Orange Beach Inshore Fishing with Captain Roy
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Roy guides 3hour inshore fishing charters for familiesCatchandrelease trips target Catfish, Black Drum, and SkateSmall groups of 4 guests with possible dolphin encounters
Looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure that won't break the bank or keep you on the water all day? Captain Roy's 3-hour inshore charter in Orange Beach hits the sweet spot. This isn't about filling coolers – it's about getting your kids hooked on fishing while exploring some of Alabama's most productive nearshore waters. With a catch-and-release approach, you'll focus on the pure joy of the fight and watching your little ones land their first fish. Orange Beach's back bays and nearshore waters are crawling with hungry fish year-round, making this a top-rated choice for families wanting guaranteed action without the long offshore haul.
Captain Roy keeps things simple and fun on his well-equipped vessel, perfectly sized for intimate family groups of up to four anglers. These three-hour trips target the productive inshore waters around Orange Beach, where the action stays consistent and seasickness isn't a concern. You'll fish the grass flats, oyster bars, and structure-rich areas that hold plenty of willing fish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring up a feisty catfish, the next could be a hefty black drum testing your drag. Roy provides all the tackle and knows exactly where to find the bite, adjusting his approach based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. Don't worry about experience levels; he's patient with beginners and loves seeing kids get their first taste of saltwater fishing. As a bonus, these waters often see dolphin activity, so keep your eyes peeled between hookups.
This inshore fishing experience relies on proven bottom fishing techniques that work perfectly for the target species in Orange Beach waters. Captain Roy rigs up medium-action spinning gear with circle hooks and fresh bait – usually cut shrimp, squid, or small baitfish that these inshore species can't resist. You'll be fishing on or near the bottom, where black drum cruise the oyster beds, sheepshead pick around structure, and catfish patrol the flats. The tackle is scaled perfectly for the fight these fish provide without being too heavy for younger anglers to handle. Roy might also break out some light jigging gear if the ladyfish are schooled up, giving everyone a chance to feel that classic saltwater head-shake. The techniques are straightforward but effective – perfect for families who want to catch fish without getting bogged down in complicated rigging or advanced methods.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Orange Beach inshore waters, with fish ranging from puppy drum under 10 pounds to bruiser bull reds that'll test your arms. These copper-colored fighters love cruising oyster bars and grass flats, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish. What makes black drum so exciting for families is their powerful, sustained runs – even smaller fish feel much bigger than they are, giving kids a real taste of saltwater fishing power.
Sheepshead might be the craftiest fish you'll encounter on this trip, known for their ability to steal bait without getting hooked. These black-and-white striped convict fish hang around any structure they can find – bridge pilings, oyster bars, dock posts. They're most active in cooler months when they school up for spawning runs, but you'll find them year-round in Orange Beach waters. Landing a sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes, making them a favorite challenge for anglers who want to test their skills against one of the Gulf's smartest fish.
Barndoor Skate add an element of surprise to any inshore trip, with their prehistoric appearance and unique fighting style. These flat, diamond-shaped rays can span several feet and put up a surprising fight that feels completely different from any bony fish. They're bottom dwellers that cruise sandy areas looking for crabs and small fish, often showing up when you're targeting other species. Kids especially love the novelty of catching something that looks so different, and skates are perfectly harmless despite their intimidating appearance.
Ladyfish are the speed demons of the inshore waters, providing non-stop action when schools move through Orange Beach's back bays. These silver rockets rarely exceed two pounds, but they make up for size with pure energy – jumping, diving, and peeling line like miniature tarpon. Summer months bring the most consistent ladyfish action, often in schools that make for fantastic light-tackle fishing. They're perfect for getting kids comfortable with fighting fish, as the action is fast but manageable.
Hardhead Sea Catfish might not win beauty contests, but they're willing biters that provide steady action throughout the trip. These whiskered fighters are extremely common in Orange Beach waters, especially around structure and during warmer months. While experienced anglers might consider them nuisance fish, they're perfect for keeping kids engaged and building confidence. Hardheads fight harder than their freshwater cousins and give younger anglers plenty of opportunities to practice their technique.
Captain Roy's 3-hour family fishing charter offers the perfect introduction to Orange Beach's world-class inshore fishing scene. You'll get hands-on experience with proven techniques, encounter multiple species, and create lasting memories without the commitment of a full-day trip. The catch-and-release approach means you're fishing for sport and conservation, teaching kids valuable lessons about respecting our marine resources. With consistent action, patient instruction, and the chance to see dolphins, this trip delivers exactly what families need to fall in love with saltwater fishing. Orange Beach's inshore waters fish well year-round, so don't wait – secure your spot with Captain Roy and get ready to see why this customer favorite keeps families coming back season after season.
Captain Roy's 2000 Sea Fox center console is your ticket to Orange Beach's prime inshore fishing spots. This reliable 24-footer runs on twin 150HP Evinrude engines that'll get you to the hot spots quickly and quietly. The boat comes loaded with serious fishing gear - GPS to find those productive waters, radar for safe navigation, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of redfish, catfish, and black drum lurking in the shallows. Perfect for families of up to 4 anglers, this center console gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The open layout means kids can move around safely while learning to bait hooks and land their first catch. There's even a head onboard for those longer trips. Captain Roy knows these Alabama waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while keeping things fun and educational for the young ones. You might even spot some dolphins playing in the boat's wake as you cruise between fishing holes. The Sea Fox handles the shallow inshore waters perfectly, letting you chase speckled trout in the grass flats or target bigger black drum around the jetties.
Dipturus LaevisSkates are one of those unique catches that always get kids excited - they look like something from another world with their flat, wing-like bodies. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-3 feet but can reach 5 feet and 40 pounds. You'll find them on soft sandy and muddy bottoms, usually in 20-100 feet of water where they cruise around hunting crabs, fish, and just about anything else. They're around year-round, but cooler months often bring them closer to shore. What makes them fun is the mystery - you never know what size you've hooked until you see it, and they put up a steady, powerful fight that's different from any other fish. They're all catch-and-release for us, which works perfectly since most folks just want the experience. Use heavy tackle with whole or cut bait on bottom - mackerel, squid, or crab work well. Keep steady pressure once hooked.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning season when they school up in shallow waters. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're feeding heavily in 2-10 feet of water. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll test your drag and make long runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom near oyster bars. These fish are cautious, so give them time to pick up the bait before setting the hook.
Ariopsis FelisHardhead catfish are probably the most common catch around here - they're everywhere and always hungry. These gray, scaleless fish typically run 8-12 inches and 1-3 pounds, though some reach 28 inches. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and anywhere with muddy or sandy bottoms. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months. While many anglers see them as bait stealers, kids love catching them because they bite aggressively and are easy to hook. They're not the best eating compared to other species, but some folks do keep the smaller ones. The main thing is handling them carefully - those dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp and can give you a nasty puncture wound even when the fish is dead. Use shrimp on a simple bottom rig and you'll catch them all day. They're actually great for teaching kids how to fight fish since they pull steadily.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are pure fun on light tackle - they're like having a mini-tarpon on the line. These silver torpedoes usually run 12-24 inches and put on quite a show, jumping and tail-walking across the surface when hooked. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near shorelines where they hunt in schools. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when baitfish are thick. Kids absolutely love them because they're aggressive biters and acrobatic fighters. While they're not great eating (pretty bony), they make fantastic bait for bigger fish like snook and tarpon. They'll hit just about anything - live shrimp, small jigs, or flies work great. Here's the thing: use a short wire leader or heavy mono because they've got small but sharp teeth that'll cut through light line. Once you find a school, you can usually catch them one after another.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our area with their distinctive black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders that'll surprise you. They hang tight around any structure - bridge pilings, docks, and barnacle-covered posts are prime spots. Early spring through late fall gives you the best shot when they're feeding aggressively on fiddler crabs and barnacles. Families love catching them because they're plentiful and make outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. They're notorious bait thieves though - they'll nibble and pick at your hook. My go-to technique is getting as close to structure as possible with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keeping just enough weight to stay down, and setting the hook hard the moment you feel them.
Orange Beach, AL