Top 3 winter catches from Gulf Shores fishing.

Gulf Shores fishing is popular year-round, but those headed south this winter may be particularly successful. Certain fish are common during certain seasons, and if you're enjoying Gulf Shores rentals during the cooler months, you will likely reel in redfish, pompano and sheepshead.

Top 3 winter catches from Gulf Shores fishing

Thousands of people flock to Gulf Shores rentals each year to partake in some of the best fishing around. Gulf Shores fishing is great all year round, but if you are visiting this winter, there are a few fish in particular you'll want to reel in.

Choose to head deep into the gulf on a 4- or 8-hour Orange Beach fishing charter. Maybe you'd like to bring your own boat and stay closer to Perdido Key or Fort Morgan. Backwater guides love to show you the best places in the calmer bay waters, or you can simply cast your line from the shore or Gulf State Park Pier. No matter where you go, there are plenty of good catches this time of year.

1. Redfish

The weather may be cooler, but redfish are red hot during the winter months. According to GulfShoresFishing.com, the best time to catch
a redfish is just after a cold front has passed. The northwest wind that follows this weather pattern pushes baitfish away from the shoreline, drawing in redfish.

2. Pompano

Pompano also enjoy the colder conditions, and can often be found throughout February just off the beaches along the coastline. Weighing between 1 and 4 pounds, they swim in the passes that lead to the Gulf of Mexico. Bait these fish using sand fleas and pompano jigs, as well
as live shrimp.

3. Sheepshead

You can fish for sheepshead with the same rig you use for pompano,
so one trip might catch you a variety when out on the water during the winter. These fish tend to dwell around any type of structure - that could mean a bridge, jetty, pier, dock or even a cluster of rocks. The sheepsheads will be between 2 and 8 pounds each, and can be caught in great numbers if you're in the right place at the right time, according to GulfShores.com.

An Orange Beach 4-bedroom property would be perfect for you and your fishing buddies, or what about a condo in Fort Morgan for your family, close to Mobile Bay, the ferry and historic Fort Morgan? No matter where you stay, you'll enjoy fishing opportunities and much more.

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