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Damn Good Alabama Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability on Alabama fishing trips. Online booking | 4.87 / 5 stars | Guides from $550

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Alabama

Veteran Operated
This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Bottom Fishing And Trolling Fun 45'

100% (10)
45 ft 1 - 14 People From $1,150
Fishing in Orange Beach

Inshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Hooks And Smiles - Kid’s Trip

100% (15)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Offshore Adventure

100% (3)
46 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
Fishing in Orange Beach

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Family Fun In The Sun - 26’ Sea Fox

100% (15)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Orange Beach

Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Inshore Bash

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Dauphin Island

Inshore Fishing Charter in Dauphin Island

5 Hour Inshore Trip

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $800

Top Cities in Alabama

Most Popular Types of Trips in Alabama

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Red Snapper Fishing Charters In Alabama

Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Extended Offshore

100% (4)
52 ft 1 - 17 People From $3,000
Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

5-Hour Nearshore Trip AM Or PM

100% (4)
52 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,500
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

All Day Trolling/Bottom Fishing

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,800
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Quest: Reel & Explore

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $3,500
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Orange Beach Bottomfishing Blast

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,100
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

12 Hour Bottom Fishing/Trolling

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $4,200

Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Alabama

Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Extended Offshore

100% (4)
52 ft 1 - 17 People From $3,000
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Quest: Reel & Explore

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $3,500
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

12 Hour Bottom Fishing/Trolling

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $4,200
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Shark Fishing Trip

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,100
Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

5-Hour Nearshore Trip AM Or PM

100% (4)
52 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,500
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

All Day Trolling/Bottom Fishing

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,800

Nearshore Fishing Charters In Alabama

Fishing in Gulf Shores

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Reel In Fun With Captain Chase

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $1,500
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

22-Person Private Trip

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,000
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Shark Fishing Trip

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,100
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Orange Beach Bottomfishing Blast

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,100
Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

5-Hour Nearshore Trip AM Or PM

100% (4)
52 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,500
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Ocean Thrills With Captain Chase

86% (7)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $1,200

Inshore Fishing Charters In Alabama

Fishing in Orange Beach

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Hook Up!

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Inshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Epic Inshore Adventure

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Inshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Inshore

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Orange Beach

Inshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Alabama Inshore Magic

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Hook-Up

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Inshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Fort Morgan Fishing Fun

NEW
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $600

More Fishing Charters In Alabama

Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
trip description for 5 or 6 Hour Bottom/Trolling Trip in Gulf Shores

Will push out offshore and catch Vermillion snapper and trigger fish and after we try for a limit on those we would try some trolling for Spanish and king mackerel Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

5 Or 6 Hour Bottom/Trolling Trip

100% (4)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,125
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
trip description for Snapper/ Bottom Trip in Orange Beach

Our 6 Hour is a great trip for those on a Budget that want to try it out. This trip provides the opportunity to get offshore and catch Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, White Snapper, Trigger fish, etc. Should we Catch a fish that is out of Season we can snap a quick picture and safely return the fish back into the water for another day. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this trip offers the perfect bottom fishing experience! Our 8hr trip offers the same opportunities as our 6hr, but with more time to fish and the possibility to do some trolling on your way out or back in. On this trip we will be targeting your different species of Snapper. Depending on what is in season, this “typically” includes your much sought-after Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, White Snapper, Trigger, etc. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this trip offers the perfect bottom fishing experience! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Snapper/ Bottom Trip

100% (2)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
trip description for 6-Hour Bottomfishing & Trolling in Orange Beach

Looking to go fishing in Orange Beach, AL? Join Captain Zack and crew for a 6-hour trip to the beautiful waters off of Orange Beach. You'll start by trolling out to the fishing grounds, and can expect to catch nearshore sportfish like King and Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Bonito, and more on your way offshore. Once you're out there, you'll do some deep dropping and bottom fishing for species like Red Snapper, Triggerfish, and Groupers. Captain Zack's been running this 36' Topaz sportfisher for years. She's powered by twin Cummins diesel engines, providing a fast ride to the best fishing spots. The boat is equipped with all the amenities of home, and maintained to the highest standards for your safety and comfort. Captain Zack will also provide all the fishing equipment you'll need, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle, all well-maintained so your time can be spent fighting the fish. His mates are always helpful, making sure you have the best opportunity to reel in the big ones. It's always his pleasure to watch guests catch their first big fish or see repeat customers top their record! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

6-Hour Bottomfishing & Trolling

100% (7)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
trip description for Mixed Bag Orange Beach 40' in Orange Beach

Come join the excitement! We're located at Zekes Marina, and we operate year-round out of beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama. Head out for an epic day of fishing in the sun on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico with Captain Seth! For these trips, Captain Seth will crank up his twin Caterpillar engines and waste no time getting you offshore. Once you're a ways out there, Captain Seth will get you rigged up to hit the seafloor with live or cut bait up to 500ft below for Snapper and Amberjack. Check the bite in the Gulf for Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and who knows what else? If it swims and can bite a hook, the crew will catch it. It’s as simple as that! If you have a fishing technique you would like to try, just let your captain know. You will be provided with licenses, bait, tackle, and ice. If you have a favorite rod and reel, feel free to bring it. The fish cleaning service and a tip for the deckhand are not included in the price You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Seth’s 40-foot sportfisher with two 320 HP 3208 Caterpillar Diesel engines. This vessel is equipped with air conditioning, a fishfinder, outriggers, and a live bait well among other things. Equipped with all the appropriate navigational gear and the full complement of first aid and safety equipment, this sportfishing boat is a great base for full and 3/4 day fishing trips. Praised for its excellent ride, the boat will offer a smooth and stable trip out to your fishing destination. Book a trip today with Captain Seth for a fun and memorable day out! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Mixed Bag Orange Beach 40'

100% (10)
40 ft 1 - 14 People From $1,750
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
Fishing in Orange Beach
trip description for Alabama Inshore Magic in Orange Beach

Hop on board with Captain Johnny and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the Alabama inshores! Orange Beach is the perfect spot to get some prized Gulf fish without venturing too far from the dock. On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Johnny will cruise you through the Orange Beach inshores where you will be targeting Black Drum, Cobia, Red Snapper, and Redfish. If you opt for the longer 6-8 hour trips, you can venture farther offshore to chase some Spanish and King Mackerel too! Captain Johnny will happily instruct all beginners and experienced anglers to some fish. He's great with kids and loves introducing young ones to fishing, so kids under 8 are exempt from any additional costs of they are the 3rd or 4th passenger on board. You'll be fishing aboard Captain Johnny's 24’ Blazer Bay boat that can comfortably fit up to 4 people. Powered by a 150 HP Yamaha engine, this vessel will have no problem chopping up the inshore Alabama waters. She comes outfitted with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, and an Ice Box to store your catches. All you need to bring on these trips is sun protection and any food or drinks you might want. Captain Johnny will provide all rods, reels, tackle and bait. He also offers a 10% discount for all military and first responders with valid ID. A veteran himself, Johnny truly appreciates their sacrifices and does anything he can to honor their service. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Alabama Inshore Magic

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
trip description for 2 Hour Quick Trip in Gulf Shores

Get ready for two hours of non-stop action on a damn good Gulf fishing adventure! Departing from the picturesque Gulf Shores, AL, hop aboard our sleek 24-foot Kenner Center Console and brace yourself for an unforgettable experience. With our expert crew and top-of-the-line equipment, we'll guide you to the hottest fishing spots where the trophy catches await. Whether you're reeling in prized species or battling feisty fighters, every minute will be filled with excitement. Don't miss your chance to create lasting memories on this quick but thrilling Gulf fishing expedition. Book now and prepare for an epic angling escapade! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

2 Hour Quick Trip

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
See All Trips in Alabama

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Alabama

What are the best fishing charters in Alabama?

Why should I book a fishing charter in Alabama with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 201 trips in Alabama, and the most popular trips in the area are Bottom Fishing and Trolling Fun 45' guided by Seth, Hooks and Smiles - Kid’s Trip guided by Donald, and Offshore Adventure guided by Seth.

Our guides in Alabama are rated a 4.87 out of 5 based on 3308 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Alabama? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Alabama.

What types of fishing charters are common in Alabama?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Alabama as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Alabama are: 1. spanish mackerel, 2. red snapper, 3. kingfish, 4. vermillion snapper, and 5. redfish.

The most common fishing techniques in Alabama are bottom fishing, trolling, and light tackle fishing but live bait fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Alabama fishing charters cost?

Prices in Alabama can range anywhere from about $550 to $4,800, but the average price for a half day trip in Alabama is $1,054. The average price for a full day trip in Alabama is $3,413.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Alabama?

The most popular season for fishing in Alabama is summer, and most anglers book their trips 43 days in advance.

Do I need a Alabama fishing license and what are the bag limits in Alabama?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Alabama, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Alabama. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Alabama.

Fishing in the Rolling Tide

Alabama is a year round fishery with access to the Gulf of Mexico along with lakes and rivers that provide excellent fishing for a multitude of species. Alabama has a rich fishing history starting with the indigenous cultures that first took advantage of the bountiful waters. Alabama is also home to America’s first ever fishing tournament, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo which started in Mobile Bay back in 1928. It is the ideal state to get your fill of southern hospitality, sweet tea, and football, as well as enjoy some time out on the water.

Alabama is a state that no matter when you visit, there will be something to fish for both inland and off the coast. Though, if there are a specific species that you would like to catch, it is important to check when they are in season. Some fish like triggerfish and speckled trout are available year round but do better in certain seasons. Others fish are highly migratory like Atlantic sailfish which are usually only available at certain times of the year.

Fishing Alabama’s Coasts

***Alabama Inshore Fishing***

Inshore fishing in Alabama is like no other. Right off the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, there is plenty of fishing to be done, but the real gem of Alabama is Mobile Bay. Mobile Bay is known as America’s Amazon, due to its rich diversity that hosts more species of fish, mussels, turtles, crawdads, and others, than any other state. These fertile waters produce fishing that is second to none.

***Alabama Nearshore Fishing***

Alabama’s Marine Resources Division works hard to maintain a prime environment for fishing, and it’s paying off. Within nine miles of the coast, they maintain a hard bottom habitat full of artificial reefs that have increased the number of fish greatly including popular species like red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and more. With plenty of bayous for juvenile fish, fertile waters to spawn in, and excellent structure to live in and find cover, the fish have taken advantage of the perfect ecosystem and are thriving.

***Alabama Offshore Fishing***

Alabama is one of the premier locations for access the Gulf of Mexico and is now home to some of the biggest and best deep sea fishing fleets in the country. This is also thanks to the work and regulations of the Alabama Marine Resource Division. Because of them, the waters of Alabama’s Gulf Coast are once again teeming with pelagic fish species. Between nine and 200 miles from shore huge trophy fish patrol the water and provide some of the best opportunities to hook into the catch of a lifetime.

Top Saltwater Catches in Alabama

***Inshore Target Species in Alabama***

***Speckled Trout***

Fishing for speckled trout is a year round adventure in Alabama but is especially hot in the summer months. Alabama provides the clear and warm waters that speckled trout thrive in. Speckled trout are sensitive to water quality and prefer specific levels of water salinity. With the flats and shallow bays connected to the rivers and bayous, speckled trout can move around to find their preferred water tolerance. Because specks are always on the move it gives anglers plenty of opportunities to chase them.

***Redfish***

Fishing for redfish in Alabama can be done throughout the year as they cruise grass beds, jetties, and piers looking for prey. Big bull reds appear in Alabama in the fall, and are known for growing huge and putting up a terrific fight. The shallow bays, rocky outcroppings, and sandbars in Alabama’s bays provide the perfect habitat for redfish.

***Flounder***

Both Gulf and Southern flounder can be found hanging around the back bays and island beaches of Alabama. Tidal currents and pilings provide the perfect ambush territory for flounder to catch baitfish. Flounder can be caught year round in Alabama, but tide and moon phases affect their activity, so it’s important to be aware.

***And More!***

Alabama’s fertile coastal waters come from the river systems that feed into the Gulf of Mexico. The mix of fresh and saltwater creates an incredible fishery that allows anglers to catch so many other inshore fish species including sheepshead, black drum, white trout, and more!

***Nearshore Target Species in Alabama***

***Red Snapper***

Although there are only 53 miles of coastline in Alabama, they are still proclaimed the “Red Snapper Capital of the World.” This title comes from anglers consistently catching absolute monster red snapper weighing well over 40 pounds year after year. The secret is the abundance of artificial reefs that snapper love and Alabama has more than 20,000 just off the coast.

***Gray Triggerfish***

Where you find red snapper, you will also find triggerfish. They are unique but sometimes pesky fish known for stealing bait which makes them a very rewarding and tasty treat if you can get one landed. Again, the artificial reef system of Alabama makes fishing for triggerfish unbeatable.

***Gray Snapper***

Gray snapper, or mangrove snapper, has great fishing opportunities on Alabama’s coast year round. Similar to red snapper, the artificial reefs are where you can find gray snapper especially when there’s a good tidal flow. Although they are smaller, mangrove snapper can also be found inshore, but the nearshore reefs are where the big ones hang out.

***And More!***

The artificial reef system created by the state of Alabama has established a thriving ecosystem of bottom dwellers, reef fish, bait fish, and more. Grouper, amberjack, and many other species can be caught by bottom fishing near the reefs which are an excellent opportunity for some great fishing only a few miles from shore.

***Offshore Target Species in Alabama***

***Mahi Mahi***

Dorado, dolphin fish, mahi mahi, whatever you want to call them, just be ready for a strong fight from this fast fish off the coast of Alabama. Mahi are a migratory species that travels to Alabama waters in the summer months and can be found cruising around the rip lines and floating debris in deep water. Out in the blue water, mahi can grow up to 80 pounds and are often the most acrobatic. Smaller mahi can also be found closer to shore and are sometimes called “chicken dolphins.”

***Atlantic Sailfish***

Another migratory fish that shows in strong numbers to Alabama in the summer is the Atlantic sailfish. They can be caught along their route through the deep blue, and will put up a highly acrobatic fight. Sailfish are notoriously difficult to catch, due to their speed and strength, so once you get into the deep and start trolling, be ready.

***King Mackerel***

King mackerel or kingfish are large silver fish that can be found cruising the deep coastal waters of Alabama. Kings will school up and follow baitfish throughout the water column even chasing them up to shallow waters around oil rigs. Essentially where there is bait, the kings will follow. Known for being fast, aggressive, and tasty, strong fighters, and a rewarding catch. Often called the “Alabama tradition” they move in large schools especially during August, making it the perfect time to hop on a boat and head out to hook up with one.

***And More!***

Since Alabama has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, it also has access to the diverse fish that live there. Shark, Spanish mackerel, marlin, and more can all be caught near the continental shelf which is only a short distance from the Alabama shore.

Top Freshwater Catches in Alabama

***Largemouth Bass***

Bass fishing in Alabama is a sacred tradition with opportunities available throughout the year. Alabama is absolutely loaded with lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs that are chock-full of largemouth and other species of bass. On some of these bodies of water, anglers are reporting 100+ landings a day. Many of the lakes rank among the top bass spots according to B.A.I.T (Bass Anglers Information Team), making your chances of landing a new personal best about as good as it gets.

***Crappie***

From the top to the bottom of the state, Alabama is littered with crappie hot spots. Alabama has lakes and ponds that consistently rank high on lists of national crappie spots, but the sheer amount of honey holes is often overlooked. Crappie fishing is excellent year round almost anywhere you turn in Alabama.

***Catfish***

Alabama is known for high floods, and on average is flooded every 12 days. Catfish thrive in muddy, flooded waters which makes Alabama’s waters the perfect home for catfish. Flathead, blue, and channel cats can be found throughout the state, spreading throughout lakes, ponds, and down to the deltas using rivers and tributaries. Some of the biggest cats in the country have been found in Alabama’s reservoirs.

***And More!***

The amount of freshwater across the state, combined with the warm year round climate makes Alabama an excellent place to fish. Species like smallmouth bass, striped bass, hybrids, bluegill, brim, and more can be found throughout the state.

Best Places to Fish Alabama’s Saltwaters

***Orange Beach***

Orange Beach is a great place to fish due to all the different areas you can target. With the backwater bayous, white sandy beaches, artificial reefs, and access directly to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, you can hit Orange Beach for basically any type of fishing you’re looking for. Orange Beach itself began as a fishing village that bloomed into the city of tourism it is today. It even has two museums with buildings that are historical landmarks with roots traced back to their early days of fishing.

***Gulf Shores***

Another great area with access to different types of fishing is Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is home to the second largest pier on the Gulf Coast, as well as excellent shore fishing from 32 miles of pristine sandy beaches. Headed off the beach, excellent fishing is available no matter how far you go thanks to the ecosystem provided by the abundance of artificial reefs in the area. In fact, Gulf Shores is host to one of the country's largest fishing charter fleets, and artificial reef density.

***Dauphin Island***

Dauphin Island is a metropolitan city, placed on a barrier island off the coast of Alabama. The location of the island itself gives access to prime inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing. The island itself provides a lot of coastline with high populations of speckled trout, flounder, and redfish. Since it is a barrier island nestled between wrecks and other artificial reefs, Dauphin Island has great nearshore fishing, especially for triggerfish and snapper. As always, access to the Gulf Coast allows for excellent offshore fishing.

***And More!***

Despite having the smallest amount of coastline of the Gulf states, Alabama more than makes up for it with excellent fishing spots that produce an abundance of diverse fish species thanks to the efforts of the fishery programs. Artificial reefs have created a rich ecosystem full of fish from the backwaters to the open ocean. There are many different fishing villages dispersed around the bays, such as Coden, AL which has endless opportunities to get out on the water.

Best Places to Fish Alabama’s Freshwaters

***Lake Guntersville***

Located in Northern Alabama between Bridgeport and Guntersville, Lake Guntersville is Alabama’s largest lake at 67,900 square acres of water. Fed by the Tennessee River, it is a fertile lake with a variety of fish, aquatic vegetation, and submerged structure from forests that have been flooded. Historically, two thirds of the anglers that visit Lake Guntersville a year are targeting largemouth bass, the gem of the lake, however, there are plenty of crappie, bluegill, and catfish that inhabit the lake.

***Pickwick Lake***

Pickwick Lake is known as the best smallmouth bass fishery in the United States. This lake is actually a reservoir that spreads between two dams along the Tennessee River. Along with bass, the lake is popular for crappie, bluegill, and more. The warm water discharged from local power plants combined with the submerged vegetation and timber provides excellent year round freshwater fishing.

***Lake Eufaula***

Another reservoir, Lake Eufaula, spreads across over 45,000 square miles along the Chattahoochee River. Largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and more can be found both large and in quantity within the lake. The reservoir itself spans across both Georgia and Alabama, making it possible to be accessed from both states, and making a fishing license from either state legal.

***And More!***

With an extremely large freshwater system that expands through the entire state via rivers, tributaries, ponds, and lakes, there is endless fishing to be done. Areas like Joe Wheeler State Park, Lay Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, and more provide year round freshwater fishing.

Does Alabama have good fishing?

Alabama is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. The state is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, including the renowned Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. These bodies of water are teeming with various fish species such as Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Bluegill, providing ample opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The state's commitment to conservation and sustainable fishing practices ensures that these waters remain bountiful and healthy.

In addition to its freshwater options, Alabama's Gulf Coast offers excellent saltwater fishing experiences. The coastal waters around Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are rich with Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and various species of Snapper. Deep-sea fishing charters are readily available, allowing anglers to venture further offshore for larger catches like Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel, and even Marlin. The mild climate and year-round fishing seasons make Alabama a desirable destination for saltwater anglers.

Furthermore, Alabama's fishing culture is vibrant and well-supported by numerous fishing tournaments, community events, and educational programs. Annual events like the Bassmaster Classic and various regional fishing tournaments attract anglers from across the country, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition. Local bait shops, fishing guides, and online resources provide valuable information and support to help anglers make the most of their fishing trips. Overall, Alabama's rich and varied fishing environments, combined with its supportive fishing community, make it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely great fishing trip with Cpt Colby 7/24/24. Very patient, accommodating, knowledgeable and just a great guy to talk to. Would definitely recommend booking a trip with Colby, can’t go wrong with that decision.

    Brandon H. with Colby M. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent day fishing. Lots of action, comfortable boat. Very friendly and professional guide.

    Adrian D. with Marty C. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Good time on a quick trip to a shallow rig. We caught 5 species of fish and had a great time. Patrick and Tristan made it an enjoyable and easy trip.

    Michael N. with Patrick G. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Great captain good times

    John K. with Ronald D. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    John K. with Ronald D. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Marty was a fantastic guide! Knew exactly where the fish were. Great time will definitely use again! Thanks for a great trip!

    Brandon W. with Marty C. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tim was great! He was knowledgeable and patient with us. He made sure my kids had an amazing experience and I would highly recommend. We will be back for a longer trip next time! Thank you Captain Tim!

    Beth F. with Tim B. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip.. Put us on the fish, and First Mate Kelly is the MAN!

    Gregg C. with Doug P. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Everyone that fished caught at least one. Kendall was a great help and kept bait on all the hooks and took the fish off quickly so fishing could continue!! We will definitely recommend Captain Experiences and Captain Dale!! Thanks for such a wonderful experience!!

    Debra G. with Dale W. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome guide!! Very knowledgeable and friendly... it was a great experience for all who went!!!

    Debbie N. with Jason G. of Elberta, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Corey and his deck hand were so great! We caught 8 red snapper! Our family had a great time! Highly recommend!

    Molly B. with Corey H. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    This was our first experience and it was absolutely perfect! My husband and I didn’t catch a fish, but my husband caught a shark! Captain Ronnie made it an experience we will never forget. He was courteous, knowledgeable, and didn’t mind that we were inexperienced. Loved it!!

    Linda R. with Ronald D. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with Captain Donald!! We caught a lot of fish and had a great time!! Highly recommend!!

    James L. with Donald R. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Bobby was very fun and informative. He tried really hard to make sure we caught what we wanted. Extra bonus seeing dolphins and sea turtles. We enjoyed our trip with him

    Elaina M. with Bobby C. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time and caught everything we could catch. The crew was knowledgeable, fun and super helpful! Definitely going again! Gavin and Ben were awesome! Highly recommend!!

    Sean S. with Tom A. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best experience with Captain Chase and his deckhand House. We had 6 adults and 7 kids under 10 and they had an experience they’ll never forget! The boat was roomy to accommodate our group, the little ones could rest inside out of the heat and watch dvds when they needed a break, and the deck had Bluetooth and coolers for the grownups. The care and attention our group was given was top notch! We were always being helped or checked on, and they worked to make sure the kids enjoyed themselves, which meant so much to us. And of course, they knew how to find the fish! Every person in the group brought up several beautiful fish, which House expertly filleted and gave us great cooking tips! Next time we are in Alabama, we’ll absolutely book with Captain Chase again!

    Josh N. with Chase N. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Tom made for a spectacular experience. We caught tons of fish. He is patient and kind. We had no children on the boat but I could see where he would be great with them. He’s in with a really cordial guide community who seem to help each other out. We rarely passed a boat that didn’t wave and give a “hi Tom”. Really cool experience. Will do over and over again.

    Don H. with Tom M. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    10/10!! This was so much fun. We will definitely book again with Captain Bill!

    Melanie J. with Bill W. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip and awesome Guide. Thanks Captain Bill!

    Preston with Bill W. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    These guys came to our rescue! We had a trip set with another company and they last minute canceled. Circle Hook took us out on a quick 2 hour trip. We were a team of beginners including 2 kids under 10. Our captain taught us a few tricks and we came home with a cooler full of fish.

    Mike H. with Randall S. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

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