Gulf Shores Bottom Fishing - 5 Hour Intro Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5-hour bottom fishing trip with experienced captain guidanceMorning or afternoon departure options for small groupsLearn fishing techniques while catching offshore species
Looking to get your feet wet with some serious Gulf fishing? This 5-hour bottom fishing intro with Nauti Charters 2 is perfect for anglers ready to learn the ropes while putting some quality fish in the cooler. Whether you pick the morning departure or afternoon session, you'll be working alongside an experienced captain who knows these Gulf Shores waters like the back of his hand. With just 2 spots available, you get personalized attention and plenty of rod time targeting some of Alabama's most prized bottom species.
This trip is all about getting you comfortable with offshore bottom fishing while actually catching fish. Your captain will motor out to productive bottom structure where red snapper, triggerfish, and other tasty species hang out. The beauty of this intro format is you're not just observing - you're actively fishing the whole time with hands-on coaching. Morning trips often start around sunrise when fish are most active, while afternoon sessions let you sleep in and still get solid action. The Gulf stays fishable most days, and with Alabama's year-round fishing opportunities, you'll find different species depending on the season. Expect to anchor up on natural bottom, artificial reefs, or structure holds that consistently produce fish.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf means dropping your bait down to where fish actually live and feed. You'll be using circle hooks with cut bait, squid, or live offerings depending on what's working that day. The captain provides all tackle and bait, so you don't need to stress about rigging up. Most fishing happens in 60-120 feet of water where structure attracts baitfish and the predators that follow. You'll learn how to feel the bottom, detect bites, and properly fight fish from depth. The technique is straightforward but there's definitely skill involved in timing your hookset and managing line tension as fish try to dive back into structure. Circle hooks are required for snapper and many other species, and your captain will show you why they're actually more effective once you get the hang of it.
King Mackerel are the speedsters of this trip, often found cruising over bottom structure looking for easy meals. These silver bullets can stretch 20-40 inches and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience. They hit hard and make blistering runs, testing your drag and reflexes. Kings are most active during warmer months and early morning or late afternoon periods. What makes them special is their unpredictability - you might catch three in twenty minutes or wait all day for one monster.
Grey Triggerfish are the underrated stars of Gulf bottom fishing. These chunky, aggressive feeders have serious attitude and excellent table fare. They average 12-16 inches but don't let size fool you - triggers fight way above their weight class with powerful runs and head-shaking battles. They're most abundant during summer and fall months around hard bottom and structure. Anglers love them because they bite consistently when present and their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Redfish might show up over inshore structure or nearshore areas, especially during cooler months. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, using their broad tails to make strong runs. Gulf reds often run larger than their inshore cousins, with fish over 30 inches common. They're year-round residents but peak activity varies with water temperature and bait movements. What makes reds special is their fighting style - they don't jump but they pull hard and steady, testing your equipment and endurance.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when in season. These bright red fighters are incredibly popular for their aggressive strikes and outstanding eating quality. Snapper are structure-oriented and often found in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more below. They average 16-24 inches in recreational fishing areas and are known for their quick, powerful runs toward bottom structure. Federal snapper seasons are limited, making each fish extra special when regulations allow harvest.
This top-rated intro trip fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months. With only 2 anglers per trip, you get the personalized instruction and rod time that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Morning trips often produce better action, but afternoon sessions work perfectly if you prefer a relaxed start to your day. Your experienced captain knows the local waters, current regulations, and where fish are biting right now. Don't miss out on this customer favorite - book your Gulf Shores bottom fishing adventure with Nauti Charters 2 and discover why anglers keep coming back to these productive Alabama waters.
Your Gulf Shores bottom fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat built for serious angling. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to locate and land your catch - a high-quality fish finder to spot where the fish are holding, GPS to mark productive spots, and VHF radio for safety on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position the boat quietly over structure without spooking the fish below. Between bites, you'll appreciate the onboard multimedia system and climate-controlled comfort. An ice box keeps your catch fresh, while the onboard facilities mean you can focus on fishing all day. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll get personalized instruction from your experienced captain as you target bottom species in Gulf Shores' productive offshore waters. Perfect for learning proper techniques while actually catching fish.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are one of the smartest fish you'll tangle with out here. These football-shaped fighters average 12-17 inches and love hanging around reefs, ledges, and hard bottom in 30-180 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What makes them fun? They're notorious bait stealers with incredible bite detection - you'll swear they can pick your pocket underwater. Despite their sneaky nature, they fight hard and make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Here's the trick: use small chunks of squid and fish with light tension. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately - let them take it and then reel fast to keep them from diving into structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are serious gamefish that'll give you a fight to remember. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen plenty over 40 pounds in our deeper waters. They cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months from May through September. What makes them special? Pure speed and power - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish can. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when trolling for kings, use a two-hook rig on wire leader - they love hitting the back half of your bait, so that trailing treble hook will save you missed fish. These olive-colored torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth are worth every minute of the battle.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the ultimate bottom fishing prize in the Gulf. These bright red beauties average 16-24 inches but can reach 30+ pounds on our deeper reefs. They live 30-200 feet down around hard structure, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Summer season brings the best action when regulations allow. What makes them special? They fight smart, diving straight for cover, and they're absolutely delicious - firm, white meat with a sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Guests love the challenge and the dinner reward. Here's my advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly. If you let them run back to structure, they'll wrap you up every time. Heavy tackle and quick action wins with these bottom warriors.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target - they're aggressive, beautiful, and fight like they mean it. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow bays and grass flats. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, docks, and grass beds, especially during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the shallows - sometimes their backs are out of the water. They hit topwater lures with explosive strikes and battle hard on light tackle. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds in super shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag.
Montgomery