Orange Beach Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore trolling and bottom fishing in Gulf watersCaptain Will guides trips for up to 6 guestsTarget pelagic species and bottomdwelling fish off Alabama coast
Captain Will and the crew at Great Escape Charters know these Gulf waters like the back of their hand. Based right here in Orange Beach, Alabama, we've been putting anglers on fish for years, and we're ready to show you why this stretch of the Gulf Coast is considered some of the best fishing territory in the Southeast. Our offshore trips combine the excitement of high-speed trolling with the steady action of bottom fishing, giving you the best of both worlds in a single day on the water.
Your day starts early at the marina, where you'll meet Captain Will and get the rundown on tackle, safety, and our game plan for the day. We'll head out from Orange Beach into the Gulf, where the real fun begins. Our boat is set up to handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to work. The Gulf waters off Alabama offer incredible diversity - we can be pulling kings on the troll one minute, then dropping down to the bottom for red snapper the next. Captain Will reads the water conditions, current, and fish activity to put you where the action is hottest. Some days that means working the nearshore structure for Spanish mackerel, other days we're running further out to hit the deeper drops where the big kings patrol. The beauty of fishing with Great Escape is that we adapt to what the fish are doing, not the other way around.
We run a mixed bag of techniques that keep the rods bent all day long. For trolling, we'll have multiple lines out at different depths and speeds, targeting the pelagic species that cruise these waters. Captain Will knows exactly which lures work best in different conditions - whether that's pulling spoons for kings or running smaller baits for Spanish mackerel. The trolling setup lets us cover water efficiently while keeping everyone engaged. When we switch to bottom fishing, that's where the real action can heat up. We'll anchor up over productive structure and drop down with live or cut bait. The bottom fishing here is legendary - red snapper, grouper, and a host of other species call these reefs and ledges home. All tackle and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Captain Will and the crew are always happy to share techniques and help newer anglers get dialed in. The key to success out here is staying flexible and being ready when the bite turns on.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and Orange Beach puts you right in the heart of prime king territory. These fish are pure muscle and attitude - they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Kings here typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50 or better. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, when they're moving through in big schools and feeding aggressively. What makes catching kings so addictive is their fight - they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw that hook. Plus, they make outstanding table fare when prepared right.
Red snapper fishing in the Gulf is world-class, and Captain Will knows all the productive spots where these bottom dwellers stack up. Reds are smart, structure-oriented fish that can be finicky one day and aggressive the next. They typically range from 2 to 20 pounds in these waters, with their bright red color and excellent eating quality making them a customer favorite. Snapper season is regulated, but when it's open, the action can be lights-out good. These fish fight hard for their size and will head straight back to the bottom when hooked. The key is getting them up and away from the structure before they can cut you off.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These fish are perfect for getting kids or newer anglers into the action - they hit hard, fight well, and are almost always willing to play. Spanish macs typically run 1 to 4 pounds and can be caught on light tackle, making for a blast on the right gear. They school up in huge numbers during their peak seasons, and it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. They're also fantastic eating when fresh, with a mild flavor that even non-fish eaters tend to enjoy.
The Gulf Coast fishing scene is top-rated for good reason, and Great Escape Charters puts you right in the middle of it all. Captain Will's local knowledge and years of experience mean you're not just booking a boat ride - you're getting access to the kind of insider information that separates good trips from great ones. Our boat is equipped with everything you need for a successful day, from quality tackle to safety gear to fish-finding electronics that'll locate the best action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Gulf Coast species to your list or a family wanting to create lasting memories on the water, this trip delivers. The combination of trolling and bottom fishing means there's always something happening, and the variety of species keeps things interesting all day long. Don't wait - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Meet The Bertram, a classic 38-foot offshore sport fishing machine that's been working the Gulf waters since 1989 and got a complete makeover in 2009. Twin 370HP Cummins engines push this beauty at a steady 22 knots to get you out to the fishing grounds fast. With space for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and bait schools, while the onboard kitchen, head, and sleeping quarters mean you can stay comfortable during those long days chasing red snapper, grouper, and whatever else the Gulf decides to serve up.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and put up one heck of a fight. These silvery speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some bruisers over 50. They cruise the Gulf waters from 40-150 feet deep, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blazing runs - they'll peel line like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that rich, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when trolling for kings, use a wire leader with two hooks on your bait. They love to hit the tail end of live bait, so that trailing hook will save you from missing strikes.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of Gulf bottom fishing. These ruby-red fighters average 3-8 pounds, but we regularly boat fish pushing 15-20 pounds around the deeper structures. You'll find them hanging tight to reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water. Summer is peak season when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love about snapper is their determined fight - they'll dive straight for cover every time, testing your drag and skill. And there's no better eating fish in the Gulf, with that sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you hook a snapper, keep steady pressure and get them away from structure fast. They know every hole and ledge down there and will cut you off if you give them slack.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting fast action and great table fare. These sleek silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in huge numbers. You'll find them in 10-40 feet of water around grass flats, structure, and anywhere baitfish are present. Spring through fall they're abundant, especially when water warms up and they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is their speed and numbers - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. They're also fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills beautifully. Local secret: look for diving birds working baitfish on the surface. Spanish mackerel will be underneath feeding, and small spoons or jigs cast into the frenzy will get hammered instantly.
Montgomery