Saltwater Intro Trips: Prime Inshore Action
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target prized saltwater species during prime fishing seasonSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboardAll fishing equipment and gear provided for trip
You've been thinking about getting into saltwater fishing, and this is exactly where you need to start. Captain and crew at Stressed Out Charters know how to put first-timers and seasoned anglers alike on fish during the prime January through mid-May season. With just two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention that bigger boats simply can't offer. No need to stress about gear or tackle – everything's provided so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical crowded charter where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. With only two guests max, you're getting the VIP treatment from the moment you step aboard. The captain will size up conditions and head to wherever the fish are biting best that day. Maybe it's working the grass flats for redfish, or heading to structure where cobia are cruising. The beauty of these intro trips is flexibility – you're not locked into one style of fishing. If the bite's slow in one spot, you're moving. Weather plays a huge role in saltwater fishing, and having an experienced captain who knows when to adjust the game plan makes all the difference. You'll learn to read the water, understand why fish hold in certain spots, and pick up techniques that'll serve you well on future trips.
The boat comes rigged with everything you need for multiple fishing styles. Light tackle spinning gear for sight fishing redfish in shallow water, medium-heavy setups for bottom fishing structure, and trolling rigs for when it's time to cover water looking for kings or mahi. Depending on what's running, you might be throwing live bait, working soft plastics, or pulling lures behind the boat. The captain will match the technique to the conditions and target species. Live bait fishing often produces the most consistent action – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or pilchard to get a red's attention. When you're targeting pelagics like king mackerel or mahi, trolling with spoons, feathers, or ballyhoo gets you into the strike zone fast. Bottom fishing around structure can produce cobia and other species that cruise the mid-water column looking for an easy meal.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the saltwater world, and when one hits your trolled bait, you'll know it instantly. These fish can stretch 20-40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Early season kings are hungry after winter and feed aggressively on the surface. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The fight is all about that initial run – once you turn their head, it's usually game over. Kings are excellent table fare when prepared fresh, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing your first smoker king.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and structure where they can ambush prey. A slot-sized red (18-27 inches in most areas) puts up a bulldogging fight that's pure fun on light tackle. They're not fancy fighters – no jumps or long runs – but they'll use every bit of cover and current to try to break you off. Reds feed year-round, but spring finds them in predictable patterns as they follow warming water and abundant baitfish. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is about as good as it gets for inshore action.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, are the crown jewels of offshore fishing, but they venture close enough to shore during spring migrations that inshore boats can get in on the action. These fish are absolute stunners – bright gold and green colors that seem to glow underwater. Mahi are aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters, jumping repeatedly when hooked. They travel in schools, so where you find one, there are usually more. A 10-20 pound mahi is perfect eating size and provides enough excitement to get anyone hooked on saltwater fishing. They're curious fish that investigate floating debris and weed lines, making them prime targets for boats working the right areas.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore world, cruising structure and open water like brown submarines. These fish can reach impressive sizes – 30-50 pounders aren't uncommon – and they fight with surprising power for such a laid-back looking fish. Cobia are often spotted on the surface, making them perfect targets for sight fishing with live bait or large lures. They're curious and will often approach the boat for a closer look, giving skilled anglers multiple shot opportunities. Spring is prime time as cobia move inshore for their spawning runs. The meat is excellent, often compared to shark or grouper in texture and flavor.
Little tunny, also called false albacore or albies, are the perfect introduction to the tuna family. They're smaller than their offshore cousins but pack serious punch for their size. These fish are built for speed and endurance, making long runs and testing your stamina. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on surface baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that are spectacular to witness. When you hook up during a tunny blitz, the action can be non-stop with multiple fish in the spread. They're catch-and-release for most anglers, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Light tackle makes the experience even better, turning a 5-pound tunny into a memorable battle.
January through mid-May is prime time for saltwater fishing, with comfortable temperatures, active fish, and generally better weather windows. This intro trip gives you a taste of what makes saltwater fishing so addictive – the variety, the fight, and the beauty of fishing productive coastal waters. With all gear provided and expert guidance, you're set up for success from the start. Two-person max capacity means
Our motorboat gets you right where the fish are biting in the shallows. The fish finder shows what's swimming below while GPS keeps us on productive spots. When we need to move quietly into skinny water, the wireless trolling motor won't spook anything. Perfect size for two anglers who want plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. The ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those longer sessions. Whether you're targeting reds in the grass or working structure for trout, this boat handles the inshore game perfectly. Clean setup with everything you need to make the most of your time on the water from January through mid-May when the fishing really heats up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the pickup trucks of the ocean - big, brown, and built for power. These solitary hunters average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ when you find a good one. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet, though they'll cruise shallow flats too chasing rays and crabs. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they move inshore to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to check you out. The fight is bulldogging power, and the meat rivals any fish in the ocean for table fare. They're aggressive predators that'll eat just about anything you throw at them. Pro tip: when you spot a cobia, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead the fish by 10-20 feet with a bucktail jig or eel, then work it naturally - they spook easily but curiosity usually wins.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy with their electric blues and golds, plus they put up one heck of a fight. These beauties typically run 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. They're surface dwellers, so you'll often see them jumping and splashing when hooked. Spring through early summer gives you the best shots when they move closer to shore following baitfish. Guests go crazy for mahi because they're acrobatic fighters and absolutely delicious - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The color show they put on when first boated is something special too. Here's my go-to trick: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water while others cast around the boat - mahi travel in schools and that hooked fish will often call in its buddies.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 60+ during peak season. They cruise offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often following bait schools along temperature breaks and structure. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes kings special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like nothing else out there. The meat's excellent too, firm and flaky when grilled fresh. Here's a pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait. Kings love to hit the tail end of a goggle-eye or blue runner, so that trailing treble hook back by the tail saves a lot of missed fish.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny are scrappy members of the tuna family that punch way above their weight class. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 8-15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They school up in nearshore waters around jetties, inlets, and bait schools, making a commotion when feeding that you can hear from a distance. Fall brings the best action when they're fattening up for their southern migration. What guests love is the raw power and speed - that first run will have your drag screaming. They're also perfect for kids and light tackle enthusiasts. While the red meat isn't everyone's favorite, it's actually quite good when prepared right. Here's the key to success: when you find feeding birds over baitfish, get there fast and throw small spoons or jigs into the fray. Little Tunny are opportunistic feeders and won't stay in one spot long.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect shallow water target for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-30 inches and love cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll often spot their backs breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall give you prime conditions when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. What guests love most is sight-fishing these fish - watching a red slowly cruise up to your lure creates heart-pounding moments. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you see a redfish tailing in skinny water, cast your spoon or soft plastic well ahead of where he's heading, then work it back slowly across his path.
Gulf Shores, AL