GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH FISHING YOU LL FIND YOURSELF HOOKED THE MINUTE YOU CAST YOUR LINE.

Transcription

1 GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH FISHING YOU LL FIND YOURSELF HOOKED THE MINUTE YOU CAST YOUR LINE.

2 The sun sparkling on the Gulf water is almost as magnificent as the catch you ve been fighting on the end of your line. Your buddies take turns razzing you about the hour-long fight, but you know they wish that record-breaking yellowfin tuna was coming home to their kitchen. As the sun sets on your return to the marina, you realize you ve just experienced a whole new state of euphoria on the waters of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

3 FISHING 101 Maybe you ve fished the Alabama Gulf Coast a hundred times, or maybe this is the first time you ve baited a hook; either way we have a few fishing tips to help make your trip memorable. Stay hydrated and energized. Bring along a cooler with plenty of water and nutritious snacks. Remember the fishing trip essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. No one will believe your fishing stories if you don t have digital proof, so remember to bring along a camera! Stay cool by wearing lightweight clothing in light colors and dress in layers as wind can cool you down pretty fast even when the sun is out. If you ve booked a charter fishing trip, your captain will provide the bait, tackle, equipment and your fishing license. If you re fishing on your own, be sure to purchase the appropriate license before dropping your line. If you re prone to motion sickness, over-the-counter medications may help with prevention. ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. A fishing trip can be as exciting or as laid back as you want it to be. It s all about the journey. Suddenly, you ll find yourself in whole new state of I never thought I could catch THAT!

4 PIER FISHING There s plenty of room to cast your line at the Gulf State Park pier. Built in 2009, the pier is the second largest on the Gulf of Mexico at 1,540 feet long and 2,448 feet of fishing space along its rails. You ll see anglers pull up fish all day long, and some even drop their crab traps from the pier. On those hot days, take in shade at the concession and retail area where snacks, drinks, tackle and souvenirs are available. A saltwater fishing license is required and can be purchased at the retail shop. Pier admittance rates apply. The pier is great for families with small children who want a first fishing experience together but who might not yet be ready to board a boat. What You ll Catch Pompano, whiting, redfish, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, flounder SHORE FISHING No boat? No worries. You have 32 miles of white-sand beaches, not to mention our backbays and lagoon, to wade into and hook your lunch. There are few things more peaceful than a morning on the beach. Add shore fishing to the mix and you ve just discovered a whole new state of peaceful meditation. What You ll Catch Pompano, whiting, redfish, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, flounder

5 INSHORE/NEARSHORE FISHING Whether you have a few hours to fish or a whole day, inshore and nearshore fishing will fit into your schedule. There are plenty of places to drop your line, including Little Lagoon, Mobile Bay, Wolf Bay, Perdido Bay, Terry Cove and more. You can even fish with views of Alabama s white-sand beaches when you cruise through Alabama Point and cast your line near the shore. What You ll Catch Flounder, speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, pompano, bluefish, Spanish and king mackerel OFFSHORE/DEEP SEA FISHING You rose before the sun this morning to make it to the marina before the boat casts off. There s a bucket of bait fish being prepared by a deckhand, and the captain is mapping out the day s journey. You start to rub the sleep from your face when the excitement starts building. You re about to discover what epic really means. You re cruising more than 20 miles offshore for a deep sea fishing adventure. Deep sea fishing is an all-day experience. On a chartered trip, you can expect to stay out six or more hours. For those who want to reel in the big billfish, overnight trips are also available. If you have the right boat and equipment, you can undertake your own offshore adventure, too. What You ll Catch Bottom fish, red and black snapper, vermillion snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, king mackerel, grouper, tuna, marlin, swordfish, wahoo

6 CHARTER FISHING Orange Beach is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets and largest artificial reef program in the country. The boats are here. The fish are here. The reefs are here. All that s missing is you. You can take a charter outing for any of the fishing trip types listed. Small groups may want to consider headboats, also known as party boats, which offer walk-on rates. These charters can take as many as 60 people out for a day of offshore fishing. A private charter may be the option for those needing more flexibility and choices. Charter fishing is a hassle-free way to get your fishing fix. Your captain will provide a fishing license, bait and tackle, equipment and the deckhands will assist you with as much as you need. You don t even have to bait your hook or clean your catch! For a small fee, deckhands will clean your fish after you arrive back at the marina. Aside from the fish-cleaning fee, it is recommended you tip your deckhand 15 percent of the trip cost. GET IN THE LOOP The Great Loop is the continuous waterway that encompasses the eastern portion of North America including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America s heartland. Imagine boating the Intracoastal Waterway with an eye on wildlife, barges and tugs, other loopers, and more. Whether you re a full-time looper or an occasional one, looping can be a fantastic way to experience our waterways and lifestyle. Find out more about this exciting way to explore by visiting

7 REEL IN T H E BIG O N E AT FISHING T O URN AM E N T S You ll discover a new state of astonishment when you witness the weighing of record-breaking billfish at the Orange Beach Billfish Classic; earn the title of Master Angler at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo or earn the coveted Leader of the Pack title at the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf tournament. Requirements for participation vary by tournament, and advance registration and entry fees apply. Weigh-ins are free to spectators. Orange Beach Billfish Classic, May 16-20, 2018 Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf, July 10-15, 2018 MBGFC Junior Angler Tournament, July 6-7, 2018 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, July 20-22, 2018 MBGFC Ladies Tournament, August 3-5, 2018 Labor Day Invitational, August 30-September 3, 2018 LEARN MORE ABOUT FISHING TOURNAMENTS AT ORANGEBEACH.COM/FISHING

8 MARINAS Marinas are the hub of the fishing industry in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and with more than 15 dotting the shorelines, each one is its own small community. Some marinas feature upscale restaurants, laundry facilities, and entertainment while others offer a relaxed, waterfront dive where you can grab burgers and drinks. Shopping is also available, from boutiques to small grocery markets. Most also offer refueling services. Marinas are sprinkled throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and even tucked away in places like Fort Morgan and Arnica Bay. For a full listing of marinas and the services each offer, visit the marina directory online at OrangeBeach.com/fishing. COOK YOUR CATCH RESTAURANTS Have a world-class chef prepare your catch at one of Orange Beach or Gulf Shores cook-your-catch restaurants. Go online to OrangeBeach.com/fishing and select Cook Your Catch for a restaurant directory. Your deck hands or your restaurant can even prepare fish for you to safely take home with you. WATERCRAFT RENTALS If you have the itch to get out on the water, but didn t bring your own watercraft, there are rental options available. You ll find everything from Jet Skis to pontoon and center console boats available at several Orange Beach marinas. Kayaks and standup paddleboards are also available and many companies will deliver smaller craft. The rental company you select will provide education and instructions on picking up, using and returning your watercraft. Rentals are typically available by the hour, half-day or full day. For a directory of rental operators, visit our website.

9 BRING YOUR BOAT Here s an idea that ll float your boat bring it along with you! Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are loaded with boatfriendly vacation possibilities. More than six public boat launches are available for use throughout Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and a map of locations is available online. There are numerous vacation rentals from homes to condos that also offer boat parking and boat slips. Take a break from cruising the coastline and visit one of the area s waterfront restaurants that offer boat slips for diners. Check our website for the latest directory of boat-friendly accommodations and restaurants. The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show, March 22-25, 2018 boasting the largest in-water display of any boat show along the upper Gulf Coast

10 STAY IN TOUCH Stay up-to-date on fishing, boating and vacation news when you sign up online to receive our Coastal Catch newsletter. Local fishing experts share news and information on fishing in our What s Biting blog. GulfShores.com/fishing OrangeBeach.com/fishing GSOBfishing