One of the most common questions we get at Gillikin's Island: "When should we come?"

Planning a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? Call or text 251-490-1728 with your trip dates and we will tell you what is biting that time of year.

The honest answer is that you can catch sharks from Alabama's beaches year-round. But if you want to maximize your chances of landing something memorable — a bull shark that puts up a real fight, a hammerhead silhouette cutting through the surf at sunset — timing matters. Here's exactly what to expect each season.

The Warm-Up

Spring (March – May)

Water temperatures along the Alabama Gulf Coast start climbing in March, and so does shark activity. Blacktip sharks are the first to show up in numbers — they follow the baitfish migrations inshore as the Gulf warms, and by April they're cruising the sandbars in force.

•Crowds on the beach are minimal — you get the Gulf Coast almost to yourself
•Weather is comfortable — warm enough for a beach evening, cool enough to stay comfortable during a 4-hour trip
•Blacktip action can be exceptional — these sharks are aggressive fighters and will put on a show, leaping completely out of the water when hooked
•Rates are at their most accessible before summer peak pricing kicks in

What you'll likely catch: Blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, bonnethead sharks. Bull sharks start showing up in April and May as water temps hit the mid-60s.

Verdict: Underrated

Peak Season

Summer (June – August)

Summer is when the Gulf Coast comes alive — and so does the shark fishing. Water temperatures reach the upper 70s and low 80s, baitfish are everywhere, and the full range of Gulf Coast shark species is active and feeding.

•Bull sharks are at their most aggressive — these are the bruisers of the shark world, and summer is when they're most active in shallow nearshore water
•Hammerheads move inshore to feed on stingrays, which are abundant in summer — landing a hammerhead is the bucket list catch, and summer gives you the best shot
•Spinner sharks put on aerial displays — watching a spinner leap and spin out of the water is something you don't forget
•Longer days mean beautiful golden-hour light for your catch photos and video

What you'll likely catch: The full menu — blacktips, bull sharks, spinners, hammerheads, and the occasional tiger shark.

Summer trips book fast. Weekends especially fill up weeks in advance. If you have specific summer dates in mind, booking early isn't just a suggestion — it's the only way to guarantee your spot.

Verdict: Book early or miss out

The Best-Kept Secret

Fall (September – October)

Ask any serious land-based shark angler on the Gulf Coast when their favorite time to fish is, and a significant number will say fall. The summer crowds are gone but the water is still warm — often warmer in September than it was in June, having absorbed months of summer heat. Sharks are feeding hard before the seasonal slowdown, which means they're aggressive and actively hunting.

•Bull sharks and hammerheads are still going strong — September and October can produce some of the biggest fish of the year
•Cooler air temperatures make for a more comfortable beach experience — the oppressive Gulf Coast humidity breaks and evenings become genuinely pleasant
•Baitfish migrations are in full swing — massive schools of mullet move along the coast in fall, and the sharks follow
•Beach crowds drop dramatically after Labor Day — you get long stretches of open beach, which means better fishing and a more immersive experience

What you'll likely catch: Bull sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, and potentially tiger sharks. Fall is historically when some of the largest individual fish are caught from Alabama beaches.

Verdict: Our personal favorite

For the Dedicated

Winter (November – February)

Water temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, and shark activity slows significantly. Most of the summer species move offshore or south into warmer water. This is the quiet season.

•Sandbar sharks and nurse sharks can still be caught on milder winter days
•Fewer competitors on the water means those who do fish have prime spots to themselves
•Winter rates are typically the most accessible of the year

What you'll likely catch: Sandbar sharks, nurse sharks on milder days.

Winter fishing requires patience and the right conditions — a stretch of mild weather with water temps creeping back toward 60°F can trigger surprising action. But if you're visiting the Gulf Coast specifically for shark fishing, winter is not the time to plan around.

Verdict: Hardcore anglers only

The One Thing That Matters More Than Season

Water temperature and baitfish presence determine shark activity more than anything else. A warm spell in February can produce better fishing than a cold snap in July.

At Gillikin's Island, we monitor conditions constantly. When you book a trip with us, we'll give you an honest read on what to expect based on current conditions — not just what the calendar says. If conditions aren't right for a great experience, we'll tell you.

That's the difference between booking with a guide who cares about your experience and booking a generic charter that runs trips regardless of conditions.

Ready to Pick Your Dates?

Here's the quick reference:

Season	Shark Activity	Crowds	Best For
Spring (Mar–May)	Good–Very Good	Low	Value + accessibility
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Excellent	High	Best species diversity
Fall (Sep–Oct)	Excellent	Low–Medium	Best overall experience
Winter (Nov–Feb)	Slow	Very Low	Dedicated anglers only

Whatever season you choose, we'll make it worth your time. Every Gillikin's Island trip includes all gear, professional photo and video of your catch, and drinks on the beach while you wait for the sharks to roll in.

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4-hour trips · $1,000 · 6 PM – 10 PM · No group size limit · All gear included.

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