Fishing in Alabama
The Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes are great places to experience the thrill of catching big largemouth bass or bream in a secure setting. Alabama is the place for fishing.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN ALABAMA
GUNTERSVILLE LAKE
OLIVER LAKE
OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
GET AN ALABAMA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN ALABAMA
LARGEMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Largemouth bass is the official State Freshwater Fish of Alabama. It is also their most popular gamefish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
BLUEFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
You can sniff out bluefish by their smell, which is something like fresh cucumbers.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-foot, light- to medium-action spinning |
| Reel | Matching spinning reel with quality drag |
| Line | 15- to 20-pound braid; and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Popper's; Bluefish aren't picky about lure type, just needs to create a surface disturbance. Smaller does well. |
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6- to 7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
GREATER AMBERJACK
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The largest and most sought after jack by sport fishermen because of its qualities as a game fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot heavy spinning rod with a heavy/fast action |
| Reel | Heavy spinning reel |
| Line | 60-100 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Live baits, Vertical Jigs, Minnows, Mullet, Spanish or Scaled Bait, Pinfish |
TARPON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The tarpon was one of the first saltwater species to be declared a game fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 5.5 foot, medium-heavy, medium-fast-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 30-pound test monofilament or braided fishing line (Monofilament is better) |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Single hook, Poppers, Soft Plastics, Live or dead sardines |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
SALTWATER BAY FISHING
Reefs, hills and shallows are some the best saltwater fishing locations.
