Gulf Shores and Orange Beach were recently named to FishingBooker.com's 10 Best Winter Fishing Destinations in 2022 list. In our area, anglers have a choice between freshwater, pier fishing and booking a charter.

Capt. Brent Shavers, better known as Hollywood, has been running fishing charters for 42 years. He doesn't take as many winter trips as he used to, but he said the winter fishing can be good, but like with all fishing, it is hit or miss.

During the winter months, anglers can expect to catch sheepshead and redfish inshore and vermillion snapper offshore, but everything depends on the weather.

"It's all about the weather this time of the year. In a week you might get two or three good weather days, or you might get none. Offshore you don't want the wind blowing. You need a 10-knot wind or it's too rough. Inshore you can fish with a little more wind but if it's blowing 15 to 20 knots out of the east that's not good. It makes it rough, and fish don't bite good on an east wind," Shavers said.
One of the main points Shavers stresses with his anglers is to take your captain's advice and dress warm. Dress in layers so you can remove them if you get warm.

"We have so many people that come to the beach at spring break and fall break and freeze. They show up in shorts and I am wearing hunting gear. The thing down here is it can be 50 degrees, overcast, damp and blowing 20 mph and it's cold," Shavers said.

If you prefer fishing for freshwater fish such as catfish, bass and crappie head to the 900-acre Lake Shelby at Gulf State Park.
Now is the time to enjoy the winter fishing before the spring break rush begins around March 10.