Anglers looking for diversity, both in fish species and types of water, find it quickly in Alabama. The state has more than a million acres of freshwater open to fishing, including more than two dozen large man-made impoundments, seven major river systems, and 20 smaller state-managed lakes. In southern Alabama, the 400-square-mile Mobile Delta provides brackish water conditions, where freshwater and saltwater fish often swim together; and along the Gulf Coast, Mobile and Perdido Bays offer pier, jetty, and flats fishing as well as quick access to offshore opportunities.
The largemouth bass is easily the state’s most popular freshwater species, and specimens over 16 pounds have been recorded. In northern Alabama, particularly in several Tennessee River impoundments, smallmouth bass fishing is rated among the best in the world. Spotted bass, black and white crappie, white bass, several varieties of sunfish, and five species of catfish are present in lakes throughout the state; and in years past, Alabama held world records for both smallmouth and spotted bass. Additionally, striped bass and hybrid striped bass have been introduced successfully to a number of the larger impoundments.
In the brackish water of the delta, as well as in coastal bays, speckled trout, red drum (generally known locally as redfish), and flounder are present, while just offshore at various buoy markers and old oil rig platforms small-boat anglers and charter captains alike chase Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, grouper, amberjack, red snapper, and even an occasional tarpon. Farther offshore along the deep chasm known as DeSoto Canyon and the 100-fathom curve, marlin, wahoo, and sailfish can be taken.
This angling bounty, particularly in freshwater, is primarily the result of Alabama’s generally mild weather. Although occasional snow may blanket portions of the state’s northern counties, the water temperature remains warm enough to keep the fish active year-round. Additionally, the Tennessee River marks the northern limit of threadfin shad, the smallmouth’s favorite prey, and the southern limit of naturally occurring smallmouth. The result is a river system with some of the most consistent trophy smallmouth fishing in the nation.
