Best Times & Seasons to Fish Mobile, Alabama (A Full Guide)
Mobile, Alabama is one of the best fishing destinations along the Gulf of Mexico and abound with huge numbers of gamefish. Knowing the best time of year and of the day to fish Mobile can make a huge difference for you and lead to more fun fishing.
The best time to fish Mobile, Alabama is summer for tarpon, mackerel, grouper, speckled trout, and flounder. For snapper, the best fishing is actual over the winter months in Mobile-area waters.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Mobile, Alabama-area Waters |
| Redfish | Year-round availability. Best action around rising and falling tides. |
| Tarpon | May through September is the best fishing window. |
| Mackerel | Fish the oil rigs May through November for the best mackerel fishing. |
| Cobia | March through April is the best season for cobia in these waters. |
| Grouper | Year-round availability. Mornings and late afternoons will offer the best results. |
| Speckled Trout | Fish early evenings July through September for the best results. |
| Snapper | October through March is best. Fish early mornings and late afternoons. |
| Flounder | March through November will offer the best flounder fishing in Mobile. |
There are a lot of amazing fishing spots near Mobile, Alabama. It’s the place where you can enjoy both inshore and offshore fishing.
The area impresses anglers with its diverse fisheries and a huge variety of fish species. Mobile, AL always has something for every fisher.
Here, you can try charter fishing, pier fishing as well as kayak fishing. So, every angler will be able to enjoy a dream fishing adventure in the waters of Mobile Bay.
No matter whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, you will catch fish. It’s worth noting that the area is the perfect place for a family-friendly angling adventure. So, you can fish Mobile, AL with the entire family.
Best Time to Fish Mobile
Fishing in Mobile, AL is great during the warmer months of the year. It’s recommended to go fishing in the Mobile Bay waters between the late spring and the early fall. During this period of time, you’ll be able to catch a vast variety of fish species and get the best results.
Water starts cooling down in the fall and this affects the activity of many fish species. Nevertheless, such fish species as speckled trout and redfish are active in Mobile, AL all year round.
That means that there is no bad time to go fishing in the region. So, you can enjoy fishing here any time of the year.
Keep in mind that a fishing trip always has to be meticulously planned. Initially, you have to decide which fish species you would like to target. After that, you need to select the best times as well as the best spots to fish in Mobile, AL.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Mobile
These Mobile-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Sure Shot Fishing Charters | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Lost Bay Guide Service | Inshore & Offshore |
| Emerald “C” Fishing Charters | Inshore & Offshore |
| Jus Cuz Fishing Charters | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Off The Hook Charters | Inshore & Offshore |
Mobile Species Breakdown: Best Times
Anglers can catch a lot of fish species in Mobile, AL, and its surrounding areas. However, it’s incredibly important to know when and where to catch the fish. Now, let’s talk about the most common fish species that can be found in Mobile Bay.
Tarpon
A lot of Mobile Bay anglers choose to target tarpon. This fish is active all year round. However, tarpon constantly migrate and change their location.
Anglers need to know that the fish comes to Mobile Bay in spring and leaves the area in fall. That’s why anglers, who are interested in tarpon fishing, should visit Mobile Bay in the summer months.
Actually, you can fish tarpon in different parts of Mobile Bay, but a good population of tarpon is often found near the Grand Hotel at Point Clear.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch tarpon, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Dauphin Island, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Biloxi, please check out this helpful article.
Flounder
Do you like inshore fishing? If so, you should try to catch flounder during your fishing trip to Mobile, AL. The best season to fish flounder is between March and November.
Mobile Bay and the Delta are the right places to target flounder in the area. The local anglers aim to target flounder either in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for flounder fishing, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times for flounder fishing, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Speckled Trout
It’s very interesting to catch speckled trout. The late spring – the late summer is the best time to fish for speckled trout in Mobile, AL.
The fish is the most active in the evening time. It would be better to target speckled trout in the waters of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.
Redfish
Many local Mobile anglers choose to catch redfish. Redfish belongs to the category of hard-fighting inshore species.
Mobile, AL is the area where you can enjoy redfish fishing all year round. It’s recommended to catch the redfish in Mobile Bay and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.
For a complete breakdown of the best water temperatures for redfish, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch redfish, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
For a complete breakdown of the best spots in Louisiana to catch redfish, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Cobia
It goes without saying that you will manage to catch cobia during your fishing trip. The fish actively migrated during the winter months. The period of time between March and April is a great time to enjoy cobia fishing in the Mobile Bay region.
Anglers, who prefer to target cobia, have to focus on the areas with floating debris, near anchored ships and other places.
Grouper
Grouper is another fish that you can target in Mobile. It’s possible to enjoy grouper fishing in the area all year round.
Anglers of all skill levels can catch it. It makes sense to target the fish in the spots near reefs. Anglers have the best chance to catch grouper in the early morning and later afternoon.
Snapper
And of course, you should make an attempt to catch snapper during your fishing trip to Mobile, AL. This fish is very strong, so you’ll find it interesting to fight it. Also, the fish is very delicious.
You should fish around the reefs to catch snapper. Snapper is usually active in the early morning and evening. The season to catch snapper usually starts in October and lasts till March.
Mackerel
The season to catch mackerel in the Mobile area begins in the late spring and ends in the late fall. However, anglers usually get the best results during the summer months.
It’s recommended to target mackerel beyond the pass of Mobile Bay. The fish is found around gas rigs. It’s possible to enjoy mackerel fishing all day.
Black drum
Oftentimes, anglers catch big black drums in the Mobile, AL area. It’s important to know that the fish is active all year round, so you can target it any time of the year.
Nevertheless, the fishermen achieve the best results in July, October, November, and December. The chances to catch a trophy back drum are good during these months. Go to the west part of the Mobile Bay area and try to catch black drum in Theodore Canal.
Sheepshead
It’s important to know that Mobile, AL offers great opportunities for anglers who prefer to target sheepshead. You can catch fish all year-round in the area.
Spring and fall are the best time of the year to enjoy fishing sheepshead in Mobile, AL. Local canals are the best place to catch sheepshead in the Mobile Bay region.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.
For a list of the best times to fish in the state of Alabama, please check out this helpful guide.
Best Time of Day to Fish Mobile
It all depends on the time of the year and the fish species that you would like to catch during your trip to Mobile. It’s possible to catch a huge variety of fish species in the area.
However, the best fishing times are early mornings and late afternoons. Many fish species actively feed during these times. So, anglers will be able to get the best possible results.
Mobile Fishing & Tidal Impacts
If you analyze fishing times and tidal times carefully, you will find that they depend on each other. And of course, you have to plan your fishing trip with tidal times in mind.
The vast majority of fish species bite well during rising and flooding times. However, there are exceptions as well. For example, anglers have a good chance to catch flounder in the area when the high tide is at its maximum.
Storms & Mobile Fishing
Storms have an impact on fishing in Mobile Bay. It’s uncomfortable to fish during storms. But most importantly, storms create dangerous conditions for fishermen. That’s why it would be better to avoid fishing during storms.
It’s also important to note that storms negatively affect fish. High waves during the storms make it difficult for fish to move.
Also, fish don’t bite well during storms. Storms mean changes in the weather. And of course, differences in temperatures and pressure negatively affect the activity of many fish species.
On the other hand, storms create great opportunities for shore fishing. The reality is, waves often bring fish closer to the shore. Many fish species bite well after storms.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Mobile?
What is great about the Mobile area is that here you can enjoy fishing all year round. There are many places in the Mobile Bay region where it’s possible to enjoy winter fishing.
The area impresses anglers with its huge variety of fish species. During the winter months, you can catch black drum, speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, and other fish species.
Night Fishing in Mobile
It’s important to know that Mobile Bay attracts so many anglers who like night fishing. A lot of anglers prefer to fish in Mobile, AL at night. Without a doubt, you’ll find it interesting to enjoy kayak fishing in Mobile Bay at night.
Night fishing is difficult for beginners. So, it’s more suitable for experienced anglers. However, this type of fishing has many great benefits.
The big advantage of night fishing is that it allows to anglers avoid challenges that they may face when fishing under the sun during the hot summer months. If the weather is hot, you’ll find it comfortable to fish during the nighttime.
Another important thing that you need to know is that night fishing increases the chances to catch a trophy. Some fish species get active at night. Among the fish species that anglers can catch at night are redfish as well as speckled trout.
It’s possible to enjoy night fishing in the rivers of the Mobile, AL area as well. For example, it makes sense to target bream at night.
Big breams actively feed at night. Bream are biting all year round. That means that night fishing makes it possible for anglers to catch a trophy.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Shore/surf fishing is very popular in the Mobile, AL area. This type of fishing allows anglers to catch various fish species.
Without a doubt, you’ll find it interesting to catch flounder in the area. The best time to target flounder is between April and October. Flounder actively feeds during this period of time.
The fans of shore/surf fishing can also target groupers in Mobile Bay. Anglers have an opportunity to catch groupers any time of the year.
On top of that, you can catch kingfish. The season starts in May and lasts till September.
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Mobile: Best Seasons
The Mobile Bay region is best-known for its fishing spots. There are many great areas to fish in the area. Fishermen should focus on the places near buoys, ledges, rocks, and reefs.
The destination allows anglers to enjoy sea fishing as well as freshwater fishing. Now, we’ll talk you through some of the best fishing spots in Mobile.
Choctaw Pass
Choctaw Pass is a reef fishing spot that’s located in the northern part of the bay. Here anglers often catch such fish species as black drum, red drum, spotted seatrout, sand weakfish as well as crevalle jack. Here, you can enjoy fishing all year round. When fishing, you have to follow certain rules.
Buddy Beiser Reef
Buddy Beiser Reef is a natural reef that attracts fish. This place is best known among anglers as a trout fishing spot. It’s possible to enjoy fishing here all year round.
The late spring – the late summer is the best time of the year to target a trout in this spot. The fish is the most active during these months.
Ft Morgan Barge Reef
Ft Morgan Barge Reef is another popular fishing spot in Mobile, AL. The reef is located in the southern part of the bay. Ft Morgan Barge Reef is the place where it’s possible to enjoy a huge variety of fish species including cobia, marlin, kingfish, redfish as well as red snapper. Fishing near the reef is excellent throughout the year.
Dog River
Dog River is the right place to visit for anglers, who would like to enjoy freshwater fishing in the Mobile, AL area. The river is located in the western part of Mobile Bay.
Dog River offers great fishing opportunities. The river makes it possible for anglers to catch many fish species such as bass, bream as well as redfish, and speckled trout.
Dog River is a spot where anglers can enjoy fishing almost all year round. However, keep in mind that the fish don’t bite well here during the hot summer months.
East Fowl River
East Fowl River is located in the southern part of the Mobile, AL area. It’s one of the most interesting fishing spots in the region.
The river provides anglers with fantastic opportunities. Here, you can fish any time of the year and catch various fish species such as redfish, speckled trout, bass, and bream.
The best time of the year and the best time of the day depend a lot on the fish species that you are going to target.
It would be better to fish East Fowl River in the fall and during the winter months if you are planning to catch redfish as well as speckled trout. The chances to catch a big fish in the river are high at night.
Booking Charters in Mobile
It’s a great idea to book a fishing charter in Mobile. There are a lot of charters available for fishermen in the area. The experts will take you to the best fishing spots and give you a lot of useful recommendations.
Taking a charter fishing trip will allow you to explore Mobile Bay as well as its surrounding waters carefully and get a fantastic experience.
Best season to go
Many fish species in Mobile are seasonal. So, they are active during certain times of the year only. The best season to fish in the Mobile, AL area is summer.
However, there are fish species that you can catch in spring, fall and winter. Everything depends on your fishing preferences. Go fishing in Mobile Bay to enjoy fishing during the months when your favorite fish species are the most active.
Morning vs. afternoon
The same can be said about the time of the day. When preparing for a fishing trip, you have to take into account the weather as well as water temperature.
The water is too hot in summer in the afternoon and this has a negative impact on the behavior of fish. That’s why so many anglers give a preference to morning fishing during the summer months.
It’s also important to note that many fishes are inactive due to cold water. That’s why it would be better to fish Mobile, AL during the afternoon in spring, fall, and winter.
1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
Different types of fishing trips are available for Mobile Bay anglers. Each type of fishing trip has its pros and cons. So, anglers should select an option that’s suitable for their fishing needs and budget.
The so-called half-day fishing trips last 6 – 8 hours. However, if fish bite well you’ll have enough time to enjoy the process. The 1/2 day trips are not a good option for beginners.
The full-day fishing trips provide anglers with more time. Such fishing trips are suitable both for beginners and professionals. On the other hand, full-day fishing trips are more expensive compared to 1/2 day charters.
Multi-day charters are a good choice for beginners and anglers who want to get the most out of their fishing trips. During multi-day trips, you’ll manage to spend more time on fishing and improve your fishing skills significantly. However, multi-day fishing charters are more expensive compared to full-day fishing trips.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish New Orleans, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Empire-Venice, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Gulf Shores, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Orange Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote. To learn how good fishing in Mobile is, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch redfish in Alabama, please check out this helpful article.
