5.0(2 Reviews)Offshore Reef Fishing Charter, Gulf Shores
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting Cobia and Grey Triggerfish on Gulf reefsAll fishing licenses, tackle, bait and ice included for convenienceProfessional guidance provided for anglers of all skill levels
When you're looking to get serious about bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 6-hour offshore charter with In Too Deep Charters puts you right where the action is. Captain Tony and his crew know these reef systems like the back of their hand, and they'll get you on productive structure where Cobia, Grey Triggerfish, and Red Snapper stack up during their seasons. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet with saltwater fishing, this trip gives you the perfect balance of guided instruction and hands-on fishing time. All your licenses, tackle, bait, and ice are covered – just bring yourself and get ready to load the cooler.
This charter runs you out to the productive reef systems scattered across the Gulf, where structure holds everything from aggressive Cobia to hefty Red Snapper. You'll be fishing with up to 6 anglers total, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different depths around the structure. Captain Tony provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, plus he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish when conditions are right. The 6-hour duration gives you solid fishing time without wearing you out – perfect for families or mixed groups where some folks might be new to offshore fishing. Just remember that your deckhand works primarily for tips, so factor that into your budget. These guys work hard to keep your lines in the water and your fish in the boat, so taking care of them is part of the deal.
Reef fishing in the Gulf is all about getting your bait down to where the fish live and holding it in the strike zone. You'll be working with medium to heavy tackle, typically dropping cut bait, live bait, or jigs down to depths ranging from 60 to 120 feet depending on the structure. The key is reading the bottom and understanding how fish relate to the reef – Cobia cruise the tops and edges, while Triggerfish and Snapper tuck into the holes and crevices. Captain Tony will position the boat to drift or anchor based on current and wind conditions, and the crew will help you adjust your technique throughout the day. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to improve fish survival, and you'll learn how to feel the difference between a bite, a snag, and just bottom contact. The Gulf's reef systems are both natural and artificial, including oil rigs, wrecks, and limestone outcroppings that create the perfect ambush points for predator fish.
"Awesome experience would 10/10 recommend Tony can't wait to come back and go back out with them deckhand Aiden was amazing as well great with kids (especially being my kids first time out fishing at sea) always ready at every second to assist and help in every way possible! All around very knowledgeable captain and crew!" - Deidre
"We had an amazing time with Captain Tony he's a very knowledgeable and experienced guide as you will quickly learn. His experience on the water is invaluable as he took the time needed to make sure that we never had to worry about safety during the trip. His knowledge in navigating all the weather conditions that kept forming while we fished some really sweet honey holes took the worry out of what would have otherwise been a short trip. We limited out on snapper and could have over and over again, very pleased with our trip and will definitely plan another trip in the near future to go catch some tuna. Thanks for an unforgettable experience Captain, looking forward to more adventures with you." - Dale
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and when they're around the reefs, they'll absolutely smoke your drag. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at Kings, especially when they're feeding on the abundant baitfish around structure. What makes King Mackerel so exciting is their initial run – they'll peel line off your reel like it's on fire, and then settle into a strong, steady fight that tests your technique and endurance.
Grey Triggerfish might not look like much, but they're one of the tastiest fish in the Gulf and they put up a surprisingly good scrap for their size. These guys typically run 2-8 pounds and have incredible pulling power for their body size. Triggerfish season varies year to year based on regulations, but when they're open, they're fantastic table fare and fun to catch. They're notorious bait thieves with their small mouths and sharp teeth, so you'll need to stay sharp and set the hook quick when you feel that telltale pecking bite.
Redfish around the offshore reefs are usually the bigger bull reds that have moved out of the inshore waters to spawn. These bruisers can push 30-40 inches and provide a completely different fight than their inshore cousins – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that'll test your back and shoulders. Fall is prime time for offshore reds, and catching one of these copper-colored bulldozers is always a highlight of any reef trip.
Cobia are the ultimate reef predators, cruising the edges and tops of structure looking for an easy meal. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can range from 20 pounds up to 50-plus pound slobs that'll give you the fight of your life. Cobia season typically runs spring through fall, and they're known for their curious nature – sometimes they'll follow the boat or even swim right up to check out what's going on. When you hook into a good Cobia, get ready for multiple runs and a fish that doesn't give up until it's in the boat.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when they're in season, and these reefs hold some genuine quality fish. Sn
Our 28' Angler center console is built for serious Gulf fishing, powered by twin 200HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the productive reef systems fast and comfortable. This boat handles six anglers with plenty of room to work, featuring a livewell to keep your bait fresh and active. The GPS, fishfinder, and radar systems help locate those sweet spots where cobia and triggerfish like to hang around the structure. When you're targeting reef species in Gulf waters, having reliable electronics makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action while the captain can navigate efficiently between productive areas. With a porta-potty onboard, you can stay focused on fishing without cutting the trip short. The twin outboards provide the reliability you want when you're miles offshore chasing cobia around the rigs or working triggerfish off the natural reefs.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these curious fish often swim right up to the boat. Averaging 20-50 pounds with some reaching 80+, they're solitary hunters that cruise reefs and structures in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active around our area. What guests love is their curious nature and powerful fights - they'll make long runs and dive for structure. The meat is outstanding, firm and white like mahi. These fish are sight-fishing targets, often spotted cruising just below the surface. My trick is to have a bucktail jig ready when you spot one - drop it right in front of their path and work it with short hops. They're aggressive and usually can't resist a well-placed jig.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are the reef bullies that'll keep you busy on every drop. Running 2-5 pounds on average, these tough customers live around hard bottom and reef structure in 60-180 feet of water. They're open year-round but fish best during warmer months when they're most active. What guests love is their scrappy fight - they'll pull sideways and try every trick to wrap your line around structure. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The challenge is their habit of nibbling bait before committing. My go-to trick is using small chunks of fresh squid and keeping light tension on the line so you can feel those subtle taps, then set the hook fast when they finally take it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These migratory fish typically run 20-40 pounds, though the bigger ones can hit 60+ pounds. You'll find them cruising depths from 40-150 feet around our reef systems, especially during spring and fall migrations. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are essential. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. The meat is excellent when fresh, though it's oily and best grilled or smoked. My tip: when trolling, use a stinger hook rig since kings often bite the tail section of your bait first. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and be ready for multiple runs.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the kings of our reef systems and the reason many folks book trips. These bright red beauties typically run 3-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up regularly around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom and reefs from 60-200 feet, holding tight to cover. Season runs June through July, making summer the prime time for targeting them. What makes snappers special is their incredible table quality - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're also strong fighters that'll head straight for structure when hooked. The key is getting your bait down fast with enough weight and keeping them away from the rocks. My tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or minnows, and once you hook one, keep steady pressure to pull them up and away from the reef.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers that make hearts race in shallow water. These drum typically run 18-30 inches and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. While they love super shallow flats of 1-4 feet, we also find them around offshore structure in deeper water. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What makes reds special is their distinctive black spots and that signature bronze coloring. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for blackening. The fight is what hooks people - they'll make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you. My local trick is to watch for schools cruising just under the surface and cast ahead of them with topwater plugs for explosive strikes.
5.0 out of 5.0Awesome experience would 10/10 recommend Tony can’t wait to come back and go back out with them deckhand Aiden was amazing as wel...
We had an amazing time with Captain Tony he’s a very knowledgeable and experienced guide as you will quickly learn. His experience...
Gulf Shores