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Gulf Shores Beginner Fishing | 6Deep Charters
- Published Date: September 21, 2025
- Fishing
- Fort Morgan
- $350 - $850 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Smiles
Exciting red fish haul using deep sea and drift fishing techniques in clear conditions!
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Spanish mackerel catch lined up.
Sharp Spanish mackerel catch.
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Nice red snapper haul using deep sea and drift fishing techniques!
Nice catch ready for cleaning at the dock! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.
Nice catch! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.
Exciting red fish haul using deep sea and drift fishing techniques in clear conditions!
null
Spanish mackerel catch lined up.
Sharp Spanish mackerel catch.
null
null
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Nice red snapper haul using deep sea and drift fishing techniques!
Nice catch ready for cleaning at the dock! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.
Nice catch! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.
Exciting red fish haul using deep sea and drift fishing techniques in clear conditions!
null
Spanish mackerel catch lined up.
Sharp Spanish mackerel catch.
Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing: Perfect for Beginners
Looking to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Our Gulf Shores charter is tailor-made for newcomers and families wanting to test the waters without diving in too deep. With flexible 2-hour trips and an expert captain at the helm, you'll get a taste of what makes Gulf Coast fishing so addictive. From reeling in your first redfish to spotting dolphins, this trip packs a whole lot of fun into a bite-sized adventure.
Trip Overview
Our Gulf Shores inshore fishing trips are all about keeping it simple and fun. We'll cruise the calm waters close to shore, giving you a chance to wet your line without worrying about seasickness or long hours on the boat. Your captain will show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reading the water for signs of fish. With morning and afternoon options, it's easy to fit this trip into your vacation plans. Whether you're 8 or 80, if you can hold a rod, you can join in on the action.
Fishing 101: Gulf Shores Style
On this trip, we keep the fishing techniques beginner-friendly. You'll mostly be using light tackle and simple bait rigs. Your captain might have you tossing soft plastics near grass beds for speckled trout or dropping live shrimp by dock pilings for redfish. Don't worry if you've never cast a line before – we'll teach you everything you need to know. And the best part? The fish in these waters aren't too picky, so even novice anglers often end up with a catch worth bragging about.
Top Catches This Season
The inshore waters of Gulf Shores are teeming with fish that are both fun to catch and great for the dinner table. Here's what you might hook into:
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They put up a great fight and can grow to impressive sizes. In the fall, you might even spot their tails sticking out of the water as they feed in shallow areas. Redfish are known for their distinctive spot near the tail – catching one with multiple spots is considered good luck!
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you; these aren't your average trout. Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are actually members of the drum family. They're known for their delicate flavor and tendency to school up, meaning where there's one, there's often many. Early mornings are prime time for these silvery fish with their trademark spotted patterns.
Flounder: These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Catching a flounder is all about patience and a keen eye. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure where they lie in wait for prey. And let's not forget – they're absolutely delicious, making them a favorite for anglers looking to bring home dinner.
Black Drum: The bigger cousins of redfish, black drum can grow to enormous sizes. While the smaller ones are great for eating, the big ones provide an epic battle on light tackle. They make a distinctive grunting sound, earning them the nickname "big uglies" – but don't let that fool you, they're a prized catch for any angler.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the sprinters of the inshore world. When Spanish mackerel are running, the action can be fast and furious. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Catching these toothy fish often involves quick reflexes and a bit of luck. They're typically more common in the warmer months and are a blast to catch on light tackle.
What to Expect on the Water
Our 2-hour trips are designed to give you a taste of inshore fishing without overwhelming you. We'll start with a quick rundown of safety and basic fishing techniques. Then it's off to the fishing grounds! Your captain will use their local knowledge to put you on the fish, whether that's drifting grass flats for trout or anchoring up near a dock for redfish. Don't be surprised if you see some wildlife along the way – dolphins, ospreys, and even the occasional alligator are all part of the Gulf Shores ecosystem.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Gulf Shores. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the calm water as you cast your line. Or perhaps it's the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line, knowing you're connected to a fish that calls these waters home. Our guests often tell us how surprised they are by how much they learned and experienced in just two hours. It's not uncommon for first-timers to catch the fishing bug and start planning their next trip before they even get back to the dock!
Gear and Goodies
We've got you covered when it comes to equipment. Our boats are stocked with quality rods and reels suited for inshore fishing. We'll provide all the bait and tackle you need, from live shrimp to artificial lures. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – the Gulf Shores sun can be intense, even on short trips. Oh, and while we don't provide meals on these quick trips, feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up.
Family-Friendly Fishing
Our Gulf Shores inshore trips are perfect for families looking to bond over a shared adventure. Kids love the excitement of reeling in their own fish, and parents appreciate the safe, calm waters and patient guidance from our captains. We keep things moving and interesting, so even shorter attention spans stay engaged. And with a maximum of 4 guests per trip, there's plenty of personal attention to go around.
Seasonal Fishing Tips
While Gulf Shores offers great fishing year-round, each season brings its own highlights. Spring is prime time for speckled trout as they move into the shallows. Summer heats up with redfish action, while fall can bring bull redfish runs. Winter might be cooler, but the fishing can be red hot for species like black drum. Your captain will know exactly what's biting and where to find them, no matter when you visit.
Conservation Matters
At 6Deep Fishing Charters, we're big on conservation. We'll teach you about size limits and how to properly handle fish for catch and release. It's all about ensuring these waters stay fishy for generations to come. Don't be surprised if your captain gets excited about tagging a fish – it's part of ongoing research to help manage our local fish populations.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to cast a line in Gulf Shores? Our 2-hour inshore trips are the perfect way to get your feet wet in the world of fishing. Whether you're looking to make memories with the family, teach the kids a new skill, or just enjoy some time on the water, we've got you covered. Remember, these trips are popular and spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait – book your Gulf Shores inshore fishing adventure today and get ready to reel in some fun!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in brackish waters around oyster beds and structures. They're bottom feeders with strong jaws perfect for crushing shellfish. Spring's prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the Black Drum's powerful fight and good eating quality, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To target them, use fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on the bottom. Here's a local secret: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate schools. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn battle - these guys don't give up easily. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough and less tasty, so consider releasing the giants.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a real crowd-pleaser here in Gulf Shores. These copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive tail spot typically run 20-30 inches inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in 1-3 feet deep flats, or around oyster bars and docks. Fall's prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. To land one, try live bait like mullet or crabs, or artificial lures like gold spoons and topwater plugs. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs. Cast ahead of them and hang on - when a big Red hits, you're in for a battle!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. These silvery, spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, shallow bays, and around structures like oyster bars. They're most active in cooler months, especially fall and spring. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. To catch Sea Trout, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Here's a tip: focus on moving water during tide changes for best results. At night, look for them in very shallow water near lights. The fight's fun, and they're delicious on the grill - just be careful not to overcook the delicate meat.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish usually run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, but can get up to 20+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall's the best time as they move to deeper water to spawn. Anglers love flounder for their sneaky bites and delicious, flaky white meat. To catch 'em, use a slow retrieve with live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try dragging a jig along the bottom. Here's a tip: when you feel that bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait, then reel down and lift. Patience is key with these ambush predators.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. These silver beauties with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them cruising in schools near the surface, often around structures in open water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Folks love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their aggressive strikes and tasty meat - great for grilling or smoking. To land one, try trolling with small, shiny spoons or jigs that mimic baitfish. A local trick: when you see them busting on the surface, cast a Got-Cha plug right into the frenzy and reel fast. The fight's exciting, and dinner's even better. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
About the 24’ Kenner 23V fishing boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
