4.5(4 Reviews)4 Hour Afternoon Orange Beach Inshore Fishing Trip
4.5(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon inshore fishing adventure in Orange Beach watersTarget redfish, cobia, and king mackerel with expert guidesSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
There's something special about hitting the water in the afternoon when the sun starts getting that golden glow and the fish start getting active. This 4-hour inshore fishing adventure with Southern Sun Fishing Charters puts you right in the sweet spot of Orange Beach's most productive waters. You'll be targeting the flats, grass beds, and nearshore structure where redfish, cobia, king mackerel, and other prized species love to hang out. With Captain Charlie and his crew guiding you to the best spots, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Your afternoon starts at the dock where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the day's game plan. The beauty of inshore fishing in Orange Beach is the variety - one minute you might be sight fishing for tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're battling a king mackerel that decided to crash the party. The boat stays within the protected waters of the bay and nearshore Gulf, so even if it's a little bumpy outside, you'll still have plenty of fishable water to work with. This charter accommodates up to 2 guests, which means you get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod time. The captain provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, from live shrimp and pinfish to the right jigs and spoons for whatever's biting that day.
Southern Sun's captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using a mix of techniques that match the conditions and target species. You might start with some live bait fishing around structure for cobia and king mackerel, then move to the flats for sight fishing redfish with artificial lures. The boat is rigged with quality spinning and conventional tackle that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to bruiser black drum. If you're new to saltwater fishing, don't sweat it - the crew will get you dialed in on the right technique and help you land fish. Experienced anglers will appreciate the freedom to work different presentations and the captain's willingness to chase fish when the bite gets hot. The afternoon timing works perfectly because many inshore species feed heavily as the day cools down, especially during the warmer months when morning trips can slow down by midday.
"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 cooked & 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 fighters love the grass flats and oyster bars around the back bays, where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from slot-size keepers around 20-27 inches to oversized bulls that'll test your drag. What makes redfish so exciting is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a serious scrap with that bulldogging fight that keeps your rod bent double.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks (as locals call them) cruise the nearshore waters from spring through early fall, often following rays and sharks looking for an easy meal. They're curious fish that will come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you shots at sight fishing with jigs or live bait. A good cobia will run 30-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, making blazing runs and trying to wrap you around anything they can find.
King mackerel bring the speed and aerial show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These silver bullets patrol the nearshore waters, especially around structure and bait schools. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, with fish ranging from schoolie kings around 10-15 pounds up to smoker kings that push 40 pounds or more. Their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps make them a customer favorite, plus they're excellent eating when properly cared for.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These bruisers love oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-15 feet of water where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom works best. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap on your bait, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because they'll steal your crab faster than you can blink. These fish put up a solid bulldogging fight that'll test your drag.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the "brown sharks" that aren't sharks at all - these chocolate-colored bruisers average 30-60 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're loners, usually found cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time as they migrate through Orange Beach on their spawning runs. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that'll often come up to investigate your boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. The meat's firm and white, some of the best eating in the Gulf. They'll crush bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures when they're fired up. Here's the key: when you spot one, cast well ahead of where it's swimming and work your lure slowly. These fish hit hard and make long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your tackle and reflexes. These silver missiles typically run 15-30 pounds in our waters, but 50+ pound fish cruise the nearshore edges during summer and fall. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish schools near the surface. What gets anglers hooked is that initial run - pure adrenaline when a king hits your trolled spoon or live bait. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. Spring through fall offers the best action as they migrate through Orange Beach waters. Here's what works: troll with wire leaders and dual-hook rigs since they'll bite a bait in half. Keep your drag loose on the initial run because they'll spool you if you're not ready. These fish don't give up easy and make multiple blistering runs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, sporting that signature black eyespot and copper-colored backs. They run 18-35 inches in the shallows, often feeding in water so thin their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall offer prime fishing when they're most active in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat just about anything - topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp all work. The meat's mild and flaky, great for the dinner table. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then make quiet casts ahead of where they're moving. Stay patient and let them find your bait.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that can crush barnacles off dock pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders show up around Orange Beach's bridges and structures. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to loosen your hook before committing. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they spawn around channel passes and jetties. What makes them special is that sweet, white meat - some of the best eating fish in these waters if you can get past cleaning those tough scales. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel them pecking at your bait, set the hook aggressively. They don't mess around once hooked.
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