Local guides have worked these waters for generations, passing down their favorite spots and perfecting their techniques to produce one of the most experienced charter fleets in the country. The action starts in the nearby Perdido Bay, chasing Spanish Mackerel or stalking Bull Reds through these calm, shallow waters. 

 

But don’t lose yourself in the bay just yet, there are even better spots to hit around Orange Beach. Alabama Point is one of the best inshore fishing spots in the state and a must-visit fishery for any shallow-water angler. What makes this such a great spot is the mix of rocky jetties, sandy back bays, and deep holes, all within a stone’s throw of each other.

 

The main species around here are Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Pompano. If that’s not good enough for you, you can also find big schools of Bluefish swimming around its deeper reaches. These guys aren’t as popular in Alabama as they are up on the East Coast, but they put up just as good a fight!

 

And there’s so much more! The shallows around Orange Beach are riddled with honey holes and every guide has their favorite. We could spend all day listing our favorites but the best idea is always to go with what your guide suggests. They’ve spent their lives fishing these waters and aren’t out to send you home empty-handed.

Live bait and light tackle rule the shallows for most species. Nothing gets you big bull Reds or doormat Flounder like live Finger Mullet or Minnows. If you’re more into throwing lures, Flounder go crazy for soft plastics like Gulp! Swimming Mullet. Redfish and Trout will go for a huge range of lures: surface wobblers, topwaters, suspending jerkbaits, you name it. Most local guides stock a variety of lures, and will be happy to teach you how to use them.

 

When Tarpon and Pompano are about in big numbers you’ve got to try fly fishing. These guys gobble up flies so eagerly it’s almost rude not to offer them some. The Black Death still reigns supreme when targeting Silver Kings, but Pompano react better to bright pink and yellow colors. The way you fish for them will also be different. Tarpon spook in a second and perfect placement is key. Pompano are easily enticed by short, brisk strips, keeping your fly just off the bottom as you twitch it back.