Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan Fishing Guide — Species, Seasons & Charters

Cast a Line

World-Class Fishing Right Here

Fort Morgan Peninsula sits at the crossroads of Mobile Bay and the Gulf — one of the most productive fishing grounds on the entire Gulf Coast. Inshore, nearshore, offshore, pier, or surf — you're a short walk from the beach and minutes from all of it.

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Local Roots Run Deep

A Fort Morgan Family Connection

Kimberly's father has lived on Fort Morgan Peninsula his entire life. An avid fisherman and a familiar face in the community, he knows these waters the way only a lifelong local can — every productive spot, every seasonal pattern, when the Cobia are running through the pass, where the reds stack up at the Dixie Bar in fall. That local knowledge is woven into how Good Tides Only thinks about this place. If you want a genuine insider's perspective on where they're biting and what's running during your stay, ask Kimberly.

What's in the Water

Fort Morgan's position at the bay-meets-gulf convergence creates one of the most diverse fisheries on the Gulf Coast. Here's what you can target by season and location.

Red Snapper

June–Aug · Offshore Reefs

The crown jewel of Gulf fishing. Federal season is limited and fiercely anticipated — charters fill months in advance. Vivid red color, powerful fight, and absolutely outstanding on the plate. Caught on nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs using cut or live bait, bottom fishing in 40–100 ft.

Local tip: Book your snapper trip before you book your vacation. The best dates go in January.

Redfish (Red Drum)

Year-Round · Inshore

The heartbeat of Fort Morgan inshore fishing. Found in the bays, grass flats, marsh edges, and near the pass year-round. The Dixie Bar — a legendary sandbar at the mouth of the bay — is famous for stacked bull redfish, especially in fall. Fight hard, taste great.

Local tip: Fish the outgoing tide at the Dixie Bar in September and October. Live shrimp or mullet. The reds pile up there like nowhere else on the coast.

Speckled Sea Trout

Spring & Fall · Back Bay

Most popular inshore species on the Alabama coast — locals call them "specks." Found in Mobile Bay's grass flats and around Little Lagoon. Spring and fall are prime. Early morning is best. Light tackle, live shrimp, or soft plastics.

Local tip: Fish Little Lagoon Pass at first light in May. Mo's Landing on Fort Morgan Road (Gulf Shores, AL) has a public pier right there.

Cobia

March–May · The Pass

The spring Cobia run through Mobile Bay Pass is legendary among Gulf Coast anglers. These powerful fish — often 30–60 lbs — cruise near the surface around buoys and structure. Sight-fishing for Cobia at the pass is a bucket-list Gulf experience. They're curious and aggressive.

Local tip: Stand on the Fort Morgan Historic Site waterfront in late March. Watch the boats — where they're circling is where the cobia are running.

Flounder

Fall · Passes & Beach

Flat, camouflaged, and absolutely delicious. Flounder pile up near structure and at passes during fall migration. Can be caught surf fishing from the beach near the pass, or from the Fort Morgan Pier. One of the best eating fish in the Gulf.

Local tip: Gigging flounder at night with a light is a Fort Morgan tradition. Ask Captain Steve about it.

King & Spanish Mackerel

Spring–Fall · Nearshore

Fast, silver, and electric on light tackle. Spanish Mackerel are the most accessible — caught trolling near the pass and on nearshore reefs with small spoons. King Mackerel run larger (up to 40+ lbs) and are a serious target from spring through fall on wire leader rigs with live bait.

Local tip: Kings and Specks are often running at the same time near the pass. A 3-hour nearshore trip in April is one of the best-value charters you can book.

Grouper & Amberjack

Spring–Summer · Offshore

Trophy offshore species. Grouper live deep on structure and artificial reefs — bottom fishing with cut bait. Amberjack (locals call them "reef donkeys") are caught near the same structures and pull incredibly hard. Both are outstanding table fish.

Local tip: Alabama has extensive artificial reef programs — hundreds of structures offshore. Your captain will know which ones are producing.

Sheepshead & Black Drum

Winter & Spring · Structure

Sheepshead ("convict fish" for their stripes) love pilings, jetties, and structure near the pass. Require finesse — they're notorious bait stealers. Black Drum are their bigger, stronger cousins. Both are exceptional winter targets when offshore fishing slows down.

Local tip: Fiddler crabs are the top bait for sheepshead. Fish the pilings at the Fort Morgan Pier in February — they stack up there.

When to Target What — Monthly Calendar

Fort Morgan fishes year-round. Here's what's hot each month.

Species

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec