Gulf Shores Offshore Fishing Charters
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Trolling & Bottom Techniques
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.
Customer Stories
"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
Top Catches This Season
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.