5.0(2 Reviews)Gulf Shores Bottom Fishing for Big Reef Fish
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour bottom fishing charter targeting snapper, amberjack, and triggerfishAll equipment, rods, reels, bait and tackle provided by captainAccommodates up to 6 guests with guidance for all skill levels
Ready to get your line wet on some of the Gulf's most productive bottom structure? This 6-hour charter out of Fort Morgan puts you right on top of prime snapper country, where red snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish stack up thick around the reefs. Captain Steve and his crew know exactly where the fish are holding, and they've got the gear and know-how to put you on the bite. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never dropped a line in saltwater, this trip delivers the kind of steady action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your morning starts early at the Fort Morgan marina, where Captain Steve loads up the boat with fresh bait, ice, and all the tackle you'll need for a productive day. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to wake up with some coffee while the captain explains the game plan. Once you reach the reef structure, it's all about precision drops and staying tight to the bottom where these fish live. The boat stays positioned over productive spots using GPS and fish finder technology, so you're always fishing the sweet spots instead of wasting time on barren bottom. With six anglers max, there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up, and the crew keeps everything organized so you can focus on the fun part.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf is all about getting your bait down fast and keeping it in the strike zone. The crew rigs you up with heavy sinkers and circle hooks that'll punch through the current and get you tight to the structure where snapper and amberjack hang out. Fresh cut bait works best out here – squid, cigar minnows, and whatever baitfish are running that week. The key is keeping your line vertical and feeling for that telltale thump when a fish picks up your bait. Captain Steve provides all the rods and reels, so you don't need to worry about having the right tackle. These are stout setups designed to handle 20-pound snappers and bull amberjack that can peel drag in a hurry. The deckhand keeps everyone baited up and helps with netting fish, so the action stays hot all day long.
"2nd time out with Captain Steve. He has over delivered both times. Would highly recommend,and will be going back." - Scott. "Captain Steve is highly skilled and professional, ensuring we found the best spots. Logan, our deckhand, ensured no hook went un-baited, kept us supplied with bait, re-tied hooks, and maintained a clean boat. They make a fantastic team—I highly recommend Steve Crews!" - Greg
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and these reefs hold some serious fish. Most snappers here run 15-25 pounds, with the occasional 30-pounder that'll test your tackle and your patience. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around rock piles and artificial reefs, usually in 60-100 feet of water. Snapper season typically runs from June through July, when these fish are most active and aggressive. What makes them special is their fight – they'll run straight for the rocks when hooked, so you've got to keep steady pressure to turn them away from cover. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Spanish Mackerel show up in big schools during spring and fall migrations, providing fast action on lighter tackle. These speedsters hit baits hard and put on an aerial show once hooked, jumping and tail-dancing across the surface. They typically weigh 2-4 pounds but make up for their size with pure aggression. Spanish mackerel are perfect for anglers who want constant action, since they often travel in large schools that can keep your rod bent for hours. They respond well to both live bait and small jigs, and they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
King Mackerel are the bruisers of the mackerel family, with Gulf kings regularly topping 30-40 pounds during peak season. These fish are built for speed and power, capable of long runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Kings typically hold near structure but will chase bait up into the water column, making them exciting targets for both bottom fishing and trolling tactics. Summer months bring the best king fishing, when these fish move in close to feed on abundant baitfish. Landing a big king is a real accomplishment – they've got razor-sharp teeth and the attitude to match.
Grey Triggerfish might look funny with their big heads and small mouths, but they're tough fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These reef residents are year-round targets that love structure and hard bottom areas. Triggerfish have a unique fighting style – they turn sideways and use their flat bodies to create maximum resistance, making even 5-pound fish feel much bigger. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, firm meat that's underrated by many anglers. Triggerfish require patience since they're notorious bait stealers, but once hooked, they provide a fun tug-of-war battle.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweights of the reef, with Gulf AJs commonly exceeding 40-50 pounds. These powerful fish live around structure year-round but are most active during cooler months when they move up from deeper water to feed. Amberjack are known for their bulldogging fight – they don't jump like other species, but they'll pull straight down with incredible force, testing both your tackle and your back muscles. A big amberjack hooked in 80 feet of water is one of the toughest fights you'll find in the Gulf, and they're prized for their size and the challenge they present to serious anglers.
This 30ft catamaran cuts through Gulf waters with speed and stability, getting you to the prime snapper and amberjack grounds faster than traditional boats. The twin-hull design creates a rock-solid fishing platform that stays steady even when the Gulf gets choppy, giving you better control when battling those hard-fighting amberjack and triggerfish. With extra deck space spread across the catamaran's wide beam, all six anglers can spread out and fish comfortably without tangled lines or crowded conditions. The helm houses a private portable toilet for convenience during those long 6-hour bottom fishing sessions. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder help locate productive reefs and structure where snapper and triggerfish congregate. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and preserves your catch fresh throughout the day. This stable, spacious platform gives you the best shot at landing quality Gulf bottom fish while maintaining comfort on the water.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the heavyweights that'll put your gear and your back to the test. These powerful fish commonly run 30-50 pounds in our waters, with that distinctive amber stripe and pointed head. We target them around deeper structure, wrecks, and drop-offs in 60-200 feet where they patrol like underwater bulldogs. Spring through early summer gives you the best shot, especially around the full moon when they're more active. What makes amberjack so popular is that bone-jarring initial strike followed by a deep, powerful fight straight down - they use their broad sides and that structure to their advantage. The meat is excellent when prepared right, firm and flaky. My advice: bring heavy tackle and be ready to put some muscle into it - when you hook an AJ, immediately start cranking and don't let them get back to the bottom, because once they reach that structure, you're probably done.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are the scrappy underdogs that'll surprise you with their attitude. These football-shaped fighters average 12-17 inches and pack more punch per pound than most fish twice their size. We find them around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 30-180 feet, where they use those strong teeth to crunch crabs and sea urchins. Summer and early fall are best when they're most active and aggressive. What folks love about triggers is their feisty nature - they'll attack your bait with authority and put up a bulldogging fight that's way bigger than their size suggests. The meat is firm and sweet, great for frying or grilling. Here's the key to landing more triggers: use small chunks of squid and drop your bait right near other fish like snapper - triggers are competitive feeders and will rush in to steal food from other species, making them easier to hook.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the bruisers of the mackerel family and will test your tackle and your arms. These olive-backed fighters typically weigh 20-40 pounds around Fort Morgan, with the occasional 50+ pounder showing up to make your day. We find them in 40-150 feet of water near structure and drop-offs, where they ambush schools of baitfish. Summer and early fall are your best bet when water temps stay in that 75-85 degree range they love. What makes kings so popular is that initial screaming run - they'll peel line like nobody's business and keep fighting all the way to the boat. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for smoking or grilling. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your bait - kings have razor-sharp teeth and often hit the tail end of live bait first, so that back hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch most folks think about when they book our bottom trips. These fish average 1-2 feet and 6-8 pounds around here, though we see plenty in the 10-15 pound range. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-100 feet - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom where they can ambush baitfish. They turn from pink to deep red as they grow, making them easy to spot in the cooler. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when water temps hit that 65-75 degree sweet spot. What makes them so popular is the solid fight they put up and that sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. My tip: when you feel that first nibble, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook - they like to taste-test before committing.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent and your drag screaming. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them cruising near the surface over structure and open water, usually in schools that can stretch for miles. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving through our area, especially on calm mornings when you can see them busting bait on top. What gets people hooked on targeting them is that blazing fast run when they first hit your lure - they're one of the fastest fish in the Gulf. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor that grills up perfect. Here's a local trick: when you hook into a school, keep a second rod ready because where there's one, there's usually fifty more.
5.0 out of 5.02nd time out with Captain Steve. He has over delivered both times. Would highly recommend,and will be going back.
Captain Steve is highly skilled and professional, ensuring we found the best spots. Logan, our deckhand, ensured no hook went un-b...
Gulf Shores