Flora-Bama: Great Saltwater Fishing that Crosses the Line

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Have you ever had a hash puppy? It’s the estranged cousin of the hush puppy that’s filled with blue crab meat and parmesan cheese. If you like blackened fish, which we know you do, you’ll love the hash puppy. I was introduced to this regional favorite at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club, while awaiting a platter of fresh-caught snapper. We’d brought our catch to this iconic state-line restaurant after a productive day of jigging out of Perdido Pass, Alabama.

The Gulf waters along the 50-mile Alabama coast are home to around 14,000 artificial reefs. With local guides Blake Brown and Buddy Childress out of Zeke’s Marina, we fished about 40 miles offshore where depths range from 200 to 600 feet. The reefs we fished consisted of mostly sunken concrete pyramids and similar debris. The Alabama Marine Resources Division has utilized a multitude of different materials over the decades to create these ecologically productive reefs with decommissioned bridge spans, oil/gas platform jackets, limestone aggregate, prefabricated reef modules, army tanks, repurposed concrete culverts/manholes/pipes, ships, and more.

We were testing Shimano’s new Ocea Jigger Infinity Motive two-piece rods and Ocea Jigger LD reels. The technique was to drop 5- to 6-ounce Shimano Shimmerfall Jigs to the bottom and reel up a couple turns (assuming your jig didn’t get inhaled on the descent by a hungry amberjack or almaco). For me, the hardest part was getting used to the slow pitch jigging cadence. Basically, it’s a fast flick up, getting some slack in the line and then a gentle flutter down.

Because the Ocea Jigger LD has 44 pounds of drag pressure and can retrieve up to 46 inches of line per rotation, winching up 50-pound amberjacks from the depths was easier than imagined. The reel also features Shimano’s Infinity Drive technology, with both drag washers on the handle-side of the reel significantly reducing the side pressure. In fact, the drag is so impressive that we were able to reel in a 7-foot bull shark using these lightweight jigging setups and nothing more than 30-pound PowerPro braided line and some elbow grease.

We ended both of our days on the water with a coolerful of almaco jacks, snapper, and scamp grouper.

The fishing speaks for itself, but the culture and cuisine around Gulf Shores, Alabama, must be experienced to be properly understood.

The Flora-Bama name reflects its position between the two states and its distinctive regional flavor. The area is a hotspot for locals on both sides of the line, as well as tourists seeking good times, classic southern hospitality, and a rich history of fishing that stretches back generations.

IF YOU GO

If you are in the area, it’s an unwritten law that you must swing by the Flora-Bama Bar. With multiple floors and stages, each room has a unique vibe. Want a quiet setting? They have that. Want a loud, energy-filled night out? They have that too! 17401 Perdido Key Dr., (850) 492-0611

• Accommodations: Tons of options. Our group stayed in the 5-bedroom Poseidon House at Phoenix on the Bay, 27580 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL. Rates in April $573 per night.
• Fishing Supplies: Sam’s Bait and Tackle, 27122 Canal Rd., Orange Beach
• Charter Fishing: southernbendcharters.com

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• This article was featured in the April 2025 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe

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