Gulf Shores Inshore Redfish & Black Drum Charter
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour shared charter targeting redfish and black drum inshoreAll gear, live bait, and professional first mate includedExplores Intracoastal Waterway and Bon Secour fishing grounds
Looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the crowds and high prices? This 3-hour shared charter with Seeley Charters LLC hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to experience Gulf Shores' legendary inshore fishing scene. We'll cruise the productive waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and Bon Secour region, targeting some of Alabama's most sought-after species. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, this midday trip offers the perfect blend of action and learning in waters that consistently produce fish year-round.
This shared fishing adventure kicks off at noon, giving you plenty of time to grab breakfast and get your gear together before we head out. The beauty of this trip lies in its accessibility – we're not talking about a marathon offshore grind here. Instead, you'll spend three focused hours working the backcountry flats, grass beds, and structure that make the Gulf Shores inshore scene so productive. The minimum two-angler requirement means you'll have company on the water, and often that leads to some friendly competition and shared stories. All skill levels are welcome aboard, and our professional First Mate stays busy helping with everything from bait rigging to fish handling. You won't need to worry about licenses or tackle – we've got that covered. Just bring your non-spray sunblock and polarized sunglasses, because that midday sun can be brutal reflecting off the water.
We fish these inshore waters with a combination of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are telling us on any given day. The Intracoastal Waterway and Bon Secour region offer diverse structure – from oyster bars and grass flats to deeper channels and docks. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water one moment, then dropping live shrimp around pilings the next. Our tackle selection includes medium-action spinning rods paired with quality reels spooled with braided line – perfect for the fight these inshore species put up. The First Mate handles all the rigging, from Carolina rigs for bottom fish to popping corks for trout. Live bait is king out here, and we keep the wells stocked with shrimp, pinfish, and whatever else is working. The shallow-draft boat lets us access areas bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that haven't seen as much pressure.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars we fish, and they're available year-round in these waters. A slot-sized red (16-26 inches) provides an awesome fight on light tackle, often making blistering runs toward structure. Fall and spring offer the best action, but summer fishing stays consistent if you know where to look. Black drum are the muscle of the group – these bottom-huggers can tip the scales at impressive weights and test your drag system. They're suckers for fresh shrimp bounced along oyster beds, and landing a quality drum always feels like a victory. Spotted trout school up in the grass beds and around drop-offs, especially during cooler months. They're arguably the best eating fish we target, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Spanish mackerel add speed to the mix when they're around, often hitting fast-moving spoons or small jigs. Grey snapper (mangrove snapper) provide consistent action around any structure, though they're notorious bait thieves with their quick strikes and sharp teeth.
The Gulf Shores inshore fishery has earned its reputation through decades of consistent production and diverse fishing opportunities. These protected waters offer refuge from rough seas while maintaining healthy fish populations and varied structure. Local guides have been working these spots for generations, and the knowledge gets passed down through experience on the water. The three-hour timeframe works perfectly for families, visiting anglers, or anyone who wants quality fishing without committing to a full day. Sharing the trip keeps costs reasonable while adding a social element that many solo anglers appreciate. The professional crew ensures everyone gets equal time and attention, regardless of experience level. Plus, the afternoon departure time means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still be back at the dock by mid-afternoon with fish stories and maybe some fillets for dinner. The combination of action, education, and value keeps both local and visiting anglers coming back season after season.
This Gulf Shores inshore charter delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing in productive waters with professional guidance at a fair price. The shared format makes it accessible for solo anglers or small groups, while the experienced crew ensures you'll learn something new about these waters. Whether you're hoping to land your first redfish, add a trophy black drum to your list, or just enjoy a few hours on Alabama's beautiful inshore waters, this trip provides the perfect introduction to what makes Gulf Shores fishing special. The afternoon timing, professional setup, and focus on multiple species means you're almost guaranteed to see some rod-bending action. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – good inshore charters fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Gulf Shores aboard our 24' Kenner center console. This fishing machine packs a 225HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the shallows for redfish and black drum. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder technology to locate schools and structure where snapper like to hang out. With radar on board, you can fish confidently even when visibility drops. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action whether you're casting to grass beds in the Intracoastal or working deeper water for mangrove snapper. This vessel handles the Gulf Shores inshore waters like a champ, offering a stable platform for anglers targeting the area's best species. Perfect for shared charters where you'll meet fellow fishing enthusiasts while chasing Alabama's premier gamefish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, averaging 10-20 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love shallow oyster beds and muddy bottoms where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning in March and April. What guests love most is the fight - these fish are pure muscle and will test your arms. Plus, the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, especially during spawning season. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. Local tip: when you hook one, don't try to horse it in. Let them run and tire themselves out - rushing a big drum will usually end with a snapped line or pulled hook.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are smart fish that hang around structure in 5-15 feet of water. They average 12-16 inches but can push 3-4 pounds when you find the right spot. These copper-colored fish with dark eye stripes love oyster bars, docks, and rocky bottoms where they ambush prey. Best fishing is during warmer months, especially around new moons when they're more active. Guests love them because they're excellent eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They're also challenging since they're spooky and will inspect your bait. My local trick: use a small live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then barely lift it off. Don't move it much - let them come to you.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our inshore fishing, easily identified by their copper-red color and distinctive black spots near the tail. They typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows, preferring 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. Guests love redfish because they eat almost anything, fight hard with powerful runs, and make excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. They're also exciting to sight-fish in skinny water where you can see their backs. These fish will hit topwater plugs, spoons, jigs, and live bait. Local secret: on calm days, look for "nervous water" - subtle surface disturbances where reds are feeding just below. Cast past them and work your lure back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, what we call "specks," are popular inshore targets averaging 14-18 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They prefer grass flats and shallow bays, usually in 3-8 feet of water around structure. Best bite happens during cooler months and at dawn or dusk when they move shallow to feed. Anglers love them for their willingness to hit artificials and their delicate, sweet-tasting white meat - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp equally well. Around Gulf Shores, look for them over grass beds near drop-offs. My go-to local tip: fish the edges of grass flats with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in from deeper water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-swimming silver fish with yellowish spots that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-3 pounds in our waters. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures, especially during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. What makes them fun to target is their speed - they hit lures hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Around here, I like to troll small spoons or cast jigs near grass lines and drop-offs in 10-20 feet of water. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast - the Spanish are probably feeding underneath and you can catch multiple fish quickly before the school moves on.
Gulf Shores, AL