5.0(7 Reviews)Gulf Shores 4-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Four-hour nearshore fishing charter targeting King Mackerel and CobiaProfessional guides provide equipment for anglers of all skill levelsSeasonal availability from May through October in Gulf Shores waters
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you on fish without burning your whole vacation day? Captain Ken and the crew at Bottomed Out Fishing Charters have dialed in the perfect 4-hour offshore experience in Gulf Shores waters. From May through October, these guys know exactly where to find the action, whether you're pulling lines for fast-moving pelagics or dropping baits to the bottom for some quality eating fish. Perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers wanting to sample what Gulf Shores has to offer without committing to a full-day grind.
Your 4-hour charter kicks off with a run to productive nearshore and offshore waters where Captain Ken has been putting clients on fish for years. The beauty of this trip length is flexibility – you can switch between trolling spreads for kings and Spanish mackerel or anchor up over structure for bottom species like ground mullet and trout. The crew handles all the heavy lifting, from rigging tackle to netting your catch, so you can focus on what matters most: getting your line wet and having a good time. With a maximum of 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets quality rod time. The laid-back atmosphere means no pressure, just good fishing and coastal views that remind you why Gulf Shores is such a special place to wet a line.
Captain Ken runs both trolling patterns for pelagic species and bottom fishing setups depending on conditions and what's biting. When trolling, expect a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait rigs designed to trigger strikes from kings, Spanish mackerel, and cobia cruising the offshore waters. The boat covers productive areas methodically, adjusting speed and lure selection based on water temperature, bait activity, and seasonal patterns. For bottom fishing, the crew drops you over structure, reefs, and hard bottom areas where ground mullet, trout, and other bottom dwellers congregate. Circle hooks, appropriate weights, and fresh bait ensure you're fishing effectively whether you're 12 or 60 years old. All tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
"We had an amazing time and the crew ans captain took care of everything! I highly recommend them and we will be back!" - Joseph. "Had a blast out with Capt. Ken and his deck hand was awesome as well. I Will definitely book another charter with him next time I'm down here. I strongly recommend booking him. Never been out before they made easy explained everything and answered questions!" - Andrew. "Ken and Jay were fantastic. We brought our kids to get them excited about offshore fishing. I told them I didn't care what we fished for just looking for numbers to get the kids into it. They did such a good job helping the kids and keeping them engaged and excited. Will for sure be booking another trip with them" - Joe.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Shores offshore fishing, and these torpedo-shaped fighters put on a show from the moment they hit your trolled spoon or live bait. Kings typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, with larger fish showing up during peak season from June through August. They're notorious for blistering runs that'll test your drag system and fighting skills. What makes kings so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next your reel is screaming as a 25-pounder makes a run for deep water. The meat is excellent when properly handled, making kings both a trophy catch and a dinner favorite.
Redfish bring the fight close to home with their bulldogging power and copper-colored beauty. These drum family members typically weigh 5-15 pounds in Gulf Shores waters and are absolute tanks once hooked. Reds are structure-oriented fish, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where they ambush crabs and baitfish. They're particularly active during spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate. What anglers love about redfish is their predictable feeding patterns and willingness to eat both live and cut baits. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that works great on the grill.
Crevalle Jack, or "jacks" as most anglers call them, are the ultimate rod-benders in Gulf waters. These silver bullets typically run 8-20 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making powerful runs and testing every knot in your tackle setup. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that show up around bait schools, often creating surface commotion that makes them easy to locate. They're especially active during summer months when baitfish are abundant. While not considered premium table fare, jacks are perfect for catch-and-release fun, especially for kids and first-time offshore anglers who want to feel what a real fish fight is all about.
Cobia are the wild cards of Gulf Shores fishing – these brown sharks lookalikes can show up anywhere and grow to impressive sizes. Most cobia caught on these charters run 20-40 pounds, though larger specimens are always possible. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers sight-fishing opportunities that are rare in offshore waters. Cobia are most active from May through September, often found following rays or cruising over structure. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that many consider superior to grouper or snapper. Landing a cobia always creates excitement because you never know when one might appear.
Spanish Mackerel round out the target list with fast action and excellent eating qualities. These smaller cousins to king mackerel typically weigh 1-4 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding behavior. Spanish mackerel are perfect for light tackle fishing and provide consistent action when other species are
Hit the productive waters of Gulf Shores aboard this well-equipped 30-foot NauticStar center console. Built in 2017 and powered by twin 300HP Yamaha outboards, she'll get your group of up to 6 anglers to the fishing grounds quickly, cruising at speeds up to 45 knots. The spacious center console layout gives everyone room to work their lines whether you're trolling for kings and cobia or dropping bottom rigs for trout and mullet. Modern fish finder technology helps locate productive structure and baitfish, while GPS and radar keep you on course in changing conditions. The onboard head means more time fishing and less time heading back to shore. From May through October, this charter boat puts you right where the Gulf's best nearshore and offshore action happens, with professional guides who know these waters and how to put fish in the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants you'll spot cruising just under the surface, looking like small sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish average 20-40 pounds and can stretch 4-6 feet long. During our season, they hang around structure like buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. What makes cobia special is they're usually solo travelers, so spotting one often means a hookup. The fight is strong and steady, and the white meat rivals any fish for eating quality - firm texture with a mild, sweet flavor. My best tip: when you see one following the boat, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slowly. They're curious fish and often can't resist checking out what's moving.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of Gulf waters - thick, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds when you hook into a big one. These brassy-green fighters love structure like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs, usually hanging in 20-60 feet of water. Our season runs strong May through October when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes jacks fun is their raw power - they'll bend your rod double and fight dirty with long, punishing runs. While they're not the best eating, the fight more than makes up for it. Here's the key: look for diving birds hitting baitfish on the surface, then cast silver spoons past the school and reel fast - jacks love the chase and rarely refuse a moving target.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our Gulf waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These silver rockets cruise nearshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, feeding heavily on our abundant baitfish. May through October is prime season when they're most active in warmer water temps. What makes kings special is their blazing runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a stinger hook setup with live bait since kings love to hit the tail section first. Always use wire leader - their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the shallow water kings around Gulf Shores, usually running 20-35 inches and putting up a serious fight. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and structure - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on warmer days when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the visual fishing - watching that copper-colored back cruise the shallows with those distinctive black spots near the tail. The meat's mild and sweet, making great table fare. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait sink to the bottom before they approach - spook one and the whole area goes quiet.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are the perfect starter fish for new anglers - scrappy 1-3 pounders with beautiful silver sides and yellow spots. These fast swimmers school up in 10-40 feet of water around piers, jetties, and open flats during our May-October season. They're aggressive feeders that hit small lures hard, making them great fun on light tackle. The meat's excellent eating - mild flavor that grills, fries, or smokes beautifully. What guests love is the action - when you find a school, everyone can catch fish quickly. Here's my go-to technique: troll small silver spoons at 4-6 mph or cast tiny jigs around structure. Use light wire leader since their small teeth are surprisingly sharp, and keep your lures moving - these speed demons love a fast retrieve.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing time and the crew ans captain took care of everything! I highly recommend them and we will be back!
Had a blast out with Capt. Ken and his deck hand was awesome as well. I Will definitely book another charter with him next time I'...
Had an awesome day fishing yesterday. Captain Ken and Jason did an amazing job putting us on fish all day and keeping us away from...
Awesome trip. Ken and Jay are great. We had a really great time and they both worked hard to make sure we caught our limit. I will...
Had a great time. Capt. and crew put us on lots of fish. They were very helpful. Had a great time. Would go again.
Ken and Jay were fantastic. We brought our kids to get them excited about offshore fishing. I told them I didn’t care what we fish...
Ken and Jay were fantastic. We brought our kids to get them excited about offshore fishing. I told them I didn’t care what we fish...
Gulf Shores