Saltwater Game Fish Species in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama |Gulf Coast Game Fish.com

SALTWATER GAME FISH SPECIES

Spotted Sea Trout: aka speckled trout, they are identified by the pattern of spots across their back and their yellow mouths. Will feed on live shrimp and bait fish, but will also hit soft plastic baits and plugs. There are usually more than one in a spot. So if you find one you should find more.

Red Drum: Redfish like to school a lot on the beaches--mostly bull reds---but inshore you will find redfish roaming solitary over oyster beds, shallow bars, shallow sandy banks, and around outflows: these areas tend to hold easily ambushed bait. Throw a live shrimp (or any imitation-Gulp, DOA) past your target area and let the bait flow naturally with the current to your target area. Redfish will scoop up "stunned" bait and run. Be ready, these guys can be tackle busters so have your drag set to allow some big runs.

Flounder: The flat fella. Loves bull minnows and live shrimp, but will hit artificials. Table fare delight right here. The best fried fillets you can find in these waters. Find drop offs and sandy bottom and just be patient. Be careful, they also have teeth.

Triple Tail (Blackfish): These weird fish like to hang out under & around anything that provides shade. Similar to cobia, look for triple tail hanging around anything that floats, except these guys aren't as curious as the ling, just waiting in the shade to ambush unsuspecting bait. Live shrimp are the traditional favorite, but bait is just the beginning of this game. Try to land the bait past the fish as he lays on his side, and bring it back past him. Wait for him to inhale the bait and be ready.

Sheepshead: These fish can be found hanging around dock pilings and jetties. Fish with live or dead shrimp, but small fiddler crabs and blue crabs seem to be the favorite. Use a 1/4 oz jig head and tipping it with shrimp or small crabs. Be ready to pull this fish away from the structure when they strike or they can break your line.

Ling (Cobia, Lemonfish, Crabeater): Cobia traditionally migrate through Alabama waters around April every year. When water temperatures reach 72-73 degrees F you can find many boats scouring the shoreline looking for this elusive game fish. Cobia is considered very fine eating fish. Floating cooler lids, drifting lumber, rays, and anything else you may find floating may have a curious and hungry ling checking it out. Bright colored jigs and live eels are usually the preferred bait, but companies like Berkley have started producing very life like artificial eels (see right). Spinning outfits are the preferred rigs, with rods reaching 8 feet and oversized steel guides for lengthy and accurate casts. Once a cobia is found it can be followed for quite a while until it swims off, giving the angler plenty of opportunities to make the perfect cast.

Tarpon: In Alabama, a special permit is required to kill and keep a tarpon, so most tarpon fishing here is catch-and-release. Most Alabamians prefer using lures or bait on heavy spinning or conventional gear. Usually the reels are filled with line from 30 to 80 pounds (14 to 36 kg) test although 50 pounds (23 kg) seems to be the most popular. A tarpon is likely to take a crab, mullet or pinfish and is a lot of fun on fly tackle.

Fishing Articles

Inshore Saltwater Fish Species on the Alabama Gulf Coast: What kind of fish can I catch in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Mobile, AL? This is where to find out if you want to fish for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more. Learn tendencies of each fish and how to target to their feeding patterns.

Tide Charts for Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Mobile Bay: Fishing the tides is a tradition. Knowing the tides is crucial. Fish when tide movement is at its greatest, sometimes the water is still at peak high or low tide. Learn the tides and catch fish.

Surf Fishing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL: Surf fishing is a year round activity on the beaches of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Learn what fish are biting off the beaches and what baits they typically feed on. Find popular surf fishing gear and tackle to make your trip enjoyable.

Bait & Tackle for fishing the Alabama Gulf Coast: The right bait and tackle is the difference between a great day fishing or a bust. Fill your cooler, hang one on the wall, or take that fish photo of a lifetime by knowing how to match your bait & tackle to your fish.

Alabama Saltwater Fishing Regulations: Know fish bag and creel limits before getting in the water. Some fish have slots, some limits change year to year. Don't be in violation.