Auburn · Dauphin Island · Alabama
Two waters, one tackle box.
Everything a visitor needs to catch fish in Alabama — from Lake Martin brush piles to the Gulf reefs. Identify the fish, pick the right bait and hook, tie the knot that holds, and know what's worth taking home.
Freshwater
Auburn & the Tallapoosa
Largemouth bass, crappie, bream, catfish and tailrace stripers across Lake Martin, Chewacla and the dams at Yates and Thurlow.
Saltwater
Dauphin Island & the Gulf
Redfish, speckled trout, flounder and sheepshead from the pier, jetties and marsh — plus red snapper on the offshore reefs.
Tackle
Rods, reels & lines
Exact setups for each style of fishing, with braid, mono and fluorocarbon recommendations.
Technique
Knots & rigs
Step-by-step Palomar, FG, Uni, snell and loop knots, plus the six rigs that cover both coasts.
Before you go
License & safety notes
- Alabama freshwater and saltwater licenses are separate — get the one that matches the water you're fishing.
- Dauphin Island Public Fishing Pier and the Gulf State Park pier require a pier pass in addition to a saltwater license.
- Red snapper and greater amberjack seasons are set annually — check Outdoor Alabama before you run offshore.
- Redfish slot in Alabama: 16–26 inches, 3 per person per day, one over-slot fish allowed per boat trip.
- Bring a dehooker, pliers, and a fish grip. Hardheads, sail cats and stingrays all sting.