Gulf Shores, AL 6 Hour Nearshore Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExplore Dixie Bar, oil rigs, flats, and lighthouse areasSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
Get ready for some of the best nearshore fishing Alabama's Gulf Coast has to offer. This 6-hour adventure with Nauti Charters 1 takes you beyond the typical inshore spots to where the real action happens. We're talking about hitting prime locations like Dixie Bar, the productive oil rigs, shallow flats, and the famous Gulf Shores lighthouse area. With just 2 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The variety of fish we target here keeps things interesting all day long – from the crafty sheepshead around structure to the aggressive redfish cruising the flats.
This trip is all about covering water and adapting to what the fish are telling us. We'll start by reading conditions – wind, tide, water clarity – then make our moves accordingly. Some days that means working the artificial reefs and oil rigs where sheepshead and tripletail hang out, other times we're sight-fishing redfish in skinny water or casting to sea trout over grass beds. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the diversity. You might be bottom fishing with shrimp one minute, then switching to topwater plugs the next. I keep multiple rod setups rigged so we can capitalize on whatever bite we find. The 6-hour window gives us time to really explore different zones and techniques without feeling rushed. Plus, with only 2 guests aboard, everyone gets plenty of coaching and hands-on time with different presentations.
We fish smart out here, matching our approach to the target species and structure. Around the oil rigs and hard bottom near Dixie Bar, we'll drop live or cut bait for sheepshead using lighter tackle – these guys are notorious for their light bites and strong runs once hooked. For tripletail, we sight-fish around floating debris and structure, making precise casts with jigs or live bait. The grass flats are where we really dial in our technique for sea trout, working suspending lures and soft plastics over the edges and potholes. Redfish require a different game plan entirely – we'll pole the shallows looking for tails, wakes, and nervous water, then make strategic casts ahead of cruising fish. I provide all the tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along. The lighthouse area offers some of the most consistent action, especially when baitfish are thick and the predators move in to feed.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's skill and patience. These black-and-white striped convicts have teeth like a human and can steal bait faster than you can blink. They love hanging around pilings, rocks, and oil rigs, feeding on barnacles and crustaceans. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from 2 to 8 pounds. What makes them so exciting is their sneaky bite – you'll feel like you're hung up on bottom, then suddenly your rod comes alive with a strong, steady pull. They're also fantastic on the dinner table with sweet, flaky white meat.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing. These gorgeous fish with their spotted sides and prominent canine teeth are aggressive predators that hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Peak season runs from spring through early winter, with fish averaging 14 to 20 inches and occasional "gator trout" pushing 4 to 6 pounds. They school up over grass beds and drop-offs, making for fast action when you locate them. The bite can be subtle or aggressive depending on conditions, but when they're feeding, you'll know it. Their fighting ability surprises many anglers – they jump, make strong runs, and test your drag system.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Gulf Shores offers some of Alabama's best red drum action. These bronze-backed bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails are year-round residents that provide consistent opportunities. Slot-sized fish run 16 to 26 inches, but we regularly encounter oversized bulls that can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their incredible fighting power. They'll crush topwater baits, inhale live bait, and attack soft plastics with abandon. Sight-fishing for reds in shallow water gets your adrenaline pumping like nothing else – watching a 20-pound fish track down your bait in 2 feet of water never gets old.
Tripletail might be the most underrated fish in these waters. These oddball-looking fish with their extended dorsal and anal fins love floating around debris, markers, and structure where they ambush prey. They're curious fish that often let you get close, but they can be finicky about presentations. Size typically ranges from 3 to 15 pounds, with their unique body shape making them surprisingly strong fighters. Summer and fall offer the best tripletail opportunities when they move into nearshore waters. What excites anglers most is their unpredictable nature – you never know when you'll spot one lying on its side next to a piece of floating grass, perfectly camouflaged until you get close enough for a cast.
Six hours of top-rated nearshore fishing with personalized service – that's what sets this trip apart from crowded party boats and rushed half-day charters. You'll experience the best fishing grounds around Gulf Shores while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends. The small group size means more fish per person, more individual instruction, and the flexibility to chase whatever bite is hottest that day. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, test your skills against challenging species, or just spend quality
This well-equipped motorboat gets you to the prime fishing spots around Gulf Shores with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the flats for redfish and sea trout, while the fish finder helps locate those sneaky sheepshead around the oil rigs. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit all the hot spots from Dixie Bar to the lighthouse area where tripletail like to hang. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. With an onboard toilet, you can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort breaks. Perfect for two anglers looking to explore Gulf Shores' diverse inshore waters and chase everything from speckled trout in the grass to sheepshead around structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the Gulf's signature inshore species - those copper-bronze backs and black spots near the tail make them unmistakable. They average 20-30 inches here, with some bulls pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water on the flats. They love oyster bars, grass beds, and around our nearshore structure. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What guests love is how hard they pull - even smaller ones put up a great fight, and the big ones will test your drag. They're also excellent eating when kept at legal size. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easy in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a Gulf Coast favorite, running 14-24 inches with those beautiful silver sides and black spots. Around Gulf Shores, you'll find them over grass flats and around our nearshore structure in 2-15 feet of water. They love cooler water temps, so early morning, late evening, and fall through spring give you the best shots. These fish are fun because they hit artificial lures hard - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp all work great. Their tender, flaky white meat makes them one of the best eating fish we target. They school up in winter in deeper channels, but during warmer months they scatter across the flats. Here's a local trick: when you find one, work that area thoroughly because they usually travel in small groups.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of the Gulf's most distinctive fish - those black and white stripes earn them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 1-8 pounds around here, though we've seen some push 20 pounds near the oil rigs. These fish have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure, so you'll find them tight to pilings, bridges, and our offshore rigs. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes them special is that fight - they're strong and stubborn once hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: get your bait right against the structure and use a heavy enough weight to stay put. They'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention, so keep a tight line.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our more unique targets - they look like floating leaves with their mottled brown and white coloration. Most run 2-13 pounds, though we've caught some approaching 30 pounds near the rigs. These fish float near the surface around weed lines, debris, and channel markers. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps stay warm. What makes them special is they're sight-fishing targets that fight way above their weight class - very acrobatic for such a chunky fish. The meat rivals grouper or snapper, making them a real prize. They're also perfect for fly fishing if you're into that. Here's the key: approach them quietly and cast well past the fish, then work your bait toward them. They spook easily but once they see your offering, they'll usually ambush it.
Gulf Shores, AL