Quick Morning Charter - Gulf Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Perfect 2hour charter for families with young childrenTarget Gulf species like Redfish and Spanish Mackerel nearshoreAll gear and licenses included with flexible departure times
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't eat up your whole day? Circle Hook Charters' 2-hour private morning charter is exactly what you need. This top-rated Gulf inshore experience gives you and one other angler the perfect taste of what these productive waters have to offer. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing or just want to wet a line before lunch, this trip delivers quality fishing without the full-day commitment.
Your captain will meet you at the dock for either a 7:00 AM or 12:00 PM departure - both times are prime for targeting active fish in the Gulf's inshore waters. The early morning slot is especially popular with families since younger anglers are fresh and excited, plus the fish are typically more aggressive before the day heats up. You'll head out on a well-equipped boat that's perfectly sized for intimate fishing experiences, with just enough room for two guests to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. The nearshore and just-offshore zones we fish are known for holding consistent populations of Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Seatrout, and Sheepshead. Don't worry about bringing anything - all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included in your trip.
We'll set you up with medium-action spinning rods matched to the species we're targeting that day. For Spanish Mackerel, we often troll small spoons or cast jigs around structure where they school up. Redfish respond well to live bait presentations near grass flats and oyster bars, while Spotted Seatrout love working soft plastics over sandy bottoms. When we're after Sheepshead, it's all about precision - these fish are notorious for their light bites around pilings and docks, so we use sensitive tackle and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Your captain will handle all the rigging and teach you the specific techniques that work best in these Gulf waters. Since it's a private charter, we can adjust our approach based on your experience level and what's biting that day.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore Gulf, and they put on quite a show when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and are most active during spring through fall months. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - perfect for getting kids pumped about fishing.
Sheepshead are the challenge fish that keeps experienced anglers coming back. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and are incredibly picky eaters. They average 2-4 pounds in our waters and are year-round residents around structure. Landing a Sheepshead requires patience and skill, making them a rewarding catch that anglers love to photograph.
Spotted Seatrout are the bread-and-butter species of Gulf inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides typically range from 1-5 pounds, with bigger fish possible during cooler months. They're most active during spring and fall transitions but can be caught year-round. Trout are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders but still provide enough fight to keep things interesting.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and the Gulf populations are world-class. These copper-colored bruisers average 3-8 pounds in our area, with the occasional bull red pushing much larger. They're available year-round but peak during fall months when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes Reds special is their power - they make long, drag-peeling runs that test your skills and equipment.
This 2-hour private charter hits the sweet spot between quality fishing time and schedule flexibility. You'll get hands-on experience with multiple species while learning techniques you can use on future fishing trips. The intimate setting means personalized instruction and better fish-to-angler ratios than larger group charters. Whether you're planning a father-son morning, want to test the waters before booking a longer trip, or simply prefer shorter fishing sessions, Circle Hook Charters delivers a customer favorite experience that's both productive and fun. Book your morning charter and discover why Gulf inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
The 2002 Kenner 24-footer is your ticket to productive Gulf waters on this quick morning charter. This reliable fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful 2-hour outing – a GPS to get you on the fish, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder that'll help locate those schools of Redfish and Spanish Mackerel. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work your lines, whether you're targeting Spotted Seatrout in the grass flats or hunting Sheepshead around structure. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing or when you want to wet a line without burning the whole day. The boat handles Gulf chop with ease, getting you to productive spots quickly so you can maximize your time with lines in the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the Gulf's copper-colored bruisers, typically 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. These shallow-water fighters love oyster bars, grass flats, and anywhere they can cruise in 1-4 feet looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the hottest action, but they bite year-round in our waters. What guests love most is that explosive strike in skinny water - you'll see their backs out of the water sometimes. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My favorite trick: look for "nervous water" or slight wakes in the shallows. Cast ahead of cruising fish with a gold spoon or soft plastic, then hold on tight. They'll make that reel sing.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect family fish averaging 14-18 inches with beautiful spotted sides. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively. Cooler months bring the best action as they school up in deeper channels and holes. Kids love them because they bite readily and don't fight too hard, plus the meat is tender and mild - great for picky eaters. You'll find them over seagrass beds in 3-8 feet of water, often making that distinctive drumming sound. Here's what works: drift live shrimp under a popping cork over the grass beds. Keep the boat moving slowly and listen for that croaking sound - that's dinner calling. Soft plastics on jig heads work great too.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the Gulf with their black and white stripes, usually running 1-4 pounds around docks and bridges. Those human-like teeth aren't just for show - they crush barnacles and crabs off pilings all day long. Early spring is prime time when they spawn around structures, but you can catch them year-round. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with a light bite that'll test your patience. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. My go-to trick: use fiddler crabs on small hooks and fish tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard or they'll steal your bait every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver bullets that typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, though bigger ones show up. You'll spot their distinctive yellow spots and dark green backs when they hit the deck. These speed demons love open water near structure and will chase schools of baitfish right to the surface. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when the water warms up. They're absolute blast on light tackle - that first run will surprise you every time. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast. Troll small spoons or cast jigs into the feeding frenzy, but keep moving - they spook easily if you sit still too long.
Gulf Shores, AL