The Fort Morgan Pier offers the perfect spot for fishing, sunset viewing, relaxing, and a boat launch. The newly opened pier is fantastic and offers great fishing on the lower end of Mobile Bay.
Fort Morgan Pier
The newly renovated pier offers amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico and the mouth of Mobile Bay.
Located at the tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula, the L-shaped pier is 305 feet by 210 feet and 40 feet wide.
At mean tide the pier will be 8 feet off the surface of the water.
The original pier sustained damage from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 which caused it to be considered unsafe.
During constructions they also dredged the sedimentation from the boat basin that was deposited during Hurricane Sally.
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The construction timeline took longer than expected as they worked through building in a historic area. They encountered barges that had historical significance. They believe they were placed during World War II.
There are special rules for excavation of the area with historic significance. The previous pier had a 40-year lifespan which is pretty amazing considering it was built with timbers. Its amazing to think about the storms the old seawall and pier survived.
The new pier is built with steel sheet pile and cables for railings.
When the Gulf waters are too rough for fishing this is a great option along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
One thing to note is there is no fishing on the side of the adjacent boat ramp. This is to protect both boaters and people fishing.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Historical Commission worked together to pursue funding from the Deepwater Horizon settlement money through NRDA (Natural Resource Damage Assessment to rebuild the pier.
Fishing Pier
Anglers have access to abundant inshore species that inhabit the mouth of Mobile Bay, including red drum (redfish), speckled trout, and flounder.
Flounder migrate through the area from October through December. Keep an eye out for flounder fishing closures in November to protect fish on their way to spawn.
The concrete platform is a great fishing venue offering a comfortable space to handle tackle and equipment.
Rules to be aware of:
- No alcohol, loud music, fireworks, or open flames
- No fishing on boat basin side of pier
- No feeding birds or wildlife
- No use of balloon fishing rigs
- No camping on pier
- No discarding fish carcasses into the water
- No motorized devices except those needed for people with disabilities
- Only 2 rods per person may be fished at a time
- Only 1 crab ring per person and it must be attended. Crab or bait traps are prohibited
- Children under 14 must be with an adult
- Only ADA service animals allowed on the pier
- Bait can only be cut on designated boards and on top of trash cans
- Alabama Saltwater fishing license and angler registry is required!
Fort Morgan Boat Ramp
The Fort Morgan Boat Ramp has two lanes with adjacent docks. The facility is open 24 hours a day with free admission.
Make sure to keep an eye on the Mobile Bay Ferry coming in and out of the ferry terminal next just down from the boat ramp.
Boat Ramp rules to be aware of:
- Park in designated spaces
- No mooring or storage of boats, trailers, vehicles, or equipment
- No alcohol consumption
- No camping
- No fires of fireworks
- No swimming, diving, or sunbathing within 100 feet of piers or ramp
- No fishing within 100 feet of pier or ramps
- No cleaning fish, discarding fish parts, or carcasses
- All pets must be on a leash
- No commercial use of the area without a written permit
- It is illegal to discharge firearms in this area
Anglers possessing red snapper, greater amberjack, or gray triggerfish must report those fish PRIOR to landing their catch in Alabama.
Why you will love the Fort Morgan Fishing Pier
- Accessible pier with benches
- Great fishing pier for anglers
- Unbelievable sunset views
- Great birdwatching
Things to know when planning a visit to the Fort Morgan Pier
Address - 453 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Near the Ferry terminal and Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Accessibility - There are accessible parking spaces next to the ramp leading onto the Fort Morgan fishing pier.
It is a paved walkway up to the pier with benches close by. This is a great pier for anyone who has mobility restrictions but wants to watch the sunset over the water.
The fishing pier was updated to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Plus Size Seating - The benches are really comfortable.
Dress Code/Suggestions - casual, layers to help with the wind off the water.
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the pier
Parking - There is a gravel parking area right next to the fishing pier that can handle vehicles with boat trailers.
Official Name - State Representative Steve McMillan Fort Morgan Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp on Mobile Bay. Named in honor of the late Rep. McMillan, who had served Baldwin County in the Alabama House of Representatives since 1980.
The pier and boat ramp property are owned by the Alabama Historical Commission
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Don't miss enjoying one of these great Fort Morgan, Alabama Restaurants.
Historic Fort Morgan - Explore a Civil War era fort and learn more about Alabama history.
Dauphin Island Ferry - Take a quick ferry ride from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island on the Mobile Bay Ferry. Explore a great southern island of Alabama.
Coast Restaurant - Gorgeous waterfront restaurant with one of the best steaks we have found in the area.
Things to do in Fort Morgan, AL - All of the fun adventures to do while visiting Fort Morgan including beaches, spa, history, and more.
The Beach Club Resort and Spa - Why you need to check out this gorgeous beach resort.
Sassy Bass Island Grill - Enjoy Gulf views with fantastic food! Amazing customer service, epic views, and you need to get the fried plantains.
Sassy Bass Chophouse - Enjoy hand-cut steaks, competition ribs, and beef brisket.
Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill - This is where the Sassy Bass journey began! They are now famous for Navy Cove Oysters harvested from the farm in Navy Cove Bay 2 miles away. When the ship bell rings, hollerin' is expected!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Dauphin Island Aquarium - Learn about the sea life that can be found in Mobile Bay and along the Gulf Coast while visiting the aquarium. Wait until you see the touch tank! It is so much fun!
Fort Gaines Civil War Fort - Explore an amazing Civil War fort. You can walk all over this fort including on top to see the epic views of Mobile Bay.
Best Pizza in Gulf Shores - Check out our favorite local pizza restaurants.
Best Ice Cream in Gulf Shores - Check out all of the best ice cream shops in Gulf Shores you do not want to miss.
Gulf Shores Breakfast Restaurants - The best of the best breakfasts including southern comfort food, diner classics, and more.
Best Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores - Check out all of the different coffee shops in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf State Park Pier - Great fishing and scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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