Fishing in Baldwin County: Discovering the Gulf Coast’s Rich Waters
As someone who lives and works along the Gulf Coast, I know that Baldwin County is an angler’s paradise. With over 660 miles of shoreline and access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, and countless rivers and inlets, this area offers incredible opportunities for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re casting a line from a pier, heading out on a charter boat, or wading through the shallows, there’s no shortage of exciting fish to catch here.
Let me guide you through the types of fish you can catch in Baldwin County, share my favorite fishing spots in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and give you a few tips to make the most of your time on the water.
Discover Gulf Coast Recipes For Your Catch
Tips For Fishing On The Gulf Coast
Types of Fish to Catch
Baldwin County’s waters are teeming with a variety of fish, each offering a unique challenge and reward. Here are some of the most popular species you can target:
- Amberjack: Found year-round but peak from May through September. They thrive around wrecks, reefs, and gas platforms in the Gulf.
- Blackfin Tuna: Best caught from May to December, with late June and July being peak season. These are caught by trolling and jigging offshore.
- Flounder: Abundant near structures like piers and drop-offs along the Eastern Shore.
- Grouper: Available all year in the Gulf of Mexico.
- King Mackerel: A coastal favorite from May through October, often found near wrecks, rigs, and ledges.
- Redfish: Common around the mouth of Mobile Bay near Fort Morgan.
- Red Snapper: A highly prized fish, often found offshore around reefs. Check regulations for seasons and limits.
- Speckled Trout and Seatrout: Found in the shallows of Mobile Bay and rivers, particularly in the fall and winter.
- Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna: Offshore species with peak seasons from May to October and April to December, respectively.
Whether you prefer inshore, offshore, or pier fishing, there’s something for everyone here in Baldwin County.
Favorite Fishing Spots
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Orange Beach: Known as the fishing capital of the Gulf Coast, Orange Beach offers access to artificial reefs, wrecks, and offshore waters. Boggy Point Boat Launch and Cotton Bayou Launch are great starting points for anglers. After a day on the water, I love stopping at Doc’s Seafood Shack for fresh fish and a relaxed vibe.
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Gulf Shores: Gulf State Park Pier is a fantastic spot for surf and pier fishing. It’s also a great place to meet fellow anglers and swap stories. For a post-fishing meal, head to LuLu’s Gulf Shores for local seafood and live music.
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Fort Morgan: If you’re after redfish or flounder, the waters around Fort Morgan are a prime location. The Fort Morgan Barge Launch is an excellent access point, and nearby Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan is perfect for a bite to eat.
Personal Tips for Fishing in Baldwin County
- Choose the Right Bait: Live shrimp and minnows are excellent for inshore species like redfish and speckled trout, while trolling lures are ideal for offshore species like king mackerel and wahoo.
- Go Early or Late: Fishing during early mornings or late afternoons often yields the best results, especially in the summer.
- Use Local Guides: If you’re new to the area, I highly recommend booking a charter with an experienced local captain. They know the best spots and can tailor the experience to your goals.
Fishing Licenses
Before you head out, make sure you have a valid Alabama fishing license. They’re easy to purchase online at OutdoorAlabama.com or in-person at probate offices in Bay Minette, Foley, Robertsdale, or Fairhope. Outdoor retailers and Walmart locations across the county also sell licenses.
Dining and Relaxation
After a day on the water, Baldwin County offers plenty of places to unwind. Some of my personal favorites include:
- The Gulf in Orange Beach: A waterfront spot perfect for fresh seafood and coastal views.
- Big Fish Restaurant in Gulf Shores: Known for its upscale yet relaxed atmosphere and incredible seafood dishes.
- Pirate’s Cove in Josephine: A great place to dock your boat and enjoy a burger or a cold drink.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in Baldwin County is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. From the thrill of hooking a blackfin tuna offshore to the peaceful joy of catching speckled trout along Mobile Bay, the Gulf Coast offers unforgettable experiences for anglers.
If you’re dreaming of living near these incredible waters or investing in a vacation home, I’d love to help you find the perfect property. Let’s make Baldwin County your home base for all your fishing adventures.
Meredith Amon is a local real estate advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
Easy Recipes for Gulf Coast Fish
Here are simple and flavorful recipes for each of the incredible fish species found along the Gulf Coast. These recipes are designed to highlight the natural flavors of the fish while being easy to prepare at home.
Amberjack: Grilled Amberjack with Lemon Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 amberjack fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Brush fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Melt butter, mix in lemon juice and parsley, and drizzle over the fish before serving.
Blackfin Tuna: Seared Tuna Steaks with Soy-Ginger Glaze
Ingredients:
- 2 tuna steaks
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Season tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet on high and sear tuna for 1–2 minutes per side (medium-rare).
- Mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger, and drizzle over the steaks before serving.
Flounder: Baked Flounder with Garlic and Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 2 flounder fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place flounder on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until flaky.
Grouper: Pan-Seared Grouper with Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 grouper fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chopped basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Season fillets with salt and pepper and sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic, add tomatoes, and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in basil and serve over the fish.
King Mackerel: Cajun Blackened Mackerel
Ingredients:
- 2 mackerel steaks
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Rub mackerel steaks with Cajun seasoning and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, or until blackened and crispy.
Redfish: Redfish on the Half Shell
Ingredients:
- 2 redfish fillets, skin-on
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush the fillets (flesh side) with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes without flipping.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Red Snapper: Lemon Garlic Baked Snapper
Ingredients:
- 2 snapper fillets
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place snapper on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and bake for 12–15 minutes.
Speckled Trout: Fried Speckled Trout with Tartar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 trout fillets
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Dredge fillets in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve with tartar sauce.
Wahoo: Grilled Wahoo with Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients:
- 2 wahoo steaks
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Brush wahoo steaks with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Combine pineapple, onion, lime juice, and cilantro for the salsa, and serve over the fish.
Yellowfin Tuna: Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steaks
Ingredients:
- 2 tuna steaks
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions:
- Press sesame seeds onto both sides of the tuna steaks.
- Sear in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Mix soy sauce and rice vinegar and drizzle over the tuna.
Each of these fish offers its own unique flavor and texture, making Baldwin County’s Gulf Coast an incredible destination for seafood lovers. Whether you’re grilling amberjack or baking red snapper, these easy recipes will bring the fresh taste of the Gulf into your kitchen. If you’d rather enjoy expertly prepared seafood, I’d love to recommend local spots that celebrate the best of our local waters.
Meredith Amon is a local real estate advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
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