How to Catch Alabama’s Inshore Trio: Speckled Trout, Redfish & Flounder (2025)

Alabama’s pristine coastal waters have earned a reputation as a premier destination for anglers seeking the inshore “Big Three” – speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. These prized species offer some of the Gulf Coast’s most exciting and rewarding fishing experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re casting along grass beds in Mobile Bay, working oyster reefs near Dauphin Island, or probing channels along the Eastern Shore, Alabama’s diverse ecosystems provide abundant opportunities to target these sought-after gamefish.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Alabama’s saltwater superstars, from current licensing requirements and regulations to seasonal patterns and proven techniques that will help you land more fish in 2025. By understanding the unique behaviors and habitats of each species, you’ll maximize your success on Alabama’s coastal waters.

Alabama Saltwater Fishing License Requirements for 2025

Before heading out on the water, securing the proper licensing is essential for legal fishing in Alabama’s saltwater areas.

Who Needs a License

A saltwater fishing license is required for all persons fishing or possessing fish in saltwater areas of Alabama (coastal bays, estuaries, and Gulf waters). However, there are important exemptions:

• Residents and non-residents under the age of 16
• Alabama residents age 65 and over
• Residents fishing from a licensed public fishing pier in inside waters

Current License Types and Fees

Alabama offers several types of saltwater fishing licenses with updated fees as of August 2024:

License Type	Alabama Residents	Louisiana	Florida	All Other States
Annual	$29.35	$129.20	$48.20	$63.30
7-Day Trip	$12.10	$33.75	$30.20	$34.80
Pier	$7.50	$14.15	$14.15	$14.15
Spearfishing	$6.00	$8.50	$8.50	$8.50
Spearfishing Trip	N/A	$3.50	$3.50	$3.50
Disabled	$3.45	N/A	N/A	N/A
Disabled Veterans (20%)	$3.55	N/A	N/A	N/A
Reef Fish Endorsement	$10.00	$10.00	$10.00	$10.00

It’s important to note that all licenses expire annually on August 31st, regardless of when they were purchased.

Reef Fish Endorsement Requirement

In addition to the standard saltwater fishing license, anglers targeting gulf reef fish species must purchase a Reef Fish Endorsement ($10.00). This endorsement is required for any angler 16 years or older with no exemptions.

How to Purchase Your License

You can obtain your Alabama saltwater fishing license through several convenient methods:

1. Online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website
2. By phone at 888-848-6887 (a $3.95 convenience fee applies)
3. In person at local license agents, probate offices, or license commissioners
4. At Marine Resources Division offices in Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island

Saltwater Angler Registration

Even if you’re exempt from purchasing a license (such as Alabama residents 65 or older), you must still register with the Alabama Saltwater Angler Registry. This registration is free and can be completed online through the Outdoor Alabama website.

Where to Find Alabama’s Inshore Trio

Alabama offers diverse and productive habitats that support healthy populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. Understanding the key characteristics of these environments will dramatically increase your chances of success.

Mobile Bay Ecosystem

Mobile Bay stands as the crown jewel of Alabama’s inshore fishing. This massive estuary system provides prime habitat for all three target species throughout the year. Key productive areas include:

• Gaillard Island
• Cataloochee Bay
• Point Clear
• Mouth of Mobile River

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is particularly critical to these species’ life cycles, serving as an essential nursery habitat that sustains Alabama’s inshore fisheries.

Coastal Structures and Habitat Types

Throughout Alabama’s coastal waters, focus on these productive structures to locate the inshore trio:

• Oyster reefs (especially productive for speckled trout)
• Submerged grass beds (attractive to all three species)
• Marsh edges and creek mouths (prime redfish territory)
• Pier pilings and bridge supports (concentrate baitfish that attract predators)
• Drop-offs and channels (ideal for flounder ambushes and larger speckled trout)

Perdido Bay Opportunities

The Perdido Bay system offers excellent fishing for all three species, particularly during the warmer months. Key features include:

• Extensive grass flats (for redfish and speckled trout)
• Docks and jetties (especially productive for redfish)
• Deeper channels (concentrate flounder and larger trout)

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Areas

The coastal waters near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide year-round opportunities for the inshore trio:

• Little Lagoon (excellent for speckled trout in spring and summer)
• Intracoastal Waterway (productive for all three species)
• Coastal jetties and passes (concentrate baitfish and predators)

Speckled Trout: Tactics and Timing

The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), commonly called speckled trout, ranks among Alabama’s most sought-after inshore species. Understanding their seasonal movements and behavior patterns is key to consistent success.

Seasonal Patterns and Locations

While speckled trout can be caught year-round in Alabama waters, their locations shift seasonally:

• Spring (March-May): Target shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges as water temperatures rise. This period offers excellent action along Gulf beaches in March and around grass flats and oyster reefs as the season progresses.
• Summer (June-August): Focus on early mornings and evenings around structure, including deeper grass edges and artificial reefs.
• Fall (September-November): Excellent action as fish begin transitioning to deeper channels with cooling water temperatures.
• Winter (December-February): Concentrate on deep holes, drop-offs, and channels in rivers and above the Mobile Bay Causeway.

Effective Baits and Lures

Speckled trout respond well to a variety of presentations:

• Artificial lures: Mirror-sided plugs, bucktails, and plastic tail jigs work well year-round. Soft-plastic swimbaits with rapidly vibrating tails are particularly effective, as trout are attracted to the subtle vibrations and side-to-side roll.
• Live bait: Croakers, mullet, menhaden, and live shrimp consistently produce results, especially for larger specimens.

For added effectiveness when using artificial lures, consider adding a fish attractant gel to soft plastics. This not only attracts trout but encourages them to hold onto the bait longer, giving you more time to set the hook.

Fishing Techniques

For the most productive speckled trout fishing:

1. In spring, use live shrimp or croakers near shorelines with marsh or grass
2. Target oyster reefs and artificial structures during incoming tides
3. In winter, focus on deeper water with artificial lures or live bait
4. Pay attention to lure action and cadence – trout respond to specific retrieval patterns

“The final step in attracting speckled trout is paying close attention to the action and cadence of the lure,” notes fishing expert Captain John Smith. “Bouncing a jig along the bottom, slashing and pausing a twitch bait, or swimming a swimbait is science to the most successful trout pros.”

Redfish: Strategies for Success

The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), commonly called redfish, provides exciting action for Alabama anglers throughout the year. These powerful fighters frequent diverse habitats from shallow flats to deeper structure.

Understanding Current Regulations

Alabama maintains specific size and bag limit regulations for redfish to protect the fishery:

• Slot size: 16 inches minimum total length, not exceeding 26 inches maximum total length
• Daily bag limit: 3 per person with only one fish over 26 inches allowed

Always check the latest regulations before your trip at the Outdoor Alabama website, as limits may change.

Productive Fishing Locations

Redfish can be found in various habitats throughout Alabama’s coastal waters:

• Spartina grass flats: Look for open pockets within grass beds in 2-3 feet of water, especially during high tides when fish cruise through looking for prey.
• Transition areas: When redfish seem to disappear from shallow flats, look for nearby deeper channels or drop-offs where they often stage in schools.
• Barrier islands: Areas like Dauphin Island offer excellent redfish opportunities, particularly around drop-offs where depths change from a couple of feet to 5-7 feet.

Effective Baits and Techniques

Redfish respond to a variety of offerings:

• Live bait: Crabs are particularly effective for redfish, especially small blue crabs 3-5 inches across the shell. Live finger mullet, croakers, and pinfish also work well.
• Cut bait: Fresh mullet, croaker, or menhaden pieces are excellent, particularly around structure.
• Artificial lures: Weedless-rigged soft plastics resembling finger mullet work well in grass flats. When wade fishing along drop-offs, topwater lures like Yo-Zuri’s 3DB Pencil and soft-plastic lures are excellent choices.

Fishing Techniques

For consistent redfish success:

1. When fishing grass flats, look for open pockets amid spartina grass in 2-3 feet of water
2. For larger “bull” redfish, try soaking crabs on the bottom around nearshore drop-offs (6-20 feet) off barrier islands
3. When wade fishing shallow drop-offs, try live shrimp under a popping cork with a 2-3 foot leader
4. When redfish transition to deeper areas, try vertical jigging with soft-plastic lures

Flounder: Tactics for Alabama’s Flatfish

Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) offers a unique angling challenge and exceptional table fare. Their ambush-predator lifestyle requires specific approaches for consistent success.

Population Recovery and Current Status

From 2017 to 2019, Alabama’s flounder population reached its lowest point in decades. In response, conservation measures were implemented to allow more flounder to reproduce:

• Reduced daily bag limit from 10 to 5 flounder per angler
• Increased minimum size from 12 to 14 inches
• Established a November closure when flounder cannot be harvested

These measures have helped the population begin to recover, making for improved fishing opportunities in 2025.

Seasonal Patterns and Migration

Recent research funded by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has revealed interesting findings about flounder behavior:

“The main thing with flounder is the growing evidence with our tracking and other research that indicate there’s a decent amount of that population that goes offshore and stays offshore… Now we have proof when we analyze the chemical signature of the otolith (ear bone) that some flounder are staying offshore.”

Understanding these migratory patterns helps target flounder more effectively throughout the year:

• Spring (April-May): Season begins with activity increasing through May, especially on the Eastern Shore
• Summer (June-August): Peak season in Mobile Bay from June through October
• Fall (September-October): Still excellent through October before offshore migration
• Winter (November-February): Limited opportunities as many fish move offshore

Effective Baits and Techniques

Flounder respond best to these presentations:

• Live bait: Bull minnows and small croakers excel for triggering strikes
• Artificial lures: Bucktails dressed with strip baits can be highly effective
• For larger flounder: Strip baits and live croaker or small mullet

Fishing Methods

For consistent flounder success:

1. Drift fishing with live or dead natural baits on the bottom
2. Slow-troll natural baits along the bottom near structure
3. Jig with live bait along jetties and drop-offs
4. Try gigging along coastal shorelines during dark moon phases in calm waters

When targeting flounder, remember that “one effective technique is slow and steady retrieval. Cast your bait near potential hiding spots and retrieve it slowly along the bottom, mimicking the movement of a prey fish.”

Jubilee Phenomenon

Along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, an extraordinary natural phenomenon known as a Jubilee offers a unique opportunity for flounder fishing. This event occurs sporadically during warm summer months when low oxygen levels drive bottom-dwelling marine creatures, including flounder, into shallow waters near shore.

During a Jubilee, flounder can be more easily collected, though standard catch limits still apply. This local tradition brings together families and neighbors to experience this natural abundance.

Essential Gear for Targeting Alabama’s Inshore Trio

Having the right equipment significantly impacts your success when targeting these species. Here’s what you’ll need for each:

Rods and Reels

• Speckled Trout: Medium-light to medium action spinning rods, 6.5-7 feet in length, paired with quality reels that can handle light line
• Redfish: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting setup, 7-7.5 feet long, to handle the powerful runs redfish are known for
• Flounder: Medium spinning or baitcasting outfit with a sensitive tip to detect subtle takes

Line and Terminal Tackle

• Speckled Trout: 10-15 lb test braided line with fluorocarbon leader (15-20 lb)
• Redfish: 15-30 lb test braided line with 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader
• Flounder: Braided mainline with fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to reduce visibility and increase strike chances

Hooks and Weights

• Speckled Trout: 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks for live bait, 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigheads for soft plastics
• Redfish: 3/0 to 5/0 circle hooks for natural baits, 1/4 to 1/2 oz weights to maintain bottom contact
• Flounder: 2/0 to 4/0 hooks, lightweight sinkers to keep bait in the strike zone

Additional Essential Items

• Polarized sunglasses for spotting fish in shallow water
• Landing net with a wider hoop for safely securing your catch
• Fish measuring device to ensure compliance with slot limits
• Cooler with ice for preserving your catch

Conservation and Current Regulations (2025)

Responsible angling helps ensure these fisheries remain sustainable for future generations. Always adhere to current regulations and practice conservation-minded fishing.

Current Size and Creel Limits

Alabama maintains specific size and possession limits for each species. As of 2025, the regulations for the inshore trio are:

Species	Size Limit	Daily Creel Limit
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)	15″ min Total Length, 22″ max Total Length	6 per person with one oversized fish (over 22″)
Red Drum (Redfish)	16″ min Total Length, 26″ max Total Length	3 per person with one oversized fish (over 26″)
Flounder	14″ min Total Length	5 per person

Always check the Outdoor Alabama website for the most current regulations before your fishing trip.

Seasonal Closures

Some species have designated closed seasons to protect spawning populations:

• Flounder: Closed season during November to protect spawning migration
• Red Snapper: Specific seasons announced annually (for 2025: open 7 days a week from May 23 until June 30, then transitions to four-day weekends starting July 4)

Reporting Requirements

Alabama uses monitoring programs like Snapper Check to track harvest data for certain species. While primarily focused on offshore species like red snapper, the program demonstrates Alabama’s commitment to data-driven fisheries management.

All red snapper, gray triggerfish, and greater amberjack harvests must be reported through the Snapper Check program, accessible via the Outdoor Alabama app or website.

Catch and Release Best Practices

When practicing catch and release:

1. Use circle hooks to reduce deep-hooking
2. Minimize handling time to reduce stress
3. Support the fish properly when taking photos
4. Revive the fish thoroughly before release
5. Consider using dehooking tools to minimize damage

Seasonal Fishing Calendar for Alabama’s Inshore Trio

Timing your trips to coincide with peak activity periods for each species can dramatically improve your success rate.

Spring (March-May)

• Speckled Trout: Excellent action begins along Gulf beaches in March as water warms. By April and May, focus on grass flats, marsh edges, and oyster reefs where trout actively feed.
• Redfish: Activity increases as waters warm, with fish moving to shallower flats and structure.
• Flounder: Season begins in April with activity increasing through May, especially on the Eastern Shore.

Summer (June-August)

• Speckled Trout: Target early mornings and evenings around structure to avoid midday heat. Focus on deeper grass edges and drops.
• Redfish: Prime time in Perdido Bay and throughout Mobile Bay systems. Look for schools cruising shallow flats early and late in the day.
• Flounder: Peak season in Mobile Bay from June through August. Focus on ambush points near structure and channel edges.

Summer fishing calendar for key species in Alabama waters:

Month	Available Species
June	Atlantic croaker, brown shrimp, flounder, hard-shell crab, king mackerel, redfish, red snapper
July	Atlantic croaker, brown shrimp, flounder, hard-shell crab, king mackerel, redfish, red snapper
August	Brown shrimp, flounder, king mackerel, hard-shell crab

Fall (September-November)

• Speckled Trout: Excellent action as fish move to deeper channels with cooling water temperatures.
• Redfish: Continue targeting structure and transition to deeper holes as temperatures drop.
• Flounder: Still excellent through October before the November closure. This is when larger flounder begin moving offshore for spawning.

Winter (December-February)

• Speckled Trout: Focus on deep holes, drop-offs, and channels in rivers and above Mobile Bay Causeway.
• Redfish: Target deeper structure and channels where fish concentrate in cooler water.
• Flounder: Limited opportunities as many fish remain offshore, but some can be found in deeper channels and holes.

Planning Your Ultimate Alabama Inshore Fishing Trip

Combining knowledge of seasonal patterns, locations, and techniques will help you plan a successful fishing adventure targeting Alabama’s inshore trio.

Best Times for Multi-Species Success

The optimal window for targeting all three species coincides with late spring through early fall (May-September), when all three species are active in inshore waters. During this period, anglers can realistically target and catch all three species in a single day.

Guided vs. Self-Guided Options

Consider booking a local guide for your first trip, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Alabama’s coastal waters. Guides provide valuable local knowledge and often supply all necessary equipment. For self-guided anglers, numerous public boat ramps provide access to prime fishing areas throughout Alabama’s coastal region.

What to Bring

Beyond fishing gear, remember these essentials:

• Current Alabama saltwater fishing license and Reef Fish Endorsement if targeting reef species
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lightweight clothing)
• Polarized sunglasses for spotting fish
• Cooler with ice for your catch
• Camera for documenting your success
• Weather-appropriate clothing (conditions can change quickly)
• Navigation equipment (maps, GPS, depth finder)

Accommodations and Access Points

Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers numerous accommodations from Gulf Shores to Dauphin Island. Consider staying near your primary fishing areas to maximize time on the water. Popular access points include:

• Dauphin Island public boat ramps
• Gulf Shores public access points
• Orange Beach marina facilities
• Mobile Causeway boat launches

Conclusion

Alabama’s coastal waters provide exceptional opportunities for targeting speckled trout, redfish, and flounder throughout much of the year. By understanding the habits and seasonal patterns of these species, selecting appropriate tackle and techniques, and staying current with regulations, you’ll maximize your chances for a successful fishing experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, Alabama’s inshore “Big Three” offer exciting action and delicious rewards. Remember to practice conservation-minded angling to ensure these fisheries remain healthy for generations to come.

For the most current information on regulations, licenses, and fishing conditions, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.