King Mackerel and Snapper Action with Captain Brian Wass
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target King Mackerel, Bluefish, and Grey Snapper inshoreCaptain Brian provides local expertise on 24foot console boatThreehour trips accommodate up to two guests maximum
Captain Brian Wass knows these Perdido Key waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this action-packed 3-hour inshore adventure. You'll be fishing from his well-maintained 24-foot center console, targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species including King Mackerel, Grey Snapper, and Bluefish. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter—Brian's got the local knowledge to find where the fish are biting, and he'll share the techniques that work best in these productive Alabama waters. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some solid fishing action, this trip delivers consistent results in one of the most fish-rich areas along the Gulf.
Your fishing day starts when you meet Captain Brian at the dock, where his 24-foot center console waits ready to go. This boat's built for inshore work—stable, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for a successful trip. You'll head out into the protected waters around Perdido Key, where Brian's years of experience really shine. He knows the structure, the current breaks, and the seasonal patterns that put fish in your hands. The beauty of a 3-hour trip is you get straight to the good stuff—no wasted time running to distant spots. These inshore waters hold plenty of fish, and Brian's got the spots dialed in. You'll be working different techniques depending on what's biting, from live bait fishing to casting artificials around structure. The boat's setup makes it easy to handle multiple lines, so you and your fishing partner can maximize your time with lines in the water.
Captain Brian adapts his approach based on conditions and what the fish are doing, but you can count on using proven techniques that work in these Alabama inshore waters. Live bait fishing is often the go-to method—threading on a lively shrimp or small baitfish and working it around the structure where snapper and other species hang out. You'll also throw artificials when the fish are aggressive, using jigs and soft plastics to work the bottom or suspend baits in the water column for cruising mackerel. Brian's boat carries quality tackle that's matched to the fishing, so you're not fighting light gear when a good king mackerel makes its run. The key here is reading the water and the fish's mood—sometimes they want fast-moving baits, other times they prefer a slow presentation near the bottom. Brian's constantly adjusting based on what he's seeing, whether that's bird activity, bait movements, or subtle changes in the current.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are pure power—when a king hits your bait, you know it immediately. They make blistering runs and fight hard all the way to the boat. In Perdido Key waters, kings typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. Summer and early fall are prime time, when the kings are feeding heavily and schooled up in good numbers. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability—they might crush a slow-trolled bait or slam an artificial that's burning through the water column.
Grey Snapper are another favorite target, and these fish provide steady action when they're biting. They hang around structure and are notorious for their finicky eating habits, which makes landing them satisfying. Most snapper you'll encounter run between 12 and 16 inches, perfect for the dinner table. They're year-round residents, but summer fishing tends to be most consistent. What anglers love about snapper fishing is the technique involved—you need to feel the subtle bite and set the hook at just the right moment.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to your trip. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're not picky eaters and will hit artificials with authority, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy casting and retrieving lures. Blues in this area typically weigh between 3 and 8 pounds, and they fight with more power than their size suggests. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, but scattered schools can be found throughout the warmer months.
Redfish are the inshore slam favorite, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water structure and grass flats, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. Perdido Key reds typically range from 18 to 27 inches, with most falling into that perfect slot size. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action, especially during the cooler months when they school up in larger numbers.
Ladyfish round out the target list and provide excellent light tackle action. Don't let their modest size fool you—these fish are acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly when hooked. They're abundant throughout the warmer months and make great bait for larger species, but many anglers enjoy catching them for the pure sport. Ladyfish are also perfect for newer anglers to practice their fighting and landing techniques on a fish that won't break your tackle.
Captain Brian's 3-hour Quick Cast trip gives you everything you need for a successful day on Perdido Key's productive inshore waters. With a maximum of just 2 anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Brian's local knowledge and years of experience mean you're not just going fishing—you're learning from someone who knows these waters inside and out. The combination of his well-equipped boat, proven techniques, and prime fishing locations makes this trip a top choice for anglers wanting quality action without the commitment of a full-day charter. Whether you're targeting kings for the fight, snapper for the table, or just want to get bent on whatever's biting, this trip delivers the goods
Captain Brian's 2016 Key West 24-footer is built for serious inshore fishing around Perdido Key. This center console runs on a powerful 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting 40 knots when you need to chase down those King Mackerel schools. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a productive day - GPS to mark your honey holes, fish finder to locate structure where Snapper hang out, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them. Perfect size for up to 2 anglers who want plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Whether you're casting to Bluefish or dropping lines for Grey Snapper, this rig handles the Gulf waters with confidence and gets you back to the dock with a cooler full of fish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a solid fight once hooked. These blue-green backed fish typically run 3-10 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones show up. They're voracious feeders with razor-sharp teeth, so handle with care. You'll find them in schools chasing baitfish around grass flats, drop-offs, and structure in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times when they're actively feeding on anchovies, sardines, and shrimp. What makes them popular is their strong runs and the way they'll hit lures hard. The meat's decent eating if you bleed them quick and ice them down. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you see birds working, cast into the chaos.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but they're scrappy fighters that use structure to their advantage. These copper-colored fish with the dark eye stripe love hanging around docks, piers, rocks, and grass edges where they can ambush prey. They're opportunistic feeders that get more active at night, though you can catch them during the day. The white, flaky meat makes excellent table fare - some of the best eating around. They're year-round residents but bite best during warmer months. Here's the key: let your live shrimp or mud minnow sit still near the bottom. Too much movement spooks them. Use a 4/0 hook and be patient - when they bite, let them run a second before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout. These silver torpedoes average 15-30 pounds but can push 50-plus pounds. They cruise our waters from spring through fall, preferring the 40-150 foot range near drop-offs and structure. What makes kings special is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - pure adrenaline. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. These fish hunt in schools, chasing blue runners, menhaden, and squid. Trolling works great, but live bait gets the bigger fish excited. Temperature matters - they like water between 68-84 degrees. My go-to rig uses two hooks on a wire leader: one through the bait's nose, the other trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail first, so that back hook is your insurance policy.
Elops SaurusLadyfish might be called "poor man's tarpon," but they're pure fun on light tackle. These silver bullets typically run 12-24 inches and are absolute acrobats once hooked - jumping, spinning, and tail-walking across the surface. They school up around grass flats, channels, and near shore structure, often mixing with other species. While they're not great eating, they make fantastic bait for bigger fish and provide non-stop action for kids or anyone wanting constant bites. You'll find them year-round in our waters since they handle different salinity levels well. They'll hit live shrimp, small jigs, flies, or cut bait eagerly. Here's the deal: use a heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader because they thrash like crazy and have small but sharp teeth. When the action's slow for other species, ladyfish keep the rods bent.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target with their distinctive black spot and bronze backs. Most run 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches show up regularly. These fish love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. What's great about reds is they'll eat almost anything and fight hard, making long runs in shallow water. They're excellent table fare too, with mild, sweet meat. You can catch them year-round, but fall and spring produce the most action when they school up. The key is staying quiet and watching for their backs or tails breaking the surface. Topwater lures create explosive strikes, but live shrimp on a jig head is hard to beat. Keep your approach stealthy - they spook easily in skinny water.
Perdido Key