Alabama Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024

Sitting in the very heart of the South, the “Yellowhammer State” is famous for its beauty, hospitality, and delicious cuisine. It also boasts a long sportfishing tradition, welcoming anglers from all walks of life. If you’re fixin’ to explore its many waterways, it won’t take you long to discover just how outstanding fishing in Alabama is. 

Alabama is home to some of the finest reef fishing on the planet, attracting thousands of anglers each year. That being said, the freshwater angling is no less impressive, thanks to the numerous lakes and rivers scattered throughout the state. And if that’s not enough, you can head offshore to the Gulf of Mexico, and get into a tussle with a whole range of pelagic fish. Impressive, right? We’re here to break it all down for you.

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Top Alabama Targets

Considering how diverse fishing in Alabama is, it would probably take a few lifetimes to explore all the creatures available. However, here are some fish you don’t want to miss out on if you’re visiting this corner of the South.

Best Freshwater Targets in Alabama

While most anglers heading to Alabama come to explore the offshore reefs, there’s plenty to offer inland, too. Lake Guntersville, for example, regularly makes the list of the top Bass fisheries in the country. But Bass isn’t all you’ll find in Alabama’s lakes and rivers. Here’s the pick of the bunch.

• Largemouth Bass: Okay, so we’ll start with the superstar. Fishing for Largemouth Bass is so good in Alabama that it’s even the freshwater state fish! As we mentioned, Guntersville is a great place to start, but pretty much any body of water across the state provides a good habitat for these feisty creatures. Visit in spring – when they spawn – for the best action, or in summer, when they’ll be feeding near the water tops.
• Smallmouth Bass: Native to the Tennessee River, these fish thrive near Wheeler Lock and Dam. That means you won’t always find them in the same waters as their Largemouth cousins. But that’s no trouble. The 10 lb 8 oz state record is a testament to how good the action is. We suggest visiting from early spring through summer to make the most of it.
• Crappie: Many anglers turn their noses up at the thought of targeting Crappie. But we don’t think that’s fair. These delicious small creatures are a joy to target and are perfect for introducing your kids to the sport of fishing. Along with a whole other load of Panfish, these creatures are available year-round thanks to the warm weather, with locations as diverse as Weiss Lake, Eufaula, and Clairborne being productive.
• Catfish: Last but by no means least, Catfish is a staple of the Alabama freshwater fishing scene. Noodling is a popular way of landing these beasts in the “Heart of Dixie” but we suggest teaming up with a specialist guide before attempting it for the first time. Five species of Catfish call Alabama home, so you won’t lack targets, with the state’s namesake river offering up the best action.

Best Inshore Targets in Alabama

We said that saltwater fishing is the reason most people come to cast a line in Alabama, so we’ll start with shallow-water angling. The Gulf of Mexico’s inshore waters are legendary for their flats and backcountry fishing, and Alabama is no different. Here’s what it could entail…

• Redfish: All over the Gulf, anglers go giddy for Redfish – and for good reason. These tough-fighting creatures are in abundance in the flats, growing to incredible sizes. In Alabama, they’re available throughout the year, but spring is your best chance of landing a “Bull” Red. Watch out for them tailing in the waters in summer, too. Just be careful not to spook them!
• Speckled Trout: Where there are Reds, there are Specks. Okay, so that’s not how the saying goes, but we certainly think it should. All along Alabama’s inshore waters, you’ll find Speckled Trout swimming alongside Redfish, giving you the chance of another tasty treat. And not only that, but “Gator” specimens (growing to over 17 pounds) are also available. Come in summer or winter to target these monsters.
• Flounder: Making up the holy trinity of Alabama inshore fishing, Flounder is a good old family favorite. While they don’t grow to overly impressive sizes here, they’re a staple of any trip to the flats – especially at night. They’re not picky eaters but lifting them off the bottom of the sea can be tricky. That being said, they’re a great first catch for beginners and kids!
• Sheepshead: If you’ve never seen the inside of a Sheepshead’s mouth before, Google it – we’ll wait. Seriously, though, these scary-looking fish are great to target for beginners and pros alike. They start spawning in February meaning the chance of a catch even out of peak season. But, truth be told, you can find them year-round near structures along the coast.
• Tarpon: So most of the fish we’ve focused on so far are available year-round. Tarpon buck that trend. But, as the state’s saltwater fish, we simply couldn’t leave it out. Come to the flats in July and you could have a back-breaking experience fighting it out with the “Silver King.” Honestly, this fish provides some of the best action you’ll ever have. Probably not suitable for first-timers.

While these are the stars of the inshore show, there are plenty more where they came from. Alabama’s famous bays and brackish streams are overflowing with game fish. Black Drum inhabit the same waters as their Red cousins, while Pompano and Bluefish are available in the heart of the bay. With Spanish Mackerel offering trolling action and a range of inshore Snappers providing bottom fishing frenzy, you’ll never end up empty-handed. Check out Orange Beach for particularly exciting action.

Best Nearshore and Offshore Targets in Alabama

And it just gets better from there. With the largest artificial reef program in the entire country in its waters, Alabama’s offshore fishing scene is off the charts. Smaller bait fish congregate around the reefs, meaning larger predators love to come and hunt too. That means incredible action for all anglers! But what exactly can you catch?

• Red Snapper: If there’s one date that anglers in Alabama have marked in their calendars, it’s the yearly opening of the Snapper season in summer. In this part of the Gulf Coast, these delicious fish are found in such abundance that the state has earned the moniker “Red Snapper Capital of the World!” You’ll want to be quick to book a charter, as they sell up fast. Anglers from all over flock to get a piece of the exciting and finger-lickin’ action.
• Kingfish: These royal creatures can actually be found pretty close to shore when the season hits in summer. But you’ll want to head to the reefs to land an oversized “Smoker.” 25–30 pounders are most common, with some as big as 60 pounds not unusual in deeper waters.
• Amberjack: While Amberjack aren’t the quickest of fish, they make up for it with their immense power and stamina. You’ll typically need to go a bit further offshore to find them but it’ll be absolutely worth it, as you could reel in something as big as 100 pounds or more. Like Snapper, they’re subject to strict season, so come in May or fall to test your strength.
• Cobia: There’s no better way to warm up for peak fishing season in Alabama than by going after Cobia. These fish come in schools in February, giving you a worthy opponent to test your angling skills against. They come close to shore, so pier fishing is an option, but we suggest heading out with a guide and mixing up bottom fishing and sight casting, as they feed all along the water column.
• Mahi Mahi: When you’ve had your fair share of reef fishing, mixing it up with some trolling is a great way to get more variety. One of the most popular species you can chase after in this part of the Gulf Coast is the exotic Mahi Mahi. They’re quick biters, good fighters, and they’ll often put on a show with their acrobatics. On top of that, Mahi Mahi are unbelievably delicious. Their season lasts from spring through late summer, so there’s no excuse to miss out!

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The further offshore you head, the more variety you can get. We’re talking Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and a range of Billfish. Getting to these fishes’ hunting grounds may require a couple of hours, so a 10-hour trip is the minimum you should book. Check out any seaside marina but Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, again, offers the best options. Just beware, this kind of angling is not for the faint of heart.

Alabama Fishing Seasons

So you know the fishing is good in Alabama, but when should you come to maximize your chances? The good news is that there’s pretty much no low season in the Yellowhammer State. Inshore species such as Redfish, Trout, Drum, and Flounder are available year-round to varying degrees, while some fish, like Sheepshead, actually thrive in winter.

The warm climate also makes for offshore fishing possibilities in winter, but you’ll have to abide by strict regulations when going after Red Snapper and Amberjack, for example.

Meanwhile, freshwater angling is best from spring through fall, although there is the possibility of landing something whenever you visit. For a more in-depth look at each species, consult the table below. Then, you’ll know exactly when to come to go after the fish of your dreams.

Top Alabama Fishing Spots

Alabama is blessed with over 77,000 miles of rivers, streams, and lakes. If you add on all the saltwater fishing grounds off the Gulf Coast, it becomes clear that there’s a lot to explore. In general, it’s hard to make a mistake, as fishing in this stretch of the South is truly amazing. But here are some not-to-miss locations:

Alabama Fishing Types

There’s more than one way to land a fish. And with the diverse range of fish on offer in Alabama, there are almost endless ways you can cast a line here. You can try fly fishing, bottom fishing, trolling, and a whole number of other techniques. But we’ll focus on the type of fishing in Alabama most suited to you. Click on what you fancy the most below and uncover all the guides who could get you on the fish you want.

• Inshore Fishing: This means something different to different people but, in Alabama, it means fishing the flats and backcountry. The waters could be as shallow as a few inches, or up to 20 feet or so. This is where you’ll find your Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Tarpon, and so forth. Drift fishing and sight casting are popular techniques, along with fly angling for experienced fishermen. You can also try bottom fishing for creatures like Flounder that feed along the bottoms.
  
• Deep Sea Fishing: While bottom fishing can usually be tricky in the depths of the ocean, the artificial reefs in Alabama mean that it’s a popular technique even here. Head 50+ miles offshore and you’ll need electronic reels and deep dropping equipment, but along the reefs, conventional gear will do the trick. Expect to catch Snappers, Amberjack, Cobia, and more by bottom fishing. But if you want the pelagics like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Billfish, trolling will be the name of the game.
  
• Freshwater Fishing: From the Tennessee to the Chattahoochee and Alabama Rivers, and across all lakes in between, there’s no shortage of freshwater options in the Yellowhammer State. Fish from shore, on a boat, or from a dedicated structure that could attract the attention of your prey. The choice is yours. Most often you’ll try casting and then jigging to entice your target, but fly fishing is also a popular way to test your skills. And, as we already mentioned, noodling is also a favorite pastime when going after Catfish.

Fishing Trips in Alabama

With such endless fishing opportunities, it can be tricky figuring out the right trip for you. Thankfully, there are plenty of experienced captains ready to take you to the water. Whether on a river or lake, in the shallow waters nearshore, or all the way out in the Gulf, there’s an Alabama fishing charter ready to show you it all. Check ’em out.

Alabama Fishing Regulations

Some more good news! In Alabama, you won’t need to worry about getting a fishing license if you’re fishing aboard a saltwater charter. Otherwise, anglers between the ages of 16 and 65 will need a permit whether they’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater. Check out our video below for more information.

You also may need to purchase add-ons for your fishing license if you plan on harvesting certain species. For example, if you hook into a Mangrove Snapper, even from shore, you’ll need a Reef Fish Endorsement if you plan on taking it home. Feel free to check out our Alabama Fishing License article for more details.

Apart from licenses, you should also read up on fish species regulations. Knowing what you can and cannot keep will help you set the correct expectations for your trip and will save you the trouble of having to Google it once you pull out a fish. You can get more information by visiting Outdoor Alabama, the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural resources.

Alabama Fishing FAQs

Marko

From a young age, Marko has been a nature buff. His first contact with fishing came through his dad who’d take him to the Danube River. It’s where Marko got his basic angling education, landed his first catch (an Ide), and learned how to cook a mean fish stew. Marko also enjoys hiking, running, traveling, and writing about it all.