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Underwater picture of a fish being caught by a passenger on a chartering trip
Alabama

Your Guide to the Best Alabama Fishing Trips and Charters

Hey there, fishing enthusiasts!  If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, the Alabama Gulf Coast is the prime location for a great trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisher, Alabama has something for everyone. This state offers a variety of species of fish and types of fishing to suit everyone’s preferences. Let’s dive into the essential information to make your fishing adventure a “reely” good time!

Two fishing poles extend off the back of a boat as the sun rises in the background.
Photo by Tessa Edmiston on Unsplash

Top Spots for Alabama Fishing Trips

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are fantastic destinations for deep sea fishing trips in Alabama.  Combine your fishing experience with one of the waterfront accommodations and you’ll guaranteed to have a one of those “Alabama Fishing Trips” that you can brag about to all your friends! 

Many of our blog posts have a Google Map link to help you plan your own adventure. Check out our Alabama Fishing Trips Google Map and then reach out if you’d like a customized itinerary with your favorite choices. 

There are many accommodation available with stunning views and top-notch amenities. We’ve marked a few on our Google Map. Top choices are:

  • Turquoise Place in Orange Beach
  • The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear 
  • Fort Conde Inn in Mobile.
A man wearing a bathing suit and white shirt looks off the back of the boat at his two fishing poles bent into the water.
Photo by Antonio Scant on Unsplash

Fishing Charters and Prices

Looking for the best deep sea fishing charter?  Look no further!  Alabama boasts some of the best deep sea fishing charters. Here are a few top-rated options that include private charters:

  • Off The Hook Charters: Known for their friendly crew and nice boats, Off the Hook Charters offers both inshore charters and nearshore charters as well as offshore trips.  They can accommodate a variety of group sizes, including large parties and corporate outings. Their fleet includes four 24′ Kenner bay boats for smooth rides through marshy flats, beaches, and reefs, as well as a spacious 34′ custom offshore boat for comfortable and fast travel to deeper waters.
  • Charter Boat Distraction:  A top choice for fishing in Alabama because it specializes in private, family-friendly deep sea fishing trips. This company caters to anglers of every level and places a priority Southern hospitality and personalized service. This premier charter company offers charters in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. 
  • Trick’Em Charters: Based in Fort Morgan, your crew can have a comfortable and enjoyable day on the water with this company. Whether you want to catch and release or keep your haul for dinner, Trick’em Charters is a popular choice. The charter provides all necessary equipment and ample storage for your catch, making it easy for families or groups to focus on having fun.
  • Southern Sun Fishing Charters: These charters are a premier choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Alabama fishing. Combining expert guidance with the excitement of exploring one of Orange Beach’s top attractions, Southern Sun Fishing Charters will guide you to the best fishing spots.  Captain Charlie’s vast experience and top-notch equipment ensure both novice and experienced anglers have a successful and educational adventure.
Two men patiently wait for the fish to bit as they enjoy the views of the water on the Alabama Fishing Trips.
Photo by Tessa Edmiston on Unsplash

Fishing Seasons and Species

Alabama offers diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year. Year-round, anglers can reliably catch inshore staples like speckled trout, redfish (red drum), black drum, and sheepshead.

Spring: The Start of Abundance

As spring arrives, Alabama’s waters come alive with action. Flounder and white trout become increasingly abundant, making this a fantastic time for anglers to hit the water. Migratory pelagics like mahi-mahi, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and marlin begin their seasonal runs, providing thrilling opportunities for offshore fishing.

Spring also marks the start of cobia migrations, with these powerful fish moving through the area. King and Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, pompano, and tripletail start to show up, with their activity ramping up as the water warms.

Summer: Peak Fishing Action

Summer is the prime season for a wide variety of species. Flounder and white trout remain plentiful, while the migratory mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin are at their most active. King and Spanish mackerel, along with cobia, jack crevalle, pompano, and tripletail, hit their peak, making every trip an adventure.

June stands out as the best month for targeting red snapper. During red snapper season, you’ll also find excellent opportunities for catching vermillion snapper, gray snapper, and white snapper. Mahi mahi action is hot in the summer, and midsummer brings the exciting tarpon run, a highlight for many anglers.

Fall: Migrations and Inshore Opportunities

Fall continues the action with another run of cobia and ongoing abundance of flounder and white trout. Migratory species remain active through early fall.  Late fall is the perfect time for inshore charters in Mobile Bay and Point Clear. As the weather cools, these inshore waters offer excellent fishing for a variety of species, making it a great time to explore Alabama’s bays and estuaries.

Winter: Bottom Fishing Bonanza

When winter arrives, Alabama doesn’t slow down. The cooler months are ideal for bottom fishing trips targeting scamp grouper, yellowedge grouper, and snowy grouper. Offshore anglers can enjoy productive days on the water, taking advantage of the seasonal patterns that keep the action going year-round.

Underwater picture of a fish being caught by a passenger on a chartering trip
National Marine Sanctuaries, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Fishing Techniques and Tips

If you’re a “Road Scholar” like we are, you may be interested in understanding how anglers choose the right charter experience. First, decide what you want to chase! Are you looking for fast-moving pelagic predators offshore, or do you want to target bottom-dwellers on a deep drop. Perhaps you’re interested in exploring the vibrant life around reefs and inshore waters. 

Understanding these categories helps you pick the right charter experience for you and your crew:

Fun-Filled Family Travel Ideas

While you’re in Alabama for fishing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy with your family. Check out our blog post on the best beaches in Alabama

  • Theme Parks: Visit Adventure Island in Orange Beach for mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games. Waterville USA in Gulf Shores offers water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the Walls of Jericho trail for stunning views and waterfalls. Little River Canyon offers easy hikes with breathtaking scenery.
  • Beaches: Orange Beach has excellent opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkeling, while West Ship Island is an undeveloped barrier islands with plenty of history to explore.

Weekend Trip Itinerary

Ready to plan your next fishing adventure? Reach out to Curated Adventures for personalized trip planning and expert advice. We’ll help you find the right place and ensure you have a great guy as your charter captain. Here is a sample of how you can begin to explore the beauty of the Alabama Coast. 

  • Day 1: Arrive at Orange Beach and check into Turquoise Place. Enjoy the warm waters of the formerly named Gulf of Mexico. 
  • Day 2: Get an early start for your half day fishing trip with Orange Beach Fishing Charters or other fishing guide. 
  • Day 3: Explore Adventure Island and enjoy family activities or go for a hike on one of the many scenic hiking opportunities to explore unique coastal ecosystems such as the The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
  • Day 4: Take a full day trip with Off The Hook Charters targeting red snapper and mahi mahi. End the day with dinner at a waterfront restaurant. 

Alabama Fishing Trips for the win!

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for short trips or full day trips, Alabama has it all. So pack your gear, book your private fishing charter, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Tight lines and happy fishing! 

Two teachers with 45 years of combined classroom experience and many years curating travel experiences for ourselves and others are on a mission to showcase the beautiful corners of our amazing country. No passport needed!