Tackle fishing oppor-tuna-ties from every angle

Whether you prefer the excitement of an hours-long tussle with a yellow fin tuna or the solitude of dropping a hook in a lake, the Alabama Gulf Coast has fishing opportunities covered from every angle – and for every angler.

Charter boats can take fishermen and -women to the deeper blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, or a family can bring a picnic basket and a bait bucket to a freshwater lake for a day of relaxation.

Whatever your skill level, if you want to get hooked on fishing, the local tourism website has all the resources needed.

The first thing to do, of course, is visit the “Fishing” tab on the website. On the drop-down menu, look for “Fishing information” to learn about purchasing the needed licenses. Any person 16 years old to 65 years old who is fishing in any body of water in the state is required to purchase a license. Buying a license is easier than ever, because they can be purchased via the Internet or a toll-free telephone call.

While the Alabama Gulf Coast tourism website provides an overview of fees, it recommends – and provides a link to – Outdoor Alabama, the official Web site of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The link is at the bottom of the “Fishing information” page. This way, prospective anglers can find the most current information available on fees and regulations.

Once you have the legal stuff taken care of, it is time to decide where to fish, what to fish for and how to catch it. Under the “Fishing” tab, look for “Charters & Cruises” in the drop-down menu. Here, you will find a list of companies offering fishing excursions ranging from a few hours to a couple of weeks. Some services in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach welcome walk-ons, but it is recommended to book ahead if possible to ensure a spot.

Those who have their own watercraft will want to visit the “Fishing” tab and select the “Marinas” link from the drop-down menu. Marinas in the area offer the full range of services, from fuel for the boat and its occupants to dry-dock facilities.

Even those who prefer not to deal with bait and hooks can enjoy the experience of seeing magnificent marine life in its natural habitat. Numerous charter services offer dolphin cruises, a relaxing way to spend a few hours on the Gulf.

Whether your fish tale is about “the one that got away” or seeing “the one that got to stay,” you will be able to make lasting memories with a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Get hooked now at www.thebeachiscalling.org

By APRIL BOONE