4 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip/Afternoon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private charter targeting nine inshore speciesLight tackle fishing in flats and backcountry watersBeginnerfriendly trip with experienced captain guidance
Nothing beats the feeling of lines tight and reels screaming on a half-day inshore charter. This 4-hour afternoon trip with Bulletproof Inshore Charters puts you right where the fish are biting, whether that's shallow flats, protected backcountry waters, or just outside the nearshore zone. Starting at 7 AM, you'll have prime time hours when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. At $550 for two anglers, this customer favorite gives you serious bang for your buck without eating up your whole day.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. You'll be fishing with quality light tackle and spinning gear – perfect for the mix of species that call these inshore waters home. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure, this trip strikes the perfect balance between action and relaxation. The boat stays close enough to shore that you won't deal with rough seas, but far enough out to hit the productive spots most recreational anglers never see. Your guide will adjust the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately, so every trip feels custom-tailored to the conditions.
This isn't about dropping heavy jigs in deep water – it's all about finesse and reading the water. You'll be working with spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test, throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to small jigs and soft plastics. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety: one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're drifting live bait over structure for black drum. Your captain will have you fishing grass flats for trout, working oyster bars for sheepshead, and hitting the nearshore reefs when the mackerel are running. The light tackle makes every fish feel like a monster, and you'll actually feel the difference between a pompano's head shakes and a flounder's bulldogging run.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the flats, lying perfectly camouflaged in sandy pockets and ambushing anything that swims by. These flatfish can push 5-6 pounds in these waters, and they fight like they're twice that size once they realize they're hooked. Fall months are prime time for doormat flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What makes them so fun is the hunt – you'll be casting to specific spots where the bottom changes, and that first thump on your line always gets your heart racing.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, with the bigger ones capable of spooling you if you're not ready. They love hanging around oyster bars and bridge pilings, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. You'll know you've got a good one when your rod doubles over and starts that unstoppable run toward the bottom. Spring brings the big spawning fish into shallow water, and there's nothing quite like the sight of a 40-pound drum's copper-colored back breaking the surface as it tries to throw the hook.
King Mackerel are the speed demons that'll test your drag system and your patience. When they're running in the nearshore waters, usually spring through fall, they'll absolutely destroy a slow-trolled live bait or well-placed casting spoon. These toothy predators can hit 20+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll have you questioning whether your knots are really as good as you thought. The key is keeping constant pressure – give them any slack and they'll throw that hook every time.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout as the regulations call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They school up over grass flats and around structure, feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. The average fish runs 2-4 pounds, but the gator trout – those 6+ pound females – are what dreams are made of. They're most active during moving tides, and topwater fishing for trout at sunrise is about as good as it gets. Their soft mouths mean you need to play them carefully, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for beginners.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore angling, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are built like linebackers and fight twice as hard as anything else their size. You'll find them tailing in skinny water, cruising grass flats in small schools, or ambushing bait around structure. A slot-sized red (18-27 inches) will give you a fight you won't forget, with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your equipment. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter often produce the biggest fish as they bulk up and school together.
This top-rated half-day trip books up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. You're getting professional guidance, quality gear, and access to productive water that most anglers only dream about fishing. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species without feeling rushed, and the 7 AM start means you'll be back at the dock before the afternoon heat kicks in. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're locked in before the weather window closes. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to inshore fishing or just want a relaxing morning chasing quality fish, this charter delivers the goods every single trip.
This restored 24-foot Kenner center console puts you right in the action for productive inshore fishing. Built in 2003 and fully restored in 2022, she's powered by a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll cruise at 34 knots to get you on the fish fast. The center console design gives you complete 360-degree fishing access – perfect for working those flats and backcountry spots where the redfish and snook like to hide. With GPS navigation and a fish finder on board, your captain can pinpoint the best structure and drop-offs for snapper and trout. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, so there's plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're casting light tackle on the flats or dropping baits in deeper nearshore waters for kings and Spanish mackerel, this setup gives you the versatility to chase whatever's biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow backcountry waters where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're perfect for beginners since they fight hard but don't run far, and smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent eating with firm, white meat. The secret is using fresh crab as bait since it stays on the hook better than other options and catfish won't steal it. Fish right on the bottom around structure, and don't be surprised if you feel more of a steady pull than a sharp strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed and power, averaging around 30 pounds with some topping 90. These migratory fighters cruise nearshore waters and inlets, typically in 40-150 feet, following baitfish like menhaden and blue runners. They're most active during warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F. What guests love is their blistering runs and aerial jumps - they're built for speed like their wahoo cousins. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled. The trick is using a dual-hook setup with wire leader since kings often attack the tail end of live bait first. I rig one hook through the nose and let a trailing treble hang free near the tail. Troll at moderate speeds or fish live bait around structure, and be ready for that screaming reel when they hit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches and love super shallow flats - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is their powerful runs and willingness to eat almost anything - from topwater plugs to live shrimp. They're also protected gamefish with great table fare when kept within regulations. The secret is staying quiet and making accurate casts since they spook easily in shallow water. Look for wakes, tails, or copper flashes, and remember they have crushers in their throats, so set the hook hard and keep pressure on.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks," are one of our most popular inshore targets, typically running 14-24 inches with larger fish possible. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Best fishing happens during moving tides, especially early morning and evening. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but they school up in deeper channels during cold snaps. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent eating quality - delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great fighters on light tackle. The key is fishing soft plastics or live shrimp around grass beds and structure. Work lures slowly since they can be finicky, and remember they have soft mouths, so don't horse them in or you'll pull the hook.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - flat fish that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches, but you can find them up to 33 inches in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure. They're ambush predators that feed on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they move toward inlets to spawn. What makes them fun to target is their strong fight once hooked, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The key trick is to fish slow - use live shrimp or small jigs worked right along the bottom since they won't chase fast-moving baits. Look for them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and sandy flats where they can camouflage easily.
Orange Beach