I just spent a few weeks there as a first time visitor and found numerous public beaches well worth spending time at for fishing. Shell Beach and Florida Point come to mind as they are close to the big bridge that crosses the opening from the inshore waterways to the ocean at a place called Perdido Pass. Fishing under Perdido Bridge and along the Westerly "wall" near the Gulf Restaurant might be a good place as well if you try places away from where you are staying.

I believe that the tidal water movement is around a foot or so, and when running thru narrow areas the current can be swift. You do not really notice it very much when just at the beach.

There are self serve "pay to park" stations scattered at all public places that you will encounter unless you are just fishing right out in front of your lodging. Free parking is available if you tuck in to some nooks and crannies. Most of the beach parking spots offer a fairly short walk with your gear to reach the water from your vehicle....although FL Point is about a 1/4 mile or so on a boardwalk.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of a regional map (Pensacola Area) from a series that is published by a company out of Pasadena TX called "Top Spot, Inc.". I found the map to be invaluable as I visited numerous places to fish during my stay in Orange Beach. I picked mine up for $20 at J & M Tackle on Canal Road near Cypress Street.

Based on the time of season you plan to be there, it looks like redfish, speckled trout and flounder will be potential target species aside from whatever may be cruising by the shorelines to pick up your baits or strike a lure.

Depending on how much fishing you plan to do, it might be worth getting a 7 day license for both AL and FL so that you have extra areas to cover...although I did find that the AL fishing kept me plenty busy!