Gulf Menhaden Fishing in Alabama
When gulf menhaden are caught across Alabama, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Gulf Menhaden catch through the year
Recreational catch in Alabama by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching gulf menhaden in Alabama
Gulf Menhaden catches in Alabama run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 98% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Alabama fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch gulf menhaden in Alabama?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release gulf menhaden in Alabama?+
Across Alabama, about 98% of the gulf menhaden caught are kept and 2% are released. That works out to roughly 506K kept and 12K released in 2024.
How many gulf menhaden are caught in Alabama?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 518K gulf menhaden caught by recreational anglers in Alabama in 2024, making it the #13 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this gulf menhaden data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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