Gulf Shores Offshore Charter - Half Day Kings & Jacks
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore charter targets snapper, kingfish, and amberjack species.All fishing licenses, gear, bait, and tackle included onboard.Customizable bottom fishing or trolling based on guest preferences.
Looking for a solid half-day offshore trip that puts you on fish without burning your whole day? This 4-hour charter out of Gulf Shores hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to get after some quality offshore species without the commitment of a full day on the water. Captain and crew from Fishin Four Kings know these Alabama waters like the back of their hand, running you up to 9 miles offshore where the real action happens. Whether you're dead set on bottom fishing for snapper and amberjack or want to pull some lines trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel, they'll work with you to make it happen based on what's biting and what gets you fired up.
This trip is built around flexibility, which is exactly what offshore fishing demands. Some days the bottom bite is on fire with snapper stacked up on structure, other days the kings are running thick in the blue water and trolling is the way to go. The beauty of this charter is that you're not locked into one approach - the captain reads the conditions and works with your group to dial in the most productive game plan for the day. With a max of 3 anglers, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of rod time. All your licenses, gear, bait, and tackle are covered, so you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat. The crew handles everything from rigging baits to gaffing fish, but they're also happy to teach you the ropes if you want to level up your offshore skills.
The two main techniques you'll use out here each have their own appeal and target different species. Bottom fishing means dropping baits down to structure like artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural hard bottom where snapper, amberjack, and other reef species hang out. You're typically using heavier tackle, circle hooks, and cut bait or live bait to entice fish holding tight to cover. It's more stationary fishing but can produce steady action when you're on a good spot. Trolling, on the other hand, covers water as you pull lures or rigged baits behind the moving boat. This is your bread and butter technique for pelagic species like kingfish and Spanish mackerel that are actively hunting in open water. The captain will adjust trolling speed, lure selection, and depth based on what species are in the area and how they're behaving that particular day.
Greater amberjack are the bruisers of this fishery and exactly why serious anglers make the run offshore. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push well over 50, and they'll test every piece of tackle you've got. AJs are structure-oriented fish that live around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs, ambushing baitfish with explosive strikes. Spring through fall offers the best action, with summer being prime time when they're most active in the heat. What makes amberjack so exciting is their initial run - they'll peel drag like nothing else and head straight back to their rocky hideouts. The fight is pure power, and landing a big amber on lighter tackle is something every offshore angler needs to experience.
Red snapper remain the gold standard for Gulf Coast bottom fishing, and Alabama's artificial reef program has created world-class snapper habitat. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, rarely straying far from their preferred reefs and wrecks. During open season, typically summer months, snapper fishing can be lights-out with multiple fish per drop in the right spots. They're gorgeous fish with bright red coloration and excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for good reason. Snapper have keen eyesight and can be finicky about bait presentation, so using the right tackle and technique makes all the difference between a few fish and a limit.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and when they're running thick, the action is non-stop. These fish are highly migratory, following bait schools and temperature breaks throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall often produce the best Spanish mackerel fishing as they move through Gulf Shores waters in large schools. They're aggressive trolling targets that hit small spoons, jigs, and rigged baits with authority. While they're not huge fish, typically running 1-3 pounds, their speed and acrobatic fights make them a blast on lighter tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating when kept fresh and prepared properly.
Northern kingfish, also called king mackerel, are the apex predators that every Gulf angler wants to tangle with. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with 20-30 pounders being common and fish over 40 pounds always possible. Kings are primarily caught trolling, and they're known for spectacular jumps and blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Late spring through early fall typically offers the best king mackerel action as they follow bait schools and set up along temperature breaks and structure. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them both exciting to catch and challenging to land, requiring wire leaders and proper technique to get them in the boat.
Half-day trips like this are perfect for testing the offshore waters without the full commitment, and they book up quick during peak season. Whether you're new to offshore fishing and want to see what it's all about, or you're a seasoned angler looking for a productive morning or afternoon on the water, this charter delivers. The small group size means you're getting quality time with the crew, personalized instruction if you want it, and plenty of chances to get your line wet. Gulf Shores offers some of the best offshore fishing on the Gulf Coast, and with Fishin Four Kings' local knowledge and top-notch equipment, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock.
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 2008 Century 2200, a 22-foot walkaround cruiser that's built for serious Gulf fishing. This boat handles the Alabama waters like a champ, powered by a 200HP Yamaha that'll get you out to those productive fishing grounds up to 9 miles offshore where the amberjack and kingfish are waiting. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and with space for up to 3 anglers, everyone gets their shot at the action. We've got you covered with an icebox to keep your drinks cold during those hot Gulf days, plus a fish finder to locate the best spots and GPS to get us there efficiently. The onboard toilet means comfort during your 4-hour trip, and our wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. Whether you prefer bottom fishing for snapper and amberjack or trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel, this boat handles both techniques perfectly. The 25-knot cruising speed gets you to the fish quickly, leaving more time with lines in the water.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruiser fish are what dreams are made of - bluish-grey with that signature amber stripe, they can stretch over 6 feet and hit 40+ pounds. We find them around structure in deeper water, usually 60-200 feet down. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes amberjack special is their raw power - they'll test your arms and drag like nothing else out here. The meat's excellent too, though bigger ones can carry ciguatera. My go-to trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll try to wrap you around anything they can find, so muscle them up and away from the bottom fast.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are tough little bottom fighters that punch way above their weight class. These bronze-colored fish with dark bars typically run 10-14 inches and have a distinctive whisker under their chin. We find them on sandy bottoms in shallower water, usually 10-40 feet. Late summer is peak season when they move closer to shore. What guests enjoy is their surprising fight - they're small but stubborn, using every inch of their body to resist. The white meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My best advice: use small hooks with fresh clam or bloodworm, keep your bait on bottom, and be patient. When you feel that steady pull, set the hook firm - they've got tough mouths.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - those bright red beauties average 2-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds on a good day. We target them around hard bottom and structure in 60-120 feet of water. Season runs June through July typically, and they fight harder than you'd expect for their size. What guests love most is the eating - firm, sweet white meat that's restaurant quality. They're also beautiful fish that make great photos. Here's a local tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, don't jerk the rod. Just start reeling steady - the circle hook will set itself and you'll land more fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons with silvery sides covered in yellow spots - perfect for anglers who like fast action. These fish typically run 1-3 pounds and school up near the surface, especially around structure. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are warm. They're incredibly fast swimmers and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills or smokes beautifully. What makes them fun is the consistent action when you find a school. Pro tip: use small shiny spoons or live shrimp and keep moving - when the bite stops, the school moved. Also, use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Gulf Shores