Gulf Shores 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter targets multiple speciesAllinclusive package provides rods, reels, and tackleSmall group experience accommodates up to two guests
There's something special about Gulf Shores waters that keeps anglers coming back year after year. When you step aboard with Sunrise Charters for this 4-hour inshore adventure, you're getting access to some of Alabama's most productive fishing grounds. We're talking shallow bays, grass flats, and nearshore structure where redfish cruise the shallows and sea trout stack up in good numbers. This isn't a crowded party boat deal – with just 2 guests max, you get personalized attention and prime fishing spots that bigger operations can't reach.
Your morning starts early when we meet at the dock, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. The boat's already rigged and ready with quality Penn and Shimano gear, fresh bait, and a cooler full of ice. We'll cruise out to the flats where the water's gin-clear and you can actually see redfish tailing in 2-3 feet of water. The whole vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to put fish in the boat, but there's no rush. You'll learn to read the water, spot baitfish schools, and understand why certain structure holds fish while other spots look fishy but stay empty. Captain knows these waters like his backyard and adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day.
We fish light tackle here – 2500 to 4000 series spinning reels spooled with 15-20lb braid, paired with 7-foot medium-action rods that have enough backbone for redfish but won't overpower smaller trout. Live shrimp under popping corks is the bread and butter technique, especially around grass beds and oyster bars. When the bite gets tough, we'll switch to soft plastics like paddle tails or DOA shrimp on 1/8-ounce jig heads. Structure fishing means dropping down with chicken rigs tipped with cut bait for sheepshead, and when red snapper season opens, we'll work the nearshore reefs with heavier tackle and circle hooks. The key is staying mobile – if one spot isn't producing after 20 minutes, we're moving to the next honey hole.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped characters that hang around any hard structure – docks, pilings, rock piles, and oyster bars. These guys have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, which makes them notorious bait thieves. They're most active in cooler months from November through March when they school up for spawning. A 3-pound sheepshead is a solid fish, but 5-pounders aren't uncommon around Gulf Shores. They fight hard with short, powerful runs and their meat is some of the best eating you'll find. The trick is using small hooks, fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, and setting the hook at the slightest tick – these fish can strip your bait clean without you feeling a thing.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the most consistent biters in these waters. They love grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. Spring and fall are prime time when schools of 14-16 inch fish move shallow to feed. They hit live shrimp under corks, but also crush soft plastic jigs worked slowly across the bottom. A good trout makes a distinctive head-shaking fight, and anything over 20 inches is a real trophy. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The best part about trout fishing is the consistency – even slow days usually produce a few keeper fish.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore gamefish and Gulf Shores has some of the best red fishing on the Gulf Coast. These copper-colored bruisers patrol shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges looking for crabs and small fish. Fall months bring the biggest schools when mature reds gather for their offshore spawning run. A slot-size red (16-26 inches) makes a powerful, bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. Bull reds over 30 inches are pure adrenaline – long runs that strip line and leave your arms aching. They're not picky eaters either, hitting live bait, cut mullet, and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. The sight-fishing opportunities are amazing when you spot a school of reds cruising a shallow flat.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, though they're only available during specific seasons set by federal regulations. When the season's open, usually summer months, we'll head to nearshore reefs and artificial structure in 40-80 feet of water. These pink and silver beauties are aggressive biters that hit cut bait, live pinfish, and vertical jigs. They fight hard on the way up, making powerful dives back toward the bottom structure. A 5-pound snapper is eating size, but 10-15 pounders are caught regularly around Gulf Shores. They're hands-down the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation. The challenge is getting them away from the structure before they cut your line on sharp edges.
This 4-hour charter hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without burning the whole day. You'll have time to hit multiple spots, learn new techniques, and hopefully load the cooler with keeper fish. The small group size means you're not competing for rod time or fighting crowds at the best spots. Captain provides everything you need gear-wise, so just bring your fishing license, sunscreen, and appetite for some real Gulf Coast fishing action. These trips book up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait around if you want to experience what makes Gulf Shores one
Your Gulf Shores fishing adventure awaits aboard our 27' Shearwater bay boat, built in 2018 and powered by a robust 350HP Yamaha engine. This fishing machine cuts through Alabama's inshore waters at speeds up to 62 knots, getting you to the productive fishing spots quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets you position silently over structure where redfish and snook like to hide, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate schools of cobia and red snapper when they're in season. With space for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the waters without crowding. The onboard facilities include a head for convenience during your 4-hour charter. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you need to target Gulf Shores' diverse fish population. Just bring your fishing license and get ready to work the flats and nearshore reefs where the action happens.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're in season - typically summer months with strict regulations. These deep-water warriors average 2-5 pounds inshore, but the real trophies live in 60-200 feet around offshore structure, oil rigs, and hard bottom. They can hit 20+ pounds and fight like bulldogs, making long runs for cover when hooked. What draws everyone is that classic snapper fight and the unbeatable table fare - firm, sweet white meat that's restaurant quality. They're smart fish that live around wrecks, reefs, and ledges where they feed on smaller fish and crabs. When targeting them, fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish on heavy tackle works best since you're fishing deep structure. Pro tip: use a chicken rig with 6-8 oz weight to get down fast, and be ready to horse them up quick before they wrap your line around structure below.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore fish - bronze beauties with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail. School fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, while the big bulls can push 30+ inches and 20 pounds. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall is prime time when they school up heavy. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite in skinny water and the way they bulldoze when hooked. Plus they're great on the table with firm, mild meat. They'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, spoons, soft plastics. My go-to trick: look for nervous baitfish or mud trails stirred up by feeding reds. Approach quiet and make long casts - they spook easy in shallow water. Gold spoons work magic here.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a bread-and-butter inshore species that'll keep your rod bent. Most fish run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with some nice ones pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water where they can ambush baitfish. Best fishing happens spring through fall, especially on moving water during dawn and dusk. Winter pushes them into deeper channels and holes. What guests love is how aggressive they hit lures - topwater explosions at first light are something special. They're also excellent eating with tender, flaky white meat that's mild and sweet. The fight is solid but not crazy strong. Local trick: work a soft plastic shrimp or paddle tail slowly along grass edges on a 1/4 oz jig head. When the grass is thick, switch to a popping cork rig to keep your bait above the weeds.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easily spotted by their black and white prison stripes and those famous human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Most fish we catch run 2-4 pounds and 14-18 inches, but the big ones can hit 10+ pounds around here. You'll find them hugging any kind of structure - bridge pilings, docks, rock piles, and jetties in 5-30 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with light nibbles, then suddenly your rod doubles over. They fight hard and the meat is sweet and flaky - just tough to clean with those thick scales. Pro tip: use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook, get right up against the structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
Gulf Shores, AL