The city of Mobile, AL, wears many hats. You’ll get a completely different impression depending on who you talk to! Party animals love that it’s home to the USA’s oldest Mardi Gras celebrations. For history buffs, it’s where that famous Civil War line, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” was uttered. And keen anglers? They prioritize the fact that it’s the state’s only saltwater port city. What does this mean? Basically, a Mobile, Alabama, fishing adventure is simply unbeatable!
Mobile has the unique selling point of being located right near three of the hottest fishing grounds in the Heart of Dixie. To the north, there’s the incredible Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, a brackish water fishery. Head south of the city, and you’ll be greeted by the shallow, bountiful waters of Mobile Bay. And if you’re willing to putting in a little more travel time, you’ll pass the area’s barrier islands and encounter the mighty Gulf of Mexico.
With so many diverse fisheries to be found, it only makes sense that you’ll be able to hook some world-famous fish species here. It also means that the chance of finding your dream angling adventure is sky high! Whether you’re looking for the perfect family day out under the Alabaman sun, or are an angling fiend wanting to hook some huge species, there’s something for everyone.
Before you grab your rods and reels, take a look below. We’ve covered our favorite fish species in the area, as well as where and how you can fish for them.
Best Fish to Catch in Mobile, Alabama
Redfish
If there’s a fish that proudly bears the title of Mobile’s most sought-after catch, it has to be the Redfish. This hard-fighting inshore species is a year-round inhabitant of Mobile Bay and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. However, if it’s a potentially record-breaking Bull Red that you’re after, head to Mobile during the sweltering summer months. This is when you’ll come across the real rod-bending, tackle-testing varieties!
Speaking of tackle, there’s one tried-and-true method that local Mobile anglers recommend when it comes to hooking your Redfish – and that’s using light tackle. This means you’ll really be able to feel the pull of your fish at the end of your line, which really amps up the “fight” factor.
Hardened anglers can test their skills against this beast, sure, but families and novices can also enjoy a Redfish battle in Mobile. There’s part of the reason why it’s unofficially become the fish that represents a Mobile angling adventure. Not only does it provide plenty of fun at the end of a line and inhabit the majority of Mobile’s fisheries, but it’s also a fish that any type of angler can face up to.
Speckled Trout
If you’re heading to Mobile for a family-friendly angling adventure, then your target options don’t just end with Redfish! There’s one species here that has definitely earned itself a place as the perfect “starter” catch. But that doesn’t mean that it’s just reserved for newbies or families with little ones, though. Want to return from your Mobile fishing trip with a cooler full of tasty table fare? Then you should definitely set your sights on Speckled Trout.
Often locally referred to as “Specks,” these species are known as one of the US’s favorite light tackle game fish. In a city like Mobile, where light tackle is the gear of choice, this especially rings true! Inhabiting Mobile Bay and the brackish waters of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Specks are easy to find, fun to catch, and delicious to eat. An inshore Mobile fishing adventure just isn’t complete without ’em.
With spawning seasons taking place in April and September, the summer months are especially plentiful when it comes to Speckled Trout fishing. If you want to experience the thrill of the chase, this is the time and place to do it. The changing salinity and temperature levels in Mobile Bay and the Delta mean that Specks are constantly on the move, searching for their “perfect” habitat. It makes a Speck adventure here all the more exciting!
Flounder
So we’ve talked about Redfish. We’ve mentioned Speckled Trout. If you know anything about the inshore fishing scene in Mobile, then you probably were expecting us to delve straight into Flounder afterwards! These fish are so commonly hooked together that they’ve earned themselves the nickname of “the Big Three,” and are beloved by families and experiences anglers alike.
Although Flounder will never win any prizes for their looks, the same can’t be said for their taste. These members of the Flatfish family are a staple dinner menu option throughout Mobile, and are a perfect cooler filler. They’re also fun to catch. They prefer to lurk along the bottom of shallow fisheries such as Mobile Bay and the Delta, and indulge in a game of “hide-and-seek,” often camouflaging themselves.
Go after Flounder with light tackle, and really put your sight fishing skills to use. There’s nothing more exciting than spotting your target catch lying in wait, and then using your best angling techniques to reel ’em in!
Grouper and Snapper
Mobile has become so synonymous with inshore fishing that it’s easy to forget that other types of angling exist here, too. If you’re willing to spend a little more time traveling out onto the Gulf, though, you’ll be rewarded in kind. Huge, delicious Snapper and Grouper species lurk around the area’s reefs and wrecks, and show off a whole ‘nother side of Mobile’s rod-bending action!
Think “Alabama” and “Snapper” and there’s probably one variety that immediately comes to mind – the mighty Red Snapper, of course. Thanks to their strength and taste, these fish make for a definitively bragworthy catch. However, they’re subject to strict regulations, so make sure you plan your trip when the season is open.
Red Snapper season closed when you visit? Worry not! You’ll be able to target a whole host of other delicious bottom-swelling beasts. Vermillion and Lane Snapper bustle around the reefs, and are joined by Gag, Scamp, and Red Grouper. These fish are delicious to eat, and equally fun to catch, no matter your age or skill level.
…And the Rest!
As we mentioned, Mobile is the Yellowhammer State’s only saltwater port city. This means that the vast majority of fish you’ll encounter are, well, saltwater species. In addition to our favorite saltwater fish listed above, you’ll also come across Tripletail, King and Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Cobia, and Amberjack, depending on where you fish.
If you’re all about freshwater action, or simply want to tick off as many fish on your “To Catch” list as possible, there are a few outliers you can target. You’ll find Catfish and Sunfish in parts of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, where the waters are more fresh than brackish. Head up towards the section where the Delta meets with the Alabama River, and you’ll encounter Spotted and Largemouth Bass.
How to Go Fishing in Mobile, Alabama
Charter Fishing
Whether you’re planning to head out to the wrecks and reefs, or explore Mobile Bay’s inshore waters, a local Mobile fishing charter is the best way to get your fish on. If you’re heading out onto the Gulf, it’s a necessity due to distance. And if you’re exploring inshore waters, you’ll avoid wasting precious fishing time as your experienced captain guides you expertly to the honey holes.
You won’t be short on choice when it comes to selecting your perfect charter, either. Captains depart from Mobile Bay’s shorelines, the marshy banks of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, and the Gulf-facing barrier islands just south of Mobile. Trips are tailored to every type of angler, so you’ll find adventures for hardcore anglers running alongside family-friendly excursions.
Pier Fishing
If your idea of fishing in Mobile doesn’t involve a charter boat, then you still have plenty of options to choose from. The area boasts plenty of parks and piers, which offer access to Mobile Bay, the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, and even the Gulf. Most of the piers are free or cost only a couple of dollars, making them an affordable option for anglers watching their pockets!
The beauty of fishing from Mobile’s piers or parks is that you don’t have to be an expert angler to enjoy them. Yes, knowing where the fish are generally biting will go a long way towards how productive your day is, but you’ll also find plenty of locals offering helpful tips and tricks. The majority of Mobile’s piers and parks are located right near local bait and tackle stores, and you’ll often be able to rent gear from these locations, too.
Kayak Fishing
If you’re looking to cast a line in the wondrous Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, there’s one form of transport that is becoming surprisingly common – traveling in a kayak. The Delta’s shallow, marshy waters can often be difficult to navigate on larger, more traditional vessels, and attempting to wade fish can be tricky. A kayak, therefore, is the perfect way to get your fish on!
Don’t be fooled into thinking fishing from a kayak is easy, though. First, you have to be able to either pedal or row the vessel independently, which requires a certain level of strength. Then, you need to be able to wield a rod successfully enough to hook into your chosen target fish. If you have the skills, however, it’s an unbeatable way to explore this part of Mobile’s fishing scene.
Fishing Spots in Mobile, Alabama
The answer to this question all depends on the type of fishing you want to do. However, no matter whether you’re looking for rod-bending action out on the Gulf, or want to get your fill of inshore species, there’s plenty of hotspots to discover. Below, you’ll find some of our favorites.
- Meaher State Park: Located at the northern end of Mobile Bay, this park boasts a 300′ fishing pier. It provides access to both Mobile Bay itself and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Entrance is an affordable $2, and you can cast your line for Specks, Reds, and other inshore favorites.
- The Barrier Islands: Okay, maybe it’s cheating to include a whole group of islands. But if you’re looking to head out onto the Gulf, there’s no better departure point! Travel to Dauphin Bay or Fort Morgan, and you’ll be that much closer to the reefs and wrecks that host to huge Grouper and Snapper. You’ll also find plenty of Gulf-focused charters here, too.
- Fairhope Municipal Pier: Located opposite the city of Mobile, on the eastern shores of the bay, this pier is the perfect starting point for an inshore adventure. It measures over a thousand feet in length and provides access to the deeper parts of Mobile Bay. This means some huge fish are in the cards!
- Dog River: This Mobile Bay tributary is the place to go if you’re looking for a scenic day on the water. It’s generally quieter than the bay itself, and is also home to a healthy population of Speckled Trout and Redfish. Fishing on foot? Head to Dog River Park, also known as Navco Park, which has pier access.
- Gulf State Park Pier: Want to hook some of the Gulf’s most notorious species without stepping foot on a charter? Head straight to Gulf State Park and cast a line from its pier. You’ll have to travel for around an hour from Mobile, but it’s worth it. Mackerel species, Flounder, Sheepshead, and even Cobia all pass through this area.
Fishing Tournaments in Mobile, Alabama
There are enough fishing tournaments in Mobile to send your head spinning! Luckily, most of them are logged on the state’s official OutdoorAlabama website. Then there are the tournaments organized by Mobile Big Game Fishing Club. These run the gamut from a special Memorial Day Tournament to a Junior Angler Tournament, to the Billfish Limited Tournament.
Willing to make the hour-long journey to Alabama’s Orange Beach, located south of Mobile? You’ll have the chance to experience what has been nicknamed “The Greatest Show in Sportfishing.” Yep, it’s the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, where anglers battle it out to hook record-making Marlin, as well as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. You have to apply to the board in order to register – but just imagine the bragging rights!
Mobile, Alabama, Rules and Regulations
If you’re fishing aboard a charter boat, then your license will be covered by your captain. If you’re fishing independently, you’ll need to purchase a valid freshwater or saltwater license. Our blog about getting your Alabama fishing license has more information about this.
Some of Mobile’s fishing piers hold a license that enables all anglers to freely cast a line. Others require you to purchase your own individual license. Fishing the Mobile-Tensaw Delta? As these waters are brackish, your best bet is to purchase both a freshwater and saltwater license.
Mobile, Alabama: An Angler’s Paradise
We mentioned earlier that Mobile is a city that means many different things to many different people. But this diversity isn’t just something that applies to the city itself. It’s also true of the incredible fishing opportunities you’ll find here! Fishing in Mobile means many different things to many different people, too.
Maybe it’s hooking that record-sized Red Snapper off the barrier islands. Or maybe it’s cruising around the bay, filling your cooler with tasty Specks and Reds. It could even be casting your line from a pier into the marshy, magical waters of the Delta. No matter which you choose, your Mobile fishing adventure will stay with you for a lifetime!
Have you ever been fishing in Mobile, AL? Any tips or tricks to share? Let us know in the comments below!
