If you are an Alabama resident between the ages of 16-64 you are able to fish on public property with a permit. If you are 65+ or under 16 years old, no permit it required. A saltwater fishing license is required for all of the waters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This includes the Intracoastal Waterway and the back bays.
Is there fishing in Gulf Shores AL?
With less than 10,000 inhabitants, Gulf Shores fishing punches more than above its weight! The southernmost settlement of Alabama, this charming town is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. But fishing in Gulf Shores offers more than just big game action.
Do I need a fishing license in Alabama?
Both residents and non-residents are required to procure either a saltwater or freshwater fishing license before they are allowed to fish or take fish from the state waters of Alabama. However, if you are one of the following, you are NOT required to secure a fishing license: Residents under 16 years of age Residents 65 and over
Is it legal to fillet fish on Alabama public waters?
It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to fillet freshwater fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption, provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached.
What are the new fishing regulations for the Gulf of Mexico?
Regulation Changes Beginning August 1, 2019 1 Cobia 2 Spotted Sea Trout 3 Flounder 4 Hook Requirements. Anglers fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing gulf reef fish species (as defined in Rule 220-3-.46) must use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait.
Can you fish from the shore in Gulf Shores Alabama?
One of the great features of the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast is the quality of the surf fishing year-round. Anglers can hook a variety of species right along the water's edge almost all year long, with the exception of a few harsher days during the winter.
Do you need a fishing license to fish on the beach in Alabama?
Saltwater Angler Registration is required for all residents 16 and over who are not required to purchase an annual saltwater license such as those 65 or older, have a lifetime saltwater license, or fish exclusively on a pier that has purchased a pier fishing license. Registration is free.
Can you fish in Alabama without a license?
FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION A valid fishing license is required for Alabama residents between the ages of 16 and 64 who fish with rod and reel or artificial bait. This license is also required to fish with hook and line (cane pole) outside your county of legal residence.
What are the fishing regulations in Alabama?
Both residents and non-residents are required to procure either a saltwater or freshwater fishing license before they are allowed to fish or take fish from the state waters of Alabama. However, if you are one of the following, you are NOT required to secure a fishing license: Residents under 16 years of age.
Who is exempt from fishing license in Alabama?
residents 65 years or olderA license- exempt hunter is anyone under the age of 16, residents 65 years or older, resident landowner and each resident family member that will hunt only on their own property. NO EXEMPTIONS. Hunting with the aid is prohibited on public lands.
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Alabama?
What if I fish without a license? If you fish with no license in the state of Alabama, you can be charged with a misdemeanor and pay a fine of $10–$25 per offense. With that in mind, it's best to avoid any legal issues and just get a license.
How much is a fishing license in Alabama at Walmart?
Regular license cost at Walmart for residents of age between 16 and 65 – $19. A flat license cost for single-day fishing irrespective of the resident or non-resident status of the applicant – $11. Discounted license cost for senior citizens above 66 years of age – $10. Walmart annual fishing license fee – $40.
How much is a fishing license in Al?
The licenses and their costs for 2021 are: Annual License: This license is valid from September 1 – August 31. The current cost is $14.05. Daily License: If you just want to purchase a license for a day to fish in a State-owned county Public Fishing Lakes, it costs $6.45.
Does Alabama have a free fishing day?
Each year, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designates a "Free Fishing Day" for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license. The event is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 4-12, 2022.
Do you have to have a fishing license in Gulf Shores Alabama?
A saltwater fishing license is required for all of the waters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This includes the Intracoastal Waterway and the back bays. Residents and non-residents are exempt if they are under the age of 16 and residents are exempt at age 65 and older.
How many fishing rods can you use in Alabama?
It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry lakes at any time.
What fish are biting in Gulf Shores?
The inshore species are biting live shrimp, bull minnows, sand fleas and bits of dead shrimp. “The shallow guys are catching pompano, whiting, redfish, speckled trout and flounder,” Hayes said. “I mean, they're catching just about everything right now – Spanish, kings, flounder and plenty of pompano.
How much is a one day Alabama fishing license?
Daily License: If you just want to purchase a license for a day to fish in a State-owned county Public Fishing Lakes, it costs $6.45. Lifetime License: These licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder, even if you move out of state.
Does Alabama have a free fishing day?
Each year, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designates a "Free Fishing Day" for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license. The event is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 4-12, 2022.
How much does it cost to fish in Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores Deep Sea Fishing Prices These can cost anything from $500 - $800 depending on the size of the boat. If you want to bottom fish, you should choose anything from a five to an eight hour trip. These will take you fishing the reefs for Snappers, Groupers, and Triggerfish and will cost between $650 and $1000.
Where is fishing in Alabama?
Fishing is a year round sport along the shores of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here's a list of what's biting and what's in season. Details may be found on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
When does red snapper fishing season end?
The federal recreational fishing season for charter vessels and headboats opens June 1 and ends August 3. Contact any of our charter fishing providers about booking a red snapper fishing trip for this summer.
What is the rule for releasing baitfish into the water in Alabama?
It shall be unlawful to intentionally stock or release any fish, mussel, snail, crayfish or their embryos, including bait fish, into the public waters of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as provided in Rule 220-2-.42 except those waters from which it came without the written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized by the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to issue such permit. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to the incidental release of bait into the water during the normal process of fishing.
What is Alabama's fishing recognition program?
Alabama’s Angler Recognition Program is intended to honor individuals who catch large sportfish from Alabama waters and to provide biologists with useful statistics on the number of large fish caught from our reservoirs. The program includes four categories: Master Angler, Trophy Angler, Lake Record and State Record. Anglers can submit applications for Master Angler and Trophy Angler status based upon their fish’s total length or total weight, but not both, and may submit an unlimited number of applications. Applications, specific requirements, and instructions can be obtained from any District Fisheries office or from www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-fishing/state-record-angler-recognition. Qualified anglers will receive a certificate commemorating their catch and a window decal.
What is a BAIT?
BAIT is a voluntary partnership between bass clubs and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). The program summarizes information on bass fishing and is used by WFF fisheries biologists, in combination with their reservoir surveys, as the basis for fisheries management decisions. BAIT data allows biologists to identify trends in bass populations and helps them better understand the mechanisms that influence them. This data may also be used by participating bass clubs to select tournament locations.
How many fish ponds are there in Alabama?
There are more than 275,000 fish ponds in Alabama. Manmade fish ponds greatly alleviate the fishing pressure on our public streams and lakes. Therefore, the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division is vitally interested in this popular resource.
How many wire baskets are allowed in a fishing boat?
It is illegal for any one person to fish with more than four wire baskets.
How long can a non-resident vessel operate in Alabama?
Nonresidents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without obtaining a vessel operator’s license. However, operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if an adult 21 years old or older who either has a vessel operator’s license in possession or who falls under the 45 day exemption period, is onboard and seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days, the nonresident must get an Alabama Nonresident Vessel Operator’s License. Nonresidents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state, may use that in lieu of the Alabama Nonresident Vessel Operator’s License.
How far below a hydroelectric dam can you operate a boat in Alabama?
It is unlawful for any person to operate any vessel on the waters of Alabama within 800 feet below a hydroelectric dam and/or navigation lock and dam unless each person aboard, including the operator, is wearing a securely fastened U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device Type I, II, III or V.
When is the best time to go fishing in Gulf Shores?
However, if you want to get the most out of your trip, then summer is your best bet. Anglers from all over the country and even the world flock to Gulf Shores when the weather is hot, with nearshore, offshore, and inshore fishing peaking at the same time. If you want to beat the crowds, however, September is your best bet.
What fish live in the Gulf of Mexico?
Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blue and White Marlin call the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico home, meaning that a Gulf Shores deep sea fishing adventure will provide you with a memorable angling experience.
Is it expensive to charter a boat in Orange Beach?
Yes, it’s expensive, but you really do get what you pay for. Whether in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, there are plenty of professional guides waiting to take you out for an unforgettable fishing experience. There are inshore, nearshore, and offshore charters, all ready to tailor to your individual needs.
Do you need a fishing license to fish?
Therefore, you’ll want to know if you need a license or not. Fortunately, fishing aboard a charter or from a licensed pier will mean that you don’t need a license. However, if you’re heading out on your own, you’ll want to get a fishing license – and that goes for everyone between the ages of 16 and 65.
Can you scare fish with a paddle?
Powering yourself with just a paddle, you’ll make sure not to scare the fish, as may happen with an engine, as you get up close and personal with the fish. Maneuvering may be difficult as you cast your line, but the calm waters of the lakes and lagoons inshore are a great place to start.
Can you kayak fish in Gulf Shores?
If you’re looking to combine the benefits of fishing on your own with the chance of getting out on the heart of some of the numerous bodies of water out of Gulf Shores, then kayak fishing may be for you. Rent or bring your own vessel, or follow a guide and you could reach some of the spots that other anglers can’t.
How long can you transport a fish in Alabama?
It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to transport more than one day’s creel limit of any species of fish beyond the boundaries of this state.
How long can a crappie be in Alabama?
See exceptions for Lewis Smith, Inland, Yates, and Thurlow reservoirs and Lake Martin. It is illegal to possess any Crappie less than nine inches in total length taken from Alabama public waters, including Aliceville Reservoir and Pickwick Reservoir.
How long can a striped bass be?
Only one of the five can be over 22 inches in total length. Inland Reservoir – It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length.
What are the exempt waters from the 9 inch crappie limit?
Waters exempt from the nine-inch Crappie limit include impoundments less than 500 surface acres, and the reciprocal waters of the Chattahoochee River and Impoundments and their tributaries, Bear Creek Reservoir (Big Bear Lake of the B.C.D.A. Lakes), Lake Jackson at Florala and Weiss Reservoir. See exception for Weiss Reservoir.
How big can a bass be in Harris Reservoir?
Harris Reservoir – It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length. Lake Jackson at Florala – Creel limit of five black bass greater than 12 inches in total length. Only one of the five can be over 22 inches in total length.
How are size restrictions on fish determined?
Size restrictions on all fish are determined by measuring from the front of the mouth to the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. Includes combinations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal and those species formerly known as “redeye” bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, ...
Is it illegal to catch bass in Little Bear Creek?
Little Bear Creek Reservoir of the B.C.D.A Lakes – It is illegal to possess largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length. Lake Martin – It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit.
What is the jurisdiction of the City of Gulf Shores?
The territorial jurisdiction of the City of Gulf Shores Planning Commission over the subdivision of land shall include all land located in the City of Gulf Shores and all land lying within five miles of its corporate limits and not located in any other municipality; except that, in the case of any such non-municipal land lying within five miles of another municipality having a planning commission, the jurisdiction of the City of Gulf Shores shall terminate at a boundary line equidistant from the respective corporate limits of the City of Gulf Shores and the neighboring municipality.
What is zoning ordinance?
Zoning Ordinance. An ordinance to regulate and restrict the erection, reconstruction, alteration, location and use of buildings, structures, land and water, for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes; to regulate and restrict the size of buildings and other structures hereafter erected or altered, the size and dimensions of yards, ...