Inshore Fishing Charter - Gulf Coast Alabama
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain James guides inshore fishing adventures around Fort Morgan and PensacolaTarget redfish, speckled trout, flounder and snapper at jetties and grass flatsHalfday morning or afternoon charters accommodate up to four guests
Captain James knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your arms ache and your camera roll full. This top-rated inshore charter covers some of the most productive fishing grounds between Fort Morgan, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida. You'll hit the rock jetties where the current stirs up baitfish, work the bridge pilings in Perdido Pass where structure-loving fish stack up, and cruise the grass flats around Ono Island where reds cruise in skinny water. With room for up to four anglers, this is perfect for families, buddies, or anyone who wants to experience what makes Gulf Coast inshore fishing legendary.
Captain James runs both morning and afternoon trips, and each has its own personality. Morning charters often start with calm water and feeding fish, while afternoon trips can fire up when the tide changes and baitfish start moving. You'll fish multiple spots during your charter – maybe start at the jetties where the current creates perfect ambush points, then slide over to the grass flats where you can sight-cast to tailing redfish. The back bays offer protected water when it's rough outside, and those bridge pilings in Perdido Pass hold fish year-round. This isn't a one-trick charter; Captain James adjusts based on conditions, season, and what the fish are telling him. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll put you in position to succeed.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to inshore techniques. You'll throw live shrimp under popping corks around structure, pitch soft plastics into grass beds, and work the bottom with cut bait for bigger drum and snapper. The rock jetties call for precise casting around barnacle-covered rocks where sheepshead hang out, while the grass flats let you work topwater plugs and spoons when fish are active up top. Captain James provides all the tackle you need – medium-action spinning rods perfect for these species, circle hooks for live bait, and a tackle box full of local favorites like Gulp shrimp, paddle tails, and proven jig heads. The boat's rigged with a trolling motor for stealthy approaches in shallow water, and fish finders to locate structure and baitfish. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and drinks.
African Pompano are the speed demons of this fishery, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These silver bullets can reach 30-40 pounds and they fight like they're twice that size. Spring and fall are prime time when they move through in schools, often following baitfish along the jetties. The way they peel line and make long runs makes them a customer favorite, and their distinctive tall profile makes for great photos.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are year-round residents around any kind of structure. These 12-18 inch fighters are notorious for their light bite and quick runs back to cover. They're abundant around bridge pilings and jetty rocks, and Captain James knows exactly where they stack up. Their excellent table fare makes them a top target, and their feisty attitude on light tackle keeps things interesting.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped inmates of the jetties, and they're some of the most challenging fish to catch consistently. Their human-like teeth are perfectly designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, which makes them masters at stealing bait. When you do hook one, they pull hard and straight down, trying to get back to their rocky hideouts. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, and a good sheepshead day can fill the cooler with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of these grass flats. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but can push 24+ inches on a good day. They're most active during cooler months and love to feed over grass beds where shrimp and small baitfish hide. Their soft mouths mean you have to play them carefully, but their willingness to hit artificial lures makes them perfect for anglers who like to cast and retrieve.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore prize, and these copper-colored bruisers can range from schooling puppy drum to 40+ pound bulls. They're year-round residents in these back bays and grass flats, often feeding in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Watching a big red cruise the shallows and tracking it with a perfectly placed cast is what inshore fishing dreams are made of. Their powerful runs and stubborn fights make them the most sought-after species on this charter.
Captain James has built his reputation on putting clients on fish, and this world-class inshore fishery delivers year-round action. The variety of species means there's always something biting, whether it's sheepshead around the jetties in winter or reds tailing on the flats in summer. With only four spots available per charter, this popular trip books up quickly, especially during peak seasons. The combination of productive fishing grounds, expert guidance, and diverse species makes this a trending choice for both locals and visitors. Don't wait – secure your dates now and get ready to experience why Gulf Coast inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Captain James runs his 2019 24-foot Sailfish center console with twin 150HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 24 knots. This boat handles the Gulf waters around Fort Morgan and Pensacola like a dream, whether we're working the rock jetties at Perdido Pass or cruising the grass flats near Ono Island. The center console setup gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish, and with the fish finder and GPS, we stay on top of the redfish and speckled trout. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're sneaking up on those shallow water spots where the big fish hang out. Ice box keeps your drinks cold and the catch fresh, plus there's radar for those foggy mornings and a head on board. Perfect for up to four anglers ready to target everything from flounder to mangrove snapper in these productive inshore waters.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican Pompano are fast-swimming members of the Jack family that'll give you a serious workout. These silvery, round fish typically run 10-30 pounds around here, though bigger ones are out there. You'll find them in 30-250 feet of water over structure and reefs. They're attracted to shiny, moving objects, so jigs work great alongside live bait. Spring through fall are your best shots when they're more active in our warmer waters. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. The meat's decent eating too, with firm white flesh. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, don't try to horse it in. Let it run and tire itself out, or you'll likely lose it when it makes that first blistering sprint toward deeper water.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are one of the smartest fish you'll target around our docks and grass flats. They typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, with that distinctive greyish-red color and dark stripe through the eye. These opportunistic feeders love structure - bridge pilings, jetties, and mangrove roots are prime spots. They're more active at night and during moving tides. The meat is outstanding - white, flaky, and mild-flavored, making them a favorite for dinner. What frustrates anglers is how picky they can be. They'll steal your bait without getting hooked if you're not careful. My tip: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then bring it up just a foot. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - reel tight first, then set the hook firmly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by that copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Around Fort Morgan and Pensacola, they typically run 18-27 inches, though bull reds over 30 inches cruise our deeper passes. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water on grass flats, oyster bars, and around dock pilings. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but they bite year-round here. What gets anglers hooked is that powerful fight and the thrill of sight-fishing in skinny water. The table fare is excellent too - firm, mild, and versatile. These fish will eat almost anything, from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Pro tip: when you see their backs out of the water on shallow flats, cast past them and work your bait slowly back - they spook easily in ultra-shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats fishing, especially around Ono Island's back bays. These spotted beauties typically run 1-3 pounds with that distinctive torpedo shape and black spots. They love shallow grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, particularly during moving tides at dawn and dusk. Fall through spring gives you the most consistent action when they school up in cooler water. What makes them popular is they're aggressive strikers and excellent table fare - soft, white meat that's perfect for the skillet. Just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. My go-to technique is working a plastic tail jig or live shrimp under a popping cork over the grass. When the water's clear, try topwater plugs early morning - those surface explosions are something special.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those distinctive black and white stripes. They're built tough with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off dock pilings. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but 8-10 pounders show up regularly around Perdido Pass bridge footings. Early spring through April is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves and put up a solid fight once hooked. The white meat is some of the best eating around, though cleaning them takes patience with those tough scales. Here's the key: get your bait tight to structure and use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook. When you feel them pecking at the bait, set the hook hard immediately or they'll clean you out.
Orange Beach, AL