Alabama has some of the best ocean fishing in the Gulf, and its freshwater bite is also legendary. To become the Alabama state fish, you need to be something special. However, at least one of the state’s picks may surprise you. We certainly didn’t expect it. Here’s a brief introduction to Alabama’s two signature species.
Freshwater State Fish: Largemouth Bass
You don’t need three guesses for this one. Largemouth Bass are the nation’s favorite fish, and Alamaba is an awesome place to catch them. They may not look like much, but Largemouth are the perfect game fish – smart, strong, and seriously stubborn.
Alabama’s Bass can reach impressive sizes. Five, 6, and even 7 lb fish are reeled in every year here. The state record dwarfs that, tipping the scales at 16 and a half pounds! It was caught way back in ‘87, but you never know when the next record-breaker could show up.
There are dozens of Bass lakes around Alabama. Some are household names, like the incredible Lake Guntersville. Mitchell, Aliceville, and Wilson Lakes also deserve a mention, as do larger spots like Wheeler Lake and Lake Jordan. The best time to fish is late winter and early spring when the waters are cool. The spawning season runs from April until the end of May.
Saltwater State Fish: Tarpon
Were you expecting Red Snapper? Maybe Kingfish? Nope! Alabama’s saltwater state fish is none other than the Silver King. Tarpon fishing might be more popular down in Florida, but Alabama is also a great place to take on these shiny monsters.
Alabama is the summer home of the same giant Tarpon that made Boca Grande famous. Catches regularly hit triple digits. The state record is double that – 203 pounds, to be precise. It’s not just about size, though. These guys travel in force. Schools over 100 strong are the norm during high season.
Tarpon usually hit the Alabama coast in late June and stick around until the end of July. The beach fronts around Perdido Pass are productive places to fish this time of year. After that, most of the big fish move on, but you’re not out of luck. You can find big Tarpon in Mobile Bay well into August. Fish early in the morning or at night to avoid the heat and the summer crowds.
Alabama’s State Fish: Big, Mean, and a Ton of Fun
Alabama definitely had its priorities in order when it chose the state fish. Largemouth Bass and Tarpon are both among the world’s best sport fish. Anglers travel from around the world to target them, and Alabama is the perfect place to do so.
Have you ever caught Tarpon in Alabama? Ever made the pilgrimage to Guntersville? Drop us your stories in the comments below!
