4 Hour Morning or Afternoon Charter - Orange Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour morning or afternoon offshore fishing charter availablePerfect for beginners, families, and groups with childrenAccommodates up to 10 guests with experienced Southwind crew
Orange Beach's pristine Gulf waters offer some of the best offshore fishing along Alabama's coast, and Southwind's 4-hour charters are designed specifically for newcomers to the sport and families looking to create lasting memories on the water. Whether you choose our morning departure to beat the heat or our afternoon trip to catch the evening bite, you'll experience world-class fishing in a relaxed, educational environment perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Your charter begins at the Orange Beach marina where Captain and crew will welcome you aboard our well-maintained vessel equipped for up to 10 guests. We'll cruise out to productive offshore waters where the continental shelf drops off, creating the perfect habitat for a variety of gamefish species. The 4-hour timeframe strikes the perfect balance - long enough to reach prime fishing grounds and put multiple species in the boat, yet manageable for kids and first-time anglers who might get seasick on longer trips. Our experienced crew takes pride in teaching proper techniques, helping you identify different species, and ensuring everyone on board gets plenty of rod time. The pace stays relaxed and educational, making this a customer favorite for multi-generational groups and anyone wanting to learn the ropes without feeling rushed.
We provide all the gear you'll need, including quality spinning and conventional rods matched to the target species, a variety of tackle setups, and plenty of fresh bait. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we'll employ different techniques throughout the trip. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and weights targets grouper and snapper holding near structure, while free-lining live bait or casting jigs works great for cobia and jacks cruising the surface. Our crew will show you how to feel the difference between a fish bite and your sinker hitting bottom, proper hook-setting technique, and the best way to fight each species without losing them at the boat. We keep multiple rods rigged and ready so there's minimal downtime between catches, and beginners appreciate our patient instruction on everything from casting basics to proper fish handling for photos.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, with these chunky bottom dwellers averaging 15-25 pounds and providing excellent table fare. They inhabit rocky ledges and artificial reefs in 60-100 feet of water, and once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to their holes. The fight is more about power than speed, making them perfect for newer anglers to experience that deep, steady pull without getting overwhelmed by blazing runs.
Grey Triggerfish have made a strong comeback in recent years and offer some of the most exciting action on our charters. These feisty fish have incredible personalities - they'll steal bait, inspect your hooks, and put up a scrappy fight once hooked. Averaging 2-4 pounds with occasional larger specimens, triggers are abundant during summer and fall months around structure. Kids especially love watching these curious fish approach the boat, and they're excellent eating despite their unusual appearance.
Crevalle Jack provide the high-energy action that gets everyone excited, especially when schools move through the area. These powerful fish average 10-20 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs and testing both angler and equipment. They're most active during warmer months and often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, you'll likely catch several. While not typically kept for the table, jacks offer pure sporting excitement.
Cobia are the prize catch that has everyone talking back at the dock. These curious, shark-like fish can reach 40+ pounds and often approach the boat to investigate. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia fishing, and these intelligent fish require finesse and patience. When one shows up, the whole boat gets excited - they're excellent fighters and outstanding table fare, making them a true trophy for any angler.
Red Snapper remain the most sought-after species when in season, typically during summer months. These beautiful fish inhabit the same areas as grouper but tend to be more aggressive feeders. Averaging 8-15 pounds with occasional larger fish, red snapper are considered the ultimate table fare by many anglers. Their bright red coloration and excellent fighting ability make them a customer favorite, and landing your first red snapper is a milestone every angler remembers.
This top-rated 4-hour charter offers the perfect introduction to Gulf Coast fishing while providing enough action to keep experienced anglers engaged. Morning trips often provide calmer seas and more comfortable conditions, while afternoon charters can offer spectacular sunset views on the return trip. With our patient crew, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds, you're virtually guaranteed to head home with both fish and stories. Space fills quickly during peak season, especially for this renowned beginner-friendly trip that consistently delivers results. Book your Orange Beach fishing adventure with Southwind today and discover why so many families make this their annual tradition.
Step aboard this well-equipped 33-foot sportfishing boat designed to get your group of up to 10 anglers into Orange Beach's productive offshore waters. The vessel features a spacious flybridge for optimal fish spotting and plenty of deck room for everyone to cast their lines comfortably. Inside, you'll find air conditioning to escape the Gulf heat, a multimedia system for entertainment between bites, and a clean restroom for convenience during your 4-hour trip. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of snapper, grouper, and other Gulf species, while the ice box keeps your catch fresh. A comfortable bed provides a spot to rest between fishing action. Whether you choose the morning or afternoon charter, this boat handles offshore conditions smoothly, giving new anglers and kids a stable platform to learn proper techniques while experienced fishermen work the deeper waters for bigger fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - and once you hook one, you'll know the difference. These chocolate-brown fish average 20-40 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet long. They cruise shallow waters around buoys, reefs, and floating debris, often solo rather than schooled up. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they move through Orange Beach waters. What makes them special? They're sight-fishing targets that eat almost anything, fight like freight trains, and the white meat rivals any fish on the table. Look for them just under the surface on calm days. My go-to technique: big bucktail jigs in natural colors, worked aggressively near structure. When you spot one, get that bait in front of them quick.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of Orange Beach - and that's exactly why anglers love them. These brassy-green speedsters typically run 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds when you find the big ones. They roam both shallow flats and deeper water, often in schools that push baitfish to the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue. Jacks are pure muscle and will give you a workout on light tackle. They're not the best eating, but the fight is what you're after. Spring through fall offers consistent action. The secret is aggressive retrieves with silver spoons or topwater plugs. Cast past the school and rip it back fast - these fish love the chase and won't back down from a challenge.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that keep things interesting on our bottom rigs. These pale grey fish average 12-17 inches and pack surprising punch for their size. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 30-180 feet, using their strong teeth to crunch crabs and sea urchins. What's fun about triggers is they're aggressive biters but also bait thieves - they'll nibble your offering before committing. Kids love catching them because they bend the rod good and have that tough, leathery skin. Summer and fall are prime time. Here's the trick: use small chunks of squid on a tight line, and when you feel that first tap, be ready to set the hook fast before they steal your bait.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most sought-after fish in Orange Beach waters. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen them push 30+ pounds around deeper structure. You'll find them on rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks from 20-100 feet deep. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait hard. What makes them special? They're tough fighters that'll try to run you into structure, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, flaky, with that sweet shellfish taste. Spring through fall gives you the best action. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quick before they dive back into the rocks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish of the Gulf - bright red, hard fighting, and absolutely delicious. Most run 2-8 pounds, though trophy fish can push 15+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-100+ feet, holding tight to structure. During open season (typically summer months), they're the main target for many trips. These fish are true bottom dwellers with attitude - they'll grab your bait and head straight for cover. The white, flaky meat with that mild, sweet flavor makes them a dinner favorite. Fresh cut bait or live pinfish work best. Key tip: use heavy tackle and get them off the bottom fast once hooked, or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock pile.
Orange Beach, AL