3 Hour Inshore Fishing - Gulf Shores, AL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore trip targeting redfish and speckled troutCaptain Zach provides all tackle and fishing licenses includedSmall group experience with maximum two guest capacity
Looking for a solid half-day on the water without the rush? This 3-hour inshore trip with Captain Zach gives you plenty of time to settle in and fish the productive waters around Gulf Shores and Mobile Bay. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to fishing, couples looking for a relaxed morning on the water, or experienced anglers who want quality time targeting inshore species. With gear, licenses, and bait all covered, you just show up ready to fish. The flexible departure times mean you can start early to beat the heat or go later if you're not a morning person.
Captain Zach knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish in the grass flats, around oyster bars, and near structure where redfish and trout like to hang out. The boat handles just two guests, so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to reel in fish. Most trips start with a short run to productive spots in Mobile Bay or the back bays, depending on tides and what's biting. The pace is relaxed but focused – you'll spend more time with lines in the water compared to shorter trips. Expect to move between 2-3 spots during the trip, giving you a feel for different types of inshore fishing. The captain provides all tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you have favorites.
This trip focuses on light tackle fishing, which means using spinning reels with 10-15 pound test line and artificial lures or live bait. You'll learn how to work soft plastics along the bottom for flounder, cast topwater plugs for explosive redfish strikes, and drift live shrimp under popping corks for speckled trout. Captain Zach matches the technique to the conditions and target species. On windy days, you might anchor up and fish live bait. When it's calm, expect to cover more water casting lures. The light tackle approach makes every fish feel bigger and gives you a better fight. No heavy gear or complicated rigging – just effective techniques that work consistently in these waters. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, plus the captain will rig everything and show you the techniques.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Gulf Shores inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches and fight like crazy on light tackle. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and shallow grass flats. Fall and spring offer the best redfish action, but you can catch them year-round here. What makes reds so popular is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights – they'll pull drag and make long runs toward structure. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept in the slot size.
Speckled Trout are the most consistent biters in these waters, especially during cooler months from October through March. Most fish run 14-20 inches, with occasional 3-4 pound "gator trout" mixed in. They love soft plastics worked slowly along grass edges and will absolutely hammer live shrimp under corks. Trout fishing teaches you finesse – light bites, soft mouth fish that require a gentle touch. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with white flaky meat perfect for the dinner table.
Spanish Mackerel show up in warmer months and provide non-stop action when they're around. These silver speedsters hit fast-moving lures and put on an aerial show when hooked. They typically run 1-3 pounds but make up for size with numbers – it's not uncommon to catch a dozen when you find a school. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Fresh Spanish mackerel makes excellent smoked fish or ceviche.
Summer Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. These flatfish can be tricky to hook because they often grab bait and run before turning it around to swallow. Most flounder here run 14-18 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 20 inches are always possible. They're most active during summer months in deeper holes and around structure. Landing a nice flounder is always satisfying because they're masters of camouflage and require patience to catch consistently.
This 3-hour trip strikes the perfect balance between getting your fishing fix and not taking up your whole day. With Captain Zach's local knowledge, light tackle approach, and relaxed pace, you'll come away with a solid catch and some new techniques to try on your own. The small boat size means personalized instruction and no crowded rails. Whether you're planning a family fishing adventure, date morning on the water, or just want to target some quality Gulf Shores inshore species, this trip delivers. Book now to secure your spot on these world-class fishing waters – the redfish and trout are waiting.
Step aboard this sleek 24' Ranger center console, your floating base camp for exploring Gulf Shores' productive inshore waters. Powered by a robust 275hp Mercury engine, this fishing machine cuts through Mobile Bay at speeds up to 35 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast so you can maximize your time with rod in hand. The center console design provides excellent visibility for spotting redfish tails and bird activity while offering plenty of room for two anglers to fish comfortably without tangling lines. Equipped with a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to spooky fish, plus GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate structure and baitfish, this boat gives you every advantage on the water. Whether you're working shallow grass flats for speckled trout or targeting Spanish mackerel around structure, the stable platform and smooth ride ensure you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our shallow water fishing, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most fish we catch run 18-27 inches, perfect slot-size fish that fight like freight trains. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their power and stubborn fight; they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to pull hard. They're also great table fare with firm, mild meat. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with live shrimp or cut bait on the flats. When you spot one tailing or cruising, cast ahead of them and let the bait sink naturally. Don't horse them - let your drag do the work.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-20 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water throughout Mobile Bay. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active, though they bite year-round if you know where to look. Guests enjoy their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a respectable fight on light tackle. They're excellent eating too - delicate white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Best tip I can share is to fish the grass edges during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't overlook soft plastics on jig heads. Just remember their mouths are soft, so keep steady pressure instead of jerking hard.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish that run 1-3 pounds on average, with silver sides covered in yellow spots. You'll find them cruising near the surface in schools around structures, jetties, and open flats throughout Mobile Bay. They're particularly active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch, with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast with small spoons or jigs. Once one hits, the others get fired up and you can often catch several before they move on. Their razor-sharp teeth cut through mono, so use a short wire leader.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches in our waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. You'll find them along channel edges, around structure, and on flats in 6-30 feet of water. Fall months are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving deeper for winter. What guests love about flounder fishing is the sneaky bite - they grab bait and just sit there, so you need patience. They're also top-tier table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to technique is drifting with live shrimp on a circle hook, keeping just enough weight to stay on bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to five before setting the hook - they need time to fully commit to the bait.
Gulf Shores, AL