5.0(2 Reviews)Gulf Shores Offshore Fishing Charters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Charter targets triggerfish and mackerel up to 40 miles offshoreSix or eight hour options accommodate up to five guestsAll skill levels welcome with quality catch opportunities
Captain Ken and his crew at Bottomed Out Fishing Charters know exactly where the fish are biting in Gulf Shores waters. Whether you choose the 6-hour trip that takes you 20 miles out or the extended 8-hour adventure reaching 30-40 miles offshore, you're in for some serious rod-bending action. These aren't your typical bay fishing trips – we're talking real offshore fishing where the big boys swim and the reefs are loaded with hungry fish. With space for up to 5 anglers, this is your chance to experience world-class Gulf fishing without the crowds of bigger boats.
The 6-hour charter gets you out to the prime fishing grounds about 20 miles offshore, where the bottom structure holds plenty of Triggerfish and other reef species. You'll spend time bottom fishing over productive reefs, but don't think that's all – Captain Ken keeps the trolling lines out on the way to and from fishing spots, giving you shots at fast-moving pelagics like King and Spanish Mackerel. The 8-hour option is where things get really interesting. Pushing out to 30-40 miles puts you in deeper blue water where the variety really opens up. You'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, switching between bottom fishing productive reefs and trolling the open Gulf. The longer trip means more time to dial in what's working and more opportunities to put different species in the box. Both trips cater to anglers of all skill levels – whether you're new to offshore fishing or a seasoned pro, Captain Ken adjusts the day to make sure everyone gets in on the action.
Offshore fishing in the Gulf requires different approaches depending on what you're targeting. When trolling for Kings and Spanish Mackerel, Captain Ken runs a spread of baits at varying depths and distances behind the boat. Live bait, spoons, and diving plugs all have their place depending on water conditions and what the fish are showing. The boat stays constantly mobile, covering water and looking for birds, current breaks, and temperature changes that hold baitfish – and the predators that follow them. Bottom fishing is a different game entirely. You'll anchor or drift over productive reefs and structure, dropping baits down to where the Triggerfish, Snappers, and other reef species live. Circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and fresh cut bait get the job done. The key is staying tight to the bottom where these fish feed, and Captain Ken knows exactly which spots produce consistently. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew handles rigging, netting fish, and keeping everything organized so you can focus on fighting fish.
"Captain Ken & Jay were AWESOME from start to finish. They Rescheduled our trip due to weather & could not have worked out any better. Every thing we ask for they provided in how the day was ran. We caught limit of red snapper then moved on to other fish. We caught a trophy Jack Crevalle that put up a 9 minute fight. We caught two tagged red snapper. Not to mention the BEST music taste of any boat captain." - todd
"We had a blast fishing today with them! They were very knowledgeable, had safety procedures, kind and had a great sense of humor! We will definitely be calling Captain Ken up again." - Ashley
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Shores offshore fishing. These silver rockets can stretch over 40 inches and put up fights that test both your drag system and your endurance. Kings patrol the edges of reefs and current breaks, ambushing schools of baitfish with explosive strikes. Summer through early fall offers the best action, when water temperatures bring these fish closer to shore. What makes Kings so exciting isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. Long screaming runs followed by jumping and head-shaking battles that can last 10 minutes or more. When you hook a big King, everyone on the boat knows it.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are pure excitement on light tackle. These brilliant gold and green fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Mahi are aggressive feeders that often put on a show when hooked, jumping repeatedly and changing colors as they fight. They typically run 10-30 pounds in Gulf waters, with occasional bull Mahi pushing 40-50 pounds. Spring through summer offers peak action, especially around floating sargassum weed that holds baitfish. Mahi are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the meal.
Cobia are the submarines of the Gulf – big, strong fish that cruise alone or in small groups around structure and floating objects. These brown torpedoes can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their curiosity, often swimming right up to the boat for a close look before deciding whether to eat your bait. Cobia season peaks in spring and fall when they're most active in Gulf Shores waters. What makes them special is their intelligence and wariness – they'll follow baits for long distances, inspect everything carefully, and test your patience. But when they finally commit, the powerful runs and bulldogging fights make the wait worthwhile.
Red Snapper remain the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf, and for good reason. These crimson fighters live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated with specific dates and bag limits, making every fish precious. They're notorious for their hard initial runs toward the bottom when hooked, trying to cut your line on the reef. Reds averaging 5-15 pounds are common, with occasional trophy fish over 20 pounds. Their excellent table quality and challenging nature make them a customer favorite when regulations allow.
Our 30-foot NauticStar center console is built for serious fishing action in Gulf Shores waters. This 2017 beauty runs on twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting speeds up to 45 knots. Whether you're heading 20 miles out for triggerfish on the 6-hour trip or pushing 30-40 miles offshore on the 8-hour adventure, this boat handles Gulf waters like a champ. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish, and with space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of deck space for casting and reeling. GPS and radar keep us on course and safe, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom spots and baitfish schools. A marine head keeps everyone comfortable during those long fishing days chasing kings, Spanish mackerel, and whatever else is biting out there.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the Gulf - big, brown, aggressive fish that cruise alone near structure. These powerful predators average 30-60 pounds and can hit 100+, making them serious trophy targets. You'll spot them around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 30-200 feet, often just under the surface looking like sharks. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate. The fight is pure power, and the white, flaky meat rivals grouper for table fare. Local trick: when you see one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow. Cobia are aggressive but finicky - sometimes they need that perfect presentation to commit.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These sleek predators typically run 15-40 pounds, with bigger fish possible offshore. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet deep around structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they're built for speed like their wahoo cousins. The meat's excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Here's a local tip: use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait - kings love hitting the tail end of baits, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish when they strike short.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are the scrappy little cousins of red snapper - pink and silver beauties with yellow racing stripes down their sides. These reef dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds and 10-14 inches, making them perfect for lighter tackle fun. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy areas with good structure in 20-100 feet. March through September is peak season when they're spawning and most active. What guests love about lanes is their aggressive nature and excellent eating - they're not shy about hitting baits and put up a good scrap for their size. The sweet, mild meat is perfect for the dinner table. They often show up as bonus fish when we're targeting other snappers. Local tip: fish at night or early morning with small hooks and fresh shrimp - lanes feed heavily after dark and aren't as leader-shy as their bigger cousins.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of the Gulf - golden sides with electric blues and greens that put on a light show when they come aboard. These surface cruisers average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks in our deeper waters 30-40 miles out. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up. Guests love mahi for their stunning colors, acrobatic fights, and sweet, firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. They're not picky eaters, so trolling with ballyhoo or hitting them with jigs works great. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water - mahi travel in small groups and that hooked fish will often keep the school around for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the Gulf's most prized bottom fish - thick-bodied fighters that live around hard structure in 60-200 feet. These crimson beauties typically run 3-15 pounds, with bigger fish possible on deeper wrecks and rigs. Summer season (June-July) is when we target them most, though regulations change yearly. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and incredible table quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're structure-oriented, so we fish them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom where they ambush prey. The bite can be subtle, so stay sharp. Here's the key: use fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid, get it right to the bottom, and be ready for that initial run toward cover. Keep steady pressure - they'll try to cut you off in the rocks every time.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ken & Jay were AWESOME from start to finish. They Rescheduled our trip due to weather & could not have worked out any bett...
todd childress, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Yal was a...
We had a blast fishing today with them! They were very knowledgeable, had safety procedures, kind and had a great sense of humor! ...
Gulf Shores