Gulf Shores Fall Fishing Report: Bull Reds, Flounder, and Late-Season Offshore
Fall fishing in Gulf Shores brings bull redfish on the beach, flounder at the passes, and bonus offshore weekends for re...
Read MoreAlabama · Gulf Coast
GULF SHORES
FISHING CHARTERS
22+ verified captains. Instant confirmation. Best price guaranteed.
22+
Verified Captains
4.7★
Avg Rating
3
Fishing Types
15+
Species
Anglers:
2 Adults
0 Kids
Instant Booking
Free Cancellation
Best Price Guarantee
About
Gulf Shores Fishing
Gulf Shores offers anglers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from the iconic Gulf State Park Fishing Pier to the productive back bays and deep offshore Gulf waters. The pier extends over 1,500 feet into the Gulf, providing access to king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, pompano, redfish, and cobia without ever needing a boat. The back bays and Intracoastal Waterway hold redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead year-round.
Offshore, the reef and wreck system south of Gulf Shores produces outstanding catches of red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and triggerfish, while longer runs to the deep water yield yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi. Gulf Shores' beautiful white-sand beaches, family-friendly attractions, and affordable charter options make it an excellent Gulf Coast fishing destination for anglers of every skill level and budget.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Gulf Shores?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
G | P | P | P | G | F | F | F | F | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
F | F | G | G | G | F | F | F | G | P | P | F |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | P | P | P | G | G | G | P | P | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
P | P | P | G | G | F | F | F | F | G | G | P |
|
Inshore
|
F | G | P | P | P | G | F | F | G | P | G | F |
|
Nearshore
|
F | F | G | G | P | P | P | G | G | G | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | P | G | G | G | P | G | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | G | P | P | G | F | F | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | P | G | G | G | P | G | F | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | G | P | P | F | - | - | G | P | G | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | P | P | G | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | F | G | P | P | G | G | F | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | G | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | F | F | G | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | G | G | F |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Gulf Shores Fish Species
15+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Gulf Shores
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Gulf Shores Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Gulf Shores.
Guest Reviews
5
based on 6 reviews
Gulf Shores Fishing Reviews
Surf Fishing Was Absolutely Insane
The pompano run was on and we were pulling them in from the beach all morning long. Mixed in a few whiting and the occasional redfish that came through the trough. Gulf Shores surf fishing in the fall is something every angler should experience.
C
Captain Leon
October 2025
Pompano
Whiting
Redfish
Red Snapper Season Opener Was Epic
Headed out of the Gulf Shores pass and hit the public reefs for opening weekend. We had our limit of red snapper by 9 AM and spent the rest of the day catching and releasing amberjack and triggerfish. Could not have asked for a better day.
C
Captain Sheila
June 2025
Red Snapper
Amberjack
Triggerfish
Inshore Slam in Cotton Bayou
We launched into Cotton Bayou at daybreak and picked up speckled trout on soft plastics right away. Moved to the grass flats and found redfish tailing in about a foot of water. Finished the day with a nice flounder at the dock pilings for a Gulf Shores inshore slam.
C
Captain Vince
September 2025
Speckled Trout
Redfish
Flounder
King Mackerel Everywhere You Looked
Trolled live bait along the beach and the king mackerel were thick from Gulf Shores to Fort Morgan. We boated six kings, the biggest pushing 35 pounds. The fall run along the Alabama coast is world-class.
C
Captain Nadia
September 2025
King Mackerel
Night Fishing for Big Redfish
Fished the Gulf Shores pier and the lighted docks around Little Lagoon after dark. The redfish were stacked up feeding under the lights and we caught several over 30 inches. Night fishing here is a hidden gem that most people overlook.
C
Captain Omar
August 2025
Redfish
Flounder Gigging Was Outstanding
Hit the sandy flats around the Gulf Shores pass on a falling tide and the flounder were laid up everywhere. Picked up our limit on light tackle using live finger mullet. The water clarity was perfect and we could spot them from 20 feet away.
C
Captain Britt
November 2025
Flounder
Start Your Adventure
Ready to Fish Gulf Shores?
Post your trip request and let Gulf Shores's top captains compete for your business. Or browse available charters and book instantly.