5.0(1 Reviews)Quick Cast Guided Fishing Trip in Orange Beach
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Cobia, King Mackerel, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead inshoreAll gear, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses includedFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to four guests comfortably
Orange Beach's inshore waters offer some of the Gulf Coast's most consistent fishing action, and Captain Ricky knows exactly where to find it. This top-rated charter targets the nearshore reefs and structure where Cobia, King Mackerel, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead cruise year-round. With four hours to six hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and dial in what's biting. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking for steady action without the long offshore run, this trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts at Fort Morgan Marina, where Captain Ricky and his crew have everything ready to go. We're talking quality rods and reels matched to the species we're after, fresh bait, a full tackle selection, and your fishing licenses sorted. The boat's equipped with all the electronics you'd want—GPS, fishfinder, and VHF radio—plus comfortable seating for up to four anglers. Once we clear the marina, it's typically a short run to the first spot. Orange Beach's inshore grounds are accessible, meaning less time traveling and more time with lines in the water. The crew keeps things moving, switching baits and techniques based on what's working, and they're especially good with first-timers who need a hand with rigging or fish handling.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and matching your approach to the conditions. We'll work artificial reefs, nearshore structure, and grass flats depending on the season and what species are most active. For Cobia, we often sight-fish when they're cruising near the surface, using live bait or jigs pitched right in their path. King Mackerel action typically involves trolling with spoons or rigged baits around structure, then switching to live bait once we mark fish. Speckled Trout and Sheepshead require more finesse—lighter tackle, smaller baits, and precise presentations around cover. The captain provides medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that handles everything from 15-inch Trout to 40-pound Cobia. Circle hooks are standard to protect the fish and improve hook-up ratios, and the crew handles all the rigging so you can focus on fishing.
"We had a really good time on our fishing trip out of Fort Morgan Marina with Captain Rick and his deckhand, Alabama Girl. They were both fantastic — professional, friendly, and especially great with the kids. They made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The boat was in great shape and had everything we needed. It was a bit choppy out on the water, and a couple folks in our group felt a little seasick, but that's just part of fishing sometimes. Captain Rick handled it all well and kept things moving. The catch wasn't quite as strong as we had hoped, but we did land some fish and got to take them home for dinner. Once we got back, the crew cleaned and prepped the fish for us, which was a much-appreciated touch. All in all, a great trip with a great crew. Just remember: fishing is fishing — you won't always catch as much as you'd like or reel in the exact species you're hoping for. That's no fault of the captain or the equipment. If you go in with realistic expectations and a good attitude, you'll have a memorable day on the water." - Jeffrey
Spanish Mackerel are Orange Beach's bread-and-butter fish from spring through fall. These fast, aggressive fighters typically run 1 to 3 pounds and absolutely crush small spoons, jigs, and live bait. They school up around structure and baitfish, often creating feeding frenzies that'll keep you busy for an hour straight. Spanish Mackerel are perfect for kids and beginners because they bite readily, fight hard for their size, and make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing here. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites, requiring patience and sensitivity to detect. Most Sheepshead in these waters run 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 6 or 7 pounds around deeper structure. They're year-round residents but bite best in cooler months when they school up for spawning.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 30 to 50 pounds in Orange Beach waters and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and endurance. Kings are most active from late spring through early fall, hunting around artificial reefs, oil rigs, and temperature breaks. They're prime targets for trolling, but nothing beats the excitement of watching a live bait get crushed by a big King in clear water.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are the most sought-after inshore species along Alabama's coast. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides typically range from 12 to 20 inches, with trophy fish over 25 inches occasionally caught. They prefer grass flats and deeper holes, especially during temperature changes. Trout are excellent eating and provide steady action on light tackle, making them perfect for family trips.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your entire trip. These brown, shark-looking fish are curious by nature and often approach the boat for a close look. They're sight-fishing targets when cruising near the surface, but also ambush prey around structure. Orange Beach Cobia typically run 20 to 40 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds caught each season. They're strong fighters that make long runs and are considered premium table fare throughout the Gulf Coast.
Your fishing platform for this Orange Beach adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to get you on the fish fast. With room for up to 4 anglers, this boat cuts through Gulf waters smoothly while the onboard fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate schools of cobia, mackerel, and other prized species. The GPS keeps you dialed into the hottest fishing spots along Alabama's coast. Built for inshore action, this boat gets you close to structure and drop-offs where the fish hang out, while staying stable enough for comfortable casting and fighting fish. Whether you're working live bait for cobia or trolling for kings, this setup gives you the mobility to chase the bite wherever it leads in Orange Beach waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of the Gulf - brown, ugly, and built like tanks. These solitary fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds, living up to their reputation as strong fighters. You'll spot them cruising shallow structure like oil rigs, buoys, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move into our area to spawn. What guests love is the sight fishing - watching a big cobia swim up to investigate your bait is pure adrenaline. The meat is firm and delicious, often compared to shark but better. My secret weapon is a bucktail jig worked slowly near structure. These fish are curious, so if you see one, stay calm and make a good cast - they'll often come check out what you're offering.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons that separate the casual anglers from the serious ones. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when you get into the big girls. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, usually around structure or temperature breaks. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the blistering runs - these fish can strip line faster than almost anything in the Gulf. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. Kings are notorious for hitting the back half of live bait, so always rig with a stinger hook near the tail. When trolling, vary your speeds and don't be afraid to speed up when you get a bite - it often triggers more strikes.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing - reliable, tasty, and always willing to bite. These spotted beauties typically run 1-4 pounds with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 6+ pounds. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during cold snaps. Spring through fall are best, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes them popular is they're forgiving for beginners but still challenging for pros. The meat is delicate and sweet - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. My go-to trick is working soft plastics under a popping cork. The noise brings them up from the grass, and that subtle action below seals the deal. Focus on areas where clean water meets structure.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the thieves of the Gulf - notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth built for crunching barnacles and crabs. These black-striped convicts typically run 2-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure they can find: docks, bridges, pilings, and reefs. Winter and early spring are best when they school up for spawning. They're found in 5-30 feet of water, usually hugging tight to cover. What makes them special is the challenge - they'll nibble your bait clean without you feeling a thing. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use the smallest hook you can get away with, keep your bait pinned tight, and set the hook hard the second you feel weight.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and love to school up in our nearshore waters during warmer months. You'll find them cruising grass flats and around structure in 10-40 feet of water. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making screaming runs that'll get your heart pumping. Spring through fall are prime time, especially when baitfish are thick. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and great on the grill. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast. Keep your lures small and shiny, and don't be surprised if everyone on the boat gets doubled up. These fish travel in big groups, so where there's one, there's usually dozens more.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a really good time on our fishing trip out of Fort Morgan Marina with Captain Rick and his deckhand, Alabama Girl. They wer...
Orange Beach Boulevard, AL