Red snapper season is the highlight of Gulf fishing, and Orange Beach, Alabama, is the place to be! From Zeke’s Marina, our charters take you to prime reefs teeming with these vibrant, hard-fighting fish. Known for their bright red hue and delicious flavor, red snapper (up to 30 lbs!) are a bucket-list catch for any angler.
But success requires strategy. Here are five expert tips from our captains to maximize your red snapper haul. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, these tricks will help you land the big ones on your next Orange Beach fishing charter.
1. Time It Right
Red snapper season in federal waters typically runs June 1 – July 31, though dates can vary from year to year. Book your trip early with Deep South Charters, as slots fill up fast during the season!
Pro tip: Early morning trips tend to produce the best results. Snapper are most active before the midday heat, and you’ll beat the crowds at the best fishing spots.
2. Use Live Bait
Red snapper love live bait — particularly cigar minnows and squid. Drop them near wrecks or reefs 10–30 miles offshore for the best bites.
At Deep South Charters, we stock fresh live bait for every trip so you’re always fishing with the best possible presentation. The difference between live bait and frozen can be the difference between a cooler full of snapper and a slow day.
3. Gear Up Properly
The right tackle makes all the difference when targeting red snapper:
- Medium-heavy rods with backbone to pull fish away from reef structure
- 40-lb test line minimum — snapper will dive for cover the moment they’re hooked
- Circle hooks as required by Gulf federal regulations — they result in better hook sets and healthier releases
Don’t worry about bringing your own gear. Deep South Charters provides top-quality rods, reels, and tackle on every trip.
4. Know the Hotspots
Orange Beach has some of the best red snapper habitat in the entire Gulf of Mexico. Our captains use advanced sonar equipment to pinpoint productive reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures.
Some legendary spots near Orange Beach include:
- The Edge — where the continental shelf drops off, attracting huge concentrations of snapper
- Artificial reefs — Alabama has one of the largest artificial reef programs in the country
- Natural bottom structure — limestone ledges and hard bottom that hold fish year after year
Trust your captain’s local knowledge — they’ve spent years learning these waters and know exactly where the fish are holding.
5. Stay Patient
Red snapper can be picky eaters, especially on high-pressure days. Here’s how to stay in the game:
- Let the bait sit after feeling a nibble — don’t jerk the rod at the first tap
- Drop to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks to get your bait in the strike zone just above the reef
- Stay focused — when the bite turns on, it often happens fast and furious
Kids especially love the anticipation of waiting for that big tug, and the payoff is always worth it!
Ready to Hook a Trophy Red Snapper?
Deep South Charters makes red snapper fishing easy and accessible for anglers of all skill levels. Our trips include:
- All rods, reels, bait, and tackle
- Expert guidance from experienced Gulf captains
- Fish cleaning and filleting after your trip
- A comfortable, USCG-inspected 42-ft Hatteras
Check the current season dates with NOAA Fisheries and book your half-day or full-day red snapper adventure today. The best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is waiting for you in Orange Beach, Alabama!