Red Snapper Season - Orange Beach Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour deepsea charter targeting prime red snapper during peak seasonCaptain Seth Wilson guides offshore trolling and bottom fishing adventuresEightguest capacity with morning or afternoon departure options available
Captain Seth Wilson knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and when red snapper season rolls around in June and July, there's no better place to be than aboard his Orange Beach charter. This 6-hour deep-sea adventure combines the best of both worlds – trolling for fast-moving pelagics and dropping baits to the bottom for those heavyweight snappers that make every angler's heart race. Whether you're an early bird looking to beat the heat or prefer an afternoon departure, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year.
Your day starts at the marina where Captain Seth briefs you on the game plan. With room for up to 8 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. The boat heads out to proven offshore spots where the structure holds fish and the current brings in baitfish. You'll spend time working both the surface and the bottom – trolling spreads for kings and Spanish mackerel while they're active, then switching to bottom rigs when it's time to target those prized red snapper. Seth's got the local knowledge to put you on fish, reading the water conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the day to keep lines tight and drag screaming.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior setup – Seth runs a proper spread with outriggers, downriggers, and flatlines to cover maximum water when trolling for pelagics. Cigar minnows, ballyhoo, and spoons work the different levels of the water column while you cruise at trolling speed looking for bird activity and temperature breaks. When it's time to switch to bottom fishing, out come the heavy tackle rigs loaded with circle hooks and enough weight to punch through the current. Live and cut bait gets dropped to structure 60-100 feet down where the big snappers live. The boat's fish finder shows the bottom composition and marks schools of baitfish that draw in the predators you're after.
Red snapper are the stars of the show during their short but sweet season. These bottom dwellers can live over 50 years and grow to impressive sizes – a 10-pound snapper is a solid fish, while anything over 15 pounds gets the cameras out. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. The best bite typically happens during the cooler parts of the day, which is why those early morning trips can be pure gold. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their fight – they'll head straight for structure when hooked, testing your drag and technique every time.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Orange Beach waters see some fantastic kings throughout the summer months. These fish can reach 40+ pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run. They're primarily caught while trolling, often hitting baits meant for other species. Kings are notorious for their razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The best action usually happens around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding in the upper water column.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and acrobatic fights. These 2-4 pound speedsters will hit just about any moving bait and provide non-stop action when you find a school. They're perfect for keeping kids and newer anglers engaged, and they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Redfish, while typically thought of as an inshore species, can be found in nearshore waters around structure during certain times of year. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their bulldogging fights and can reach 30+ pounds in Gulf waters. When you hook into a big red, expect a long, sustained battle that will test your endurance as much as your equipment.
Red snapper season waits for no one, and the prime June and July window fills up fast with repeat customers who know what Seth Wilson brings to the table. This 6-hour offshore adventure gives you the best shot at multiple species while focusing on those trophy snappers that make for great photos and even better dinners. The combination of trolling action and bottom fishing means you're always in the game, whether it's a screaming king mackerel on the surface or a stubborn snapper trying to cut you off in the rocks below. Don't let another season slip by – secure your dates now and get ready for the kind of Gulf fishing that creates stories you'll be telling for years to come.
The Resmondo is your ticket to some serious red snapper action off Orange Beach. This restored 1979 sport fishing boat runs on twin 400HP Detroit Diesels, cruising steady at 15 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots. Captain Seth Wilson knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and with modern fish finders and GPS, you'll spend more time reeling them in than searching around. The boat handles up to 8 anglers comfortably with AC to beat the Alabama heat, a flybridge for better views of the action, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. Radar keeps you safe when weather rolls in, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. June and July bring the best big red snapper fishing of the year - these Gulf beauties are worth every minute on the water. Book your 6-hour charter for morning or afternoon departure and get ready for some real Gulf Coast fishing.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese fast-swimming predators are some of the most sought-after gamefish in the Gulf. Kings typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some monsters push 50+. They cruise offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often around structure and drop-offs. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line like few other fish can. The meat's rich and makes great steaks when grilled. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the back half of your bait, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish. When trolling, vary your speed until you find what they want that day.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our offshore trips, especially during our June-July season. These bottom dwellers live around structure in 60-200 feet, averaging 2-8 pounds with occasional teens. They're true fighters - once hooked, they'll dive straight for cover trying to cut your line on the reef. That's what makes them challenging and fun. The meat is absolutely primo - mild, sweet, and flaky when cooked right. Most folks consider snapper the best eating fish we catch out here. Key to success is fresh bait on the bottom - squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish work best. Drop your rig straight down and keep it tight to the structure. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard and start cranking before they reach their hidey-hole.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore game. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches and love our shallow grass flats and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by those distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Spring through fall gives us consistent action, especially on warmer days when they're tailing in skinny water. What guests love about reds is their willingness to eat and that bulldogging fight - they'll make several hard runs before giving up. The meat's firm and mild, perfect for blackening. Local trick: when you see them tailing, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle. They spook easy in shallow water, so keep your distance and be ready - once they find your shrimp or spoon, it's game on.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for families and kids - they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up near the surface. You'll find them around piers, jetties, and open water from spring through fall when water warms up. They're incredibly fast swimmers that travel in large schools, so when you find one, there's usually plenty more. Guests love the non-stop action once we locate a school. The meat's mild and great grilled or smoked. Best tip: use light tackle and small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs. They hit fast and have soft mouths, so don't horse them in. When trolling, slow down - they'll chase your bait but need time to catch up and strike.
Orange Beach, AL