Tripletail Fishing in Alabama: September's Hidden Gem

As summer fades into fall along the Alabama coast, savvy anglers know it's prime time for one of the Gulf's most elusive and delicious catches: the tripletail, also known as blackfish. With their odd shape, floating habits, and powerful fight, tripletail offer a unique challenge-and a rewarding payoff-for those willing to hunt them down.

What Makes Tripletail Special?

Tripletail get their name from their extended dorsal and anal fins, which give the illusion of three tails. They're ambush predators, often found lurking near floating debris, crab trap buoys, channel markers, and even sargassum mats. Their mottled black-and-brown coloring makes them hard to spot, but once you do, the game is on.

Most fish range from 8 to 10 pounds, but anything over 20 pounds is considered a trophy. The Alabama state record stands at a whopping 37.5 pounds, set back in 1976.

Where to Find Them

In September, tripletail are most commonly found in nearshore waters, especially around:

• Crab trap floats and buoys

• Channel markers near Mobile Bay and Perdido Pass

• Shaded areas under drifting grass mats

They prefer slack tides, so your best bet is to fish during peak high or low tide, when the current slows and the fish rise closer to the surface.

Tactics & Tackle

Stealth is key. Tripletail spook easily, so approach quietly and avoid banging the boat. Once spotted, cast live shrimp under a slip cork past the fish and let the tide swing it into view. Other effective baits include:

• Finger mullet

• Cut menhaden (pogies)

• Croakers

Use a strong hookset-tripletail have bony jaws and won't tolerate a weak strike. Some old-school anglers still use Calcutta cane poles to swing bait in front of the fish and hang on tight.

Regulations

Alabama allows anglers to keep three tripletail per day, with a minimum size of 18 inches. That's plenty to feed a family, as one good-sized fish yields a generous fillet.

Charter Options

If you're looking to maximize your chances, several top-rated charters in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Dauphin Island specialize in tripletail fishing. Many offer half-day trips and provide everything from bait to cleaning your catch.

Tripletail fishing is part hunting, part finesse, and all excitement. Whether you're casting solo from a skiff or booking a charter, September is your window to land one of Alabama's most prized saltwater catches.