Alabama's Gulf Coast: What's Biting?

March Offshore Fishing for Cobia, Red Snapper and Deep-Water Species with Captain Ben Fairey on Alabama's Gulf Coast

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:59:00 GMT

Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat “Necessity,” based out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been a charter-boat fisherman on Alabama’s Gulf Coast for most of his life. We discussed what Spring Break anglers can fish for and catch offshore during March.

Fishing on the Gulf State Park Pier and the Banks on Alabama's Gulf Coast in March

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:59:00 GMT

Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers many fishing opportunities in March. The first-ever Gulf State Park Pier cobia tournament in Gulf Shores, Alabama, will start this month. To learn the details, we talked with Pete Aguon of Robertsdale, Alabama, who’s fondly called the mayor of the pier.

Bottom Fish During February and Spring Break at Alabama's Gulf Coast

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:05:00 GMT

During February, we’ll catch every species of known reef fish, and even though we can’t keep red snapper, we’ll be catching and releasing a number of them. We can, however, keep five or six other species of snapper that are just as good to eat and as much fun to catch. We also will be catching grouper, triggerfish and scamp.

February Sheepshead, Pompano, White Trout and Flounder at Gulf Shores, Alabama's Gulf State Park Pier

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:25:00 GMT

This month, we’ll still be catching whiting and ground mullet on the pier. Although you can catch them anywhere on the pier, most of the fish will be caught from the cleaning station in the middle of the pier back to the shoreline. These fish are fun to catch and delicious to eat. As the water warms-up this month, the sheepshead and the pompano will become more active.

February Pompano, Sheepshead, Redfish and Speckled Trout with Captain David Brown on Alabama's Gulf Coast

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:01:00 GMT

The fish will be in a transition mode during February. We’ll primarily be fishing for a mixed bag. The fish we catch primarily will be caught on live shrimp, and our number-one target will be pompano.

Snowy Grouper, Tilefish, Longtail Bass and Scorpionfish – the New Deep-Water Glamour Fish off Alabama's Gulf Coast

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:47:00 GMT

We’re selling more tackle for deep-dropping than ever before in the history of our store. We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of charters that are going offshore to deep-drop for grouper, tilefish, longtail bass and scorpionfish.” But what is a longtail bass, a tilefish and a snowy grouper?

Uncover the Latest Insiders' Fishing Secrets on Gulf State Park Pier in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:46:00 GMT

David Thornton and John Giannini reveal their tips for landing monster fish on the Gulf State Park Pier in January.

Bank Bangers' Report for Alabama's Gulf Coast in January with Benjamin Sherrill

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:23:00 GMT

Editor’s Note: One of the new features at Alabama’s Gulf Coast this year is bank-fishing guides. Distraction Charters has introduced bank-fisherman guides who live in the area and fish from the bank. These guides have learned the places where you can fish from the bank and catch a wide variety of fish at almost any time of the year. Even when the Gulf of Mexico is rough and muddy, and the wind’s howling in January, these guides can take you to secret places where they consistently catch fish for a price anyone can afford. One such guide is Ben Sherrill of Orange Beach, Ala.

Fishing Doesn’t Get Better than at Alabama’s Gulf Coast in December with Pete Aguon on the Gulf State Park Pier

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Pete Aguon of Robertsdale, Alabama, fishes the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Ala., 6 days a week. Each day he’s on the pier from 8 to 12 hours, catching fish, visiting with friends and helping other anglers catch fish from the pier. Aguon knows December pier fishing.

December's a Great Month to Deep-Drop Fish and Catch Plenty of Fish Offshore at Alabama's Gulf Coast with Captain Johnny Greene

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:35:00 GMT

Captain Johnny Greene of the “Intimidator,” based at of Orange Beach Marina, in Orange Beach, Ala., takes his customers deep-dropping offshore for all kinds of hard-fighting, good-eating fish

Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder from the Bank During December with Captain Ben Sherrill Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:17:00 GMT

Captain Ben Sherrill, one of the new breed of inshore guides, takes anglers to places at Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and in the rivers where they can catch speckled trout, redfish, flounder, white trout, croakers and several other species from the shore in December. We asked Sherrill to tell us where he’s finding some of the best shore-fishing hot spots this month.

No Boat? No Problem to Fish Inshore on Alabama's Gulf Coast in November

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:37:00 GMT

Jeff Colley, captain of the “Killin’ Time,” based at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, is an inshore guide who fishes for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead and other inshore species.

November’s Deep-Water Offshore Fishing on Alabama's Gulf Coast with Captain Brian Bracknell

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:16:00 GMT

November on Alabama’s Gulf Coast means Thanksgiving, football, deer hunting and lots of big offshore fish. That’s right – now’s the time that the big ones bite, and you often can stock your freezer with tuna, wahoo, grouper, vermilion snapper, tilefish, yellowedge grouper and snowy grouper. The big fish bite on Alabama’s Gulf Coast when the turkeys are on the table. And, one of the captains who particularly enjoys fishing those deep-water haunts is Captain Brian Bracknell of the charter boat the “Crowd Pleezer” that docks at the Dog River near Mobile, Ala.

Great Fall Fishing Blossoms During October in the Orange Beach Area

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:01:00 GMT

Discover Captain George Pfeiffer’s secrets – including deep-dropping – to landing monster fish in the Orange Beach area.

Inshore Fishing Thrives in October along Alabama's Gulf Coast

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:50:00 GMT

Captain Erik Davis offers a few tips on how he lands speckled trout, flounder and redfish in the back bays and bayous.

Uncover Key Pier Fishing Tips with Longtime Angler

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:32:00 GMT

Longtime pier fisherman David Thornton updates us on what’s biting at the new state park pier in October and how to catch those fish.

Reel in Big Speckled Trout along Alabama's Gulf Coast

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:25:00 GMT

Captain Keith Powell unleashes his top tips for landing big speckled trout deep in the Orange Beach, Ala., waters. Discover the must-have equipment for a successful day on the local waters.

Pier Fishing Results in Monster Fish off AL’s Gulf Coast

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:59:00 GMT

According to the Trey Myers with the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, the newly opened public finishing pier has seen a healthy share of big game fish, including king mackerel. Discover several key tips from Myers.

Late Summer Fishing Bounty Awaits Off Coast of Orange Beach, AL

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:19:00 GMT

According to Captain Art Jones, September offers an incredible opportunity to reel in a large selection of fish, including amberjacks, grouper, and vermilion snapper from the summer. Learn where to look for the best catches.

Pier Fishing Returns to AL Gulf Coast

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:11:00 GMT

The new $14.8 million Gulf State Park Pier on Alabama’s Gulf Coast has opened, earning it the title of the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only pier on the Gulf.

Orange Beach Waters Offers Exciting August Fishing with Capt Ben Fairey

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:15:00 GMT

Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat Necessity shares his insider’s secrets for successful August fishing.

August Offers Red Hot Bay Fishing on AL Gulf Coast

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:19:00 GMT

For 35 years, Captain Gary Davis has navigated Mobile Bay in search of a large variety of fish and shares his insider’s knowledge.

Third-Generation Charter Boat Captain Shares Insider's Tips for Orange Beach Fishing

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:46:00 GMT

With a long fishing legacy, Captain Bobby Walker and his family bring an enormous amount of local knowledge to the helm. Uncover several key tips for a successful fishing trip in Orange Beach.

Families Reel in Memorable Experience Aboard Orange Beach Charters

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:22:00 GMT

Captain Don McPherson, who pilots the “Getaway” charter boat, offers family fishing trips. He discusses the various types of trips and what fish are biting this time of year.

Tuna Time Off Shores of Orange Beach

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:23:00 GMT

Variety is the name of the game with Captain Rob Gams of Cool Breeze Charter Fishing, who offers every type of fishing experience ranging from 4 to 36 hours.

Inshore Action Heating Up in June

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Captain Dennis Treigle frequently fishes the back bays of the Orange Beach area and shares a few of his insider’s tips.

Advantages to Party-Boat Fishing in Orange Beach

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:56:00 GMT

Real-life Davy Jones pilots a party-boat in Orange Beach, Ala., and discusses the advantages of reeling in monster fish on this type of charter.

Abundant June Fishing Opportunities in Orange Beach

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:54:00 GMT

Captain Chip Day discusses the advantages of booking a six-passenger party boat and what guests can expect to reel in from the gulf waters.

Big Game Fishing Adventures off the Alabama Gulf Coast

Wed, 20 May 2009 07:32:00 GMT

Captain Jack Wilhite of the “Summer Hunter” ventures into the area’s deep blue waters in search of the rod-bending action of big game fishing.

Land a New Fishing Experience Aboard Tucker's Party Boat

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:11:00 GMT

Eager to reel in a monster, crowds of fishermen are headed to Alabama’s beaches. The once-popular party boats, such as Captain Butch Tucker’s Zeke’s Lady, are seeing more and more anglers.

Reel In May Inshore Trout on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Fri, 01 May 2009 08:57:00 GMT

Local inshore expert David Brown shares his insider’s knowledge of the speckled trout thriving in the back-bays and waters.

Warming April Waters Lead to Top-Notch Fishing Opportunities on AL Gulf Coast

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:54:00 GMT

The gulf waters off the AL Gulf Coast are gearing up for an active month of fishing as the waters are warming and fish are moving inward. Captain Troy Frady, who pilots the “Distraction” charter boat, shares his thoughts and several great tips on April fishing.

Big Trout Take the Bait in April on the AL Gulf Coast

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:26:00 GMT

In addition to boasting pleasant weather conditions, April on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an active time for anglers, who are in search on that monster catch. Veteran captain Gary Davis shares a few of his proven tips for catching the big trout and flounder that are biting in the bay.

Reel in Insider’s Tips and Recipes for April Inshore Fishing on the AL Gulf Coast

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:01:00 GMT

Captain Jeff Chambliss shares his insider’s tips on landing numerous inshore fish – such as pompano, flounder, speckled trout and redfish – during April on the Alabama Gulf Coast. As a bonus, he includes a tasty and easy recipe for Pompano Supreme.

Captain Steve Foust Includes His Favorite Tuna Recipes and Tactics He Uses Offshore at Alabama’s Gulf Coast in March

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:31:00 GMT

Captain Steve Foust, of the charter boat, “Aqua Star,” based at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes successfully offshore as well as inshore during March.

"Intimidator" Captain Shares Insider Tips for Catching and Cooking Cobia

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:45:00 GMT

Counting down the days to spring break is a tradition not only for students but also for the anglers, who are eagerly awaiting the spring cobia migration. After decades on the local waters, Captain Johnny Greene shares his tips for landing these monsters of the gulf and then capturing the favor in several tasty dishes.

Discover Captain Broughton’s Secrets to Capturing and Cooking Inshore Fishing in March

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:07:00 GMT

Captain Kathy Broughton shares her coveted tips for finding and reeling in “the big one” during March, which is a great month for inshore fishing. She also shares a few recipes for success once you return to the dock.

Fishing Inshore at Alabama's Gulf Coast in February with Clyde Brothers

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:55:00 GMT

Clyde Brothers of Clyde’s Inshore Fishing, based at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes primarily around Perdido Pass. In February, anglers can expect to catch big bull reds, sheepshead and any other species of inshore fish off Alabama’s beaches.

Reminder to Watch Cobia Fishing Show on ESPN2 Saturday morning

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:22:00 GMT

On Saturday, February 14th at 9:30 a.m. (CST),George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing show will feature his cobia fishing trip along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Inshore Fishing off Alabama’s Gulf Coast and in Mobile Bay in February with Captain DeJuan Tedder

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:18:00 GMT

Captain DeJuan Tedder of the charter boat, “No Excuses,” based at Fort Morgan, Alabama, has guided anglers off Alabama’s Gulf Coast and in Mobile Bay for 5 years. In February, Tedder expects to catch plenty of sheepshead and redfish.

Fishing Offshore at Alabama's Gulf Coast in February with Captain Dick Cappar

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:42:00 GMT

You can fish in February offshore for a wide variety of species off Alabama’s Coast. To get the most up-to-date report on offshore fishing, we talked with Captain Dick Cappar of Traveler Fishing Charters, based at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Bet on the Bon Secour for January Specks with Ross Whitworth

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:31:00 GMT

Ross Whitworth of Jesse’s Trout Lodge on the Bon Secour River says that January’s one of the best months to catch speckled trout at Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Captain Jeff Chambliss Fishes for a Mixed Bag of Fish off Alabama's Gulf Coast in January

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:08:00 GMT

Jeff Chambliss, who’s fished the front beaches, the back bays and Perdido Pass around Orange Beach for 19 years, fishes out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach as well as from Florida. In January, he’ll catch big redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, black drum and red drum off the front beaches from Orange Beach to Fort Morgan on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

"Chipper’s Clipper" - Offshore January Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:19:00 GMT

Chip Day of the charter boat, “Chipper’s Clipper,” based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been fishing off Alabama’s Gulf Coast for 24 years.

Catching Wahoo, Tuna, Scamp, Blue Marlin and Red Grouper with Captain Mike Rowell in December

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:38:00 GMT

Captain Mike Rowell of the “Annie Girl” docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been a charter-boat captain for over 18 years. This month, Rowell tells us how he fishes for wahoo, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, scamp, blue marlin and red grouper.

Captain John Hollingshead Catches Various Kinds of Snapper, Triggerfish, Amberjacks, Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel in December

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:01:00 GMT

This month, he’ll tell us how to catch white snapper, red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, amberjacks, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel.

Inshore in December: Catching Speckled Trout, Big Bull Reds, Flounder and Pompano with Captain David Brown

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:37:00 GMT

In December, our main attraction will be the big bull reds caught off the front beaches at Orange Beach. To find these schools of big reds, look for...

Catching Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder on the Eastern Shore with Captain William Manci in November

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:09:00 GMT

Captain William Manci of Eastern Shore Outfitters, guides and fishes on the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Shore area of Mobile Bay. This month, he’ll tell us what we can expect to catch inshore.

Catch Grouper, Vermilion Snapper, White Marlin and Other Species Off Alabama’s Gulf Coast in November with Captain Patrick Ivie

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:34:00 GMT

Captain Patrick Ivie of the “Intruder,” docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, guides and fishes oil rigs and other offshore areas for grouper, vermilion snapper, white marlin, tuna, king mackerel, sailfish and much more. Ivie will tell us what to expect to catch offshore in November.

Catching Big Bull Reds, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Much More in November on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Kathy Broughton

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:04:00 GMT

Captain Kathy Broughton of Kitty Wake Charters docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been a charter-boat captain for the past 15 years and has fished the back bays and the front beaches around Perdido Pass since 1975.

More Fish Than Ever Before on Alabama’s Gulf Coast in October with Captain Bobby Walker

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Captain Bobby Walker of the Summer Breeze Charters docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has charter fished for 40 years.

Fishing Doesn’t Get Any Better Than October Offshore at Orange Beach with Captain Johnny Greene

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:29:00 GMT

October is the best month to catch a variety of fish along Alabama’s Gulf Coast because as the weather cools off, the baitfish move in, with the sportfish following not far behind. According to Captain Johnny Greene of the “Intimidator,” docked at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, anglers don’t have to travel nearly as far to catch fish in October as they do in the summer.

Catching October’s Inshore Specks, Reds and Flounder with Captain Chad Pruitt

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:29:00 GMT

Captain Chad Pruitt of the charter boat “Reel Job,” docked at SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, is an inshore guide along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Pruitt will tell us where to find specks, reds and flounder, and how to catch them.

Catching Vermilion and White Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Tuna and Amberjacks in September with Captain George Pfeiffer on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:43:00 GMT

Captain George Pfeiffer, captain of the “CAT” charter boat docked at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished in the Gulf of Mexico for 35 years and has owned his own charter boat since 1995.

September’s Blue Water Report for Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Ricky McDuffie

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:19:00 GMT

Captain Ricky McDuffie of the “Sea Hunter,” docked at SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished out of Orange Beach for 30 years.

Catching September Speckled and White Trout, Flounder and Keeper-Sized Redfish with Captain Don Holloway on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:32:00 GMT

Don Holloway, captain of the “Back Bay” charter boat docked at Gulf Shores Marina at the western tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula, is the owner and operator of Back Bay Fishing with Don.

A Second Offshore Cobia Run in August on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Seth Wilson

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:32:00 GMT

Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the annual cobia run occurs toward the end of March. The cobia come from south Florida, migrating up Florida’s west coast around the Panhandle, and then move to the Alabama, the Mississippi and the Louisiana coasts to spend their summers around or near the mouth of the Mississippi River. In the fall, the cobia make a second, smaller run from west to east and back to south Florida. Now there’s a strong indication that the cobia make a second run from east to west in August.

The August Head Boat Report with Captain Butch Tucker

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:37:00 GMT

Captain Butch Tucker of “Zeke’s Lady” charter boat, docked at Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, runs a 6-hour trip in the morning and a 4-hour trip in the afternoon, during the summer months. Even if you can’t charter a boat on your own, you can go out on a head boat like “Zeke’s Lady” with other anglers and catch plenty of fish.

Inshore August Fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Dennis Treigle

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:32:00 GMT

During August, most of our fish will be caught from the bay area near Perdido Pass. In the early morning, we’ll be concentrating on speckled trout. Later in the morning, when the sun’s up, and the trout bite is over, we’ll be fishing for redfish and flounder. As the weather warms up even more in August, fishing for speckled trout becomes tough. So, anyone who wants to catch speckled trout needs to get up before daylight and be on the water as soon as the sun glows. After the redfish bite’s over, we move from dock to dock inside the bay until we find a dock holding redfish. Certain docks will hold large numbers of redfish. When you locate these docks, you can have a good time catching plenty of redfish. Not every dock will produce redfish. We’ll still be catching quite a few flounder around jetties in the Pass when we catch the right bait for them.

Captain Jeff Chambliss Fishes for Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder in July on Alabama’s Coast

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:10:00 GMT

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, the weather’s never too rough to fish. With the number of back bays, canals, lagoons, coastal rivers and artificial reefs in the area, regardless of the weather conditions or the temperature, fish are always biting somewhere on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Captain Jeff Chambliss, who’s fished Perdido Bay and Perdido Pass for 18 years, fishes out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach and specializes in catching speckled trout, redfish and the occasional flounder.

Catching a Box Full of Fish Near Shore with Captain Art Jones

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:16:00 GMT

Captain Art Jones of Orange Beach, Alabama, has operated the charter boat, “Dana-J,” docked at Outcast Marina in Orange Beach, since 1986. While many captains reach the dock early to get quickly to the offshore fishing grounds, the “Dana-J” is one of the last boats out and one of the first boats to return, always carrying a good box full of fish.

Finding and Catching Fish Offshore in July from Alabama Waters with Captain Peter Fill

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:49:00 GMT

Captain Peter Fill of the charter boat, “Yankee Star,” based out of Outcast Marina in Gulf Shores, Alabama, set the new state record for black grouper this past year. This month, Fill will tell us where he finds and catches fish offshore in July.

Fishing at Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Josh Hiller

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:40:00 GMT

Catching the Aggregate in June with Captain Butch Tucker

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:23:00 GMT

To catch enough fish for a fish fry this year, you’ll have to fish for the aggregate, made up of a total of 20-different species of varying sizes of saltwater fish, with only a certain number of each species. Captain Butch Tucker of Orange Beach, Alabama, a 38-year veteran of fishing the Gulf of Mexico, tell us how to catch the aggregate this summer.

Captain Brian Lynch Gears Up for the Red Snapper World Championship on Alabama’s Gulf Coast in June

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:43:00 GMT

Editor’s Note: Brian Lynch is the captain of the “Island Girl” charter boat out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama.

The Gulf Coast Mystery Lake

Mon, 19 May 2008 16:13:00 GMT

Kelly Reetz, the naturalist at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has plenty of information about Lake Shelby, as does Dave Armstrong, district fisheries supervisor for District V, which includes Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. One of the most-amazing bodies of water anywhere, Lake Shelby is the closest freshwater lake to salt water. Lake Shelby consists of three spring-fed lakes but also has had an intrusion of salt water throughout its history. When waves from hurricanes wash over the Alabama Gulf Coast, they often deposit speckled trout, redfish, white trout and flounder into the lake. When the storms subside, and the lake returns to its natural boundaries, Lake Shelby then will home good numbers of both freshwater and saltwater fish. “Lake Shelby is a part of the state park system,” Armstrong explains. “However, the Fisheries Section of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has often helped stock Lake Shelby.”

May’s Inshore Fishing at the Mississippi Sound and in the Mobile Bay

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:49:00 GMT

Editor’s Note: Captain Scott Jordan of Dauphin Island, Alabama, guides on the Mississippi Sound and in the Mobile Bay. This month, Jordan will tell us where to find the best inshore fishing in May.

Tips for Landing Offshore Fish in May

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:27:00 GMT

Captain Don Walker of the charter boat "Lady D," docks at Sportsman Marina and Dry Dock in Orange Beach, Alabama, and has fished offshore on Alabama's Gulf Coast for most of his life.

Catching May Cobia

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:10:00 GMT

Captain Jeff Colley, Jr., of the “Killing Time,” based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has developed a technique for catching cobia that has resulted in his boat not spooking a single cobia during the 2007 cobia run. Colley and his fishermen boated 71 cobia in 2007 and tagged and released another 31 fish.

Reeling in April's Best Inshore Fishing

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:41:00 GMT

In April, some of the best inshore fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast occurs at the mouth of Mobile Bay under the guns of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. As a young boy, Erik Davis of Gulf Shores, Alabama, spent much of his childhood in his dad’s boat fishing these waters. Now, he’s fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a fishing guide, like his dad, Gary Davis of Foley, and guiding parties out of Fort Morgan. This month, Erik will tell us what to catch and how to catch them in this history-rich, extremely-fertile estuary area.

The King of Offshore Cobia

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:58:00 GMT

Captain Ben Fairey of the charter boat “Necessity,” based out of Orange Beach Marina, holds the Alabama state record for cobia with a fish that weighed 117 pounds and 7 ounces caught in 1995. He’s one of the most-relentless cobia fishermen on the Gulf of Mexico. Fairey prowls the beaches from Panama City, Florida, to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in search of the brown bombers that make their annual migration in the spring each year.

Gearing Up For A Mammoth March Close to Shore

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:28:00 GMT

Captain Jeff Chambliss fishes out of SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, for inshore pompano, speckled trout, redfish, flounder and sheepshead.

February's Fish-Catching Machine

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Sonny Alawine, captain of the “Summer Breeze,” based out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, has fished offshore from Orange Beach most of his life. The “Summer Breeze” has a long history of being a fish-catching machine.

Inshore Family Fishing Fun

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:25:00 GMT

Captain Kathy Broughton of Orange Beach, Alabama, an inshore charter boat fisherman since 1994, was once a typical suburban soccer mom and housewife living in Mountain Brook, Ala. “But ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be a fishing guide,” says Broughton. “My father always had big boats. I’d go along with him, drive the boat and help rig the tackle. I’ve always enjoyed taking people fishing. I finally found a time and a place to live out my dream.”

January's Offshore Bounty of Redfish

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:48:00 GMT

January’s a great month to take a charter and fish for redfish. We’re catching and releasing a tremendous number of redfish this month. You can catch 20- to 30-pound redfish on just about any bait you put in the water. Triggerfish and vermillion snapper (beeliners), which are both delicious to eat, have also really been biting well. During this month, we’re still catching and releasing large numbers of big red snapper.

Hot Inshore Fishing for January

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:50:00 GMT

I’ve been fishing from Mobile Bay to the Pensacola Pass for the last 30 years. There are plenty of fish concentrated between those two openings to the Gulf of Mexico, including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, pompano, sheepshead, bluefish and ladyfish.

December is the Month to Come to the Beach and Fish Offshore

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:29:00 GMT

We’re catching plenty of triggerfish, vermillion snapper and red snapper, which we have to throw back because red snapper season is closed. Grouper, snapper and amberjack are really biting well in December. The vermillion snapper we’re catching weigh from 1- to 2-1/2-pounds each. At this time of year, we usually fish for a mixed bag of fish. Generally, we’ll fish for vermillion snapper, white snapper and triggerfish first, but we’ll also catch amberjack and grouper.

Redfish are On Fire During December

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:27:00 GMT

At this time of year, we’ll go inshore on calm days and targeting big, bull redfish. We fish both the Alabama and the Florida coastal waters. Right now, we’re finding big redfish running about 4 yards off the beaches that weigh from 15- to 35-pounds each.

Tuna Time in Alabama

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:43:00 GMT

Captain Johnny Greene of the charter boat, “Intimidator,” operating out of Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes 12 months out of the year.

November Fishing is Heating Up Inshore

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:11:00 GMT

Rob Kritzmire, owner of Rob’s Inshore Fishing, operating out of Romar Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, says that November is one of the best fishing months on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

October's Offshore Fishing with Butch Tucker

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:28:00 GMT

Butch Tucker, captain of the “Shady Lady” out of Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, fishes all winter with charter parties. This month, Tucker tells us what’s biting offshore and invites you to fish Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Inshore Fishing in October with Gary Davis

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:57:00 GMT

At this time of year, the fish are moving out of the bays and into the mouths of the rivers. Dog River and Gillard’s Island (a spoilage area) are loaded with speckled trout, redfish and flounder. I fished there two days the first week in October with clients, and we caught flounder, black snapper (gray snapper), speckled trout and a good number of white trout.

Monster Fish off Alabama's Gulf Coast

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:16:00 GMT

Four-hundred-pound-plus blue marlin breach from the cobalt-blue waters off Alabama's Gulf Coast and dance on their tails while engaging in a sword fight in the sky. You'll find some of the best and most-exciting big-game fishing just off Alabama's Gulf Coast. Anglers can catch blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo, dolphin, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, king mackerel and giant sharks when they leave the ports of Orange Beach and Fort Morgan and head out to the deep-water rigs and the Continental Shelf. Fast boats plow the Gulf of Mexico to get sport fishermen out to where the game fish feed. If this summer proves as dry as the last couple of summers, that deep cobalt-blue water will move fish in closer to shore to feed. From Orange Beach, you'll only have a short run in a fast boat to the Continental Shelf and the deep-water rigs.

New Inshore Reefs and More Fish on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

"Right now, we're catching good numbers of speckled trout and redfish," reports Captain Gary Davis from Foley, Alabama. "I have a 9-1/2-pound speckled trout in my freezer, caught by one of my customers, waiting to be taken to a taxidermist. We usually catch plenty of good-sized specks, reds and flounder all the way into November down here. Inshore fishing along Alabama's Gulf Coast has always been excellent, but today it’s even better than in years past."