One of the primary reasons that people come to Orange Beach, Alabama is to go fishing. This area is well known for being one of the best and most fun places to catch fish in the United States. There are a vast number of species that can be caught here, and the weather is almost always beautiful for a day out on the water.
Everyone who loves to fish loves to go home with stories of the fish they managed to catch. The best “fish stories” are completely truthful with no exaggeration or imagination necessary. When it comes to Orange Beach fishing, it’s easy to capture great true tales and memories, because the fish you’ll catch here are numerous, large, and varied.
If you’re planning a trip to Orange Beach soon, you likely want to learn a bit about this destination to help you catch the best fish in the gulf. There are a number of things you should know about the area so you’re ready to go as soon as you arrive.
In this informative post, you’ll learn what those things are. Read on to learn strategies that can help you reach your fishing goals and so you can go back home with some great photos, stories to share, and memories you’ll never forget.
When to Fish in Orange Beach
Orange Beach is a year-round destination for fishing.
Even in the colder months, there is plenty of fish in the bays and bayous, on the reefs, and out in the deep water.
If you’re looking for a sunny and warm, short-sleeved weather fishing trip, you’ll want to come during the warmer months of the year, but some people prefer the winter due to fewer crowds and the prevalence of different types of fish. However, keep in mind that the water is calmer in the warmer months, and choppier in the cold ones.
Many anglers descend on Orange Beach during the fishing tournament season. The majority of these occur in May, June and July. Popular tournaments in Orange Beach include the Orange Beach Billfish Classic in May, the Orange Beach Open in June, and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship in July to name a few.
Different Types of Orange Beach Fishing
There are a number of different types of Orange Beach fishing you can try while you’re in town. Some people choose to stick to just one type and location, while others try all kinds of fishing types and spots while visiting.
Land-Based Fishing
If you want to stay on solid ground, you might try surf fishing on one of our beautiful beaches, or you may venture into the bayou area to catch fish that enjoy a mix of salt and freshwater. The Perdido Pass area is great for land-based fishing. The large size of many of the fish in this area might surprise you!
Another excellent option for fishing near the shore is pier fishing. Orange Beach has a number of fishing piers and they come in all different sizes. Many people who love to fish enjoy this type of fishing because you can bring a lawn chair and a cooler and you can relax for the entire day in one spot. Fish love swimming near the piers because they give them the opportunity to hide and there’s plenty of food to eat there; you’ll be able to see them swimming around below from your unique vantage point.
Water-Based Fishing
Of course, many people who visit Orange Beach for fishing choose to go out on a boat on the water.
There are two main options when it comes to ocean fishing. You can join an established large group on a party boat, or you can charter a boat to enjoy with your friends or family only. Of course, the latter option will be more expensive, but you’ll get a much more personal experience. Many outfitters will help two or three small groups to merge to make the charter experience more affordable, so that’s an option to consider, too.
Party boat fishing trips often take the same route on each daily trip. Captains know where to go and will likely take you to some open parts of the bay and along the nearshore reefs. Because these trips are often somewhat short, you may not get too far out into the ocean.
On the other hand, you’ll have much more freedom and variety on a private or semi-private charter. Just tell your captain what you are looking to do, and he or she will take you to the best spots that he or she knows. You can enjoy inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing, or maybe even several of those in one trip. Furthermore, your captain and crew can offer all sorts of help and advice to you, one-on-one, and help you improve your skills and grow your knowledge during your charter as well.
Types of Fish in Orange Beach
If you’re not sure where or when you want to go to Orange Beach, knowing what types of fish you want to catch may help you to decide. Many of the fish you’ll find in Orange Beach visit the area on a seasonal basis. If you want to catch Tuna, for example, you don’t want to come in the summer; Tuna are most prevalent in this area in the fall. White and Blue Marlin are common in the fall as well. However, you can catch Mahi-Mahi and Wahoo all year round.
The catch-and-keep versus the catch-and-release seasons vary by fish as well. If you know that you’re looking for a specific type of fish and want to be able to keep it to eat it afterward, you can call any charter outfitter and they’ll be happy to provide you with the information you seek. Fish like Red Snapper, Greater Amberjack, Gray Trigger, and porgies are all affected by seasonal regulations.
Happy Fishing
As you can see, there’s a lot to know about Orange Beach fishing, but hopefully after reading this post you’re excited to try it all! There is so much fishing to do in Orange Beach that it’ll be impossible to experience it all in just one visit, so chances are that after your first visit, you’ll be coming back time and time again.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reputable, enthusiastic charter company to take you out on the water, please give us a call today. We can’t wait to see you in Orange Beach!