Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Orange Beach sits on some of the Gulf Coast's best fishing waters, and this week offers a fitting reason to take advantage of them. National Go Fishing Day comes around once a year, encouraging people to drop a line in the nearest body of water. The day champions fishing as a relaxing, accessible pastime that connects people with nature and with friends and family. Whether you've been fishing since childhood or have never tied on a hook, the holiday is open to everyone.

National Go Fishing Day takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The date is fixed each year, landing in the heart of the early summer fishing season.

Fishing has existed for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found evidence dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, about 40,000 years ago. During the 16th and 17th centuries, recreational fishing began to gain popularity. Today, it remains one of the most widely practiced outdoor activities in the country.

For people in Orange Beach, the options are difficult to beat. Perdido Pass serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, and its inshore waters are nearly as productive as the offshore reefs. Anglers can fish for free at Perdido Pass Seawall Park on the west side of the Perdido Pass Bridge, which provides easy access for everyone, including those with physical limitations.

Fishing inshore around Perdido Pass, anglers are likely to catch flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and mangrove snapper. On the reefs, triggerfish, amberjack, and grouper are common. Head deeper into the Gulf, and cobia, mahi-mahi, Wahoo, tuna, and even billfish are possible.

Those who want to fish from shore without a boat should consider the Gulf State Park Pier. The pier offers 2,448 feet of fishing space and welcomes both beginner and experienced anglers. Common catches include sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, pompano, and whiting. The pier is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Fishing costs $10 per person per day, and rod rentals are available for $10 for four hours.

For those seeking a guided experience, booking a charter is a straightforward option. Saltwater charter boats, headboats, and fishing guides are required to carry a boat license that covers everyone on board, so passengers don't need to buy a separate fishing license.  Click here to view fishing options in Orange Beach.

Anyone fishing on their own — from the surf, a pier, or a private boat — needs the proper paperwork. An Alabama saltwater fishing license is required. For the 2025–2026 license year, the resident saltwater annual license costs $30.05, and the nonresident license is $64.90 for most states. A $10 Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement is also required for anglers 16 and older who plan to target listed Gulf reef fish species. Licenses can be purchased online through Outdoor Alabama at outdooralabama.com.

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has played a major role in promoting fishing participation in the United States, including through its well-known "Take Me Fishing" campaign. That encouragement has helped sustain the holiday's growth year after year.