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FISHING

And the Winner is…

The Orange Beach Saltwater Series presented by the Red Snapper World Championship attracts a national audience as the area showcases its superb fishing legacy. Held annually from March through August, the tournament offers lucrative prizes for those landing the big ones. Part of the tournament proceeds are used to construct additional artificial reefs of the coast.

In addition to hosting this tournament, the Orange Beach Fishing Association also organizes the October Fishing Rodeo. With thousands of dollars in prize money, the competition is fierce as anglers patrol the only trolling alley in the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information on either tournament, visit www.orangebeachsnapper.com.

Casting Ballots and Rods

The State of Alabama sunk over 200 obsolete voting machines just off the coast to create the only trolling alley in the Gulf of Mexico. Spanish and king mackerel (and many others) are attracted to these feeding stations. Anglers are invited to troll along this corridor located next to the Don Kelley North General Permit Area. For more information, click here.

What if…

Inclement weather is no problem since the area features several protected yet productive waters, such as the Intracoastal Waterway, Little Lagoon and the back bays.

Those without sea-worthy vessels can still get in on the action by enjoying surf fishing. From Fort Morgan eastward to Perdido Pass, anglers can have sand between their toes and fish on their rods.

Learn a few skills, or even how to fish, by taking advantage of the coast’s fishing guides, who teach you everything from where to find the fish to how to bait the hook.

Helpful Links

Be a responsible fisherman by educating yourself on the state’s laws and regulations.

Research the details on the state’s mandatory saltwater fishing license.

Leading the Nation in Artificial Reefs

The Alabama Gulf Coast proudly showcases the LARGEST artificial reef program in the nation. With about 1,200 square miles of fish habit, the area is a haven for anglers.

Why are reefs necessary?

The northern Gulf of Mexico coast has a naturally flat sand bottom that does not attract fish of recreation or commercial value. To lure more fish to the area, artificial reefs are constructed. Encrusting organisms and bait fish will move in to this new structure. Smaller fish feed on the reef’s newest residents, the coral and sponges. In turn, larger fish discover the smaller fish, and thus an entire reef food web is formed. Once the larger fish move in, the artificial reef functions like a natural reef.

When did the program start?

In 1953, the Orange Beach Charter Boat Association received permission to place 250 discarded automobile bodies off the Alabama Gulf Coast. Over the years, various materials—such as culverts, bridge rubble, barges, boats and planes—have been positioned in the gulf waters. Several “ghost-fleeted” liberty ships took up permanent residence in five locations off of the Mobile and Baldwin County coastline in 1974-75.

What has happened since?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began creating artificial reefs in 1987. At that time, the area showcased about 800 square miles of artificial reefs. Then on June 1, 1994, six decommissioned military tanks were sunk off the coast. A few weeks later on June 25-29, an additional 58 tanks were deployed into the gulf. In the fall (September 26, 1994), the final 36 tanks were placed. Interestingly, these 100 tanks are expected to have a 50 year life span as an artificial reef. During that span, the tanks will produce millions of dollars in economic impact. Since they are located at depths of 70-110 feet within the Hug Swingle and Don Kelly North artificial reef areas, the tanks are accessible to fishermen and scuba divers.

Envisioning the need for further expansion in 1997, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revised the protocol for reef construction, which limits the types of materials to be used. During the same year, this group expanded the state’s artificial reef construction area. These changes resulted in a greater variety of depth and placement options.

Moving Inland

In 1996, the division recognized the need for inshore artificial reefs. First two to be developed were the Fish River oyster reef and the old Shellbank oyster reef. Ultimately, 21 inshore fishing reefs have been constructed with Mobile, Bon Secour and Perdido Bays in addition to the Mississippi Sound. Reef materials included concrete bridge remnants, culvert pipes, concrete roof panels, oyster shells and crushed limestone. Meanwhile, crushed limestone rock was added to seven gas production platforms in lower Mobile Bay, where it also attracts fish.

For more information, click here.

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