Best Times & Seasons to Catch Redfish in Alabama
Redfish are one of the most commonly caught species in Alabama waters. Knowing the best times and seasons to target redfish in Alabama helps anglers have success during their fishing trips.
The best times and seasons to catch redfish in Alabama are from March through September. Waters are warmer and that’s why redfish are more active during these months.
Alabama is one of the best locations for redfish fishing in the world. In this article, we will discuss the best times to catch redfish in this state.
Best Times to Catch Redfish in Alabama
Redfish can be targeted year-round in Alabama. The best months to catch redfish in Alabama waters are from March to September.
On the other hand, redfish fishing in the region is less productive in January – February and in October – December.
Redfish feed actively during morning and afternoon hours. The incoming low tide is the best tide for redfish fishing in Alabama. So, anglers have a good chance to catch redfish in the local waters when a tide changes from low to incoming.
It’s possible to target redfish in waters of 58 – 92°F. However, the best water temperature for redfish fishing is 75 – 88°F.
Seasonal Breakdown of Redfish Fishing in Alabama
Winter
Winter fishing for redfish in Alabama is less productive. However, anglers can still catch redfish successfully in the local waters. In winter, redfish go to fishing spots where the waters are warm. Redfish can be found in Alabama’s shallow waters during the winter months.
It makes sense to visit such fishing spots as Dauphin Island, Orange Beach, and the beaches of Fort Morgan if you would like to catch redfish in Alabama in winter. Live bait such as big mullet works best for redfish during the wintertime.
Spring
The early spring means the beginning of the peak redfish fishing season in Alabama. In spring, anglers should search for redfish around inshore islands. Oftentimes, redfish can be found near structure. It’s a great idea to use shrimp lures for catching redfish in Alabama waters in the spring.
Summer
Redfish fishing is excellent in Alabama during the summer months. In summer, it would be great to target redfish on the grass flats in inshore waters. When the weather is hot, anglers should search for redfish in deeper waters, around jetties and docks.
Redfish move to these locations to avoid the heat during hot summer days. Popping corks baited with crabs work well for fishing redfish in summer.
Fall
The peak redfish fishing season in Alabama comes to an end in the early fall. Waters cool down and redfish get less active in the local waters in the fall. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to catch redfish at this time of the year.
During the fall months, anglers often catch a big redfish. Redfish move to shallow waters in the fall. Anglers should search for redfish in deeper holes and near light structures. Dauphin Island is known as one of the redfish hot spots in Alabama during the fall months.
Recommended Redfish Charters in Alabama
These Alabama-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional 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 | Location |
| Russell’s Coastal Fishing | Orange Beach, AL |
| Off The Hook Charters | Gulf Shores, AL |
| Stressed Out Charters | Gulf Shores, AL |
| Great Southern Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Southern Sun Inshore Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Jus Cuz Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Bama Slam Inshore Adventures | Gulf Shores, AL |
| Emerald “C” Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Sure Shot Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Angler Management Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Lost Bay Guide Service | Orange Beach, AL |
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 if you want to create your combo.
Night Fishing Redfish in Alabama
Anglers can successfully catch redfish in Alabama waters during night hours. Oftentimes, redfish bite well late at night and early in the morning. Sometimes, night fishing for redfish in Alabama is even more productive than fishing during the day.
When targeting redfish at night, anglers should fish near jetties and wrecks. Nighttime fishing for redfish is possible from the piers on Orange Beach. The piers are equipped with lights.
Moon phases affect redfish feeding. Night redfish fishing in Alabama is very productive during a full moon. When the moon is bright, redfish feed actively all night long. Anglers can catch more redfish under a bright moon.
It’s worth noting that night fishing for redfish is more productive during the summer months. Water cools down and redfish start feeding actively during the nighttime. Water temperatures rise during a hot summer day and redfish move to cooler areas.
It’s also important to note that more comfortable conditions for anglers are created at night in summer. It’s not hot at night. So, anglers can avoid summer heat when fishing during night hours.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alabama, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Gulf Shores, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Orange Beach, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Mobile, check out this guide.
