Half Day Inshore Redfish & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targeting redfish and spotted troutProfessional first mate provides gear and ensures regulation complianceRoutes adapt to weather conditions for optimal fishing experience
Looking for a solid morning on the water without the commitment of a full day? This 4-hour charter with Seeley Charters LLC hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without burning their entire day. Departing at 8:00 AM sharp, you'll head out into some of Alabama's most productive inshore waters, targeting the fish that make Gulf Shores famous among saltwater enthusiasts. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're slinging your first cast or you've been working these flats for years.
Your morning starts with a strategic decision based on what Mother Nature's serving up. If conditions favor it, you'll cruise the Intracoastal Waterway toward Mobile Bay and Dauphin Island – prime real estate for hungry redfish and trout. When weather patterns shift, the captain might point the bow toward Wolf Bay and the Orange Beach Bridge area, where structure and current create perfect ambush points for feeding fish. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where you hit the same spots every time. The crew reads conditions like a book and adapts accordingly, which is exactly what separates the fish-catching trips from the sightseeing tours. With just 2 anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning at every spot. The first mate stays busy keeping your gear ready and making sure you're following all the seasonal regs – no worries about license requirements since that's covered in your trip cost.
All your tackle comes provided, from properly spooled reels to fresh live bait that gets these Gulf Coast fish fired up. The crew runs quality gear that can handle anything from schoolie trout to bull redfish, so you won't be stuck with bargain-bin equipment when the bite heats up. Live bait is the name of the game here – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or finger mullet when these fish are being picky. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, adjusting your presentation based on what the fish are telling you. Some days they want that bait worked slow and steady along the bottom, other times they're crushing topwater presentations in skinny water. The first mate reads the signs and keeps you dialed in, whether you're comfortable with different techniques or still learning the ropes. Don't forget to pack non-spray sunblock and polarized sunglasses – being able to sight-fish these redfish in clear water is half the fun, and good polarized lenses make all the difference.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars around Mobile Bay and Wolf Bay. Spring through fall, they're actively feeding and putting up the kind of fights that make your drag sing. Most fish run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches, with plenty of slot-sized keepers mixed in with oversized bulls that you'll release for the next angler. What makes redfish so special here is their willingness to eat in shallow water where you can watch the whole show unfold – seeing that red back cruise up to your bait never gets old.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute tackle-busters when they decide to make a run. These bottom-huggers love structure and current, making them perfect targets around bridge pilings and channel edges. They tend to show up in good numbers during cooler months, and a decent drum will test your patience and your drag system. The bigger ones have this habit of heading straight for the nearest obstruction, so be ready for a fight. Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and aggression that gets your heart pumping. When they're schooled up and feeding, the action can be non-stop with these silver bullets slashing through bait schools. They're seasonal visitors, typically showing up when water temperatures climb, but when they're here, they're here to feed.
Spotted Trout are the workhorses of the Gulf Coast, available year-round and always willing to cooperate. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially around structure where current brings them an easy meal. A quality speckled trout puts up a respectable fight and tastes even better, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take dinner home. Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" with those black stripes, but they're also known for being bait thieves with their excellent eyesight and quick reflexes. Finding them around structure like pilings and rocks, these fish require finesse and patience. When you hook into a good sheepshead, you'll appreciate their bulldogging power and the challenge they represent. Grey Snapper round out the mix as opportunistic feeders that show up around structure and current. They're excellent table fare and put up a solid fight for their size, making them a welcome addition to any angler's cooler.
This half-day charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality fishing time with professional guidance, top-notch gear, and access to productive waters that produce consistent results. You're not just buying a boat ride; you're getting local knowledge that takes years to develop and the kind of personal attention that only comes with small group trips. The 8:00 AM departure gets you on the water when fish are most active, and the 4-hour duration gives you plenty of shots without wearing you out. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you want to sample what Gulf Shores has to offer before planning a longer trip, this charter hits all the right notes. The crew handles the details so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat and making memories that'll have you planning your return trip before you even hit the dock.
Hit the waters of Gulf Shores aboard our reliable 24' Kenner Center Console, powered by a smooth 225HP Mercury engine that gets you to the fishing grounds fast. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky redfish, GPS to mark your honey holes, radar for those foggy mornings, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of trout. Built to handle both inshore flats and nearshore runs, she rides smooth through chop and gets shallow enough to chase reds in the backcountry. Whether you're working the grass beds around Mobile Bay or drifting structure near Dauphin Island, this center console gives you the platform to land Gulf Coast favorites like spotted trout, black drum, and sheepshead. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want a serious fishing experience without the crowds.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-15 pounds but capable of much more. They're bottom-feeders that love shallow flats, oyster beds, and muddy areas around Mobile Bay and our back waters. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. These fish are all about the fight; they pull hard and steady, making them great for anglers who want to feel some real power. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make decent eating, but the big ones are better released. Fresh crab is the gold standard for bait, and here's the key: let it sit on the bottom and don't move it much. Black Drum will crush a stationary crab every time.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as we call them locally, are smart fish that hang around structure like docks, pilings, and oyster bars. They average 1-3 pounds inshore but can surprise you with bigger ones. These fish are opportunistic and prefer to ambush prey from cover, so they stick close to mangroves, rocks, and artificial structure. They bite year-round but are most active during warmer months and at night. Guests appreciate their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat with great flavor. They're also fun to catch because they're finicky and require patience. Here's a local trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with and let your live shrimp sit still on the bottom near structure. Too much movement spooks them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of our shallow waters, cruising grass flats and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. They average 18-27 inches and are easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs in shallow water - plus they're great eating with firm, mild meat. You can sight-fish them on calm days, watching their backs in skinny water. Pro tip: when you spot a redfish tailing in shallow water, cast your bait about 5 feet ahead of where they're heading and let them find it naturally.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate structure fish - you'll find them around any dock, piling, or barnacle-covered surface in 5-20 feet of water. They typically run 2-6 pounds and are famous for their human-like teeth and black stripes. Winter through early spring is peak season when they move to spawn around passes and jetties. Guests love them because they're challenging to hook and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They're notorious bait thieves, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook fast when you feel that subtle tap. Local secret: scrape some barnacles off the dock pilings before you start fishing. The falling pieces attract sheepshead like a dinner bell, and they'll come right to your bait.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that run in big schools and put up a solid fight. You'll typically catch them in the 1-3 pound range, though they can get bigger. They love nearshore waters around 15-30 feet deep and will hit trolled spoons or live bait like shrimp and small fish. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our Gulf waters. What guests love most is their speed - they'll make screaming runs and jump when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Local tip: when you see diving birds working baitfish, get your spoons in there fast - Spanish Mackerel are usually feeding underneath.
Gulf Shores, AL