Gulf Shores Fishing Charter for Trolling and Bottom
This 5-hour Gulf Shores fishing charter with Black Flag Company delivers exactly what Gulf Coast anglers want—variety, action, and no hassle. Captain Stephen runs a tight ship out of Fort Morgan, combining trolling runs for the speed demons with bottom fishing spots that consistently produce table fare. You'll cover serious water targeting everything from screaming Wahoo to hefty Red Snapper, all while the crew handles the technical stuff so you can focus on fighting fish. Perfect for families with mixed experience levels or buddy trips where half the crew wants to chase pelagics while the others prefer the steady bite of bottom dwellers.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at Fort Morgan with Captain Stephen and his crew getting you rigged and ready to roll. The first part of the trip typically involves running to productive trolling grounds where the crew sets spreads designed to attract Wahoo, King Mackerel, and Spanish Mackerel. You'll watch the outriggers work while scanning for birds, bait, and structure that holds fish. When the trolling bite slows or the crew finds a promising bottom spot, they'll switch gears to anchor up over reefs and structure for Red Snapper, Triggerfish, and whatever else is hanging around the bottom. The beauty of this mixed approach means something's always happening—if the trolling's slow, the bottom bite often picks up the slack. All your bait, tackle, and equipment comes with the trip, so pack snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Trolling and Bottom Techniques
Captain Stephen runs a professional trolling spread using a mix of planers, downriggers, and surface baits that cover the entire water column. The crew knows how to read water temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that concentrate baitfish and the predators following them. When trolling, you'll typically see four to six lines working different depths and distances from the boat. The transition to bottom fishing involves anchoring over productive reefs, artificial structure, or natural bottom contours where Snapper and Triggerfish congregate. Bottom rigs get loaded with cut bait, and the crew adjusts weights and leader lengths based on current and depth. They'll coach you through the differences between species—Snapper typically hit hard and dive for structure while Triggerfish nibble and require a more finessed hookset. The mixed approach keeps everyone engaged since there's always a different technique to try.
Customer Stories
"Our trip with Captain Stephen and Seth was great!! We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back. We will be recommending Black Flag to anyone coming this way. It felt as if we had known Captain Stephen and Seth forever, and it definitely helped make the trip even better! We hope to see Captain Stephen in the future!!" - Katie
"Black Flag Company is a premier fishing charter. It all starts with the Captain and his crew. If you are looking for a Captain that wants to have fun and put you on fish don't look anywhere else. call and schedule with Black flag Company." - Jeffrey
Species You'll Want to Hook
Wahoo represent the crown jewel of Gulf trolling, and these speed merchants can hit 60 mph when they're running. They typically show up in 80+ feet of water around temperature breaks and current edges, with fall through early spring producing the most consistent action. When a Wahoo hits your trolled bait, the initial run is pure adrenaline—they'll strip line faster than most reels can handle. These fish average 20-40 pounds in Gulf Shores waters, though larger specimens always lurk in the deeper water. Anglers love Wahoo for their incredible speed and excellent table fare.
Red Snapper anchor the bottom fishing portion of your trip and remain the most sought-after reef species in the Gulf. These crimson-colored fighters inhabit structure in 40-120 feet of water, with larger specimens typically found deeper. Snapper season runs June through July federally, though state seasons may offer additional opportunities. They're notorious for their hard initial strike followed by a determined dive back to structure where they'll try to cut your line. Average fish run 3-8 pounds, but double-digit Snapper always remain possible around the right structure. The firm white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks provide consistent action throughout the year and fight harder than their modest size suggests. These smaller sharks typically run 2-4 feet and show up both during trolling runs and while bottom fishing. They're particularly active during warmer months and often hit cut bait intended for Snapper. Sharpnose offer great action for younger anglers since they fight aggressively but remain manageable on medium tackle. Many crews release them to fight another day, though they're perfectly edible when properly prepared.
Spanish Mackerel show up in massive schools during their migration periods, typically spring and fall, providing some of the fastest action you'll find in Gulf waters. These smaller speedsters average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll hit both trolled baits and live bait fished around structure. Spanish Mackerel often travel in schools of hundreds, so when you find them, multiple hookups become the norm. They're excellent smoked or grilled and perfect for anglers who prefer catching numbers over trophy hunting.
King Mackerel represent the heavyweight division of the Mackerel family and provide some of the most memorable fights in Gulf waters. These powerful fish average 10-30 pounds around Gulf Shores, with larger specimens possible during peak season from spring through fall. Kings typically hit trolled baits hard and fast, then wage a determined battle combining powerful runs with occasional jumps. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders become essential. The crew knows the best techniques for targeting Kings around structure and temperature breaks where they ambush baitfish.
Grey Triggerfish round out your