4.5(4 Reviews)4 Hour Afternoon Orange Beach Inshore Fishing Trip
4.5(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing adventure in Orange Beach watersTarget redfish, cobia, and king mackerel with experienced guidesSmall group charter accommodates up to two guests maximum
There's something special about wrapping up your day with a fishing rod in hand and the Alabama Gulf Coast stretching out before you. This 4-hour afternoon charter with Southern Sun Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of Orange Beach's most productive inshore and nearshore waters, where redfish patrol the grass flats and king mackerel cruise just beyond the surf line. Captain Charlie and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while sharing stories about the area that you won't find in any guidebook.
Your afternoon adventure kicks off from Orange Beach, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the day's game plan. These aren't your typical crowded party boat trips – with just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The boat will take you through Orange Beach's network of inshore waters, from protected grass flats where redfish love to ambush baitfish, to the nearshore structure where cobia and king mackerel patrol. Your captain reads the conditions daily, so whether the bite is hot on the flats or the kings are running offshore, you'll be fishing where the action is. Don't worry about experience level – these guides work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, and they genuinely enjoy teaching newcomers the ropes.
Inshore fishing around Orange Beach means adapting to what's working on any given day. You might be throwing live bait under popping corks over grass beds, working jigs along drop-offs, or trolling spoons and plugs for kings just outside the surf. The crew provides all the tackle and knows exactly what each species wants – whether that's a perfectly presented live shrimp for sheepshead around structure or a fast-trolled spoon that triggers aggressive king mackerel strikes. They'll show you how to feel the difference between a redfish's head shake and a black drum's stubborn pull, or how to tell when a cobia is following your bait before it commits. The beauty of these waters is the variety – you might be sight fishing in 3 feet of water one minute and working 30-foot depths the next.
"Captain Charley and Gill were great, the fish weren't cooperating but they kept trying and made it enjoyable" - douglas
"2nd trip with captain Charlie. Had one heck of a good time. He doesn't just make sure you have a great time fishing but also gives insight to the area and it's history. Captain Charlie is very patient and helpful to novice anglers. Don't worry if you have never fished, Captain Charlie will take good care of you! I can't wait until I return next year to get back on the water with Captain Charlie!" - Jerome
"Booked with this company on a whim bc they had the 1st available morning fishing slot open. We chose the right ones! We had a great time on the water w/ Capt Gil. If you want to pack snacks, they're gonna say anything you want…. But they don't mean that! We came to a DEAD STOP over a banana! 😆 He said you hv to toss that & I'm not even joking & I was shooketh! Like what's going on here?! We pulled along side the other captain & owner & he had me show him… he said " How many yall got" we said 2… he said "would've had 10!" & overboard the banana went. 😆Then he told us the "mariners tale" (& it's really a whole thing abt boats & bananas) we tried a few honey holes & wound up with 3 good sized fish. And a ray that was very rare to be in the area we were fishing so that wasn't 1 of the keepers! Our captain also give us a local recommendation of where to go have it cocked & so we did & it was GREAT! We will be back there too bc their tartar sauce was homemade & prob the best I ever had! Can't wait to go again with southern sun fishing charters!" - Jessica
Redfish are the bread and butter of Orange Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that dot the area, where they hunt for crabs and baitfish. Bull reds can push 30+ pounds and will take you on a drag-screaming run that tests your tackle and your nerves. The smaller slot-size fish are perfect for the dinner table, and they're aggressive enough that even beginners can get in on the action. Fall and spring offer the most consistent redfish bite, but these fish are here year-round.
King mackerel bring the speed and attitude that makes offshore-style fishing accessible from nearshore waters. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the edges of the Gulf, often just a few miles from the beach. Kings hit trolled baits with explosive strikes and make blistering runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. Summer is prime time for kings around Orange Beach, when they're chasing Spanish sardines and thread herring in the area. Landing a 20-pound smoker king is a workout you won't forget.
Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you don't get with most species. A big cobia can weigh 40+ pounds and fights with the power and endurance that earned them the nickname "brown bombers." They're most active during the warmer months and have a habit of following rays and sharks, which your captain knows how to spot and work.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're the heavywe
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds but can hit 90 pounds. They're cousins to redfish and get their name from the drumming sounds they make. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What makes them special is their smart, cautious nature - they're not easy to fool. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a tight line since they're notorious bait stealers who'll clean your hook without you feeling it.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their single dorsal fin fools a lot of folks at first glance. These bruisers average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious tackle-testers. You'll spot them cruising reefs, wrecks, and around channel markers in 30-70 feet, though they'll come shallow too. Spring migration and spawning season offer the best sight-fishing opportunities. What guests love is the visual game - spotting them on the surface and making the perfect cast. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that rivals cobia's expensive reputation. My trick: bucktail jigs work great, but don't overthink the color. Focus on getting close to structure and working current breaks where they ambush prey.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our waters, capable of blistering runs that'll test your drag. Most average around 30 pounds, but we see 90-pounders that'll make your arms burn. They roam from 40-150 feet, though bigger fish often cruise closer to inlets and harbors. Peak season runs spring through fall when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is pure speed and that explosive strike when they crush a trolled lure or live bait. The meat is rich and oily - perfect for smoking or grilling. My local trick: always rig with two hooks on a wire leader because kings love to bite the back half of your bait. If you only have one hook up front, you're missing half your strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of our shallow waters, sporting that copper color and signature black spot near the tail. They run 28-33 inches on average but can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs show. They're active year-round here, but fall and spring offer the hottest action. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike in skinny water, plus they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, topwater plugs, and soft plastics all work. The key is staying quiet and making long casts to avoid spooked fish in those shallow spots.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" are easy to spot with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they have human-like teeth that can crush barnacles off pier pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders are possible. You'll find them tight to any structure - docks, bridges, reefs - where they feed on crabs and barnacles. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they gather in huge schools. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead are master bait thieves with light bites that require quick reflexes. The payoff is sweet, white meat that's hard to beat on the table. Pro tip: keep your bait pinned tight to the hook and set hard at the first nibble, because they'll steal it clean otherwise.
4.5 out of 5.0Captain Charley and Gill were great, the fish weren’t cooperating but they kept trying and made it enjoyable
Thank you!
2nd trip with captain Charlie. Had one heck of a good time. He doesn't just make sure you have a great time fishing but also gives...
Booked with this company on a whim bc they had the 1st available morning fishing slot open. We chose the right ones! We had a grea...
Alabama, AL