Ultimate Guide to Alabama Gulf Coast Fishing Spots for Boaters — Inshore Havens, Offshore Reefs, and Hidden Bay Launches
Boat in the water? You’ve already got the edge. Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers some of the most rewarding fishing anywhere in the South — and with a boat, you’re not stuck to the shoreline. From the quiet backwaters of Mobile Bay to the snapper-loaded reefs off Orange Beach, this stretch of coast is full of variety and action.
This guide covers the top fishing spots for boaters across Alabama’s coast. You’ll find launch ramps, GPS coordinates, what’s biting, when to go, and tips that actually help. We even built a custom map to make planning easy.
Pick your spot, fire up the motor, and go find your next story on the water.
1. Perdido Pass – Current, Structure, and Solid Action
If you’re fishing out of Orange Beach, Perdido Pass is probably already on your radar—and for good reason. It’s the funnel between the Gulf and the back bays, and all that moving water brings in the bait and the fish. Whether you’re casting near the jetties or heading just outside the pass, you’re in a good spot.
What You’ll Catch:
- Redfish (especially around the jetties)
- Sheepshead (stack up heavy in spring)
- Pompano, Spanish mackerel, and flounder depending on the season
Launch Info:
- Cotton Bayou Boat Launch
📍 25807 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
🧭 30.2719° N, 87.5831° W
Free, open 24/7, with two lanes and plenty of trailer parking.
Boat Tips:
- Incoming tide is your friend—bait pushes in, and so do the fish.
- Fish the pilings and rocks with live shrimp for sheepshead or bounce a jig for reds.
- Quick access to both inshore and offshore from here.
2. Little Lagoon – Quiet Water, Big Results
Little Lagoon doesn’t get as much buzz as the Gulf, but for small boat owners or anyone looking to avoid open water, it’s a low-pressure spot with some real potential. Shallow, brackish, and tucked behind the beach homes of Gulf Shores, this place is great for early morning or post-front missions when other waters get churned up.
What You’ll Catch:
- Speckled trout and redfish in grassy pockets
- Flounder around sandy drop-offs and channels
- Black drum (usually the bigger ones) cruising near the pass
Launch Info:
- Mo’s Landing
📍 18068 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
🧭 30.2551° N, 87.7158° W
Free access, lots of parking, and restrooms on-site.
Boat Tips:
- Light tackle and quiet approach go a long way—this water’s shallow and clear.
- The area near Lagoon Pass sees a lot of fish movement on tidal swings.
- Bull minnows or shrimp under a cork are reliable go-tos here.
3. Fort Morgan – Bay, Gulf, and Everything in Between
Fishing near Fort Morgan gives you options. One side’s protected bay water, the other’s open Gulf. You can stay tucked inside if the wind’s blowing or make a short run to reefs and wrecks just offshore when the weather’s right. It’s a laid-back spot with a lot of flexibility.
What You’ll Catch:
- Trout and redfish inshore, especially in spring and fall
- Flounder from the beaches and near passes (fall is best)
- Spanish mackerel, cobia, and even snapper just offshore in summer
Launch Info:
- Fort Morgan Boat Ramp
📍 Fort Morgan Marina Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
🧭 30.2335° N, 87.9310° W
Public ramp, basic facilities—can get busy during summer weekends.
Boat Tips:
- Hit nearshore reefs for mackerel and cobia—troll with spoons or free-line live bait.
- Fish the surf zone for pompano and flounder with sand fleas or jigs.
- The Dixie Bar just off the point can be hot for big redfish.
Awesome—let’s keep it rolling with the same tone and structure. Here come the next few spots with the same boat-friendly, info-packed vibe:
4. Meaher State Park – Where Fresh Meets Salt
Right where the Mobile-Tensaw Delta empties into Mobile Bay, you’ve got Meaher State Park. It’s not your classic coastal fishing hole—it’s more of a hybrid zone, where bass and bream cross paths with redfish and flounder. If you like variety, this one’s worth a visit.
What You’ll Catch:
- Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and bream in the river channels
- Redfish, trout, and flounder closer to bay mouths
- Catfish just about everywhere—bring extra ice if you’re keeping them
Launch Info:
- Meaher State Park Boat Ramp
📍 5200 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort, AL
🧭 30.6783° N, 87.9834° W
Small ramp, easy launch, decent parking. Entry fee required for the park.
Boat Tips:
- Shallow-draft boats work best—there’s a lot of backwater.
- Try the grass lines and creek mouths with spinnerbaits or shrimp-tipped jigs.
- Bonus: the pier’s great for kids or a second rod while you launch.
5. Bayou St. John Reef – Artificial Structure That Delivers
Tucked between Bear Point and Perdido Key, this inshore artificial reef is a magnet for trout, reds, and flounder. It’s one of Alabama’s many man-made reef sites, and it consistently produces, especially when the tides are moving.
What You’ll Catch:
- Speckled trout over the structure
- Redfish patrolling the edges
- Flounder holding near the bottom
Launch Info:
- Bear Point Harbor
📍 5749 Bay La Launch Ave, Orange Beach, AL
🧭 30.2940° N, 87.5663° W
Private marina with ramp access—fee required but worth it for the location.
Boat Tips:
- Fish the reef early or late when temps are lower and fish are active.
- Drop soft plastics or shrimp-tipped jigs straight down or drift with current.
- Great spot for beginner anglers—structure keeps fish concentrated.
6. Nearshore Gulf Reefs – Fast Action on a Calm Day
If the Gulf’s glassy and your boat’s got the range, head a few miles offshore. Alabama’s nearshore artificial reef program is one of the biggest in the country, and you don’t need to run far to hook into snapper, kings, or even the occasional mahi.
What You’ll Catch:
- Red snapper (during season)
- King mackerel, Spanish mackerel
- Cobia in spring
- Triggerfish, vermillion snapper, and more
Launch Info:
- Boggy Point Boat Launch
📍 27491 Marina Rd, Orange Beach, AL
🧭 30.2791° N, 87.5740° W
Popular Gulf access ramp. Two lanes, docks, and lots of trailer space.
Boat Tips:
- Use GPS to lock onto public reef numbers (available from Alabama DCNR).
- Slow-troll live bait for kings and cobia, or bottom fish with squid near structure.
- Always check wind and swell before heading out—open Gulf can turn fast.
7. Dog River (South Mobile)
Dog River feeds into the western side of the bay and is super convenient if you’re launching near Mobile. It’s a classic spot for inshore species.
What You’ll Catch:
- Speckled trout
- Redfish
- Flounder
- Sheepshead (near pilings and docks)
Launch Info:
- Dog River Marina
📍 2459 Dog River Dr S, Mobile, AL
🧭 30.6116° N, 88.0837° W
Tips:
- Fish dock pilings on moving tides for trout.
- The mouth of the river is great in the fall when bait’s flushed out.
8. Weeks Bay (Eastern Shore)
Tucked between Fairhope and Magnolia Springs, Weeks Bay is shallow, protected, and perfect for smaller boats or skiffs. It’s got excellent grass beds and marsh edges.
What You’ll Catch:
- Redfish and speckled trout
- Flounder along sandy banks
- Juvenile tarpon in late summer (yep, really)
Launch Info:
- Weeks Bay Reserve Launch
📍 11300 US-98, Fairhope, AL
🧭 30.4037° N, 87.8325° W
Tips:
- Soft plastics and popping corks around grass flats work well.
- Try the mouth where Weeks Bay meets Mobile Bay for flounder in fall.
9. Daphne Bayfront Park / D’Olive Bay
On the northeast side of the bay, this area has calm water and great fishing for families and casual boaters. You can stay close to shore and still catch.
What You’ll Catch:
- Redfish and trout
- Occasional flounder
- Catfish and drum in deeper pockets
Launch Info:
- May Day Park Boat Launch
📍 Daphne, AL
🧭 30.6039° N, 87.9042° W
Tips:
- Fish early or late in summer—this side gets sunny quick.
- Oyster beds out front hold fish, especially on falling tides.
10. Causeway (5 Rivers Area)
This is where the Mobile-Tensaw Delta starts to feed into the bay. Lots of moving water, structure, and options. It’s fishy all year and easy to access.
What You’ll Catch:
- Redfish
- Speckled trout
- Freshwater species (bass, bream, catfish)
Launch Info:
- 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center Launch
📍 30945 5 Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL
🧭 30.6745° N, 87.9350° W
Tips:
- Bring both saltwater and freshwater setups—you never know.
- Look for bait schools near marsh points on a rising tide.
Map-Based Guide to Alabama Fishing Spots
⚓️ Bonus: Seasonal Fishing Cheat Sheet for Alabama Coast
| Season | Top Species | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sheepshead, redfish, pompano, cobia | Fish jetties, run beach lines for cobia |
| Summer | Trout, Spanish mackerel, snapper | Go early, fish deeper mid-day |
| Fall | Flounder, bull reds, speckled trout | Focus on passes and drop-offs |
| Winter | Redfish, black drum, trout (deep) | Target deeper channels and structure |