What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama for the first time?

Only way to go is a private charter. Don't like to bad mouth anything, but do not waste your time on the 'GS fishing pier'. It is hit or miss and overall not productive. My family wehn on two charters during the week and caught plenty of fish on both. We went in early May and the timing was so-so. A little after one of the breeding runs and prior to snapper season. Would recommend early June next year to my group.

Red Snapper is the target fish in June off Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan. The season usually starts the beginning of June and generally lasts through August (but check the season first!). June weekend Snapper trips are in high demand, so book charters early (3-6 months in advance). Be SURE the boat you charter is Federally licensed or you will be stuck fishing within 9 miles of shore, which is over fished and not where you will find snapper of any size. I also recommend an early morning 6 hour trip (2 hours out, fish for 2 hours, 2 hours back) - the seas are generally calmer in the morning. If you can also snag a morning trip with the full moon, all the better. If you as a recreational boat (private or your friends boat), you are not required to have a Federal license, but I would recommend you buy saltwater fishing licenses. We used frozen herring easily bought at a bait shop. Live bait (cigar minnows are premium bait) As always, the hard part is knowing where to go - big ocean with lots of artificial reefs in the 15-20 mile range of shore, but if you don't know any numbers, you are fishing blind over a sandy bottom.

Definitely get a charter if it’s your first time. You won’t be disappointed and you can learn quite a bit about the local waters and what rigs and techniques work the best at the time you are fishing

Try to come on a better moon phase. We came Labor Day weekend because it was my birthday. I knew the fish would be biting better late at night before I came, but we caught fish despite the time & tidenot being right.

Take plenty to drink, protection from the sun, and be open minded, because the captain knows what he is doing and trying his best to give you a great fishing experience. Remember when fishin,g it is a roll of the dice if the fish will bite or not.

Figure out what you want to target. Get the charter going after that species …… and let the Captains take over. Both my charters this week got right on the fish we were going after and got our limits.

We booked two trips. The first was cancelled by the Captain for bad weather. The weather was great but the Captain was a complete jerk. I have saved all of the nasty emails with this captain. Unfortunately, there is no way to leave a warning "review" for other anglers to avoid this situation on FishingBooker. The other trip was fantastic and we caught our limit in two hours. We left this captain a glowing review on FishBooker. Would I use Fishbooker again knowing that poor reviews from cancelations? No.

First would be book Capt Brad, Nauti Fish Co. I would recommend checking what fish are in season. I also would recommend looking into state waters vs federal waters. I messed up and looked at seasons wrong or something i also was totally ignorant to all the regulations on state waters and federal waters. Brad thoroughly explained all this but i wish i had known all this before planning a vacation. I most likely would have came a week later or maybe even 6 weeks later.

We were hoping to bring back some fish to freeze. We caught all red snapper which you are not allowed to keep because it is out of season for it. We only caught one fish to keep. Not our guides fault by any means but it was a huge disappointment.

Do not eat a big meal before you go & dont be drinking the night before if you expect to be able to stay the whole time my husband & son eat a honey bun & I eat a half of a brownie & be sure to take dramamine the night before & the day of ur trip...

If your wife wants to take all the kids to the beach. Agree, under the condition that you get to charter a fishing trip. Gulf Shores is very family friendly and renting a condo with a family friend or sibling is a great way to go.

Captain Patrick was a class act. We had a great time. I would recommend Trick’em Charters to anyone.

Look up freebird charters with captain John and Jerry. They will take care of you and put you on fish.

I would honestly contact Stressed Out Charters, Their reviews and my great experience speaks volumes for catching fish and having fun.

April is absolutely as early as I would go. May through the rest of summer is what I’ve been told is true peak season

Take a 4 hour trip with Perry and Honor. Great value and they educate you on local fishing best practices

Wait until May. My husband wanted to catch Amberjack, but you can't keep until May, but even if you can't keep the fish uts a great experience. There are smaller fish in season in April.

The weather is great for bottom fishing before it gets too hot. Not too many species that you can keep this time of the year.

Try a party barge first or boat. It’s simple. The smaller boats with less people are great fun.

Captain Jay and Ricochet Charter were excellent! Friendly staff. Great day on the water!

Don't fish in early or mid May as your options for keeping seem to be more limited

Captain Jamie took such good care of us. Gave us an education and great information.

Stressed Out charters. Actually recommend them in the parking lot after our trip.

Be flexible on your target fish, the changing water Temps will change what is biting.

Perfection Captain Tony and deck hand Zack we are sharing with all of our Gulf Shores family

We had a chilly morning make sure u dress appropriately! Still had a great trip!

Little rough out there but it's not a farm pond. You're on the Gulf. What do you expect.

Captain Donnie was great. Put us right on fish and first cast fish on!! Would recommend Vinson Charters for sure!

I would recommend good weather and a way to make the fish bite! Just be prepared for a good time and hope for the best.

We knew going in, that we probably my wouldn’t catch many fish this time of year. But we did catch some Sheepshead!