Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Orange Beach/Gulf Shores fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12, based on forecasts rather than verified catch counts. Mobile forecasters expect a strong front Thursday night into Friday, mid-to-upper 30s near the coast on Friday and Saturday nights and patchy frost possible near the coast. Around Perdido Pass and Wolf Bay, this cooling usually brings sheepshead to structure and trout into the backwaters. Treat it as a planning guide and confirm conditions locally.
What’s Hitting
Sheepshead are starting to gather around the Perdido Pass jetties and bridges. Speckled trout move into backwaters like Wolf Bay and Bayou St. John. Bull reds are still around the pass and beaches. Black drum are found near structure. Pompano can be caught in the surf on warmer days. Flounder are migrating toward Perdido Pass and the Alabama Point jetties. Trout often stack in the deepest holes of bayous on cold mornings and spread out as the day warms. Pompano numbers may decline as water cools.
Where to Find Them
The Perdido Pass jetties and the Perdido Pass Bridge provide structure for sheepshead and redfish. Wolf Bay and Bayou St. John hold trout. The Gulf State Park Pier offers Gulf access. Mobile Bay’s eastern shore is another option. Little Lagoon and Cotton Bayou provide protected water during wind. The Alabama Point seawall and the Perdido Pass bridge pilings are excellent for sheepshead and drum. Ono Island canals hold trout.
Tides & Conditions
Wind will drive conditions, with northwest wind lowering water in the bays. The weekend should be dry, with showers possible Monday. Expect cold mornings. The new moon on November 9 increases currents in Perdido Pass early in the period. Clear water after the front can make fish wary. Calm, sunny afternoons can warm shallow water and improve activity.
Tackle & Tactics
For sheepshead, use fiddler crabs or shrimp. Trout respond to soft plastics or live shrimp. Bull reds take cut bait. Pompano respond to sand fleas or jigs. For flounder, use mud minnows or soft plastics on the bottom. Downsize lures in clear water and slow retrieves. Keep heavier sinkers for the pass current.
Local Intel This Week
Gulf State Park Pier provides access to the Gulf. The Perdido Pass jetties are accessible from Alabama Point. Cotton Bayou boat ramp provides access to Perdido Pass. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Watch the pass during strong winds. Weekend parking near Alabama Point can fill early. Little Lagoon Pass is another access point. Watch for strong currents near the jetties.
This Week’s Tip
Fish the Perdido Pass jetties with fiddler crabs during the incoming tide on Saturday. Keep the bait close to the rocks and use a short leader to feel light pickups.
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