Alabama Point is a shallow-water jetty system where the Gulf meets the mouth of Perdido Bay, about 20 miles west of Orange Beach proper

Alabama Point sits at the western edge of Orange Beach's fishing range, where Perdido Pass connects the Gulf to Perdido Bay. The jetties here—built to stabilize the pass—create a natural break in the water that holds fish year-round. You're fishing in roughly 8 to 15 feet of water most of the time, with deeper holes on the Gulf side of the structure. The bottom is sand and shell, which means your lures and rigs won't snag as often as they would over rock or hard structure.

The main draw is that Alabama Point works when other nearby spots don't. On days when the Gulf is too rough for a boat ride to the reefs, or when the bay is too calm and clear, the jetties here still hold feeding fish. Redfish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and pompano move through the pass on tide changes, and tarpon show up in summer. You can fish from a boat, wade the shallows on the bay side, or cast from the jetty rocks themselves—though the rocks are slick and the current can be strong.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama Point's jetties create a natural fish-holding structure where the Gulf meets Perdido Bay, making it productive when other nearby waters are too rough or too calm.
  • Redfish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and pompano are the most common catches, with tarpon present in summer months.
  • Tide changes—especially the first hour of incoming tide—concentrate feeding fish at the pass and are the best time to fish.
  • You can fish from a boat, wade the bay shallows, or cast from the jetty rocks, but the rocks are slippery and the current runs hard during tide changes.
  • Access is free, but you need a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license or a short-term license if you're visiting from out of state.

How to Get There and What You'll Find

Alabama Point is accessible by boat from Orange Beach marinas, or you can launch at Perdido Pass Park on the bay side. The park has a public boat ramp, parking, and a small pier—it's the easiest entry point if you don't have a slip at a marina. From the ramp, it's a short run west into the pass. GPS coordinates for the main jetty structure are roughly 30.2850° N, 87.5800° W, but any chart or mapping app will show Perdido Pass clearly.

If you're wading, the bay side of the point is shallower and calmer, especially on the north side of the jetties. You'll find 2 to 4 feet of water and a sand bottom that's easy to walk. The Gulf side is steeper and the water is deeper, but the current is stronger and the waves can be unpredictable. Most wade fishers stick to the bay side and fish the edges of the jetties where the structure meets the sand.

Best Times to Fish Alabama Point

Tide is everything at Alabama Point. The first hour of incoming tide—when water is flowing from the Gulf into Perdido Bay—concentrates baitfish and the predators that chase them. Fish stack up on the jetties and in the deeper holes, and they feed aggressively. The last hour of outgoing tide can also be good, but the incoming push is more reliable. Check a tide table for Perdido Pass before you go; the tide change is what matters more than the time of day.

Seasonally, fall and spring are the most consistent. Spanish mackerel arrive in spring and stay through early summer. Redfish are present year-round but bite hardest in fall and winter when the water cools. Tarpon show up in June and July, usually in the deeper water on the Gulf side of the jetties. Summer can be slow midday because the sun is high and the water is clear, but dawn and dusk improve the bite. Winter is cold but productive if you can handle the weather.

Tackle and Bait That Works Here

For Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, use small spoons (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) in silver or gold, or small shad-pattern plugs. Cast them near the jetty rocks and work them with a steady retrieve. Redfish respond to soft plastics rigged on a jig head—4 to 6 inches, in natural colors like tan or pearl. Tarpon require heavier tackle: 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks on 40 to 60-pound leader, with live mullet or mackerel as bait.

Live bait works well here because the current keeps it moving naturally. Mullet, mackerel, and pinfish are all available at local tackle shops or you can net them in the bay shallows. If you're using dead bait, keep it fresh and fish it on the bottom during slack tide or slow current. The jetties create eddies and dead zones where bait can sit without being swept away, so don't assume you need to cast far—sometimes the best fish are tight to the rocks.

Safety and Practical Considerations

The jetty rocks are covered in barnacles and algae, and they're slippery even when they look dry. Wear shoes with good grip—not flip-flops or bare feet. The current at Alabama Point can run 2 to 3 knots during peak tide changes, which is strong enough to sweep an unprepared wader off their feet. If you're wading, stay in shallow water and use a wading belt or personal flotation device. Never turn your back to the Gulf side; waves can surprise you.

Boat traffic through Perdido Pass is steady, especially on weekends. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your boat positioned so you can move quickly if needed. The pass is marked with navigation buoys, and the channel is well-defined, but boats move fast through here. If you're fishing from the jetty rocks, stay off the channel side and watch for approaching boats. The combination of current, rocks, and traffic means you need to stay focused the entire time you're there.

What License You Need

You need a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license to fish Alabama Point. If you live in Alabama, you can buy an annual license or a 3-day license through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website or at any local tackle shop. If you're visiting from out of state, Alabama offers a 3-day non-resident license, a 7-day license, or an annual license. The cost varies but is typically under $30 for a short-term option.

Some charter boats include the license in the trip fee, so ask before you book. You'll need to show proof of your license if a game warden stops you, so keep it on your person or in your boat. The license is quick to purchase online or in person, and you can often print it immediately or have it sent to your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Alabama Point without a boat?

Yes. You can wade the bay side of the jetties from Perdido Pass Park, or cast from the jetty rocks themselves. The bay side is shallower and safer for wading. The rocks are slippery and the current is strong, so wear good shoes and stay alert. Wading gives you access to redfish and some Spanish mackerel without needing a boat.

What's the difference between fishing the bay side and the Gulf side?

The bay side is shallower (2 to 4 feet), calmer, and better for wading. You'll catch redfish and some Spanish mackerel. The Gulf side is deeper (8 to 15 feet), has stronger current, and holds larger king mackerel and tarpon. The Gulf side requires a boat and more experience with current and waves.

Do I need a guide to fish Alabama Point?

No, but a guide can save you time if you're unfamiliar with the area. They know the current patterns, the best tide windows, and where fish are holding on any given day. If you're comfortable reading a chart and managing a boat in moderate current, you can fish it on your own. Wade fishing requires no guide at all.

What time of year is slowest?

Mid-summer (July and August) can be slow midday because the water is warm, clear, and bright. Fish bite better at dawn and dusk. Winter is cold but productive. Spring and fall are the most consistent overall, with good bites throughout the day.

Is there a fee to launch at Perdido Pass Park?

Perdido Pass Park is a public facility with a boat ramp and parking. There may be a small day-use fee or parking fee; check with the park directly or the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation office before you go. Fees vary by season and can change year to year.