY DAY AT WORK IS TRUTH.“

Ingram Bayou

“A peaceful oasis that lets the new day begin to provide some warmth from a friendly sun,” says Kaiser, reflecting on a recent journey to this sublime location between Wolf Bay and Hatcher Point. Surrounded on three sides by Alabama forests and tucked deep in the inland waterways, Ingram Bayou offers gorgeous scenery and excellent Gulf Shores fishing. Book a guy’s trip or take the family, but get out and enjoy the natural surroundings while fishing for red drum and spotted sea trout in one of the most tranquil spots around.

Intracoastal Waterway

Running from the East coast southward along the southern tip of Florida, then back up through the Gulf Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway provides navigable inland passage along the seaboard. This 3,000-mile waterway is linked through a series of rivers, bays, inlets, and sounds, presenting ideal conditions for prime fishing. Redfish, mullet, and speckled trout hang out in the shallows near coastal islands, making it a hot spot for anglers. Hit the Wharf Marina on your way out to fill up your tank and stock up on supplies, then prepare for a great day of fishing!

FISHING BEYOND GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH

Encompassing more than 1,100 square miles of water bottom in the Gulf, the Alabama Reef Program is one of the largest in the world. With 38 artificial reefs along the Alabama coastline, growing fish populations thrive in this marine habitat. Fish for snapper, grouper, triggerfish, amberjack, and cobia in this thriving marine habitat, or try your hand at oil rig fishing. Grouper, tuna, wahoo, marlin, and other big fish await, so grab your buddies, ice down the cooler, and get ready for some lively action on the water.

No matter where you select to fish in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, make sure the day ends with a great meal, a cool drink, and plenty of fish stories. Suggestions on where to go? According to Kaiser, “the only way to bring a day on the water to a close is a stop at Pirates Cove for a burger, fries, and a wonderful Bushwacker to wash it all down.”

“THE ONLY WAY TO BRING A DAY ON THE WATER TO A CLOSE IS A STOP AT PIRATES COVE FOR A BURGER, FRIES, AND A WONDERFUL BUSHWACKER.“

Read up on other fun activities to make your stay even more enjoyable while fishing in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores!