4 Hour Afternoon Fishing Trip in Orange Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish and speckled trout in Orange Beach watersExpert Captain Benjamin Knight guides intimate 2person trips4hour inshore fishing adventure with experienced local charter
Want to get your line wet in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore waters? This 4-hour afternoon fishing trip puts you right where the action is in Orange Beach, Alabama. Captain Benjamin Knight knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on redfish, black drum, and sheepshead that'll make your day memorable. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this top-rated charter delivers the goods without all the fuss.
You'll meet Captain Benjamin at the marina in the afternoon when the fish are starting to get active again after the midday heat. Orange Beach's inshore waters offer a perfect mix of grass flats, oyster bars, and structure that holds fish year-round. The boat accommodates up to 2 anglers, so you won't be crowded or fighting for space – just quality fishing time with plenty of room to work. Benjamin's been running these waters for years, and he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish whether they're cruising the flats or hanging around the pilings. The afternoon bite can be fantastic here, especially as the sun starts to angle lower and the water cools down a bit. You'll cover different spots depending on what's biting, from shallow grass beds where redfish love to hunt to deeper structure where black drum and sheepshead hang out.
Captain Benjamin comes equipped with quality tackle suited for Orange Beach's inshore fishing. You'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from scrappy trout to bull reds. Live bait is king in these waters – expect to fish with live shrimp, mud minnows, and cut bait depending on what the fish are wanting. The techniques vary based on conditions and target species, but you'll likely do some bottom fishing around structure for black drum and sheepshead, plus some sight fishing and drift fishing over the grass flats for reds. Benjamin knows when to anchor up and when to keep moving, reading the water conditions and fish behavior to adjust the game plan. The boat is set up for comfortable fishing with good deck space and all the gear you need, so you can focus on setting the hook instead of worrying about equipment.
Black drum are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters, and Orange Beach has some excellent populations. These fish love to hang around oyster bars and bridge pilings, crushing crabs and shrimp with their powerful jaws. You'll find them in 6-15 feet of water, and they can range from schoolie-sized 2-3 pounders up to impressive 20+ pound bulls that'll test your drag. Fall and spring are prime times, but you can catch them year-round here. What makes black drum so appealing is their willingness to bite and their surprising fight – they don't jump like reds, but they'll pull hard and steady, making multiple runs that keep your rod bent.
Sheepshead might just be the most challenging and rewarding fish you'll target on this trip. These black and white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with excellent eyesight and quick reflexes. They love structure – docks, pilings, rocks, anywhere they can find barnacles and oysters to munch on. Orange Beach's numerous docks and bridges provide perfect sheepshead habitat. The key is using small hooks, light line, and fresh bait, then setting the hook at the slightest tap. When you do connect, sheepshead are surprisingly strong for their size and absolutely delicious on the table. They're most active during cooler months, making winter and early spring peak times to target them.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast inshore fishing, and Orange Beach's waters hold some beauties. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats, hunt in shallow water, and aren't shy about crushing a well-presented bait. Slot-sized reds between 16-27 inches are common, but you might hook into an oversized bull that'll strip line and make your heart pound. Redfish bite year-round here, but fall tends to be exceptional when schools of bull reds move through the area. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature and powerful runs – they'll peel drag and often jump, putting on a show that never gets old.
Orange Beach offers some of the Gulf Coast's most consistent inshore fishing, and this 4-hour afternoon trip gives you a solid taste of what these waters can produce. Captain Benjamin's local expertise and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a smart choice whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned angler looking for a quality charter. The afternoon timing means you'll avoid the morning rush and often find fish that are more active as conditions improve throughout the day. Don't wait too long to secure your date – good captains book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and everyone wants to get out on the water.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a reliable 2017 Blazer Bay 2400 center console that's built for Orange Beach's inshore waters. This 24-footer cuts through the waves smoothly with its 250 HP Suzuki engine, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the productive fishing spots quickly. The spacious center console design gives everyone room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Benjamin Knight knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on redfish, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting. The boat's icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 4-hour trip. With plenty of deck space for casting and an open layout perfect for landing fish, this setup handles everything from shallow grass flats to deeper structure where the big ones hide. The reliable Suzuki power means more time fishing and less time worrying about getting back to the dock.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in shallow brackish water, though they roam from 2 feet to 100 feet deep. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we get the best action. These fish put up a solid fight with their powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait since catfish won't steal it like they do shrimp, and fish right on the bottom where they feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species around Orange Beach, running from schoolie size up to 50+ pound bulls. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. They're year-round fish but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special is that explosive strike and strong fight, plus that distinctive black spot near the tail. Smaller reds are fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real fun is sight-fishing them in skinny water with topwater plugs or soft plastics. Local tip: work your lure slow and steady - redfish aren't in a hurry and neither should you be.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Orange Beach - those black stripes give them away every time. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we see 20-pounders around the right structure. They live around any hard cover: bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and reefs where they munch barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they gather to spawn. People love targeting them because they're excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth. My advice: get your bait tight against the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll clean your hook before you know they're there.
Orange Beach, AL