Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Alabama’s diverse waterways host a remarkable variety of fish species, from bass and crappie in freshwater lakes to red snapper and flounder along the Gulf Coast. For anglers exploring these fishing opportunities, understanding and following the state’s daily bag and size limits is essential-not just for legal compliance, but for supporting sustainable fisheries for future generations.
This comprehensive guide covers all the current regulations updated for 2025, including recent changes that affect recreational and tournament anglers across the state.
2025 Major Regulatory Updates
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has implemented several significant changes for the 2025 fishing season:
- Red Snapper season expansion: Now open 7 days/week from May 23–June 30, then transitions to 4-day weekends starting July 4 until the quota is met
- Sheepshead limit reduction: Bag limit reduced from 10 to 8 fish per day due to increased fishing pressure
- Red Drum (Redfish) change: Proposal to remove the allowance for one oversized fish (greater than 26″) to protect breeding stock
- Common Snook regulations: New limit of 1 fish per day with a 28-inch minimum size as this species expands its range into Alabama waters
- Tournament regulations change: The ADCNR board has suspended all size limits during fishing tournaments and removed restrictions on the number of tournament events that can be held during summer
Alabama Fishing License Requirements
Before heading out to fish, ensure you have the proper licensing:
Who Needs a License
- Alabama residents ages 16-64 need a recreational license for freshwater and saltwater fishing
- Non-residents age 16 and older must purchase appropriate licenses
- All persons fishing in designated saltwater areas need a Saltwater Fishing License (with certain exemptions)
License Exemptions
- Residents under 16 and those 65 and older (seniors must register with the Saltwater Angler Registry for saltwater fishing)
- Residents fishing from licensed public piers in inside waters
- Resident landowners and immediate family when fishing on their own property
- Alabama residents on active military leave with proper identification
For more detailed license information, visit the Outdoor Alabama official website.
Freshwater Fish Limits (2025)
Alabama’s freshwater regulations apply statewide with specific exceptions for certain lakes and reservoirs. The following table outlines current limits:
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Size Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, etc.) | 10 (combined) | Varies by waterbody | No more than 5 can be smallmouth bass |
| Crappie | 30 | 9″ minimum length | Some lakes exempt or have different requirements |
| Catfish (under 34″) | No limit | None | – |
| Catfish (34″ or longer) | 1 | 34″+ | Some river basins exempted |
| Bream/Sunfish | 50 | None | Includes bluegill, redear sunfish, etc. |
| Walleye | 2 | None | – |
| Sauger | 5 | 15″ minimum | – |
| Saltwater Striped Bass (in designated inland reservoirs) | No more than 2 exceeding 22″ | Varies | Only 1 may exceed 30″ in some reservoirs |
Saltwater Fish Limits (2025)
Alabama’s saltwater regulations apply to designated areas in the Mississippi Sound, Mobile Bay, Bon Secour Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico:
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Size Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Snapper | 2 | 16″ minimum | Season: May 23–June 30 (7 days/week), then 4-day weekends until quota met |
| Red Drum (Redfish) | 3 | 16-26″ slot limit | Proposal to remove allowance for 1 fish over 26″ |
| Spotted Seatrout | 6 | 15-22″ slot limit | Only 1 fish over 22″ allowed |
| Flounder | 5 | 14″ minimum | Commercial limit: 80 fish per day (increased from 40) |
| Sheepshead | 8 (proposed) | 12″ fork length | Reduced from 10 due to increased fishing pressure |
| Spanish Mackerel | 15 | None | – |
| King Mackerel | 3 | 24″ fork length | – |
| Gray Snapper | 10 | None | – |
| Vermilion Snapper | 10 | None | – |
| Greater Amberjack | 1 | 34″ fork length | Not to exceed 2 per vessel |
| Grouper (aggregate) | 4 | Varies | No more than 2 red grouper and 2 gag grouper included in aggregate |
| Cobia | 1 | None | Not to exceed 2 per vessel |
| Tripletail | 3 | 18″ minimum | Commercial limit: 3 |
| Florida Pompano | 3 | None | Commercial limit: 3 |
| Gray Triggerfish | 1 | None | Commercial limit: 16 per vessel |
| Common Snook | 1 (proposed) | 28″ minimum | New for 2025 |
| Sharks | 1 | Varies by species | Atlantic sharpnose and bonnethead: 1 each |
For complete and current regulations, refer to the Alabama Administrative Code for Marine Resources Division regulations.
Special Regulations for Specific Waterways
Many Alabama waterways have unique regulations that override the general statewide limits:
Lake Wedowee (R.L. Harris Reservoir)
- Largemouth Bass: Special slot limit – all bass between 13-16 inches must be released
- Crappie: 30 fish daily, 9-inch minimum length
- Black Bass: 10 fish daily limit (no more than 5 can be smallmouth bass)
Other Notable Waterways
- Guntersville, Pickwick, Wheeler, and Wilson Reservoirs: 15-inch minimum length for largemouth and smallmouth bass
- Lake Martin, Lewis Smith, and Yates Reservoirs: Special striped bass regulations – no more than 2 exceeding 22″ in total length, only 1 may exceed 30″
- Lake Jackson at Florala: Creel limit of 5 black bass greater than 12 inches, only 1 can be over 22 inches
For a complete list of waterbody-specific regulations, visit Alabama’s Freshwater Fishing Regulations page.
Measuring Fish Correctly
Proper fish measurement is essential for compliance with size limits:
- Total length: Measure from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the compressed tail
- Fork length: Measure from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail (used for species like mackerel and amberjack)
Important: All finfish must be maintained with head and fins intact through landing. Sharks, swordfish, and tuna species may be landed in the form permitted by Federal Fisheries Regulations.
Fishing Equipment Regulations
Alabama also regulates fishing equipment:
- Hook requirements: When fishing for gulf reef fish species, anglers must use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait
- Line limitations: It’s unlawful to use snag lines, trot lines, long lines or other hook and line devices containing more than five hooks in Alabama waters
- Commercial shark anglers: May have 2,400 feet of line with a maximum of 50 hooks at least 15/0 in size; lines must be anchored and marked with identification; squid is prohibited as bait (to protect sea turtles)
Tournament Fishing Regulations (2025 Update)
In a significant policy reversal, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has:
- Suspended all size limits during fishing tournaments
- Removed restrictions on the number of tournament events that can be held during summer (previously limited to three)
- Preserved tournament fishing opportunities after concerns about the economic impact of proposed slot limits
This decision came after a three-hour meeting in Montgomery where tournament pros, state officials, and lawmakers urged the board to reconsider implementing slot limits.
Why Alabama Has Fishing Limits
These regulations serve several important purposes:
- Conservation: Protecting fish populations from overharvesting
- Sustainable fisheries: Ensuring fish stocks remain viable for future generations
- Resource management: Distributing fishing opportunities fairly among recreational and commercial anglers
- Economic benefits: Supporting Alabama’s fishing tourism industry
Staying Updated on Alabama Fishing Regulations
Regulations can change throughout the year, particularly for quota-managed species like red snapper. To stay informed:
- Check the Outdoor Alabama website before fishing trips
- Download the Outdoor Alabama app for real-time updates
- Follow the Alabama DCNR social media accounts for announcements
- Visit teenfish.com/alabamas-fishing-regulations-and-catch-limits for simplified guides and regular updates
Penalties for Violations
Failing to comply with Alabama’s fishing regulations can result in:
- Fines
- Confiscation of fishing equipment and catch
- Possible license suspension
- In severe cases, misdemeanor charges
Enforcement officers regularly patrol Alabama’s waters, checking for compliance with licensing and fish size/bag limit regulations.
Additional Resources
For more information on Alabama fishing:
- Alabama Saltwater Fishing Regulations
- Alabama Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
- Outdoor Alabama – Official License Portal
- NOAA Gulf of Mexico Fishing Regulations
Conclusion
Alabama offers incredible fishing opportunities across its diverse waterways, and understanding the daily bag and size limits is essential for responsible angling. The 2025 updates reflect ongoing management efforts to balance conservation needs with recreational opportunities, particularly the expanded red snapper season that will bring more opportunities for anglers.
Remember that these regulations exist not to restrict your fishing enjoyment, but to ensure that Alabama’s diverse fisheries remain healthy and productive for generations to come. Always check for the latest updates before heading out, as emergency regulations or quota closures can occur throughout the season.
Pro Tip: For a convenient reference while on the water, download the Outdoor Alabama app, which includes current regulations and allows you to report your catch electronically.
