4.9(19 Reviews)5 Hour Morning Orange Beach Inshore Fishing Trip
4.9(19 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Private 5-hour inshore fishing charter in Orange Beach watersTarget redfish, speckled trout, cobia, and king mackerel speciesAll fishing licenses, gear, and bait included with trip
Orange Beach's inshore waters are packed with hungry fish year-round, and Captain Charlie knows exactly where to find them. This 5-hour morning charter puts you right in the action, whether you're a weekend warrior or picking up a rod for the first time. We're talking prime fishing hours when the bite is hot and the Gulf Coast serves up some of its best action. Your private charter means no crowded boats or rushing – just you, your fishing buddy, and waters teeming with Redfish, Speckled Trout, Cobia, and whatever else decides to crash the party.
Captain Charlie runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – that's the Southern Sun difference. You'll launch from Orange Beach and head straight to where the fish are biting. The inshore and nearshore waters here are legendary for good reason. Protected bays, grass flats, and structure-rich areas create perfect hunting grounds for multiple species. Your morning starts early to beat the heat and catch fish when they're most active. Everything's included – licenses, gear, bait, and ice – so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat. The 2-person capacity keeps it intimate, giving you plenty of room to work and personal attention from the captain.
Captain Charlie adapts his approach based on conditions and what's biting. You might be working live bait around structure for Cobia, casting artificials across grass flats for Redfish, or trolling for King Mackerel when they're running. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you're not locked into one technique all day. Light tackle keeps the fight exciting, and the captain will match your skill level whether you need help tying knots or want to work advanced presentations. Expect to fish everything from shallow flats to nearshore reefs, depending on where the action is hottest that morning.
"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
"Had a great time with Captain Charlie and Gil. They continued to always put us on fish. Both Charlie and Gil were attentive and always helped when needed. I would highly recommend a trip with Southern Sun Inshore Charters." - Arin
"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
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats – these heavy-shouldered fighters love structure and will test your drag system. They're most active during cooler months and often school up around oyster bars and bridge pilings. What makes them special is their crushing power once hooked. They don't jump like other species, but they'll pull steady and hard, making every angler work for it. Black Drum can range from smaller specimens perfect for dinner to true giants that'll have you questioning your tackle choices.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world, famous for stealing bait with surgical precision. These convict-striped fish hang around any structure they can find – docks, pilings, reefs. They're most cooperative during winter months when they school up for spawning. Landing a good Sheepshead takes finesse and quick reflexes. Their human-like teeth make them one of the most distinctive catches, and they're absolutely delicious table fare when prepared right.
King Mackerel are the speed demons that'll make your reel scream. When they're running nearshore, usually spring through fall, they provide some of the most heart-pounding action you'll find. Kings hit baits with authority and make blistering runs that can strip line in seconds. They're perfect for anglers who want that adrenaline rush – one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next you're fighting a fish that refuses to quit.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are available year-round and provide consistent action for all skill levels. Bull Reds, the big breeding fish, offer world-class fights in relatively shallow water. Slot-sized fish are perfect for the dinner table and cooperative enough for beginners to enjoy success. Redfish are ambush predators that love grass flats and oyster bars, making sight-fishing opportunities common on calm days.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore scene – curious, powerful, and absolutely delicious. Spring and fall bring the best Cobia action around Orange Beach, when they cruise structure and follow rays in shallow water. These fish often approach the boat out of curiosity, creating exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia fight with steady power rather than flashy jumps, and their excellent table quality makes them a prized catch for any angler.
Orange Beach inshore fishing delivers year-round, but prime morning slots with Captain Charlie fill up fast. This 5-hour window gives you serious fishing time without burning the whole day, perfect for maximizing your vacation or getting back for family activities. The private charter experience means you're not dealing with crowds or strangers – just pure fishing with a captain who's earned his reputation putting clients on fish. Southern Sun Fishing Charters has built their name on consistent results and treating customers like family. Whether you're after your first Redfish or ch
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are powerhouse bottom-feeders that can range from keeper-sized 5-pounders to massive 50+ pound bulls. They're cousins to redfish and get their name from the drumming sounds they make underwater. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most action. These fish put up a solid fight with their broad shoulders and stubborn nature. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, give it a few seconds before setting the hook hard. They're notorious for testing your bait first.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - dark chocolate-colored fish that cruise alone and grow big. These solitary hunters average 20-50 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds in our waters. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, oil rigs, and floating debris in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action when they're moving through and actively feeding. What hooks guests is sight-fishing these giants near the surface and that initial powerful dive when hooked. They're also premium table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. The key is spotting them first - they'll cruise just under the surface checking out the boat. Pitch a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them and hang on. They're curious fish, so stay patient and keep the boat positioned right.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds but can hit 50+ in the right conditions. We find them in 40-100 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Summer through early fall is peak season when they're feeding heavy on the nearshore waters. What guests love is that initial screaming run - nothing pulls drag like a king. They're also excellent eating with firm, rich meat that's perfect for the grill. The trick is using a wire leader and slow-trolling live bait or spoons. I always rig with a stinger hook because kings hit the tail end of bait fish. When one hits, clear the lines fast and get ready for a fight. They're called kings for a reason.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Alabama's signature inshore species - bronze-backed beauties with those distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we also target bull reds that can push 40+ pounds in deeper water. They love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-6 feet of water year-round. What makes them special is their willingness to eat and that powerful, bulldogging fight. The smaller ones are table fare gold with mild, sweet meat. You'll see them tailing in skinny water or cruising the flats. My go-to technique is sight-fishing with soft plastics or live shrimp, but topwater action in the mornings will get your heart pumping. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work baits slowly along the bottom. They're not spooky but respect shallow water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Orange Beach - those black and white stripes make them unmistakable. Most run 2-8 pounds, but we've pulled 15+ pounders off the right structure. They live around any hard bottom: bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and barnacle-covered anything. These fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Spring through early summer is when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is the challenge - they're picky eaters and masters at stealing bait. The payoff is some of the best-tasting fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. My tip: use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, get tight to structure, and set the hook the instant you feel weight. They'll test your patience but reward your skill.
4.9 out of 5.0I’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 wa...
Thank you! See y'all next time!
I booked a fishing charter for my father’s birthday. Captain Charlie was awesome, very nice and hospitable. We had an excellent ti...
Justin Franks, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Charlie was a great guide, easy to spend time with and he worked hard. I would definitely use him again.
Had an amazing time, Captain Charlie was awesome to be around and made it a great experience!
Captain Charlie was awesome! My family had an amazing time fishing and we will be back to fish with Southern Sun again. Hopefully ...
Great experience. The fishing was solid and Captain Charlie was an awesome guide. We had a blast!
Gil was our guide today, he was really nice and easy to get along with. I would definitely recommend, plus they put us on some fis...
Had a great time with Captain Charlie and Gil. They continued to always put us on fish. Both Charlie and Gil were attentive and al...
Was pretty upset that we left the dock 45 minutes later. The. Had to go grab a net for shrimp. That took bout an hour of our fishi...
Charlie was an excellent guide! Overall best experience I have had with a charter!! Will definitely book again!!
Great guide and even better person!!
Great captain, great time! Charlie is honed in on fishing for bull reds. He put us on some big fish that we will never forget. Hi...
we'd always like to catch more fish but we had a great day and Captain Charlie is personable and made it fun. We'll be back!
Thank you.
Captain Charlie is top notch!! He is very knowledgeable and easy to get along with he will put you on the fish.
We had an awesome time. Thnx again. Willie Mc
Very knowledgeable captain, kept us on the fish all day!
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...
Alabama, AL