When most people think of fly fishing, they immediately think of wild streams in the mountains or rivers winding through a valley somewhere. Most would think of salmon or trout, not saltwater species and when it comes to locations, who would think of Alabama Beaches? Most wouldn’t think of fly fishing in Alabama, but they should! The Alabama Gulf Coast offers some of the best saltwater fly fishing opportunities in the country and for a wide range of species, both inshore and offshore.
Planning Your Fly Fishing Trip
Alabama Beaches are home to many species of game fish that can be targeted with the right fly fishing gear. A wide range of outfits will work throughout the inshore and nearshore waters of the Gulf Coast. Below, we will look at the common areas to fish, the common species to expect, and the appropriate gear to use.
Inshore Bays & Waterways Fishing
- Redfish
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
- Black drum
- Mangrove snapper
- Sheepshead
- Tripletail
Use 6-9WT outfits and matching reels with at least 100 yards of 20lb or higher backing. Floating lines will work for most scenarios, although sink tip lines may be used when needed.
Surf Fishing
- Pompano
- Speckled trout
- Redfish
- Spanish mackerel
- Whiting
- Bluefish
- Ladyfish
- Flounder
- Jack crevalle
The surf conditions can change your tackle needs swiftly, but for most outings, 6-10WT outfits and matching reels with at least 100 yards of 20lb or higher backing are used. Full intermediate lines are favored, as are full sinking, but during calm conditions, floating or floating with intermediate tip lines may be used.
Offshore/Nearshore Fly Fishing
Outfit options are wide-ranging, considering the number of species and different structures/depths to be fished. For the open waters around the beachfronts and inlet mouths, 8-10WT outfits are best suited. Line options range from floating lines for throwing topwater patterns to fast sinking. Reels for these outfits should hold at least 150 yards of backing and preferably with larger arbors for recovering the line quickly.
For tarpon, cobia, tuna, and other larger fish, 10-14WT outfits become necessary. The stout rods should be matched to reels with powerful drags and higher capacities of 300 yards of 30lb or higher backing. Line options will widely range to suit the scenario and targets, but anything from floating to fast sinking lines may be needed. The staff in local shops can help you with choosing the right lines.
Fly Fishing Bait
As the saying goes, “match the hatch” is as true an expression and tactic here as it is anywhere else that one would fly fish. Knowing the local forage helps tremendously. Some of the more common bait types along the Alabama Gulf Coast include mullet, croaker, menhaden, killifish, sardines, shrimp, crab, and sandfleas. Contact local shops to find out what they’re biting on, or visit a local bait shop, and they’ll show you the most productive patterns. Some of the most popular year-round patterns include Clouser minnows, deceivers, gurglers, gummy minnows, supreme shrimp, spoon flies, and surf candies.
Fly Fishing Tackle
A fly fishing rod and a box of flies get you close, but you still need the proper leader setups and connections when fly fishing in Gulf Shores. In most scenarios, mono leaders of 8-9ft are used with relatively short tippet sections added. Common leader sizes range anywhere from 8 to 30lb. The tippet can be the same size or even smaller than the tapered leader it is attached to, but occasionally, a larger tippet is needed when toothy fish like bluefish and mackerel are present. When fish are particularly spooky, or when you’re trying to sink your fly a tad bit faster, fluorocarbon becomes the leader material of choice. Fluorocarbon is generally less visible and, with its higher density, will sink a fly faster than with monofilament.
Knot choices are practically endless, but I often find it best to use a knot that allows the fly to move more freely on the retrieve, giving it a bit more “swim.” For this reason, I prefer the perfection loop. It’s fast and easy to tie in virtually any type or size of leader material. Many knots may be used, and there are many good knots to choose from.
Give fly fishing in Alabama Beaches a try next time you’re visiting. There are great opportunities throughout the area, with or without a boat!
