Orange Beach Fishing Report for July 2024
Welcome back, fellow anglers, to another summer’s worth of fishing with Intercoastal Safaris! July has been all over the place for fishing in Orange Beach, Alabama. With weather patterns shifting daily it’s more important than ever to watch the weather and stay flexible. One tip we have for booking is to book your trip early in your stay so if your captain has to cancel due to weather, they have a better chance of rescheduling your trip while you’re in town. Here’s the latest on what’s biting and where you should focus your efforts.
Inshore
The inshore scene in Orange Beach has been bustling with activity. Redfish and speckled trout have been the primary targets, thriving in the grass flats and around the numerous docks and pilings. Early mornings and late evenings are almost always the prime times for action, with top-water lures and live shrimp being the go-to baits. When fishing the evenings, head towards the dock lights around ONO Island and Terry Cove. The shallow waters near Perdido Pass and around Robinson Island have been particularly productive in the mornings but they do start experiencing lots of boat traffic so get out there early. Anglers have also reported good catches of flounder, especially near sandy bottoms and oyster beds. The driving factor behind larger numbers of flounder is The Alabama Jubilee. If its flounder you’re looking for head to the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. This year’s Jubilee has brought extremely high numbers of flounder to the area. The game wardens are very aware of this so do us all a favor and read up on size and bag limits. Live bait is by far the best wat to go so bring your cast net because the local bait shops can run out of live supply this time of year.
Nearshore
Earlier this month the king mackerel bite was oddly slow but now that were in week 2 both the King & Spanish bite are proving to be more consistent. Trolling with live bait and using flashy spoons have been effective strategies. Cobia have also made sporadic appearances, especially around nearshore wrecks and buoys. The storms we experienced all along the Alabama coast due to Hurricane Beryl’s spin off have provided more debris in the waters further offshore resulting in shade for Cobia in July. When targeting Spanish mackerel, the bite has been consistent, with small spoons and Gotcha lures being particularly effective. The waters off the Alabama Point jetties have been a hotspot for these speedy fish. If you get a chance to fish the Jetty itself, go for bluefish on the western side between the Perdido Beach Resort and Alabama Pass.
Offshore
Offshore anglers have had a lot to celebrate this month. Red snapper season is in full swing, and the catches have been impressive in number, but size has been tougher to come by. The deeper reefs and wrecks, particularly those in 100-200 feet of water, have been teeming with these prized fish so be prepared for a bit of a longer ride out if it’s the big boys you are looking for. Drop live bait or large cut baits to entice these bottom dwellers. In addition to red snapper, anglers have reported solid catches of amberjack and grouper. The occasional mahi-mahi has also been spotted, especially around floating debris and weed lines. Keep an eye on the weather, as offshore conditions can change rapidly, and plan your trips accordingly. In conclusion, while offshore waters around Orange Beach do offer lots of options, some may be better than others on any given day so listen to your captain and take their word for it.
Piers and Beaches
For those preferring to fish from shore, the piers and beaches of Orange Beach have offered their own unique challenges and rewards. The surf has been producing pompano, whiting, and the occasional redfish. Sand fleas and ghost shrimp have been the baits of choice. The piers have seen action from Spanish mackerel and bluefish, particularly in the early mornings. Anglers using Gotcha lures and small jigs have had the most success. Keep an eye out for schools of baitfish; when they’re present, the predator fish aren’t far behind. We can’t talk about surf fishing without mentioning sharks. As you are probably aware there have been a record number of large shark sightings all along the gulf coast this summer. While we always emphasize an abundance of caution when entering the water, some of you are crazy enough to target sharks. If that’s you read up on the latest rules and regulations.
Tips for Success
- Check the Weather: July weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before heading out. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the best times for calm conditions and active fish.
- Live Bait is King: Whether you’re fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore, live bait often yields the best results. Use a cast net to gather bait or purchase it from a local bait shop.
- Stay Mobile: If the fish aren’t biting in one spot, don’t hesitate to move. Covering more water increases your chances of finding active fish.
- Work with the Tides: Pay attention to tide charts. Moving water often triggers feeding activity, so plan your trips around incoming or outgoing tides.
We hope this report helps you plan your fishing adventures in Orange Beach. As always, Intercoastal Safaris is here to provide guided trips and expert advice to make your fishing experience unforgettable. Tight lines, and happy fishing!
