5.0(3 Reviews)Premium 5-Hour Trolling and Bottom Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour charter combines trolling and bottom fishing techniquesTargets Wahoo, King Mackerel, Snapper, and Triggerfish speciesAll bait, tackle, and equipment provided by captain
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.
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.
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.
"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 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
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this speedy 30-foot catamaran designed for serious fishing action. The stable twin-hull platform gives you plenty of room to work your lines while we cruise out to prime trolling and bottom fishing spots around Fort Morgan. This boat's built for performance - faster runs to the fish means more time with your line in the water chasing Wahoo, King Mackerel, Snapper, and Triggerfish. The spacious deck layout lets up to 6 anglers fish comfortably without bumping elbows, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures and bait schools. Modern electronics including GPS and radar keep us on target and safe, plus there's a private toilet inside the helm when nature calls. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Gulf Coast days. All tackle and bait provided - just bring your appetite for catching fish and some snacks for the 5-hour adventure.
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeThese small sharks are perfect for families and first-time shark fishing. Atlantic sharpnose usually run 2-3 feet and weigh 6-9 pounds, so they're manageable but still give a good fight. You'll find them in shallow water near shore, especially around surf zones and jetties. They're here year-round and will hit just about any bait you throw at them. Kids love the excitement of catching a real shark, and they're actually pretty good eating if you bleed them right away. The meat is firm and mild - nothing like what most people expect from shark. One tip: bring a landing net and gloves because even small sharks have sandpaper skin and sharp teeth. They're easier to handle than you'd think once you know what you're doing.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are quirky bottom dwellers that'll test your patience but reward persistence. These tough-skinned fish average 12-17 inches and have personality - they're curious, aggressive, and surprisingly smart. You'll find them around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-180 feet. Summer and fall fishing is best when they're most active. Guests enjoy the challenge because triggers are notorious bait stealers with small mouths and sharp teeth. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and sweet when prepared right. Here's the secret: use small chunks of fresh squid and stay alert. Triggers will nibble and test your bait before committing. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook fast and reel quickly to keep them away from structure where they'll wedge themselves in cracks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are serious gamefish that can really test your skills. These olive-green speedsters average around 30 pounds but can top 50, and they'll make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Find them in 40-150 feet around structure, with bigger fish often closer to shore near inlets. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. Anglers target them for the fight and the challenge - they're smart fish that require proper technique. The meat has higher oil content than spanish mackerel, great for smoking. My advice: use a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader because kings often hit the tail end of live bait first. When you hook one, expect multiple long runs before they give up. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them or they'll throw the hooks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These bright red fighters typically run 16-24 inches and put up a solid scrap when hooked. You'll find them around structure in 60-200 feet - oil rigs, artificial reefs, and hard bottom areas. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. Guests love them because they're challenging to catch, fun to fight, and absolutely top-notch eating - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or fried. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait. My go-to trick is using fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, and keeping your drag tight when you set the hook - these guys will dive straight for structure and break you off if you give them slack.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that travel in big schools and provide non-stop action when you find them. These silver bullets average 1-2 feet and hit lures hard, making them perfect for light tackle fun. Look for them near the surface around structure, jetties, and open water during warmer months. They migrate through our area spring through fall, with peak action in summer. Guests love how aggressive they are - when you find a school, you can catch them one after another. The meat is mild and flaky, great grilled or smoked. Pro tip: use small spoons or jigs and keep them moving fast. These fish have sharp teeth, so a light wire leader saves you from getting cut off. When you see birds diving, head that way - that's where the spanish macs are feeding.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these silver rockets with blue zebra stripes can hit 60 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the Gulf. Most run 3-5 feet and fight like crazy when hooked. We find them year-round here, but they're most active during cooler months around oil rigs and structure. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best - they'll slam spoons, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - way better than most people expect. One tip: use wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook one, hang on tight because they'll make multiple screaming runs before giving up.
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