December 2025 — Orange Beach / Gulf Shores AL: Sheepshead, Trout, Wolf Bay Reds — Winter Pattern. December is a early winter month with water in the 60-68°F range — sheepshead returning; redfish in deeper holes; winter pattern. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — December 2025
Primary targets this month: Sheepshead, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Wahoo.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are stacked for the winter/early-spring spawn. Target the Perdido Pass jetties, the Intracoastal Waterway bridge pilings, the offshore platforms. Fresh fiddler crabs and live shrimp on a #1 or #1/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle — set on the slightest tap. Vertical jigging tight to structure produces best.
Redfish
Winter reds in the Wolf Bay, Old River, Cotton Bayou, Bay La Launch, Soldier Creek, and Bon Secour River. Look for the warmest water — dark mud bottoms, deeper canals, creek mouths warming on afternoons. Gold spoons, scented soft plastics, live shrimp under a popping cork.
Speckled Trout
Trout gathering in the back bays (Wolf Bay, Arnica Bay, Cotton Bayou), the Old River, and the Mobile Bay grass flats. Larger fish (gator trout 20″+) hold in deeper potholes. DOA CAL Shads, MirrOlure Lil John, MirrOdine suspending baits, and live shrimp under popping corks. Slow the retrieve in cooler water.
Wahoo
Wahoo on the deep Edge and current breaks, primarily fall and spring. High-speed troll (12-15 knots) with heavy lures (Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonita), or live bait at slower speeds. Wire leader essential — 80-130 lb single-strand or coated.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 60-68°F. Sheepshead returning; redfish in deeper holes; winter pattern. Perdido Pass moves the bulk of Orange Beach’s water — outgoing tide on the jetty produces best for snook, tarpon, and predators. Alabama tides are minimal (about 1.5 ft) but the pass current is strong. The artificial reef system fishes all tides; weather windows matter more than tide.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Slow it down. Cold water means cold fish — work jigs, soft plastics, and live bait with patience. Bites are subtle.
- Fish the warmest water. Dark-bottom flats, deeper canals, and creek mouths warm fastest. Afternoons usually outproduce mornings in winter.
- Light fluorocarbon leader. 15-20 lb plenty for inshore — winter water is clear and fish are line-shy.
December Outlook
Winter patterns establishing — sheepshead, tautog, cold-water specialists take over.
Regulations Reminder
Redfish: 18-27″ slot, one per angler per day (verify FWC zone-specific rules). Seatrout/Speckled Trout: FL: 15-19″ slot, 3 per day (verify zone). TX: 15-25″ slot, 3 per day. LA: 12″ minimum, 15 per day (verify current). Sheepshead: 12″ minimum, 8 per day (FL). Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Sam’s Stop & Shop (Orange Beach, 251-981-4245); J&M Tackle (Orange Beach); Top Gun Tackle (Orange Beach); Bayou Bill’s (Foley).
Public Boat Ramps: Orange Beach Boat Launch (Perdido Pass), Cotton Bayou Boat Ramp, Bear Point Marina, Wolf Bay launch (Foley), Bon Secour Public Ramp.
Charter Fishing: $1,000–$1,600 offshore (Red Snapper season); $700–$1,100 spring cobia tower boats; $500–$800 inshore (Wolf Bay, Old River); $1,400–$2,500 deep drop / amberjack.
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