Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are renowned for their excellent surf fishing all year round. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, you'll need a saltwater fishing license to fish in any of the waters along the Alabama coast. This includes the Intracoastal Canal and the rear bays. However, those under 16 and residents over 65 are exempt from this requirement.
If you're looking for a more convenient option, you can rent a boat from a local rental company. They'll provide you with everything you need, including the license. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are home to some of the most prized shallow-water game fish, such as redfish and spotted trout. Kingfish is also a popular catch in Gulf Shores, and it's often found alongside its Spanish relative.
Trolling near the coast is a great way to catch these fish, and you can do it all year round. The peak season runs from May to September, but you can still find plenty of delicious fish during the winter months. If you'd rather not get your own license, you can always go fishing on a charter or from a licensed dock. Kayak fishing is also an option if you want to explore some of the deeper bodies of water in Gulf Shores.
You can book a charter with an experienced skipper for four or eight hours, or hire a fishing guide for an educational experience. When it comes to fishing in Gulf Shores, there's no shortage of options. You can find sheepshead, flounder, mullet, black drum, jumper, cow nose stripes, butterfly stripes and stingrays in the waters near the sandbar. If you're having trouble with junk fish eating your bait, try using direct fish bites - redfish will usually take them.
