6-Hour Inshore Fishing in the Gulf Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple Gulf Coast speciesAll rods, tackle, and bait provided by Off The Hook ChartersMaximum two guests for personalized fishing experience
When you're looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that gives you plenty of time to really get into the groove, this 6-hour inshore trip with Off The Hook Charters hits the sweet spot. The Gulf Coast waters are absolutely loaded with fish, and with six hours on the water, you'll have multiple shots at some seriously good action. We're talking Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Redfish, Black Drum, and Cobia – all species that'll put a bend in your rod and a smile on your face. This isn't a rushed trip where you barely get your line wet before heading back to the dock. You'll have time to dial in your technique, switch up spots if needed, and really make the most of what these productive waters have to offer.
Your day starts with a quick rundown of the game plan and safety briefings before we head out to where the fish are holding. The Gulf Coast's inshore waters are a maze of grass flats, oyster bars, drop-offs, and structure that hold different species throughout the day. We'll work everything from shallow flats in 3-4 feet of water to deeper channels and ledges where the bigger fish cruise. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is flexibility – if the bite is slow in one area, we've got time to move and find where they're feeding. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and be ready to fish. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 anglers, which means plenty of space to fish without getting tangled up and personal attention from your captain.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. For the mackerel, we'll often troll small spoons or use live bait around structure where they school up. Redfish and Black Drum love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, so we'll work these areas with cut bait, live shrimp, or artificials depending on conditions. When we're after Cobia, keep your eyes peeled – these fish often cruise just under the surface, and sight fishing for them is about as exciting as it gets. We'll have spinning reels spooled with 20-30 lb test for most situations, with heavier tackle available if we hook into something that demands it. The captain will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, but don't be shy about asking questions – most guides love sharing techniques that'll help you become a better angler.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are absolute speed demons that hit baits with authority and put up a scrappy fight that's way bigger than their size suggests. Most Spanish Mackerel run 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and attitude. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action often happening when you find schools working baitfish on the surface. They're also excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
King Mackerel are the big brothers of the mackerel family and a customer favorite for obvious reasons. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and pack serious power, often making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Kings patrol deeper waters and drop-offs, usually in 15-40 feet of water around here. Summer months are peak season, but we see them spring through fall. When you hook a good King, you'll know it – they're one of the most aggressive feeders in these waters and absolutely smoking fast.
Redfish might just be the most popular inshore species on the Gulf Coast, and once you tangle with one, you'll understand why. These copper-colored bulldogs average 18-27 inches in our waters and fight like fish twice their size. Reds are year-round residents, but fall is absolutely world-class when they school up in huge numbers. They're also one of the smartest fish in the bay – they'll test your patience and skill, making every hookup that much more satisfying.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon in these waters. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and structure where they crush crabs and other shellfish. Spring is trending as the best time for big drum, though we catch them year-round. Don't let their reputation as slow fighters fool you – a big drum will bulldoze you around and test every knot on your rig.
Cobia are the wild cards that make every trip exciting. These fish are curious, aggressive, and absolutely delicious on the table. They're often called "brown sharks" because of how they look cruising just under the surface, but once you see that distinctive flat head and dark stripes, you'll know you're looking at something special. Cobia average 20-40 pounds in our area and are renowned for their powerful runs and stubborn fight. Late spring through summer is prime time, and sight fishing for them is hands-down one of the most exciting ways to fish.
A 6-hour inshore trip gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really get into fish without committing to a full day offshore adventure. The Gulf Coast's inshore waters are consistently productive, the weather is generally more predictable than offshore trips, and the variety of species means there's always something to target. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler, test your skills against some hard-fighting species, or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip delivers. With all gear provided and a maximum of 2 anglers, you'll get the personal attention and fishing time that makes for a truly memorable day. Book your spot now and get
Your fishing machine for the day is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious Gulf Coast action. This beauty comes loaded with everything you need to track down those Red Drum and Cobia - a top-notch fish finder to spot the schools, GPS to mark your honey holes, and radar for when the weather gets sketchy. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard ice box while you cruise to the next spot, and stay connected with other anglers using the VHF radio. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. Perfect for you and one fishing buddy to have plenty of elbow room while working the flats and channels where those Mackerels and Redfish like to hang out.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. These bottom-feeders love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish areas where they crunch on crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds. Guests enjoy the strong, steady fight they put up - no jumping, just pure pulling power. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. My go-to tip: use fresh soft crab on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom. The key is patience - let them pick it up and run before setting the hook. Their bite feels like a slow, heavy pull.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - dark brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone rather than in schools. These bruisers average 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them one of our strongest fighters. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though they move shallow during spring migration and spawning season from June through August. What guests love is the visual fishing - spotting them cruising just under the surface - and that bulldogging fight once hooked. The white meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf, firm and flavorful. Best approach is sight-casting bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz weights. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does - drop it right in front of their nose.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speedsters of our Gulf waters, averaging around 30 pounds with some pushing 90+. These toothy predators cruise 40-150 feet deep but move inshore to harbors and inlets during warmer months. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit 68-84°F. Guests love the blistering runs and drag-screaming fights - they're nearly as fast as wahoo. The meat is rich and flavorful, though larger fish can be high in mercury. Best technique is trolling with live bait on a wire leader using two hooks - one in the nose, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the back half of baitfish, so that second hook saves the day. When you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our most popular inshore target, running 20-40 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy bays where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall are peak times. Guests love the visual aspect of sight-fishing and those explosive topwater strikes. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill. My secret: use a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning in skinny water. When you see that telltale wake or copper flash, cast ahead of them and work it slow.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, making them perfect for our 6-hour trips. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structures, flats, and oyster bars. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up and they move closer to shore. What guests love most is their lightning-fast strikes on spoons and jigs - they're some of the quickest fish in our waters. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild flavor that grills up perfectly. Pro tip: when you spot a school, drift to them instead of running the motor - the noise will scatter them fast. Use shiny spoons or live shrimp and be ready for that screaming drag.
Gulf Shores, AL