When visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama you’ll definitely want to find a way to spend some time out on the water. Fort Morgan is Alabama’s premier coastal fishing destination and a top spot to catch a nice range of gamefish.
One of the best ways to experience it all is by finding one of the many amazing shore fishing spots and hang out there for the day.
Fort Morgan is especially known for its incredible fishing charters, and our rentals near Gulf Shores, AL will put you close enough to spend your days casting a line and enjoying the simpler things in life.
Where to Fish
Some people like things to be easy. Grab your fishing rod, a tackle box filled with the essentials, and some snacks to keep you going. Then, all that’s left is to find the perfect fishing spot. These secret alcoves can be hard to find if you don’t know where to look.
Fishing is a popular pastime along the Gulf Coast of Alabama
The Western tip of Fort Morgan is called Dixey Bar and is well known as one of the premiere fishing locations in the area. Often, the best fishing happens in the morning, but here it’s essential to wait until the last two hours of a falling tide. Expert fisherman report being able to catch some huge red snapper in this spot.
At the west end of the island you can also head to the west side of the beach for some good catches. Look for the area where the beach opens up into the pass and head to where it makes a right angle into the bay. This area is known for being an ideal spot to catch white trout.
Fishing Charters
If you like something a little bit more exciting, or want to try and catch some really big fish, you should consider booking a fishing charter on your trip to Fort Morgan.
In addition to knowing exactly where to fish in Fort Morgan, the experts who lead many of these chartered and guided outings can really teach you something. This is a perfect option if you’re thinking about taking a larger group out fishing or perhaps if some of the people you are fishing with are less experienced.
There are several Fort Morgan fishing charter options in the area if this is what you choose to do. Many of the chartered tours cost around $400 and are good for groups of 4 to 6 people.
Alabama Girl Fishing departs from the Fort Morgan Marina and offers both inshore and nearshore tours. Trips last 2 or 4 hours depending on your preference and everything you need to fish including tackle, bait, and licensing are included in the cost.
Sunrise Charters, Off the Hook Charters, and Sea Dawg Charter are also all popular local chartered fishing trip options.
Choosing a charter can often mean catching bigger fish as you’ll be guided by an experienced captain. On some of these chartered fishing trips you can expect to catch Red snapper, king mackerel, redfish, cobia, amberjack, marlin, tuna and even occasionally a bull shark.
All of these options are in close proximity to our vacation rentals near Gulf Shores, AL. If you need help finding one of the fishing spots, or to book a charter, our staff can help you. Sit back, relax and plan exactly how you’ll make the most of all these wonderful angling options once you’re here.
There’s nothing like visiting Alabama’s Gulf coast and staying at one of our premier beachfront vacation rentals for a quick adventure on the water or a long relaxing trip!
What Types of Fish Can You Catch in Fort Morgan?
Whether you are fishing in Fort Morgan alone in a secret alcove or with a large party on a charter boat, you will find quite a variety of fish to catch in the waters around Fort Morgan. Here’s a rundown of the types of fish you are likely to catch during your Gulf Shores fishing experience.
Florida Pompano
Florida Pompanos are flat-bodied fish that you could put right in the frying pan. If you’ve never tasted a Florida Pompano, you are in for a real treat! It doesn’t need scaling, and even the skin tastes great. They have an exquisite flavor and are easy to cook.
Florida Pompanos can be found in the Gulf Shores waters year-round but are especially plentiful during the spring. They are bottom feeders and like sand fleas, shrimp, and small fish. There is a catch limit of three Florida Pompanos per person, and the fish must be less than 12″ in total length.
Whiting
Whiting, also called kingfish, are plentiful in the Gulf waters off Alabama. They have similar tastes and eating patterns as the Florida Pompanos. They can be made into thick white filets, have only a few large bones, and can be cooked in many different ways. There is no catch-limit for whiting in Alabama.
Redfish
Fort Morgan is a well-known place to come to catch this very popular sport fish. You have a pretty good chance of catching a whopper of a redfish, so be prepared! They love to eat blue crab, shrimp, and cut fish, and they are always hungry. Redfish are most plentiful during October, November, and December. Alabama allows you to keep up to three redfish that measure between 16-26″; if one of those three fish is above the limit, that is allowable as well.
Speckled Trout
Also called Spotted Trout, you’ll find this fish most often in the fall or spring. You have to be careful when you are fishing for trout because they have sharp teeth. It can be hard to unhook a speckled trout without being bitten, so you need to use the correct technique.
The best bait for this fish are live shrimp, pinfish, or greenbacks, but artificial lures work as well. When speckled trout is cooked, it has a very mild flavor. In Alabama, you can take up to six speckled trout measuring 15 to 22 inches a day, and one of your six fish can be oversized.
Other Types:
While Florida Pompano, Whiting, Redfish, and Speckled Trout are the most common types of fish you will find when fishing in Gulf Shores, there are others as well. You might also find some Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Shark, Catfish, Flounder, Stingray, Ladyfish, and others. Make sure you are aware of what the fishing bag limits are for each type of fish you catch.
What Gear Do You Need?
You’ll need a saltwater fishing license, and a variety of rods, lines, and hooks, so you can be prepared to catch whatever fish are biting at the time. Don’t forget sunblock and polarized sunglasses. You should be able to find bait and tackle shops in the area to supply what you need to fish in Fort Morgan, or if you charter a boat, the charter company should provide everything.
After a great day of fishing, grab some craft beer and come back to cook up your catch of the day at one of our Fort Morgan beach rentals. And if you need a break from fishing, check out the hiking, biking, and other activities at Gulf Shores State Park. Call us today or head online to make a reservation in the Fort Morgan area.