boating fishing near ono island orange beach alabama

Top Ten Fishing Spots Near Ono Island: Learning from Local Fishing Experts

By Meredith Amon, Expert Real Estate Advisor in Orange Beach, Alabama

Living on Ono Island has sparked my interest in learning how to fish. While I wouldn’t call myself an angler just yet, I’ve been fortunate to have friends who are passionate about fishing and have shared their expertise with me. Some of them are even local tournament winners, competing in prestigious events like the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Labor Day Invitational and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, part of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown series. They’ve shared incredible tips, personal stories, and favorite spots around Ono Island and the Gulf Coast.

If, like me, you’re eager to get started or refine your skills, here are the top places and tips I’ve learned about fishing near Ono Island.


1. Back Bays of Ono Island – Best for Redfish

The calm, shallow back bays surrounding Ono Island are a fantastic starting point for catching redfish. My friend Tom, who has a 22-foot Pathfinder bay boat, swears by fishing here during the cooler months of fall and winter. He uses live shrimp or mullet on a popping cork, especially during an outgoing tide. His biggest redfish—a stunning bull red—was caught in Perdido Bay near the Ono Bridge.


2. Perdido Pass – A Gateway to Grouper

Perdido Pass is the perfect spot to target grouper if you have a center console or a larger boat. My friend often fishes here with her 28-foot Regulator, dropping heavy bottom rigs with live pinfish or squid. She caught her first 30-pound gag grouper near the Pass last spring, and it remains one of her favorite fishing memories.


3. The Gulf Reefs – Red Snapper Hotspot

Artificial reefs in the Gulf, located about 9–12 miles offshore, are known for their abundant red snapper population. My friend competes in local tournaments and often fishes these spots with his 31-foot Contender. He recommends using squid or cigar minnows for bait. His winning catch during a local Invitational included a large snapper caught near the Tenneco Towers reef system.


4. The Canyons – Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi (Dolphin)

For serious offshore fishing, the DeSoto Canyon, located about 60–100 miles south of Orange Beach, is a prime destination. My friend Chris, who won a local Championship with his team, targets yellowfin tuna and wahoo here using live bait such as blue runners. His 60-foot Viking Sportfish provides the stability and range needed for these deep-water adventures. He recalls a thrilling 45-minute fight with a 70-pound yellowfin caught during a local championship series finale.

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5. Little Lagoon Pass – Perfect for Flounder and Redfish

Closer to shore, the Little Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores is a quiet and productive spot for flounder and redfish. My friend Emily uses her kayak to fish this area, casting live shrimp or finger mullet during an incoming tide. She recalls a nice catch flounder last October.


6. Orange Beach Bridge – Sheepshead and Black Drum

Anchoring near the pilings of the Orange Beach Bridge is a great way to catch sheepshead and black drum. My friends recommend using live fiddler crabs or shrimp. This spot is accessible for those with smaller boats or even paddleboards.


7. Grass Flats in Wolf Bay – Speckled Trout and Redfish

The expansive grass flats in Wolf Bay are a hidden gem for speckled trout and redfish. Drift fishing with soft plastics or live shrimp works wonders here. I’ve been told this spot is perfect for early morning trips, especially in spring and fall.


8. Offshore Wrecks – Amberjack and Grouper

Several wrecks off the coast of Orange Beach are known to hold amberjack and grouper. These spots require a larger boat and heavier tackle. My friend caught a 40-pound amberjack near the Lulu, an artificial reef created from a sunken freighter. He used live blue runners and says it was one of the toughest fights he’s experienced.


9. Perdido Key – Spanish and King Mackerel

The nearshore waters around Perdido Key are excellent for Spanish and king mackerel, especially during the warmer months. Trolling with spoons or live bait, such as cigar minnows, is the most effective method.


10. Bait Fishing in Cotton Bayou

Before heading out, most local anglers recommend stopping in Cotton Bayou to catch bait. Using a Sabiki rig or cast net, you can stock up on pinfish, mullet, and threadfin herring—perfect for targeting larger fish offshore.


Tips from the Pros

  1. Timing and Tides Matter: My friends emphasize the importance of fishing during an incoming or outgoing tide for the best results.
  2. Seasonal Species: Red snapper and cobia are abundant in summer, while redfish and flounder thrive in cooler months.
  3. Gear Up for Offshore: For deep-sea trips, invest in heavier tackle and make sure your boat is equipped for longer distances.
  4. Live Bait is Key: Live shrimp, pinfish, and mullet are go-to options for most local species.

Fishing around Ono Island offers something for everyone, from novice anglers like me to seasoned tournament winners. The stories and advice from my friends have inspired me to explore these spots, and I hope they inspire you as well.

For more about the incredible coastal lifestyle, check out my Ono Island page at searchthegulf.com/ono-island or explore Orange Beach at searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/.


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