Home » Travel » Southeastern U.S. » No Lies, Just Big Fish--and Lots of Them!

No Lies, Just Big Fish--and Lots of Them!

© Martine G. Bates

I must start this article with a disclaimer: I'm not a fisherman. I'm the one who sits in the boat with a book and tries to avoid the slimy stuff. I do realize, however, that I am in the minority; one look at the events calendars published by the various organizations makes that clear, with all of the fishing tournaments and rodeos listed. There was even a Mullet Toss listed, although I got the impression that it didn't involve fishing, especially since it was to be held at the Flora-Bama Lounge. I didn't pursue that one.

Determined to deliver truth and accuracy to my devoted readers, I spent a morning recently sitting on a huge pile of rocks watching the fishermen at their sport. (I know, it's a tough job, but somebody....) Did I mention that I'm not a fisherman? Even so, I enjoyed the experience and learned that the Gulf Coast is a great place to fish.

Orange Beach claims to have the largest charter fishing fleet--over a hundred boats--along the Gulf Coast. It's easy to believe that, just sitting by the bridge at Perdido Pass, watching the boats come and go. The captains and crew are eager to take you where the fish are, and always return with a good catch.

Advertised prices among the charter companies start at $35-40 for 1/2 day, and include everything you need to fish, from bait and tackle to the required fishing license. If you decide to fish on your own, you need to know that Alabama requires a fishing license for all public waters in the state for people over age 16. It would be a good idea to call the Marine Resources Division for other regulations, such as bag limits. Their number in Gulf Shores is (334) 968-7576.

I can't make any recommendations about the charter companies, but someone at the Convention and Visitors' Bureau certainly can. Call them at (800) 745-7263. When you call, ask for a directory of the Orange Beach Fishing Association's captains.

The tourist brochures are telling the truth when they brag about the abundance of the fish. I watched one man pull in numerous fish in the space of about an hour; he had a place nearby and was charged with catching enough for a meal every day. That didn't seem to be a problem. The day I was there, he was catching sheepshead with shrimp as bait.

I also witnessed a Hemmingway-like struggle between three men and a large fish that pulled their boat almost out of sight. Almost made me want to get a pole and go for it.

The copyright of the article No Lies, Just Big Fish--and Lots of Them! in Southeastern U.S. is owned by . Permission to republish No Lies, Just Big Fish--and Lots of Them! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.