5.0(2 Reviews)Mobile Bay Beginner-Friendly Inshore Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour afternoon charter designed for fishing beginnersAll gear provided including rods, reels, tackle, and baitAccommodates up to 3 guests on calm Mobile Bay waters
Looking to dip your toes into inshore fishing without the pressure? This 4-hour afternoon charter on Mobile Bay is built specifically for folks who are new to the sport or want to shake off some rust. Captain Howard with Coastal Fins Fishing has designed this trip to keep things relaxed while giving you real shots at some quality fish. Starting at 3 PM when the afternoon bite picks up, you'll spend your time learning the ropes in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive shallow waters. Mobile Bay's protected inshore areas offer the perfect classroom for beginners – calm enough to focus on technique, but loaded with enough fish to keep your rod bent.
This isn't one of those sink-or-swim fishing trips where you're thrown into the deep end. Captain Howard takes his time showing you the basics – how to hold your rod, when to set the hook, and how to read the water for signs of feeding fish. The beauty of Mobile Bay's inshore waters is that you're fishing structure-rich areas where redfish cruise the grass flats and flounder lay up in sandy pockets waiting for an easy meal. Your small group of up to 3 people means plenty of one-on-one attention, whether you're 8 or 80 years old. The afternoon timing works perfectly because that's when these inshore species start moving and feeding more aggressively. You'll be working areas where the water clarity lets you actually see what's happening below – sometimes you can even spot redfish tailing in the shallows before you cast to them.
Everything's provided, so don't stress about tackle selection or bait prep. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods spooled with 15-20 pound test – perfect for beginners because they're forgiving but still give you the backbone needed for these inshore fighters. The captain brings live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on what the fish are hitting that day. You'll learn basic techniques like bottom fishing with Carolina rigs for flounder and sheepshead, plus some light tackle casting with soft plastics for redfish around structure. Mobile Bay's grass flats and oyster bars create perfect ambush points, so you'll understand why these fish hang where they do. The water depths range from 3-12 feet in most spots, which means you can actually watch your technique improve as you see how fish react to your presentations.
"Had a great time with a great captain. Highly recommend fishing with him. Over all 10 out of 10. Will definitely be back." - Jonathan
"Captain Howard went above and beyond what he needed to do. The morning wasn't looking good due to muddy water conditions but he made a suggestion to go to an inland water way and we had the best fishing day we've ever had! I would recommend him to anyone and look forward to fishing with him again!" - Todd
Summer Flounder are the sneaky stars of Mobile Bay's sandy bottom areas. These flatfish can grow to impressive sizes – we're talking 15-20 inch fish that'll give you a solid fight. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. The best part about targeting flounder is learning to "feel" the bite – they often just swim off with your bait rather than crushing it like other species. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shots, and there's nothing quite like the surprise of hooking into a doormat flounder when you thought you were snagged on the bottom.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fighters in these waters. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and love to pick around oyster bars and dock pilings. They're notorious bait thieves, so catching one feels like you've outsmarted a master pickpocket. Most sheepshead in Mobile Bay run 12-16 inches, but the bigger ones can really test your drag. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall bring the best action. What makes them special is their finicky nature – you'll learn patience and precision trying to hook these guys.
Redfish are Mobile Bay's signature species and the fish that'll get you hooked on inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats and can range from slot-sized 16-27 inchers all the way up to bull reds pushing 30+ pounds. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush live shrimp or slam artificial lures, making them perfect for beginners who want that bent-rod excitement. Fall and spring offer peak action, but Mobile Bay's year-round fishery means you've got shots any time. When you hook a red, you'll understand why they're called the redfish – that bronze flash and steady, head-shaking fight is pure inshore magic.
Crevalle Jack bring the thunder to this otherwise mellow beginner trip. These silver bulldogs are pure muscle and attitude, capable of smoking drag and testing your stamina. They school up around Mobile Bay's channels and structure, often announcing their presence by blowing up baitfish on the surface. Most jacks you'll encounter run 15-25 inches, but even the smaller ones fight like fish twice their size. Summer months bring the best jack action, and they're not picky eaters – live bait, cut bait, or lures all work. Landing your first crevalle jack is a rite of passage that'll leave your arms burning and your adrenaline pumping.
Mobile Bay's inshore fishing scene offers some of the Gulf Coast's most beginner-friendly action, and this 4-hour afternoon charter gives you the perfect taste without overwhelming your first experience. Captain Howard's patient teaching style combined with the bay's consistent fish populations means you're getting quality instruction in proven waters. The
Meet Sea Thriller, your perfect fishing companion for exploring Mobile Bay's productive inshore waters. This reliable 24-foot Sea Pro center console gives you plenty of room to move around while casting lines and fighting fish. Built tough with a powerful 225HP Mercury engine, she'll get you to the hot spots quickly and smoothly, cruising at up to 35 knots when needed. The boat comes equipped with everything to make your fishing trip successful - an icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the fish finder helps locate schools of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder hiding in the grass flats and oyster bars. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, and GPS ensures you can return to productive spots. With space for your small group of three, there's room to spread out whether you're working the shallow flats or drifting deeper channels. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for beginners learning to cast or experienced anglers working multiple lines. Sea Thriller handles Mobile Bay's varying conditions with ease, from protected backwaters to more open bay areas where bigger fish roam.
Caranx HipposThese silver torpedoes are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Running 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds on average, they're built for speed and power. You'll find schools roaming grass flats, channel edges, and around structure in 10-30 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when they push baitfish to the surface. Guests love the non-stop fight - they'll bend your rod double and test your drag like few fish can. They're not great table fare, but the action more than makes up for it. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal that jacks are pushing bait up. Cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast. They love aggressive presentations and will hammer a moving bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusThe copper-colored bruisers with black spots near their tails are Mobile Bay favorites. Most run 20-30 inches, but we see plenty of "bull" reds pushing 40+ inches in deeper water. Look for them in 1-4 feet over grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. They bite year-round, but fall and spring offer the hottest action. Guests love their drag-screaming runs and aggressive strikes on topwater lures. Plus, the smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. My go-to advice: work topwater plugs early morning over shallow flats, and when you see that bronze flash, keep the bait moving. They love the chase and will often follow before committing.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black stripes and human-like teeth are some of the smartest fish in Mobile Bay. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders do show up around structure. You'll find them hugging docks, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered structure in 5-15 feet of water. Spring months are best when they move inshore to spawn. Guests enjoy the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites, but they're also some of the best eating fish we catch. The white, flaky meat is restaurant quality. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get your bait tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying sideways on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can hit 26 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them in shallow bays and estuaries where they ambush prey like small fish and crabs. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're more active and easier to locate. Guests love the challenge - they're sneaky biters that require patience, but the payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use a circle hook with live minnows or sea worms, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, wait a beat before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait first.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great time with a great captain. Highly recommend fishing with him. Over all 10 out of 10. Will definitely be back.
Captain Howard went above and beyond what he needed to do. The morning wasn’t looking good due to muddy water conditions but he ma...
Mobile Bay And Surrounding Areas