Gulf Shores Deep Sea Fishing: Epic Offshore Trips
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12HR, 18HR and 24HR offshore fishing trips availableTarget Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi and Shark speciesAccommodates up to 6 guests with experienced crew
When you're talking serious offshore fishing in Alabama, Big Shooter Fishing Charters delivers the real deal. We're talking 12, 18, and 24-hour trips that take you way past the tourist boats into the deep Gulf waters where the big fish live. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're heading to the blue water where yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi light up the fish finder. With just six anglers max, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that bigger boats can't offer. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not happy unless you're bringing home coolers full of fish.
Your Gulf Shores fishing adventure starts before sunrise at the marina, where our crew has already prepped the boat and checked all the gear. We'll head out through the pass and make the run to the offshore grounds – usually 20 to 60 miles out, depending on where the fish are biting. The longer trips give us time to hit multiple spots, from the near shore rigs to the deep drop-offs where the really big stuff hangs out. You'll spend your day rotating between different techniques – trolling for pelagics, bottom fishing for snappers and grouper, and maybe even some shark fishing if the conditions are right. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to rigging baits and managing lines, so you can focus on the fight when that rod doubles over.
Out in the Gulf, we run a spread of trolling lures and live baits to cover water and find the schools. We're pulling everything from cedar plugs and spoons to ballyhoo and skip baits, adjusting our speed and spread based on what's working. The boat's rigged with outriggers to spread the lines wide, and we've got downriggers for getting baits deeper when the fish are holding below the thermocline. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll stop and switch to vertical jigging or live bait fishing. The Gulf's oil rigs and artificial reefs are fish magnets, and we know which ones produce consistently. Your tackle box stays at home – we've got everything from light spinning gear for mahi to heavy conventional reels for big tuna. Circle hooks and wire leaders are standard when we're targeting toothy critters like wahoo and king mackerel.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd pleasers of the Gulf, and for good reason. These brilliant gold and green fish hit hard, jump like crazy, and taste even better on the dinner table. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually in 100 to 1000 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action from May through September. Mahi travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready – there's likely more underneath the boat. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to flashy spoons, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line faster than you can blink. These torpedo-shaped fish have teeth like razors and a habit of cutting through leaders that aren't wire. We target them along drop-offs and around structure in 200 to 2000 feet of water, typically trolling high-speed lures or slow-trolled live baits. Fall and winter are peak seasons, when they're feeding aggressively before their spawning runs. Landing a wahoo over 50 pounds is a real trophy, and their white, flaky meat makes some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Yellowfin Tuna are the holy grail for many offshore anglers – powerful, fast, and incredibly strong fighters that'll test your tackle and your endurance. These fish can weigh over 200 pounds and are found in the deepest, bluest water we fish, often 30 miles or more offshore. They're most active during summer and early fall, feeding on schools of baitfish around underwater structure and temperature breaks. Yellowfins are notorious for their long, powerful runs and their ability to sound deep when hooked. The meat is prized for sashimi and steaks, with that deep red color that screams quality.
Blackfin Tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and non-stop action. These 10 to 30-pound fish are found closer to shore and are incredibly aggressive feeders. They school up around structure and bait schools, often creating feeding frenzies that'll keep every rod on the boat bent. Blackfins are perfect for light tackle fishing and are excellent table fare, with dark, rich meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. They're active year-round but peak during the cooler months when they move into shallower water.
These Gulf Shores fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. Whether you're planning a guys' weekend, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to get offshore and chase some fish, Big Shooter Fishing Charters has the experience and local knowledge to put you on the bite. The 12-hour trips are perfect for first-timers or those who want a solid day of fishing, while the 18 and 24-hour options let us really explore the offshore waters and target multiple species. With only six anglers per trip, you're not fighting for rod time or prime spots on the boat. Book your Gulf Shores offshore fishing adventure today and get ready to experience some of the best deep sea fishing the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.
Set sail aboard our 34ft Baha catamaran, your perfect fishing platform for Gulf Shores offshore adventures. This 2000 twin-hull beauty packs serious power with dual 350HP Suzuki engines, cruising at 30 knots to get you to the best fishing grounds fast. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with everything you need: fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while you're hunting for Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable between fishing sessions, and with a bed and toilet onboard, you're set for those extended 18 and 24-hour trips when the fish are biting. This stable catamaran handles Gulf waters beautifully, giving you a solid fishing platform whether you're battling big tuna or reeling in sharks. Perfect for up to 6 anglers ready to experience what Gulf Shores fishing is all about.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smaller cousins of yellowfin, but don't let that fool you - these scrappy fighters pack serious punch for their 10-30 pound size. They school up tight around structure and baitfish in 100-400 feet of water. Best action happens fall through spring when they move into the northern Gulf. What anglers love is their aggressive nature and the fact they travel in big schools - limit catches are common when you find them. The dark red meat has rich flavor that's perfect for the grill. Here's what works: scale down your tackle with lighter leaders and smaller hooks. Blackfin are sharp-eyed and leader-shy, so use 30-pound fluorocarbon and 5/0 circle hooks with live pilchards for best results.
Coryphaena HippurusThese brilliant golden fish with electric blue-green backs are some of the most beautiful catches you'll see. Mahi typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ in our Gulf waters. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in the top 200 feet. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes mahi special is their crazy fight - they jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-notch with that mild, sweet flavor everyone loves. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - these sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. You'll find them cruising the blue water around oil rigs and drop-offs, usually in the top 60 feet. Fall through early spring is prime time when they move closer to shore during cooler months. What gets anglers fired up is that blistering first run - wahoo hit trolled baits like freight trains and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish on the table too. Pro tip from years out here: run your trolling spread fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono like butter, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the ultimate Gulf gamefish - these torpedo-shaped bruisers average 60 pounds but can push 200+ in our deeper waters. They cruise the blue water from 50-300 feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. May through August is peak season when they spawn in the Gulf, but we see them year-round. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs and fight you all the way to the boat. The sushi-grade meat is worth every minute of battle too. Local secret: when the trolling bite slows down, try chunking with cut bait to bring them up from the depths. Nothing beats watching a 100-pounder rise from the deep to crush your bait.
Gulf Shores, AL