Inshore Fishing 101
READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR INSHORE FISHING GAME?
Check Out Our Favorite Inshore Fishing Gear
Finding Your Perfect Setup
From redfish tailing in grass flats to speckled trout prowling oyster beds, our Gulf Coast waters demand gear that can handle it all. We've curated equipment perfect for Alabama's diverse inshore conditions and stock fresh live bait daily - fiddler crabs, shrimp, and bull minnows for when artificial lures aren't getting the job done.
Inshore Fishing Elite Arsenal
Premium gear for those who demand excellence. Each piece is meticulously crafted, offering superior functionality with refined aesthetics.
Inshore Fishing Pro Picks
Quality gear that punches above its weight class. Carefully selected for maximum value without compromising on essential features and durability. Battle-tested favorites chosen by full-time anglers. These reliable workhorses deliver professional-grade performance without the premium price tag.
Inshore Fishing Starter Series
Quality gear that punches above its weight class. Carefully selected for maximum value without compromising on essential features and durability.
Reading the Water & Setting Up
Spotting Fish
- Structure Spots: Check oyster beds, grass flats, dock pilings
- Water Movement: Focus on tide lines and current breaks around points
- Bait Activity: Watch for mullet schools, diving birds
- Depth Changes: Target drops and channels near structure
- Shrimp Activity: Look for tiny splashes or "popcorn" action when shrimp flee predators
Working The Area
- Position uptide of target zone
- Keep boat shadow off fishing area
- Match drift speed to conditions
- Use trolling motor sparingly
- Maintain quiet approach for spooky fish
Bait Tactics
Spring/Summer:
- Live shrimp under popping corks
- Small soft plastics for trout
- Fiddler crabs near structure
Fall/Winter:
- Bull minnows for flounder
- Larger baits for bull reds
- Shrimp imitations in deeper water
Time & Tide Tips
Spring:
- Focus on twilight hours
- Any tide with good flow
Summer:
- Early morning/late evening
- Incoming preferred for cooler water
Fall:
- All-day action possible
- Strong current periods best
Winter:
- Mid-morning to afternoon
- Outgoing moves warm water to fish
Fish Gum, Fishbites, & Artificial Scents
Inshore Fishing Terminal Tackle
Choose Your Perfect Setup
Light Tackle Setup
For finesse fishing our inshore waters, a 7' medium-light rod paired with a 2500-size reel and 10lb braid gives you the perfect blend of sensitivity and control. This lighter combo excels when working live shrimp under popping corks or tossing soft plastics for speckled trout, while still having enough backbone to handle slot-sized redfish when they crash your bait.
All-Around Setup
The versatile workhorse for Gulf Coast inshore fishing is a 7'6" medium-heavy rod matched with a 3000-size reel and 20lb braid. This setup handles everything from working jigs around oyster bars to throwing topwater plugs over grass flats. With enough power to control bigger fish but still light enough for all-day casting, it's the ideal choice for targeting slot reds and gator trout.
Heavy Structure Setup
When bull reds push inshore or you're battling big fish around docks and bridges, reach for a 7' heavy-fast rod with a 4000-size reel spooled with 30lb braid. This beefier combination gives you the stopping power needed to keep fish away from pilings and oyster bars, while still maintaining enough finesse to work bigger baits effectively around structure.
Inshore Fishing Rods
Inshore Fishing Reels
Inshore Fishing Combos
Rent Your Fishing Gear & Beach Cart – Hassle-Free!
Skip the heavy lifting and gear up effortlessly for your next surf fishing adventure! Beach Bum Outdoors offers top-quality fishing gear and beach cart rentals, so you can focus on the fun. Whether you need rods, reels, tackle, or an easy way to transport your setup, we’ve got you covered. Reserve your rentals today and hit the beach with everything you need!
