Gulf Shores Inshore Redfish & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four and six-hour private charters for up to six guestsTarget redfish, trout, snapper, and seasonal Gulf speciesIncludes 2021 vessel, gear, bait, license, and fish cleaning
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the Alabama Gulf Coast, Captain James Morgan and Local Boy Charters deliver the kind of inshore action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Our private fishing charters target the productive waters around Gulf Shores, where redfish cruise the grass flats and speckled trout stack up along the drop-offs. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to put some quality fish in the box, these 4-hour and 6-hour trips give you the time and flexibility to fish multiple spots and adapt to what's biting.
Your day starts at the dock where you'll meet Captain James and step aboard our 2021 Seacat - a boat built specifically for these inshore waters. The shallow draft lets us sneak into backwater spots where bigger boats can't go, while the stable platform gives everyone plenty of room to fish comfortably. We'll have all your tackle rigged and ready before we leave the marina, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with gear. The 4-hour trips are perfect for hitting the prime inshore spots around the grass beds and oyster bars, while the 6-hour charters open up opportunities to run out to some of those nearshore reefs where the bigger fish hang out. Everything's included - rods, reels, bait, tackle, fishing licenses, drinks, and we'll even clean your catch at the end of the day. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready to put some fish on ice.
Inshore fishing around Gulf Shores is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. We'll work everything from live bait under popping corks around the grass beds to artificial lures along the channel edges and structure. The beauty of these waters is the variety - one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working a deeper hole for trout with soft plastics. Captain James knows how to adjust tactics based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. During the longer 6-hour trips, we can make the run to some productive nearshore structure where species like cobia, Spanish mackerel, and larger red snapper show up. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring, that's always welcome. We'll match hook sizes and bait presentations to what's working, whether that's live shrimp, cut bait, or the latest soft plastic that's been producing.
Redfish are the backbone of Gulf Shores inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bulldogs provide some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. Most of our slot reds run between 18 and 27 inches, perfect eating size with plenty of fight to keep things interesting. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities, with fish moving onto the flats during warmer months and staging around deeper structure when temperatures drop. What makes redfish special here is their willingness to eat - they'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Speckled trout bring a different kind of excitement to these trips. These spotted beauties are more finicky than reds, requiring a bit more finesse and attention to detail. The best trout fishing typically happens during cooler months when fish school up in deeper holes and along channel edges. A good speckled trout will run 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing over the 25-inch mark. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action once you locate a school. Trout fishing teaches you to pay attention to subtle bites and work your bait with more patience than the aggressive redfish require.
Spanish mackerel show up during warmer months and add some serious speed to your fishing day. These silver torpedoes hit fast and fight harder than their size suggests, typically running 12 to 18 inches with occasional larger fish mixed in. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and provide non-stop action when they're schooled up around nearshore structure. Kids especially love mackerel fishing because the bites come fast and the fish cooperate when they're feeding.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps experienced anglers on their toes. These black and white striped convict fish have some of the best teeth in the Gulf, requiring sharp hooks, light line, and quick reflexes. They hang around structure like pilings, reefs, and oyster bars, where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and barnacles. A good sheepshead runs 12 to 16 inches and provides some of the finest eating you'll find in these waters. They're also one of the trickiest fish to hook consistently, making them a favorite target for anglers who want to test their skills.
Cobia represent the wild card species that can show up anytime during the warmer months. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can range from smaller fish around 20 inches up to genuine tackle-busters over 40 inches. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting. Cobia are strong fighters and excellent on the table, making them a prized catch when they decide to cooperate. The nearshore reefs and structure we hit on longer trips provide the best opportunities for these fish.
Local Boy Charters has built a reputation around Gulf Shores by putting clients on fish consistently, trip after trip. Captain James Morgan knows these waters like his backyard, and the 2021 Seacat gives us the platform to fish them effectively. Whether you choose the 4-hour option for a solid inshore experience or stretch it to
Our 2021 26' Seacat delivers the perfect platform for targeting Gulf Shores' best inshore and nearshore fishing spots. Twin 300 Mercury outboards provide plenty of power to reach productive waters quickly, while the stable catamaran hull keeps you comfortable whether you're casting for redfish in the shallows or running to nearshore reefs for snapper. The boat comes fully rigged with GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate structure and mark schools. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Alabama days on the water. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to fish without crowding, plus storage for all your gear. Captain James knows these waters inside and out, putting you on speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and seasonal species. The shallow draft lets us work the grass flats and oyster bars where big reds hang out, while the seaworthy design handles nearshore runs with confidence.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - dark bronze bruisers that cruise alone and fight like nothing else in the Gulf. These fish average 20-40 pounds and 3-4 feet, but 50+ pounders show up regularly. You'll spot them around structure: oil rigs, buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-100 feet. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What makes cobia special? They're curious fish that'll come right to the boat, and once hooked, they make blistering runs that test your drag settings. Plus, they're some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Here's the secret: when you see one, don't cast right at it. Lead the fish by 20 feet with a bucktail jig or live bait, then work it slowly. Cobia will investigate, but spook them with a bad cast and they disappear fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate inshore game fish - bronze-colored bulldogs with distinctive black spots near their tails. Slot fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, but we also target bull reds that can hit 30+ pounds. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out, around oyster bars, marsh edges, and grass flats. Fall and spring are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is sight fishing - watching these copper torpedoes cruise the shallows, then making the perfect cast. They fight like freight trains and are excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. The bigger bulls are pure adrenaline but we release those to keep the fishery strong. Pro tip: in shallow water, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sit still. Redfish spook easily from boat noise, so a quiet approach and patient presentation beats aggressive fishing every time.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread and butter inshore - beautiful fish with golden sides covered in black spots. Most range 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional 5+ pound "gator trout" that'll make your day. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Cooler months from October through March are prime, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They hit topwater lures with explosive strikes and have delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Just don't overcook them - the meat is tender and turns mushy fast. Here's what works: throw a soft plastic under a popping cork over grass beds at first light. Let it sit, then twitch it slowly. When that cork disappears, count to two before setting the hook - trout have soft mouths and you'll pull the bait away if you're too quick.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the Gulf - those black and white stripes give them away every time. Most run 2-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we've pulled 15+ pounders off the right spots. You'll find them glued to structure year-round: bridge pilings, jetties, oil rigs, anywhere barnacles and oysters grow. They feed in 5-30 feet, often right under the boat. Winter and early spring are money time when they stack up for spawning. Guests love the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, making every hookup feel earned. The payoff? Some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: use the smallest hook you can get away with and fresh shrimp. Feel that light tick-tick-tick? Set the hook immediately. Wait for a hard pull and you're just feeding crabs.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These silvery rockets typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. They're schooling fish that love open water near structure - we find them around jetties, artificial reefs, and nearshore drop-offs in 15-40 feet. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit 68-75 degrees. What makes them special? They hit hard and fast, making drag-screaming runs that get everyone's attention. Plus, they're fantastic eating - mild, white meat that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds working bait, get there quick. Spanish macs will be underneath, and a small silver spoon trolled at 6-8 knots through the school will get hammered. Just keep extra leaders handy - those razor teeth will cut you off in a heartbeat.
Gulf Shores, Alabama