Morning Inshore Fishing with Southern Sun Charters
If you're looking for a solid fishing trip in Orange Beach waters, Captain Charlie and his team at Southern Sun Inshore Charters have you covered. This 5-hour morning charter puts you right in the heart of Alabama's prime inshore fishing grounds, where redfish roam the grass flats and speckled trout hunt the drop-offs. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing, this private charter adapts to your skill level while keeping things fun and productive on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning kicks off early when the fish are most active and the Gulf Coast waters are at their calmest. Captain Charlie runs a tight operation – licenses, rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait are all included, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. The beauty of this inshore setup is the variety. One cast you might be working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're drifting over structure hoping a cobia comes up to investigate. The nearshore waters around Orange Beach offer that perfect mix of shallow water sight fishing and deeper structure fishing that keeps every angler engaged. With just two guests max, you'll get plenty of personal attention and won't be fighting for rod time like on those crowded party boats.
Techniques and Tackle
Captain Charlie knows these Orange Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using proven techniques that work year-round. Expect to throw live bait around structure for cobia and red snapper, work artificial lures through the grass for redfish, and maybe even get some popping cork action going for speckled trout. The inshore game here is all about reading the water – finding those subtle depth changes, current breaks, and structure that hold fish. You'll fish everything from 3 feet of water on the flats to 30 feet around nearshore structure. The captain provides quality tackle suited for the conditions, from light spinning gear for trout to heavier conventional setups when targeting king mackerel. Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait are the go-to options, but don't be surprised if the captain breaks out some soft plastics or topwater lures when the conditions are right.
What Anglers Are Saying
"I've fished with capt Charlie about a handful of times and I will say that fishing with him is the highlight of fall break. It was a tough trip and the conditions weren't right, but captain Charlie and gill made the trip. He makes you feel like family when you are on the boat with him. I highly recommend captain Charlie to anyone looking to fish down here." - Mike
"Charlie was an excellent guide! Overall best experience I have had with a charter!! Will definitely book again!!" - Paul
"Trip with Captain Gill for the Bull redfish trip. What an experience!! If you've never done this, book now. Even my wife who is not an avid fisher said it was one of the best experiences ever. We had such great time and Captain Gill who kept us on the fish! Seriously, if you're on the fence, just book it. Worth every penny." - Keith
Target Species Breakdown
Redfish are the bread and butter of Orange Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats and oyster bars year-round, though spring through fall offers the most consistent action. Bull reds – those over 27 inches – will test your drag system and give you a fight you won't forget. Slot-sized reds between 16-27 inches make for excellent table fare and aggressive strikes. Look for them tailing in shallow water during low light periods, or holding around structure during midday heat.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but they're solid fighters that love to hang around structure. These bottom dwellers can get hefty – 20 to 40 pounders aren't uncommon in Orange Beach waters. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. Black drum have a knack for making long, powerful runs that'll have you thinking you hooked a shark. They're excellent eating when prepared right, with firm white meat that takes seasoning well.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes, but they're also called the "bait thieves" for good reason. These guys have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. They're notorious for light bites and quick escapes, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. Prime time is late winter through early spring when they move inshore to spawn. Land one of these crafty fish and you've earned serious bragging rights.
King mackerel bring the speed and aerial shows that get hearts pumping. These silver bullets patrol the nearshore waters, especially around bait schools and structure. Spring through fall offers the best king fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "snake kings" up to 30-pound smokers. They're notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Fresh king mackerel on the grill is hard to beat – firm, flaky meat with a mild flavor that converts even non-fish eaters.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your whole trip memorable. These brown sharks (though they're not sharks at all) are curious fish that often approach the boat to investigate. They're powerful fighters that use their broad tails and strong bodies to bulldoze their way around. Cobia fishing peaks in spring and fall when they're most active in nearshore waters. A 30-pound cobia will give you a workout you'll remember for months, and the meat quality rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Charlie's reputation speaks for itself – repeat customers and glowing reviews from anglers who've experienced his hospit
4.9(19 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Alabama, AL
Five
