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Young angler Greg Frick, 10, of Duluth, Georgia muscles a fish to the boat with a saltwater bait-casting rod and reel during a charter fishing trip on a party boat — the Moreno Queen of Orange Beach.

While freshwater fishing is very popular in inland Alabama, the promise of exotic species and large catches from deep sea trolling or bottom fishing boats lure most tourists to the saltwaters of the Gulf of Mexico. Many reserve private or group charters with professional guides, but open "party" boats usually have slots available each day. Others go it alone on private craft, while some prefer to cast from shore.

Some refer to local fishing as the "red snapper capital of the world." In addition to snapper, bottom fishing charters (those party boats) catch amberjack, grouper, triggerfish and yellow fin tuna. Trolling charters allow more intimate groups but (just two or three can fish at once) for bonita, bluefish, jack, mackerel, wahoo or cobia (ling). Individuals fishing the bays and surf often land flounder, mullet, pompano, speckled trout, and whiting. Sport fishing, sometimes referred to as 'bill' fishing, are deepwater trolling trips for trophy marlin, swordfish, rare sailfish, large dolphin (mahi mahi), and even sharks. (Don't worry - the dolphin caught in The Gulf are not the same species as the beloved bottle-nosed dolphins like "Flipper.")

An individual license is required when fishing from private boats or the shore in Alabama or Florida waters, but none is required if fishing from charter boats in federal waters (Alabama: over 3 miles offshore; Florida: over nine miles offshore). Charter boat customer can fish under their captain's license, and most recommend making advance reservations for full- or half-day fishing trips. A down payment usually is required to hold an entire boat, but cancellation policies are flexible. Some area charter boat operations are listed below.

This Red Snapper is just part of a 400-pound catch that four Michigan brothers took home from a three-day fishing trip off the Pleasure Island coast in 2001 with Zeke's Charter Fleet of Orange Beach.

Saltwater fishing in The Gulf

The chart below outlines just some of the saltwater fish species that can be caught locally. The Season column notes the general time of year that different fish may 'hit' bait and lures. The Best Time column identifies prime fishing periods for each species. For those out for a trophy catch, the Alabama (state) Record column (as of 2001) offers a measurable incentive, and in a few instances, a startling perspective on some of the monsters that lurk beneath the placid waters of The Gulf of Mexico.

Legend
Sources: Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources;
Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

Before heading out to sea in the early morning hours, a deckhand on a small fishing charter boat casts a net for fresh baitfish off a pier in Orange Beach.

Orange Beach Fishing Association

Many companies operate fishing and sightseeing charter boats on and around Pleasure Island, and a few are listed here. Some book short two- or four-hour trips, others specialize in day-long or even multi-day trips. Captains and deckhands who are members of the Orange Beach Fishing Association are experienced, safety-conscious professionals who are familiar with local waters, weather patterns and conditions, and fishing regulations. To ensure that members are well-informed about local fishing issues and that boats are operated safely, the Association also publishes an informational newsletter, encourages continuous training, and coordinates a random drug testing program for members. The Orange Beach Fishing Association also maintains a Web site with more comprehensive and up-to-date charter boat listings at:

www.gulffishing.net

Occasionally, some charter boat companies change the marinas and docks that serve as their home base. Check with each company to verify their location when scheduling your trip.

Charter boats - Gulf Shores

Cool Breeze
Gulf Shores, AL
(251) 540-7534
(251) 942-4389 (Reservations)

This 42-foot Resmondo sport fishing boat features state-of-the-art navigation and fishing equipment, that includes premium tackle. The craft has a complete galley, is air-conditioned, and even equiped with satellite TV.

Sportsman
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540-7108
Web site: www.gulffishing.net
e-mail: leema@gulftel.com

The Sportsman offers custom fishing and sightseeing trips in and around The Gulf.

Summer Hunter
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-3474
Web site: www.zebra.net/~summer/
e-mail: captjack@zebranet

This fast sportfisherman cruises at 20 knots and is equipped with a cobia/tuna tower. The Summer Hunter specializes in small groups (1 to 6 passengers). Families welcome.

As fishermen aboard the charter boat Moreno Queen of Gulf Shores prepare to cast their lines in deep Gulf waters 18 miles offshore to bottom fish for red snapper, a couple concentrates on applying sunscreen.

Charter boats - Orange Beach

Alabama Fishing Charters (Albacore II)
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-4850
e-mail: lattofjn@aol.com

Sunny Side Up
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-5392

Cat-Cat
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 752-2858
Web site: www.captleefrye.com
e-mail: catcat@atexcellence.com

Catch-It
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-9730
e-mail: catchit@gulftel.com

Cool Change
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 974-5615
(888) 271-6576
Web site: www.worldwidefishing.com/b427.htm
e-mail: captjoe@gulftel.com

Escape
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-7173

Surf fishing is one of the most inexpensive ways to participate in a sport that otherwise might necessitate expensive gear and a boat. A heavy duty saltwater rod and reel and a bucket of live bait will keep you occupied for hours.

Good Times II
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-3733
Web site: www.alabamadeepseafishing.com

Hey Boy II
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-5319
Web site: www.heyboy2.com
e-maill: heyboy@gulftel.com

Intimidator Sportfishing Inc.
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 979-0188
(888) 679-0552

Moreno Queen
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-4499
(800) 317-4850
E-mail: morenoqueen@gulftel.com

Necessity
26624 Martinique Drive
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-4039
Toll Free: (800) 295-4295
Web site: www.necessitysportsfishing.com
e-mail: fishnec1@aol.com

Rip Tide
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 981-1500
Web site: www.fishriptide.com
e-mail: captwheat@earthlink.net

Seafood
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 948-8121

Zeke's Charter Fleet
Orange Beach, AL
(251) 948-8121
(800) 793-4044
Web site: www.zekescharters.com
e-mail: zekes@gulftel.com

At the end of a half-day bottom fishing trip, anglers line up on the dock to have their catch weighed and cleaned. Most boats sponsor contests to award cash for the biggest fish of each trip.

Charter boats - Daphne, Fairhope, Pensacola

Miss Celeste
Daphne, AL
(251) 981-4600

Intruder
Fairhope, AL
(251) 981-2081
Web site: www.intrudercharters.com
e-mail: mike@intrudercharters.com

A-1 Charter/Outcast
5574 Ponte Verde Court
Pensacola, FL
(251) 980-1800
(888) 727-7985
e-mail: myfish@bellsouth.net

C.A.T.
Pensacola, FL
(850) 492-4536
(888) 558-3889

Dana-J
Pensacola, FL
(850) 944-3124
e-mail: ajon505@aol.com

Good Times One
Pensacola, FL 32506
(850) 455-6113
e-mail: cobiarun@aol.com

Striker III
Seminole, AL 36574
(251) 946-3874
e-mail: cappy6@msn.com