The reasons to fish the waters along the Alabama Gulf Coast in the fall are many. Local anglers will tell you to plan your trip, come on down and expect to have a great time while you’re here. We will tell you that there are lots of reasons to Go Fishing in Gulf Shores in the Fall, but here are our top ten:
1 The Temperature is Great
The weather in the fall in Gulf Shores is fabulous. The days are usually warm following a cool start and the nights are comfortable. Be sure to pack sunscreen when you come down. Even though the sun’s rays are longer this time of year, you can still get a sunburn while you’re fishing. Remember, the rays reflect off the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and off our crystal white sandy beaches and you can get a quick sunburn without even realizing it. Also, pack both shorts and jeans. We’re pretty sure you’ll need both. Don’t forget a windbreaker or light rain jacket. We do get a little rain here in the fall, but it usually doesn’t last long. And pack your shades. As the days cool in the fall the sun seems to shine brighter. Shades and visors are a must for any fall outdoor activities, especially activities like fishing where water reflects the sun’s rays.
2 Charters are Easy to Get
Fishing charters leave out of Orange Beach all year long. Fall fishing is a great excuse to book a charter and go a few miles off shore. The good folks at Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Fishing Guides are ready to help you get started. With off-shore, near shore and deep sea fishing options available, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for. Several of our favorite charter companies leave out of Zeke’s Marina. For years, the good folks at Zeke’s have been ready to get locals and guests alike out on the open waters of the Gulf. Another option is Gulf Rebel Charter Fishing. For over 50 years, these folks have been taking fishermen and ladies right to the best spots to catch the most fish. Gulf Rebel Charters is a local family owned business. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Give Extreme Chaos Inshore Charters a try! This is one inshore fishing experience your whole family is sure to love!
3 Great Fish are in Season
Fishing is great along the Alabama Gulf Coast all year long and fall is no exception. Dolphinfish like dolphin, dorado and mahi-mahi are in season all summer and through October. Bull Redfish are also in season. Flounder is a local fave and can be caught through October in our area. Several species of grouper are also in season. We love fresh Gulf Grouper! Cobia is another local favorite and it is in season through October. Whether you’re fishing from our famous Gulf State Park Pier or from one of our local charter boats, we are sure you will catch something great to eat while you’re here in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. If you can’t enjoy it here, pack it well in ice and take it home for a mid-winter feast you’re sure to enjoy!
4 Accommodations are Affordable
Lodging is a bit less expensive in the fall than it is in summer months. With our tourist season winding down, we are able to offer nightly stays at reduced rates. Usually, we have a greater selection of available properties to choose from, as well. If you’re looking for a beach home to rent while you’re planning your fall fishing getaway adventure, check out Spunky Sandpiper. This three bedroom beach home located in the Fort Morgan community sleeps up to twelve folks. You can bring all your best buds on your fishing weekend and all stay together in this great home! If a more unique beach home appeals to you, take a look at The Boathouse. This boat shaped home is right on Mobile Bay and offers spectacular views! It has two bedrooms and sleeps up to seven. Small dogs are also welcome here with some restrictions. Another great option for your fishing adventure is Navy Cove 1207. This lovely condominium features two bedrooms and two bathrooms and sleeps up to six. Additionally, it has its own boat slip. That can be a definite plus for any angler!
5 Dining Out Is Quicker
With less folks visiting in our area in the fall than there are in the summer months, dining out is usually much quicker. Lines at local restaurants are shorter and the whole experience can be much more relaxed and enjoyable. This can be a real plus if you’ve been out fishing all day and you’re tired and hungry. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of our favorite places. For breakfast, you really should give the Ruby Slipper Cafe a try. We love all of their eggs benedict choices. And their coffee is second to none. For lunch, stop by and see the good folks at Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill on Fort Morgan Road. Their seafood entrees are all excellent. Would you rather have a great burger while you’re in our area? You must try the World Famous Keg Burger at The Keg Lounge and Grill on Canal Road. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just a bar, it’s a great little hidden treasure. They have a wonderful kids menu, too.
6 The Beaches are Less Crowded
Our beautiful beaches are less crowded, too. If long quiet walks collecting shells without the hustle and bustle of the summer crowd appeals to you, you’re in luck! Fall vacationers find our beaches easier to access and more peaceful than in the summer months. Truly the lazy days of fall appeal to many. If you’re one of those people who enjoys listening to the sounds of the waves, reading a good book and enjoying the warmth of the sun without the heat of summer, you’re going to love Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan in the fall. Once you’re through with your fishing charter, we encourage you to take a blanket out onto our beautiful beaches and just enjoy watching the stars in the night sky.
7 Festivals are in Full Swing
Fall is not only fishing season along our Alabama Gulf Coast, but it’s also festival season! Be sure to plan your fishing adventure weekend to include one of our great locally produced festival activities. Festivals celebrating seafood, musicians, and birds are just a few of the great events we have planned for the next few months. The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival lasts for several days in November and can be found at many venues. Check out their website for details. For a complete list of our festivals, read our blog entitled Four Fall Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. While fishing is a great reason to come this fall, our festivals may just be the reason you want to stay a little longer.
8 Nightlife Rocks
The Nightlife here in our area never disappoints. In addition to the great music you’ll find all around our island during the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, you’ll also find music playing at all of our favorite places. Live Bait Food and Spirits is known for its great entertainment. Be sure to try their Greek Nachos, too, while you’re there! The Hangout in Gulf Shores has become world famous for their entertainment. Even though Hangout Music Fest is in May, we’re sure you’ll find some enjoyable moments at the Hangout this fall! And don’t forget to stop by The Wharf after dark. The Ferris Wheel never disappoints and offers a breathtaking view of our island! And the Spectra light show offers nightlife fun for the whole family. After all, young anglers need to have fun, too!
9 Golf is Right Around Every Corner
What better way to make a fishing weekend extra fun than to add a golf outing to it? With great weather all fall long in our neighborhood, why wouldn’t you do just that? Golf courses are all over our beautiful island home and golf packages are very easy to get this time of year. Whether you want to golf at a course Arnold Palmer designed or at one of the oldest and best kept courses around, Gulf Shores Golf Club, your choices are abundant. For a complete list to all the courses around, check out our blog about best places to golf. We encourage you to book a golf outing while you’re here. After all, why not experience the best we have to offer, both on land and at sea?
10 Who Really Needs a Reason to Fish Anyway?
Seriously! Come on…who does need a reason to fish? Fishing is one of the most relaxing sports around and it can end up being the most exciting! Fishing is something we can take our kids along to and do with our parents. Fishing creates an opportunity to make unforgettable memories and can provide food as well as entertainment. After you think about, you really don’t need a reason to fish….just a time and a place!
Come on down to the Alabama Gulf Coast this fall and fish, golf, enjoy our nightlife and stay with Sunset Properties while you do it all. We are looking forward to your arrival and we are here to help you with your reservation or to answer any questions about any of the fun activities we have going on in our area. Go ahead! Make a plan! Come on and Fish!
251.543.1370
