Gulf Coast 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure along Alabama Gulf Coast watersTarget mackerel, black drum, cobia, and redfish speciesAll fishing equipment provided for twoperson charter experience
The Alabama Gulf Coast offers some of the best inshore fishing in the Southeast, and Off the Hook Charters knows exactly where to put you on the fish. This 6-hour inshore trip targets the productive grass flats, oyster bars, and nearshore structure where Spanish Mackerel, Black Drum, King Mackerel, Redfish, and Cobia make their home. With all gear provided and room for just two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one on the water.
Your day starts early, meeting the crew at the marina while the Gulf Coast morning is still cool and calm. Off the Hook Charters runs a well-equipped inshore boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow waters and grass flats where our target species love to feed. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every oyster bar, every grass bed, and every piece of structure that holds fish. You'll cover a lot of water during your 6-hour trip, moving from spot to spot based on tides, weather, and what's biting. The boat's shallow draft lets you get into places where bigger vessels can't go, putting you right in the strike zone. Pack your own snacks and drinks because once you're hooked up with fish after fish, you won't want to waste time heading back to shore for lunch. The Alabama Gulf Coast stays productive year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and different techniques.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be working with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with braided line – perfect for pulling fish out of structure and handling the runs these Gulf Coast species are known for. Live bait is king out here, and the crew will have you rigged with everything from live shrimp under popping corks to cut bait on the bottom for the bigger drum. When the mackerel are running, you'll switch to fast-moving spoons and small jigs that trigger those aggressive strikes. Cobia require a different approach entirely – sight fishing with live crabs or eels when you spot those brown shadows cruising the flats. The captain will position the boat based on wind, tide, and current to give you the best presentation, whether you're drifting grass beds or anchored up on structure. Circle hooks are the standard for most presentations, especially when targeting redfish and drum, giving you solid hooksets while protecting the fish for a healthy release.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Alabama inshore fishing, especially from late spring through early fall. These aggressive feeders average 2-4 pounds and provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. They hit fast-moving lures with authority and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Look for diving birds – where there are birds, there are usually Spanish macs feeding on baitfish below. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy drum" to monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. These bottom dwellers love oyster bars and structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're not the fastest fish, but their power is undeniable – a big drum will test your tackle and your patience. Spring and fall see the best numbers, though you can catch them year-round. Their distinctive black stripes and deep body make them unmistakable, and they're surprisingly good eating in the smaller sizes.
King Mackerel venture into inshore waters during their spring and fall migrations, bringing world-class excitement to the Alabama coast. These toothy predators can reach 30 pounds or more and are famous for their blistering runs and aerial displays. When kings move inshore, the action gets intense fast. Wire leaders are essential – their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. They prefer live bait like blue runners or Spanish sardines, but they'll also crush large spoons and diving plugs trolled at the right speed.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Alabama inshore fishing, with their copper-bronze sides and distinctive black spot making them one of the most beautiful fish in these waters. Bulls can exceed 30 pounds and provide arm-burning fights in shallow water. Slot-size reds between 16-26 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized breeders get returned to spawn another day. They're ambush predators that love to cruise grass flats and oyster bars, often feeding in water so shallow their backs are out of the water. Sight fishing for tailing reds is as good as it gets in the inshore world.
Cobia are the wildcards of Alabama inshore fishing – when you find them, you're in for something special. These brown, shark-like fish can reach 40+ pounds and are curious enough to approach the boat for a closer look. They're often found around structure, following rays, or just cruising the flats solo. Cobia are excellent table fare with thick, white fillets that taste like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're strong fighters that make long runs and aren't afraid to dive for structure when hooked. Spring brings the best cobia action as they move inshore to spawn.
Off the Hook Charters' 6-hour inshore trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – access to top-rated fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and the gear to make it happen. With just two spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that separates this charter from the crowded party boats. The Alabama Gulf Coast produces fish year-round, and these waters have earned their reputation as some of the best inshore fishing in the South. Whether you're after your first redfish or
Your fishing platform for this Gulf Coast adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious inshore action. The boat comes loaded with a fish finder to help locate those prized redfish and cobia hiding in the shallows, plus GPS navigation to keep you on the productive spots. A wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through the water without spooking fish, while the ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. The onboard multimedia system provides entertainment between bites, and VHF radio ensures clear communication with other anglers and marine traffic. Radar helps navigate safely even when Gulf Coast weather rolls in. This setup accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines and land those Alabama Gulf Coast favorites like mackerel, black drum, and whatever else is biting in these rich inshore waters.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools near the surface. You'll spot them around structure, grass flats, and jetties in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times when they're feeding actively on baitfish. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strikes and screaming runs - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that grills, fries, or smokes beautifully. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, keep your bait in the water because where there's one Spanish, there's usually a dozen more. Light tackle with shiny spoons or live shrimp works best.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, averaging 15-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in shallow water. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. What guests love about drum fishing is the powerful, bulldogging fight - they'll bend your rod and test your patience. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. Listen for their distinctive drumming sounds underwater - that's how you know you've found them.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - big, brown, and built like torpedoes. These 30-60 pound fish cruise alone near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're most active. What gets anglers fired up about cobia is their size, fight, and incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. Best tip: have a bucktail jig ready when you spot one. Drop it right in front of their nose and work it slowly. They'll usually eat it or move on quickly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black tail spots. Most run 20-30 inches and fight way above their weight class. They love shallow water from 1-8 feet around grass beds, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. What makes reds so popular is their aggressive strikes and stubborn fights - they'll pull drag and never give up. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Watch for tailing fish in skinny water - that's when you know they're feeding. Throw a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of them and hang on tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 15-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These predators cruise in 40-100 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Summer and early fall are best when they're most active in our area. What makes kings special is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is rich and perfect for grilling or smoking. My go-to technique is slow-trolling live bait on a stinger rig. Kings love to hit the back half of the bait, so that trailing hook is crucial. Use wire leader - their razor teeth will cut through anything else.
Gulf Shores, AL