- A fishing license is needed to catch red fish in Alabama waters. Licenses can be purchased from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website---outdooralabama.com---or by calling 888-848-6887. Anglers fishing from a licensed charter boat will be granted a day permit as part of the charter fee. License fees in April 2010 are $9 for a single trip or $21 for an annual license.
- The Gulf of Mexico waters off Orange Beach are home to the largest artificial reef system in the United States. The reefs offer good fishing marks for a range of species, including red fish, according to the Orange Beach Fishing Association. Boats are needed to reach the reefs. Shallower waters and structures such as piers are also productive locations, though usually for smaller specimens.
- Red fish can be caught all year round in Orange Beach. June is a good month for general red fish angling in Orange Beach, according to Alabama Game and Fish. However, the largest red drum come further in-shore during the colder months. These larger fish---often over 30 lbs.---are known as "bull drum."
- Red fish mainly feed on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. Artificial, live or dead baits that mimic crustaceans are popular choices for catching red drum. They will also take strips of croaker, mullet and menhaden. Bottom fishing rigs, surf casting from beaches and spinning with spoons and plugs are all productive techniques, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- There are many different charter boat companies in Orange Beach that offer red fish trips. Charter boats have the advantage of offering local knowledge, fishing gear for hire and bait as part of the package. An Alabama day fishing license is included with a charter boat trip. Places to look for charter outfits include along Perdido Beach Boulevard on the south side of Cotton Bayou, along Canal Road and on Marina Road leading up to Terry Cove.
previous post