Ready to test your skills on the rich inshore waters of Gulf Shores? This 3-hour charter is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to maximize their time and target quality fish. With flexible departure times and room for up to 4 guests, you'll have the perfect setup to chase after prized catches like Redfish, Speckled Trout, and more. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, ensuring you're always on top of the action.
This isn't your average lazy day of fishing - we're talking about a fast-paced, action-packed trip designed for those who know their way around a rod and reel. You'll be hitting prime spots in the Gulf Shores area, from grass flats to oyster beds and channel edges. Our well-equipped boats are ready for whatever the day brings, whether it's sight-casting to tailing reds or working soft plastics for trout. The captain will read the conditions and adjust tactics on the fly, so be ready to switch it up at a moment's notice.
On this trip, we'll be employing a variety of inshore fishing techniques. You might find yourself throwing topwater lures at dawn for explosive trout strikes, or working a popping cork for redfish. If the flounder are biting, we'll slow things down with a bottom-bouncing approach. For the mackerel and jacks, get ready for some high-speed trolling or casting spoons. Our captains are always happy to share tips and tricks, so don't be shy about asking for pointers on your technique.
The inshore waters of Gulf Shores have been on fire lately. Anglers have been reporting consistent catches of slot-sized redfish, with some real bulls mixed in. The speckled trout bite has been hot in the early mornings, with topwater lures producing some exciting blow-ups. We've also seen an uptick in flounder catches, especially around structure and drop-offs. The Spanish mackerel have been providing some great light-tackle action, perfect for when you want a change of pace from the bottom fishing.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast on light tackle. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish mackerel typically show up in our waters from spring through fall. They're often found in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more action. Anglers love targeting these fish for their fight and their excellent table fare.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. They lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing prey with surprising speed. Late summer through fall is prime time for flounder fishing in Gulf Shores. While they might not put up the strongest fight, the challenge of enticing a bite and the delicious fillets make them a favorite target.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are known for their powerful pulls and distinctive "croaking" sound. Black drum can be found year-round in our waters, but the bigger specimens often show up in the cooler months. They're bottom feeders, so patience and precise bait placement are key. Anglers enjoy targeting drum for their hard-fighting nature and the challenge they present.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): A staple of Gulf Coast inshore fishing, speckled trout are prized for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round in Gulf Shores. Early mornings and late evenings often produce the best topwater action. Trout fishing is all about finesse and reading the water, making them a favorite among skilled anglers.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Gulf Shores inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They can be caught year-round, but fall is particularly exciting as schools of bull reds move into the area. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an adrenaline-pumping experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Gulf Shores isn't just another fishing spot - it's a year-round angler's paradise. The diversity of species and fishing opportunities here is hard to beat. One day you might be sight-casting to redfish in gin-clear shallows, and the next you could be battling a bruiser jack crevalle in deeper water. Our local captains have their finger on the pulse of these waters, knowing exactly where to go based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Plus, the flexibility of morning or afternoon trips means you can plan your fishing around other activities or simply choose the best time based on the bite.
If you're an experienced angler looking for a trip that matches your skill level, this Gulf Shores inshore charter is calling your name. With a max of 4 guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those rods. Remember, the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the fish. Popular dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your spot. Grab your fishing buddies, pack your favorite lures, and get ready for some serious inshore action. The fish are waiting, and our captains are ready to put you on them. Book now and let's make some fishing memories in Gulf Shores!
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, known for their powerful jaws and distinctive croaking sound. Most run 5-30 pounds, but they can grow to over 90. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in coastal channels. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fights and good eating (stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for best flavor). These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Here's a local tip: use a piece of crab on a circle hook with just enough weight to hold bottom. When you feel taps, let the drum take it for a bit before reeling – they often play with the bait before committing.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored brutes with a signature black tail spot typically run 20-30 inches and 6-15 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges. They feed year-round but really turn on in fall. Anglers love reds for their bulldogging fights and excellent table fare. Live bait like mullet or crabs work great, but artificials like gold spoons or soft plastics are deadly too. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, pole or drift the shallows looking for their copper backs or tails breaking the surface. Cast well ahead of them and slowly work your lure into their path – when they pounce, hold on tight!
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Gulf Shores anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in bays and estuaries. They're most active in cooler months, especially fall and spring. Anglers love 'specks' for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic tactic, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for 'slicks' – smooth patches of water that often indicate feeding trout. Cast your lure just beyond the slick and work it back through – you might just hook into a gator trout!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish usually run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure like docks or oyster beds. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers prize flounder for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're ambush predators, so use a slow retrieve with live bait like mullet or shrimp. My go-to trick is to drag a jig or soft plastic along the bottom, pausing frequently. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook – flounder often grab bait sideways before turning it to swallow.
Spanish Mackerel are fast-swimming, silver bullets with dark spots along their sides. Typically 1-2 feet long and weighing 2-6 pounds, these speedy fish love warm, shallow waters. You'll find them cruising near the surface around piers, jetties, and just offshore. Spring and fall are prime times as they migrate. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their fierce fights and tasty meat. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs at a good clip – these fish like it fast. Live bait like pilchards works well too. My local tip: look for diving birds to spot feeding schools. Cast into the frenzy with a flashy lure, and hold on tight! Just be careful of those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225