5.0(3 Reviews)Gulf Shores Fishing Charter for Trolling and Bottom Species
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Five-hour charter combines trolling and bottom fishing techniquesTargets Wahoo, Mackerel, Snapper, and Triggerfish offshoreAll equipment, bait, and tackle provided by captain
Picture this: you're out on the Gulf waters off Fort Morgan with Captain Stephen and his crew, lines in the water, switching between trolling for pelagics and dropping down for bottom dwellers. This 5-hour charter with Black Flag Company gives you the best of both worlds – high-speed action chasing kings and wahoo, plus the steady bite of snapper and triggerfish on structure. It's the kind of trip that keeps everyone happy, whether you've got kids who want constant action or seasoned anglers looking to fill the cooler. All your tackle, bait, and equipment comes with the boat, so you just need to bring drinks, snacks, and maybe a cooler for your catch.
This charter starts early when the bite is hot and the Gulf is usually at its calmest. Captain Stephen knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You'll spend part of your day trolling – that's running lures behind the boat at different speeds and depths to target fast-moving fish like wahoo, Spanish mackerel, and kings. The other half focuses on bottom fishing over structure, where you'll drop baited rigs down for snapper, triggerfish, and whatever else is hanging around the reefs and wrecks. The crew handles all the rigging, so even first-timers can jump right in. With six anglers max, there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines, and everyone gets personal attention from the captain and crew.
Trolling here means running a spread of lures – usually a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits at different distances behind the boat. The captain adjusts speed based on what species he's targeting, typically anywhere from 6 to 12 knots. When a fish hits, you'll hear the drag screaming and see the rod tip bouncing – that's your cue to grab the rod and start fighting. For bottom fishing, the crew sets up with circle hooks and weights heavy enough to stay put in the current. You'll be fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water over artificial reefs, natural bottom, and structure that holds fish. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom where snapper and triggers feed, but being ready to reel up quick when sharks move in. All the tackle is heavy enough to handle anything from 2-pound Spanish mackerel up to 40-pound kings, and the crew knows exactly what setup works best for each situation.
"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
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line like you wouldn't believe. These torpedo-shaped predators show up year-round but peak in fall and winter months. They've got razor-sharp teeth and hit trolled lures with violent strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Most wahoo here run 15 to 40 pounds, and they're absolutely delicious on the grill. The fight is fast and furious – they'll make blistering runs that test your drag and your nerves.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These crimson-colored fighters are smart, tasty, and put up a solid scrap on the way up from 80-foot depths. Snapper season typically runs June through July, and the fish here average 3 to 8 pounds with occasional bigger ones mixed in. They're structure-oriented, so the captain positions the boat over reefs and wrecks where they congregate. Fresh cut bait works best, and you need to set the hook quick before they steal your bait and disappear back into the rocks.
Spanish mackerel are perfect for getting kids and beginners hooked on fishing. These smaller members of the mackerel family rarely exceed 3 pounds but make up for size with numbers and willingness to bite. They show up in big schools, especially during spring and fall migrations, and will hit both trolled spoons and live bait. The bite is usually fast and steady – when you find them, you can often catch one after another until the school moves on.
King mackerel are the heavyweight cousins of Spanish mackerel, reaching weights of 20 to 40 pounds in these waters. Kings are notorious for their powerful runs and aerial displays when hooked. They're most active in warmer months and prefer trolled live bait or large spoons pulled at specific speeds. The key is having your drag set right – too tight and they'll break off, too loose and they'll never tire out. These fish are excellent eating when bled and iced properly.
Atlantic sharpnose sharks add some excitement when they move into the area, especially during warmer months. These smaller sharks typically run 2 to 4 feet long and provide steady action on bottom rigs. They're actually pretty good eating if you bleed them immediately and keep them cold. Kids love catching sharks, and sharpnose are perfect because they're manageable size but still give that thrill of landing a genuine shark.
Grey triggerfish are the clowns of the bottom fishing world, with their pig-like faces and quirky swimming style. Don't let
This 30-foot catamaran cuts through Gulf waters with speed and stability, getting you to prime fishing grounds faster than traditional boats. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines whether you're trolling for King Mackerel or dropping bottom rigs for Snapper. Twin hulls provide a rock-solid platform that keeps you steady when fighting fish, while the comfortable helm features a private toilet for convenience during those 5-hour trips. Onboard fish finder pinpoints schools below, GPS guides you to productive spots, and radar keeps things safe in changing conditions. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold as you target everything from Wahoo to Triggerfish in Fort Morgan's productive waters. With VHF radio for marine communication and all fishing gear provided, this cat offers serious anglers the perfect blend of speed, space, and fishability for mixed trolling and bottom fishing adventures.
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeThese little sharks are perfect for families and first-time shark anglers. Running 2-4 feet and 6-9 pounds, sharpnose sharks are year-round residents in our nearshore waters, surf zones, and bays. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit just about any bait you throw at them - dead or alive. Kids especially get a kick out of the steady fight these sharks provide, and they're completely safe to handle with basic precautions. The meat is actually pretty tasty if you ice it down quickly. They hang around structure and sandy bottoms in shallow water, making them easy targets on our mixed trips. Here's the key: bring a landing net and gloves. Their skin is rough and those teeth are sharp, but a good net makes landing them simple and safe for everyone.
Balistes CapriscusTriggerfish are bottom dwellers with attitude - they're tough fighters with unique looks and great table fare. These gray fish with leather-like skin average 12-17 inches and live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure up to 180 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Guests enjoy them because they fight differently than other fish - more bulldogging and less running. The white meat is sweet and firm, excellent fried or baked. These fish are notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth that can cut through shells. They'll nibble before committing, so stay alert. My trick: use chunk squid on a small hook with a heavy sinker. Drop to bottom, then reel up fast to keep tension. When you feel that first tap, get ready - they either commit or they're gone. Keep steady pressure once hooked.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the heavyweight champions of the mackerel family, averaging 10-30 pounds with some pushing 50-plus. These olive and silver torpedoes cruise depths of 40-150 feet, often around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Peak season runs spring through fall when they're most active in our waters. Anglers target them because they're incredibly fast fighters that make blistering runs and can strip line off a reel in seconds. The meat has a rich flavor that's great smoked or grilled. These fish are smart and have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. The key technique: slow-troll live bait with a two-hook rig. Put one hook through the nose and let a treble hook dangle near the tail - kings often grab the back half of the bait first.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing. These crimson beauties average 1-2 feet and 3-8 pounds, living around hard bottom, reefs, and structures in 30-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. Guests love them because they fight hard, diving for cover when hooked, and the table fare is outstanding - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. These fish are smart and can be picky, so patience pays off. My local trick: drop your bait to the bottom, then reel up two cranks. Snapper often suspend just off the structure, and that slight lift keeps you out of the rocks while staying in the strike zone.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that travel in massive schools, making for some of the most action-packed fishing in the Gulf. These silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-8 pounds. They're most active in warmer months, often found near the surface around structure, flats, and nearshore waters. Families love them because when you find a school, everyone catches fish. They fight hard for their size with fast runs and jumps. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, bakes, or smokes beautifully. They're also great sushi fish. Look for diving birds - that's usually where the schools are feeding. My go-to setup: light tackle with small shiny spoons or jigs. Cast past the school and reel fast through the edges. Don't motor right into them or you'll spook the whole bunch.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese silver bullets with blue stripes are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. Most wahoo we catch run 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, though they can get much bigger. They're pelagic hunters that cruise open water and around structures like oil rigs. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move closer to shore. Guests love the screaming runs and aerial jumps - wahoo fights are pure adrenaline. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - some say it's even better than mahi. Pro tip: use wire leaders and troll fast around 12-15 knots. When you hook one, keep steady pressure because their razor teeth will cut through anything but wire if they get slack line.
5.0 out of 5.0Our trip with Captain Stephen and Seth was great!! We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back. We will be recommending B...
Black Flag Company is a premier fishing charter. It all starts with the Captain and his crew. If you are looking for a Captain tha...
Gulf Shores