Premium 6-8 Hour Red Snapper & King Mackerel Trips
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
68 hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper and MackerelProfessional crew guides guests to prime fishing locationsMaximum 6 passengers for personalized Gulf Shores experience
Looking for some serious fishing action off the Alabama coast? Big Shooter Fishing Charters has you covered with our 6 to 8-hour deep sea fishing trips that'll put you right in the middle of some of the Gulf's hottest fishing grounds. We're talking about the kind of day where your arms get sore from fighting fish and you head back to the dock with a cooler full of dinner. Our experienced crew knows exactly where the fish are holding, and we're not shy about sharing our best-kept secrets to help you land the catch of a lifetime.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading home. With up to 8 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to really dial in your technique and work multiple fishing spots until we find where the fish are biting. We'll start early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime feeding times. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work your lines without bumping elbows. Our captain and crew have been working these waters for years, and they know every reef, wreck, and drop-off where the big fish like to hang out. You'll spend most of your time in 60 to 120 feet of water, where the bottom structure holds baitfish and attracts the predators we're after. The Gulf of Mexico off Gulf Shores is famous for its clear blue water and consistent action, especially during the warmer months when everything from snappers to mackerel are feeding aggressively.
We run a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is our bread and butter for red snapper - we'll anchor up over structure and drop down live or cut bait to where these guys are holding tight to the bottom. For the mackerel species, we'll often troll with planers and downriggers to cover water and locate schools, then switch to live bait or jigs once we mark fish on the sounder. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, and we stock everything from 20-pound spinning gear up to heavy conventional setups for the bigger fish. Circle hooks are mandatory for snapper fishing, and our crew will show you the right technique to get solid hooksets without gut-hooking fish. We carry a good selection of live bait when available, plus plenty of cut bait, squid, and artificial lures. The key to success out here is staying flexible - if the bite slows down in one spot, we're not afraid to pull anchor and try something different until we find where the action is.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These bright red fighters average 3 to 8 pounds but can push 15 pounds or more when you find the right spot. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60 to 100 feet of water. Red snapper season typically runs from June through July, and the fishing can be absolutely lights-out when conditions are right. What makes them so popular isn't just the fight - they're hands down one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These speedsters can reach 30 to 50 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. They show up in good numbers from April through October, following bait schools along the continental shelf. Kings are aggressive predators that'll hit everything from live bait to high-speed trolled lures. The fight is what gets people hooked - they'll make multiple long runs and often jump clear of the water. Plus, they make excellent steaks or can be smoked for some of the best fish dip you'll ever taste.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and non-stop action. These 2 to 4-pound fish travel in large schools and will absolutely wear you out when you find them feeding. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and are great for getting kids or new anglers into the action since they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Spanish mackerel are excellent table fare when kept fresh, and they're available pretty much year-round in our waters.
Cobia are the wild cards of Gulf fishing - you never know when one of these brown sharks might show up, but when they do, you're in for a battle. These fish can reach 30 to 60 pounds and are known for their powerful, bulldogging fights. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow the boat or check out anglers, giving you a shot at sight-fishing these bruisers. They're most common from April through September, and they're absolutely phenomenal on the dinner plate with meat that's similar to shark but more tender.
This is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. With 6 to 8 hours on some of the most productive waters in the northern Gulf, you're looking at a day that'll leave you with sore arms, a full cooler, and stories that'll last a lifetime. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're committed to putting you on fish and making sure you have the kind of day that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Gulf species to your list or a newcomer ready to experience world-class fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait around - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call and let's get you set up for some serious Gulf Coast fishing action.
Get ready to chase Red Snapper and King Mackerel aboard our 34ft Baha catamaran! This twin-engine beast packs 700HP of Suzuki power, cruising at 30 knots to get you to the fish fast. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for serious Gulf fishing - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus AC to beat the Alabama heat between hookups. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot diving birds and surface action, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a comfortable bed and head onboard. Twin hulls mean a stable platform for landing those trophy Vermilion Snappers and Spanish Mackerel during your 6-8 hour adventure in Gulf Shores waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the Gulf - big brown bruisers that cruise solo and hit like freight trains. These fish average 30-60 pounds and love hanging around structure, buoys, and wrecks in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - we spot them cruising just under the surface, then sight-cast to them. They fight hard and deep, plus the meat is some of the best you'll find - firm, white, and perfect for the table. My go-to trick is a bucktail jig in any color, 4-8 ounces depending on current. Work it slow and steady near structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of Gulf waters, regularly hitting 30+ pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These olive-colored fighters cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure, feeding on everything from blue runners to squid. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love hitting the back half of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - beautiful fish that grow 1-3 feet long and fight like champions. They live on hard bottom and structure in 30-200+ feet, turning from pink juveniles to that classic red color as adults. Our season typically runs summer months when regulations allow, and they're always worth the wait. These bottom dwellers will test your tackle with powerful runs toward structure, trying to cut you off on rocks or wrecks. The meat is mild, sweet, and flaky - restaurant quality every time. Key tip: use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, keep tight to the bottom, and fight them hard off structure. Once hooked, get their head up quick or they'll wrap you up.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect action fish - fast, plentiful, and great on light tackle. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in massive numbers from spring through fall. You'll find them in 20-60 feet over grass flats, around jetties, and near shore structure. They're surface feeders that create feeding frenzies, making for exciting fishing when you find a school. Kids and beginners love them because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. The meat is mild and cooks up beautifully - great for smoking or grilling. Best trick is small spoons or jigs cast into feeding schools, but don't get too close with the boat or you'll spook the whole bunch.
Gulf Shores, AL