If you grew up here, spent time here or just visited even once, you know how to spend an Alabama summer.

It gets pretty hot, of course. But that opens the door to a bevy of warm-weather activities, like beach vacations, lakeside excursions, baseball games, family reunions and outdoor adventures, especially when it comes to the 4th of July and Memorial Day.

And seafood. Lots and lots of Alabama Gulf Seafood.

There’s plenty of fresh seafood year round in Alabama, of course, but there are several types of seafood that are at the peak of their freshness during the warmer months.

Grouper and Mahi-Mahi are premium summer dishes, especially if you’re trying to catch a few of your own. Other fish like Cobia, Triggerfish and Flounder are also great for a tasty summer meal.

Fresh Shrimp are great in the warm weather too, whether you’re frying, grilling or boiling. And if you love crab, give Soft-Shell Crabs a try. Blue Crabs are only in their soft-shelled state for a few months, so get ‘em while you can.

There are plenty of seafood options to choose from for summer eating. But Alabama Gulf Seafood isn’t just fresh and tasty during the summertime—there’s also plenty of it.

“It’s easier to get in the summertime,” said Alec Naman, proprietor of Naman’s Catering in Mobile. “The demand is higher, but it’s easier to get.”

Many species of fish and shrimp thrive during the summertime, which causes a surplus for commercial and fishermen. Some species migrate closer to the shore as well, which allows recreational anglers access to certain fish that are harder to find during cooler months.

The high supply of fresh seafood during the summer means plenty of good eating for vacationers and visitors as well.

“We have a lot of out-of-towners coming in the summertime,” Naman said. “We have some conferences, and plenty of beach weddings too. We certainly like to treat visitors to Alabama Gulf Seafood.”

Seafood restaurants and caterers see an increase in business during the summer months, thanks to vacationers and locals alike. But because the weather is so nice, this time of year is perfect for going outside, firing up the grill (or fryer) and cooking it yourself.

That’s why we’ve revamped our recipes section, everything from the freshest fish to shrimp and crab. With all new selections and reformatted entries, plus some fantastic dishes from Alabama’s finest chefs, you’ll find everything you need for that Friday fish fry or a backyard cookout.

And for even more recipes, check out David’s Daily Dish from AL.com food writer David Holloway. He’ll be posting tasty seafood recipes all summer long.

So visit your local fresh seafood market, call up your friends and family, slap on some sunscreen and get ready for a summer seafood feast.