Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting redfish, trout, and sheepsheadCaptain selects optimal routes based on current weather conditionsAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses included with professional mate
Captain Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this afternoon charter puts you right in the heart of Alabama's best inshore fishing action. You'll launch at 1:00 PM for four solid hours of targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most popular species. Whether we're working the grass flats around Mobile Bay, drifting structure near Dauphin Island, or casting shorelines toward Wolf Bay and the Orange Beach Bridge, this trip delivers consistent action for both first-timers and seasoned anglers. The small group size means personalized attention, and with all gear and live bait included, you just need to show up ready to fish.
This isn't a cookie-cutter fishing trip where you hit the same spots every day. Captain Kevin reads conditions like wind, tide, and water clarity to decide whether we're heading toward Mobile Bay and Dauphin Island or working the productive waters around Wolf Bay and Orange Beach Bridge. The Intracoastal Waterway serves as our launching point, giving us quick access to multiple fishing zones. You'll be targeting redfish cruising shallow flats, sheepshead hanging around structure, spotted trout working grass beds, black drum rooting in the mud, and mangrove snapper around cover. The professional first mate handles all the details like rigging baits, netting fish, and making sure we stay within seasonal regulations, so you can focus on putting fish in the boat. With only two anglers maximum, there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets prime fishing spots.
All the rods, reels, and live bait come with the trip, so you don't need to worry about gear selection or bait procurement. We'll be using medium-action spinning tackle that's perfect for the inshore species we're targeting. Depending on what's biting, you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, bottom fishing with live shrimp around pilings for sheepshead, or working artificial lures through grass beds for spotted trout. The live bait selection typically includes shrimp, croakers, and finger mullet, which are proven producers in these waters. Since we're fishing inshore protected waters, you won't need heavy tackle or deal with rough seas. The first mate will show you the most effective presentations for each species and help with hooksets and landing fish. You don't need a separate fishing license since the charter covers that requirement, and polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish in the clear shallow water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and Alabama's slot limit allows you to keep fish between 16 and 26 inches. These copper-colored fighters love shallow grass flats and oyster bars, especially during moving tides. They're aggressive feeders that will crush live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures. What makes redfish special is their power - even a 20-inch fish will make multiple runs and test your drag. Peak action happens during spring and fall, but summer afternoon trips can be fantastic when we find them in deeper pockets.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth and incredible bite detection, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They hang around structure like bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars, feeding on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. The key is using small hooks, light line, and feeling for the subtle bite. Once hooked, sheepshead make strong runs and are excellent table fare. They're most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets for winter fishing.
Spotted trout, or "specks," are the most widespread gamefish in these waters. They school up in grass beds and drop-offs, feeding aggressively on shrimp, small fish, and soft plastic baits. Trout have soft mouths, so steady pressure without jerking is key to landing them. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots and provide consistent action throughout the year. The 15-inch minimum size ensures you're keeping quality fish, and they're outstanding eating.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the inshore flats. These bottom feeders can range from puppy drum under 10 pounds to massive bulls over 30 pounds. They root around in mud and sand looking for crabs, worms, and mollusks. Black drum fight with pure power, making long runs and testing your endurance. The smaller ones are excellent eating, while the big bulls are typically released to preserve the breeding stock.
Spanish mackerel and grey snapper add variety to the mix when conditions are right. Mackerel are speed demons that hit fast-moving baits and artificial lures, while grey snapper (mangrove snapper) are structure-oriented fighters that require finesse fishing around cover. Both species are seasonal visitors that show up when water temperatures and bait concentrations align.
This afternoon charter gives you the perfect taste of Gulf Shores inshore fishing without taking up your entire day. Captain Kevin's local knowledge, combined with the professional first mate's assistance, creates a top-rated fishing experience that works for all skill levels. The small boat capacity means personalized service and prime fishing spots for everyone. With gear, bait, and licensing included, plus the flexibility to fish multiple areas based on conditions, this trip delivers consistent action and memorable catches. Don't forget your non-spray sunblock and polarized sunglasses, and get ready to experience why Gulf Shores is considered one of Alabama's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Step aboard our 24' Kenner center console and get ready to chase redfish, sheepshead, and trout in Gulf Shores' productive waters. This reliable fishing machine packs a 225HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, whether we're working the grass flats around Mobile Bay or drifting structure near Orange Beach Bridge. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're stalking shallow water reds, while the fish finder helps locate schools of trout holding over oyster beds. Captain Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started. With GPS navigation and radar on board, we can fish safely in any conditions and make the most of your 4-hour afternoon trip. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll give you a workout when hooked. Most we catch run 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 20-30 pounder around oyster beds and muddy flats. These dark, powerful fish love shallow areas where they can crush oysters and crabs with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning around Mobile Bay and Dauphin Island. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive drumming sound they make. The smaller ones are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to technique: fresh peeler crab on the bottom near oyster structure. The key is keeping your bait right on the bottom - they won't chase it up. When you feel that steady pull, don't horse them. Let that drag work and enjoy the fight.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as most folks call them, are smart fish that'll keep you on your toes. Around Mobile Bay and our local waters, they typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds. These copper-colored fish with the dark eye stripe love hanging around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they can ambush prey. They're most active at night but we catch plenty during afternoon trips, especially around structure in 5-15 feet of water. What guests love is their sneaky bite and excellent table fare - firm, white meat with great flavor. They're opportunistic feeders, so patience pays off. Here's the key: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just enough to stay off the structure. When you feel that subtle tap, don't jerk - let them take it before setting the hook firmly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of inshore fishing around Gulf Shores, and they never disappoint. These copper-bronze beauties with the distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, though we occasionally find slot busters in deeper areas. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water around Mobile Bay and Wolf Bay. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is their powerful runs and that classic "thump" when they take the bait. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. You'll often spot them tailing in skinny water during low tide. My favorite approach: live shrimp under a popping cork near grass beds, or throw topwater plugs early morning for explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart pumping.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth. These crafty fish typically run 2-5 pounds around our docks and bridge pilings, where they feed on barnacles and small crabs. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they're more aggressive. What guests love is the challenge - they're smart, finicky biters that require skill to hook consistently. The payoff is some of the best table fare in the Gulf with sweet, white meat. You'll find them tight to structure in the Intracoastal and around Dauphin Island's pilings. My secret: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs, get as close to the structure as possible, and when you feel that nibbling, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick on the trigger.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll test your reflexes when they hit. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though bigger ones show up near offshore structure. You'll find them schooling in open water, especially around piers and jetties during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They love to chase bait near the surface, making them perfect for light tackle action. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and the way they'll take off on long runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, white meat that's great grilled or blackened. My tip: when you see birds working over a school, get there quick and cast small spoons or live shrimp. They spook easy, so stay back and let your bait do the work.
Gulf Shores, AL