Discover the Variety of Fish in Fort Morgan
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are one of the most sought-after game fish in the Gulf of Mexico, especially during their federally regulated season in the summer months. Known for their vivid red color and strong fight, these reef dwellers are typically caught on nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs off Fort Morgan. Anglers target them using cut bait or live bait while bottom fishing in deeper water. The bite is hot during the open season, making Red Snapper fishing in Fort Morgan a bucket-list experience.
Redfish
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are abundant year-round in the bays, marshes, and nearshore waters surrounding Fort Morgan. These powerful inshore predators are known for their copper-bronze color and distinctive tail spot. Captain Patrick frequently targets Redfish on light tackle using live shrimp, cut bait, or soft plastics around oyster beds, jetties, and sandy flats. Their consistent presence and aggressive strikes make them a favorite on Fort Morgan inshore fishing charters.
Sea Trout
Spotted Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a Fort Morgan staple and one of the most commonly caught species during inshore trips. These fish are known for their spotted pattern, delicate texture, and exciting topwater strikes. They thrive in grass beds, channels, and marsh points, especially in spring and early summer. With the right tide and live shrimp, anglers can enjoy nonstop action targeting Speckled Trout in Fort Morgan waters.
Sheepshead
Easily recognized by their black stripes and human-like teeth, Sheepshead are structure-loving fish that stack up around bridges, jetties, and pilings in Fort Morgan from late winter through early spring. Their diet consists of crustaceans like fiddler crabs and shrimp, making them perfect for bait-and-wait fishing near structure. Sheepshead are known for their sneaky bite and challenging hookset, but their fight and flavor make them a prized catch during the Fort Morgan spring fishing season.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are fast-moving, toothy predators that cruise the beaches and nearshore waters of Fort Morgan from late spring through early fall. They’re often seen chasing bait balls near the surface and are commonly caught while trolling or casting flashy spoons and jigs. Known for their speed and schooling behavior, Spanish Mackerel offer exciting action, especially for families and beginners looking for high-energy Fort Morgan nearshore fishing trips.
King Mackerel
Also known as Kingfish, King Mackerel are larger, harder-hitting relatives of Spanish Mackerel and are found a bit farther offshore near wrecks and reefs. These fish are prized for their blistering runs and make for an exhilarating fight on light tackle. Targeted mostly in the warmer months, Kings are best caught trolling with live bait or deep-running lures. Fort Morgan anglers love the challenge and size potential of these hard-fighting nearshore predators.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are bottom-dwelling ambush predators, famous for their flat, camouflaged bodies and tasty fillets. Found in shallow inshore areas around Fort Morgan, they hang out near drop-offs, oyster beds, and sandy bottoms. They’re typically caught using live finger mullet, shrimp, or soft plastic jigs bounced near the bottom. Known for their stealthy bite, Flounder fishing in Fort Morgan is a test of patience, but always worth the reward.
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders often mistaken for Redfish, but distinguished by their dark vertical stripes as juveniles and deep-bodied build as adults. Common in the back bays and nearshore structures of Fort Morgan, these fish are known for their strength and drum-like croaking sounds. They bite best on cut bait and live shrimp, and are often targeted in the same areas as Sheepshead and Redfish. Fort Morgan anglers appreciate their size and steady year-round availability.
Cobia
Cobia are curious, powerful fish often found cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and bait schools in the spring and early summer months. Known for their long bodies and aggressive strikes, Cobia are caught sight-fishing or while drifting near structure using live bait or jigs. Landing a big Cobia is a true highlight on any Fort Morgan deep sea fishing trip, as they’re known to put up a strong fight and deliver delicious meat.
Great Barracuda
The Great Barracuda is a toothy, torpedo-shaped predator occasionally caught on deeper offshore runs from Fort Morgan. Known for their explosive strikes and sharp eyesight, Barracuda are often caught while trolling or sight-casting around reefs and wrecks. Their long, slender bodies and impressive speed make them a thrilling catch, especially when targeting a variety of species on multi-target trips. Though not a primary target, Barracuda fishing near Fort Morgan is an unforgettable surprise when it happens.