Private 3 Hour Afternoon Trolling Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Threehour trolling trip targets mackerel and bonito offshoreAccommodates up to six guests with wildlife viewing opportunitiesOnboard grilling available during sunrise or sunset departure times
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure along Alabama's Gulf Coast? This 3-hour trolling trip covers some of the most productive waters around Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Gulf Shores. We'll be running the coast targeting Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and bonito while you soak up the Gulf views. Perfect for families or groups up to 6 anglers who want to get on the water without committing to a full day. Plus, there's always a chance to spot dolphins, rays, and maybe even some sharks cruising the area.
This trip is all about covering water and finding active fish. We'll head out from one of the local marinas and start working the nearshore waters where these pelagic species love to hunt. The afternoon bite can be fantastic, especially when baitfish are thick along the coast. You'll get to experience the Gulf's beautiful emerald waters while we cruise at trolling speed, watching the rods and scanning for bird activity or surface action. The boat comes equipped with everything you need, and there's plenty of room for your crew to spread out and get comfortable. If the fish are cooperative and everyone's having a blast, we can always extend the trip to make the most of a hot bite.
We run a proven trolling spread using a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait depending on conditions. The setup typically includes planer boards to cover more water and keep baits away from the boat's wake. We'll vary our speed between 4-8 knots based on what the fish are telling us, and adjust depths using different weighted lines and diving gear. The key is staying mobile and reading the water - looking for temperature breaks, current lines, and baitfish schools. When we mark fish on the sonar or see surface activity, we'll work that area thoroughly before moving on. The tackle is medium-heavy spinning and conventional gear that can handle these hard-fighting coastal species.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast trolling trips. These silver rockets typically run 1-4 pounds and are absolute blast on medium tackle. They're most active during spring through fall, with peak action happening when water temps are in the 70s and 80s. Spanish macs are notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights - they'll test your drag and keep you busy all afternoon. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
King mackerel are the heavyweight champions of this fishery, ranging from schoolie kings around 10-15 pounds up to true monsters pushing 40+ pounds. These apex predators patrol the Gulf waters year-round but are most cooperative from spring through early winter. Kings are famous for their initial screaming runs that can peel off 100+ yards of line in seconds. They're ambush predators that love structure and baitfish schools, making them perfect targets for our trolling approach. The meat is rich and oily, great for steaks on the grill.
Atlantic bonito are the speed demons of the group, built like torpedoes and fighting way above their weight class. These fish typically run 3-8 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Bonito are most active during cooler months when they migrate through Gulf waters chasing baitfish. They're incredibly fast swimmers - some of the quickest fish in the ocean - and their stamina is legendary. While they're not typically kept for the table due to their strong flavor, they provide some of the most exciting light tackle action you'll find offshore.
This top-rated afternoon trolling trip offers the perfect balance of action and scenery without eating up your whole day. Whether you're introducing kids to offshore fishing or just want to get out and wet some lines, this customer favorite delivers consistent results in some of Alabama's most renowned fishing waters. The Gulf Coast's world-class mackerel fishery is trending hot right now, and afternoon trips often produce the best action when baitfish are active near the surface. Don't sleep on this one - prime afternoon slots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your trip today and get ready to experience why this area is considered one of the best trolling destinations on the Gulf Coast.
This beautifully restored 46' Hatteras is your ticket to serious offshore trolling along Alabama's Gulf Coast. Twin 315HP Detroit engines power you through the waters around Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Gulf Shores while you chase Spanish Mackerel, Kings, and Bonito. The classic sportfisher comes loaded with everything needed for a comfortable day on the water - air conditioning to beat the heat, onboard restroom, full kitchen, and that sweet Green Egg grill for cooking up your catch. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting fish and marine life, while the fish finder helps locate the action. With room for six anglers, an icebox for cold drinks, multimedia system, and full refrigeration, this boat handles both the fishing and the fun. The GPS keeps you on course as you troll the coastline, and there's always a chance to spot dolphins or rays between strikes.
Sarda SardaBonito are the speed demons of our Gulf waters, hitting 40 mph when chasing baitfish in large schools. These 3-8 pound fighters look like small tuna with dark stripes and put up battles way above their weight class. You'll spot them feeding on top, often with birds diving overhead - that's your cue to get lures in the water fast. They're most common during cooler months when water temps drop into the 60s. While they're oily and not great eating, bonito are pure fun on light tackle and make excellent live bait for bigger fish. Around here, once you find a feeding school, throw anything shiny their way - small spoons, jigs, even bare hooks work. They're not picky when feeding.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the heavyweight champions of our trolling trips, averaging 15-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ when conditions are right. These torpedo-shaped fighters cruise the 40-150 foot depths along our coastline, and they'll test your drag system with blistering runs. Best action happens from late spring through early fall when baitfish are thick. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll peel line like crazy and jump when hooked. The meat's rich and flavorful when properly handled. Out here, I run large live baits or big spoons on wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. Local trick: use a stinger hook setup when live baiting - kings often grab prey from behind.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect trolling targets, typically running 1-3 pounds with their signature yellowish spots along silver sides. These fast swimmers love our warm Gulf waters and cruise in schools near the surface, making them ideal for our 3-hour trips. You'll find them most active from spring through fall when water temps hit the 70s. They put up a scrappy fight for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills beautifully right on the boat. Around here, I've had great luck running small spoons or cigar minnows behind the boat at 6-8 knots. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep trolling - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school nearby ready to bite.
Montgomery