Gulf Shores Charter Fishing with Captain John
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Red Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Mahi Mahi offshoreCaptain John provides all equipment and fishing gearHalfday charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Looking for a real fishing adventure off the Alabama coast? Captain John's got you covered with his top-rated Gulf Shores charter that'll put you right where the action is. We're talking about hitting those legendary grass lines where the big boys hang out - Red Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and Cobia all call these waters home. This isn't some tourist trap operation - Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's been putting anglers on fish for years. Your morning starts early, but trust me, when you're pulling in keeper-sized snapper and fighting bull dolphins, you'll forget all about that alarm clock.
Captain John runs a clean, well-maintained boat that'll get you to the fish safely and comfortably. We're heading offshore to target the grass lines - those underwater highways where baitfish gather and predators follow. The trip accommodates up to four anglers for $850, with room for two more if you want to bring the whole crew for an extra $50 per head. Everything's included - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and most importantly, Captain John's knowledge of where the fish are biting. You don't need to bring anything except your fishing license, some snacks, drinks, and a cooler for your catch. The boat's equipped with quality gear that can handle everything from feisty mahi to stubborn grouper, plus all the safety equipment required by the Coast Guard. Captain John's been running these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find the structure and current breaks that hold fish.
We'll be using a mix of bottom fishing and trolling techniques depending on what's biting. For the bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper, we're talking about dropping live bait and cut bait down to the structure where these fish love to hide. You'll be using circle hooks and enough weight to get down through the current - Captain John will set you up with the right rig for the conditions. When we're targeting pelagics like mahi and cobia, we'll switch gears and work the grass lines with live bait, jigs, and sometimes topwater lures when the fish are really fired up. The grass lines are basically floating sargassum that creates a whole ecosystem - baitfish hide underneath, and the big predators cruise the edges looking for an easy meal. Captain John's got his spots marked, but these grass lines move with the current, so finding the fresh stuff with active bait is where his experience really pays off. He'll teach you how to read the water and spot the signs that fish are around.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf Shores fishing, and these waters consistently produce quality fish in the 15-25 pound range. They're structure-oriented fish that love to hang around reefs, rocks, and artificial structure about 60-100 feet down. Snapper are notorious for their hard strike and bulldog fight - they'll head straight for the bottom when hooked, so you better be ready to turn them before they get back to their hole. The season typically runs from June through July, and Captain John knows all the productive spots that aren't crowded with weekend warriors. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are absolute dynamite on the end of your line. These colorful speedsters can reach 30-40 pounds and they'll jump, run, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They're found around the grass lines and floating debris, often traveling in small schools. When you find one, there's usually more around. Gag Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, with fish over 20 pounds common in these waters. They're ambush predators that sit in holes and caves, waiting to engulf whatever swims by. Hooking a big gag near structure is like arm wrestling with a submarine - they'll try every trick in the book to get back to their cave. Cobia are the wildcards of Gulf fishing. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, can show up anywhere and they're curious fish that'll often come right up to the boat to check you out. They can reach 40+ pounds and they're fantastic eating. When you see that distinctive brown torpedo shape cruising near the surface, your heart rate's going to spike.
Captain John's built his reputation on consistently putting his customers on fish, and that doesn't happen by accident. He's out there regularly, keeping track of water temperatures, bait movements, and where the fish are setting up. The Gulf Shores area offers some of the most diverse offshore fishing on the Gulf Coast, and Captain John knows how to make the most of it. Whether the snapper are biting on the reefs, the mahi are thick on the grass lines, or the cobia are cruising the surface, he'll adjust the game plan to put you on whatever's biting best. The boat's comfortable enough for a full morning of fishing, but not so big that you lose that personal touch. Captain John takes pride in teaching his customers - whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll make sure you know what you're doing and why. Plus, there's something special about being out there on the Gulf when the sun comes up, watching the water come alive with baitfish and birds, knowing that the next cast might be the one that connects you with the fish of a lifetime.
Gulf Shores fishing doesn't get much better than this. Captain John's running a world-class operation that consistently delivers the goods, and his calendar fills up fast during peak season. At $850 for up to four anglers, you're getting serious value for a full morning of guided fishing with all gear included. That breaks down to just over $200 per person for a professional fishing experience that'll have you talking about it for years.
Captain John's charter boat is built for serious offshore action in Gulf Shores waters. This motorboat packs all the essentials you need to hunt down Red Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and Cobia along those productive grass lines. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. When visibility drops, radar keeps you safe and on course. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on finicky fish without spooking them. An ice box keeps your catch fresh for the trip back to dock. Perfect for groups of four anglers ready to test their skills against Gulf waters. Everything's included - just bring yourself and get ready to work those reels when the action heats up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - that dark bronze color and single dorsal fin fool a lot of people at first glance. These fish get big, averaging 20-40 pounds with some pushing 100+. They're loners, so don't expect schools, but that makes each one special. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, buoys, oil rigs - usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration through summer is your best bet, especially May through August when they're spawning. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect and that bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat similar to shark. My tip: when you spot one, don't rush the cast. They're curious fish, so let them come investigate the boat first.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests with their mottled gray appearance, but they're solid fighters and great eating. Most run 5-15 pounds, though the big ones can hit 30+ pounds and really test your tackle. They love hard structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-150 feet of water. Best fishing is typically spring and fall when they're more active. What guests enjoy is the challenge - these fish are smart and will try every trick to get back to their hole once hooked. The payoff is some of the finest table fare in the Gulf with that sweet, flaky white meat grouper is famous for. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight back into the structure and cut you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the prettiest fish you'll see out here - bright gold sides with electric blues and greens that flash like a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen some push 50+. They love hanging around floating grass lines and debris in 100-300 feet of water, which is perfect for our area. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit the upper 70s. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with that firm, mild meat. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more nearby, so have another rod ready to cast right back to the same spot.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish of the Gulf - that bright red color and those big red eyes make them unmistakable. Most of what we catch runs 2-8 pounds, but the big ones can push 20+ pounds and really test your gear. They live on hard bottom structure like artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges in 60-200 feet of water. The season typically runs June through July, so timing is everything. What makes them special is that they're true warriors - they'll fight hard all the way to the boat, trying to cut your line on structure. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with that sweet, mild flavor. Key tip: once you hook one, get them up and away from the bottom fast or they'll wrap you up in the structure.
Pensacola, FL