5.0(5 Reviews)Quick Morning Fishing Trip In Gulf Shores, AL
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Three-hour inshore fishing targeting redfish and king mackerelCaptain Ronald Doyle brings thirty years of local expertiseAll bait and equipment included for up to four anglers
Looking for a solid half-day fishing charter that won't break the bank or eat up your whole vacation? Captain Ronald Doyle's 3-hour inshore trips with Another Fish Charters deliver exactly what Gulf Shores anglers are after. With 30 years of local water knowledge and a reputation for putting clients on fish, Captain Ron runs a no-nonsense operation that gets you to the right spots at the right times. Whether you're an early bird hitting the 6:30 AM departure or prefer the afternoon bite at 2:00 PM, this charter accommodates up to four anglers on a boat that's built for comfort and fishing success. All your tackle and bait are included, so you can focus on what matters most - getting your line wet and bringing dinner home.
Captain Ron keeps things simple but effective on these Gulf Shores inshore trips. You'll launch into the protected waters around Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, where calm conditions make for comfortable fishing even when it's breezy offshore. The morning trips often start with live bait fishing around structure - think bridge pilings, oyster beds, and grass flats where redfish love to hunt. As the day warms up, expect to cover different areas targeting whatever's biting best. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels matched to the species you're after, plus a good selection of live and cut bait. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing - Captain Ron's got three decades of teaching experience and knows how to get everyone involved, from 8-year-olds to seasoned anglers looking to learn local techniques.
Gulf Shores inshore fishing means working the grass flats, channels, and structure that hold baitfish and the predators that follow them. Captain Ron typically starts with bottom fishing using live shrimp or cut bait around pilings and drop-offs where sheepshead and flounder hang out. When targeting redfish, expect to work the shallow grass beds with spoons or live bait, especially during moving tides. King mackerel fishing involves trolling with live bait or pulling spoons around bait schools - when the kings are running, you'll know it fast. The beauty of these waters is the variety; you might start bottom fishing for flounder and end up sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water. Captain Ron reads the conditions daily and adjusts tactics accordingly, whether that means fishing structure for Spanish mackerel or working the flats for that Gulf Coast slam.
"Brought my 8 year old and three friends and had a blast 🙌🏼 the boys loved capt Ron . 10/10 recommend." - Abby
"Highly recommend Captain Ron and his 20 years of charter experience. The pictures on his FB say it all. Very good guide." - Larry
"We ended up fishing with Ronnie after a technical error had us double booked with a different guide. The other guide service did some checking and fortunately for us Ronnie had an opening that fit our schedule. We requested to catch trout if possible and despite less than ideal wind and weather conditions Ronnie delivered a 3 man limit of very nice fish. I would definitely fish with him again." - Patrick
Redfish are the bread and butter of Gulf Shores inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18 to 27 inches in these waters, with the occasional bull red pushing 30-plus inches. They're year-round residents that love shallow grass flats and oyster bars, especially during moving tides. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat and their fighting ability - they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter fishing can be excellent when you find them schooled up in deeper holes.
Spanish Mackerel show up in big numbers during their seasonal runs, typically from late spring through early fall. These fast-moving fish average 12 to 18 inches and are perfect for light tackle action. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on small baitfish, making them ideal targets when you want steady action. Kids love Spanish mackerel because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and even the smaller "school-sized" kings that venture into inshore waters pack serious punch. These fish typically run 15 to 30 pounds in the nearshore areas and are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Kings are most active during warmer months and respond well to live bait trolled near structure or bait schools. Landing a king mackerel on medium tackle is a memory that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically range from 14 to 20 inches and are prized for their sweet, white meat. Fall months offer the best flounder fishing as they move toward deeper water, but they're catchable year-round in the right spots. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique - you'll often feel just a subtle weight on your line before setting the hook.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped challenge fish that keep even experienced anglers on their toes. These structure-loving fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, making them notorious bait thieves. Most sheepshead in these waters run 12 to 18 inches, with the occasional 5-pounder that'll surprise you. Winter and early spring offer peak sheepshead action around pilings and jetties. They're excellent eating and provide a technical challenge that many anglers find addictive.
Cast off from Gulf Shores aboard this completely rebuilt 24-footer that's ready to put you on the fish. This 2022 refurbished vessel runs smooth and quiet with its reliable 150hp Suzuki 4-stroke, perfect for sneaking up on those shallow water redfish without spooking them. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Whether you're working the grass flats for reds or hitting structure for king mackerel, this boat handles the inshore waters like a dream. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of deck space to fight fish and move around comfortably. The shallow draft gets you into those back-country honey holes where the big reds like to feed, while the stable platform makes it easy to sight-cast when the fish are tailing. Captain Ronald's three decades of local knowledge combined with this well-equipped fishing machine means you're heading out with serious advantages for a productive morning on Gulf Shores' prime fishing waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, averaging 15-30 pounds with fish over 40 pounds common in deeper water. These olive-backed torpedoes with razor teeth patrol depths from 40-150 feet, following baitfish along drop-offs and around oil rigs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move inshore chasing schools of menhaden and blue runners. What makes kings special is their blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds - pure adrenaline. They're also good eating when prepared fresh, though the meat is rich and oily. The key to landing them is using wire leaders and trolling live bait or large spoons at 6-8 knots. When you get a strike, don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out. Pro tip: use a double-hook rig since kings often bite the tail section of live bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of Gulf Coast fishing, averaging 20-28 inches and 5-15 pounds with that distinctive black spot near the tail. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-6 feet of water where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round when conditions are right. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of the water - it's like sight fishing for trophies. They're strong fighters that make long runs and excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. The real thrill is the explosive topwater strikes in skinny water. My go-to technique: look for nervous baitfish and muddy water where they're rooting around. Cast just ahead of cruising fish with a gold spoon or live shrimp under a popping cork.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we regularly catch 8-10 pounders around structure. You'll find them year-round near docks, bridges, jetties, and anywhere with barnacle-covered pilings in 5-30 feet of water. Spring spawning season (March-April) brings the biggest fish. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with a light bite that requires patience and skill. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. They're also surprisingly strong fighters once hooked. Here's the key: use small hooks, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook at the first tap. Fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp work best, but don't give them time to steal it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, but we catch some beauties pushing 6-8 pounds. They're found in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Fall and early winter are peak times as they fatten up before heading offshore to spawn. What makes them special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The challenge is feeling their subtle bite since they inhale bait and sit still. My trick: use a sensitive rod and watch your line. When it goes slack or moves sideways, set the hook immediately. Fresh shrimp on a light jighead works best.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, schooling fish that typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we see some pushing 5 pounds. These silver speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots love open water around structure and bait schools. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 70+ degrees - they move closer to shore chasing baitfish. You'll find them from the surface down to about 40 feet, often near piers, jetties, and drop-offs. Guests love them for their aggressive strikes and lightning runs that test your drag. They're also fantastic eating - mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast with small spoons or jigs. They spook easily, but if you stay quiet and keep your bait moving, you can often catch several before they disappear.
5.0 out of 5.0Brought my 8 year old and three friends and had a blast 🙌🏼 the boys loved capt Ron . 10/10 recommend.
Highly recommend Captain Ron and his 20 years of charter experience. The pictures on his FB say it all. Very good guide.
Been out with Captain Ronnie multiple times. Always a great time. Great with kids as well. Highly recommend
Enjoyed Guide Ronnie for the day! Very punctual, knowledgeable about the area and the fish we would be targeting. Very entertainin...
We ended up fishing with Ronnie after a technical error had us double booked with a different guide. The other guide service did s...
Orange Beach, AL