Deep Sea Orange Beach Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Threehour offshore charter targeting Spanish and King MackerelSixguest capacity trip through scenic Perdido Pass watersDolphin sightings and coastal views included during fishing
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't eat up your whole vacation? This 3-hour deep sea charter out of Orange Beach hits the sweet spot for families and groups who want to get offshore without committing to a full day on the water. We'll cruise out to Perdido Pass where the Gulf opens up, giving you access to some of Alabama's best mackerel fishing while keeping you close enough to shore for those who might be testing their sea legs. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for small groups who want personalized attention from the crew without feeling crowded on deck.
Your morning kicks off at the Riptide Fishing Charters dock in Orange Beach, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on safety and fishing strategy for the day. The boat heads southeast toward Perdido Pass, a natural inlet that funnels baitfish from the back bays into the Gulf - exactly where predator fish like to hang out and ambush their next meal. The ride out takes about 20 minutes, giving you time to rig up your tackle and scan the horizon for dolphin pods that love to work these same waters. Once we hit our fishing grounds, you'll be working the mid-water column where Spanish and King Mackerel cruise, plus whatever other Gulf species decide to crash the party. Between the action, keep your camera ready - dolphins show up regularly in this area, and they're not shy about putting on a show for the boat.
We're running a trolling spread designed specifically for mackerel - typically four to six lines pulled behind the boat at varying depths and distances. The crew sets you up with medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle that can handle anything from 5-pound Spanish mackerel up to 40-pound kings. Live bait works great here, but we also run a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and cigar minnows to cover different parts of the water column. Speed is key with mackerel fishing - we'll cruise at 6-8 knots to trigger those aggressive strikes these fish are famous for. The captain reads the water, watching for bird activity, bait schools, and temperature breaks that signal where the fish are holding. When a rod goes off, it's game time - mackerel are notorious for their initial screaming runs and acrobatic jumps, so hold on tight and follow the crew's coaching to boat your fish successfully.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, typically running 2-5 pounds with occasional fish pushing 7-8 pounds during peak season. These silver rockets hit baits with serious attitude and immediately head for the surface, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. Peak season runs from April through October, with the best action happening during the warmer months when they move closer to shore to feed on glass minnows and small sardines. What makes Spanish mackerel so popular with charter guests is their willingness to bite - even kids can get in on the action, and they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
King Mackerel represent the premium catch on these trips, ranging from schoolie fish around 15 pounds up to legitimate smoker kings that can top 40 pounds. Kings are ambush predators that patrol structure and current breaks, waiting to demolish schools of baitfish with their razor-sharp teeth. Fall months from September through November bring the largest fish as they migrate south along the coast, though you'll find keeper-sized kings throughout the warmer months. Landing a king mackerel is a real accomplishment - they're powerful, fast, and have a habit of making long runs that test both your drag and your endurance. Plus, there's nothing quite like the solid thump of a big king hitting your bait.
This 3-hour charter gives you a genuine taste of Gulf fishing without the full-day commitment, making it perfect for families with younger kids, first-time offshore anglers, or anyone who wants to squeeze in some fishing between other vacation activities. The proximity to Perdido Pass means less travel time and more time with lines in the water, while the scenic cruise offers bonus entertainment even when the fish aren't biting. Riptide Fishing Charters knows these waters inside and out, and their reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself. Morning trips tend to book up fastest, especially during peak season, so don't wait until the last minute. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to offshore fishing or just want to feel that rod bend with a screaming mackerel on the other end, this charter delivers the goods without breaking the bank or your schedule.
Meet The Resmondo, your ticket to some serious offshore action in Orange Beach waters. This restored 1979 sport fishing vessel packs twin 400HP Detroit Diesels that'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers out to the fishing grounds at a steady 15 knots. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility to spot those telltale signs of fish activity, while the onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets. When the Alabama sun gets intense, kick back in air-conditioned comfort between strikes. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold. GPS and radar systems ensure safe passage to Perdido Pass and beyond, where Spanish and King Mackerel are waiting. The multimedia system keeps spirits high during longer runs, and the onboard facilities mean you can focus on fishing instead of heading back to shore. Whether you're after a quick 3-hour trip or planning a longer adventure, The Resmondo delivers the reliability and comfort needed for a productive day on the Gulf.
Orange Beach, AL