Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, seatrout, and snapperExpert guides accommodate both beginners and experienced anglersSmall group charter with maximum 2 guests per trip
Get ready to hit Orange Beach's most productive inshore waters on this action-packed half-day charter. With Sunrise Charters, you'll target some of Alabama's finest gamefish in shallow bays, grass flats, and structure-rich areas where the big ones love to hang out. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about real angling in spots that consistently produce trophy catches. Whether you're looking to bend some rods for a few hours or introduce someone new to the sport, this charter delivers the goods without eating up your entire day.
Your fishing adventure starts at the crack of dawn or during prime afternoon bite times, depending on what Mother Nature's serving up that day. We'll cruise through Orange Beach's intricate network of back bays, oyster bars, and grass beds where gamefish ambush their next meal. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're working a deep channel edge, the next you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. With just two anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time without the crowded boat experience.
We fish light to medium tackle that lets you feel every headshake and run these inshore species are famous for. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to artificial baits like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs. The shallow water around Orange Beach is perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow – there's nothing quite like watching a big red cruise up to your bait in crystal clear water. We'll also work structure like oyster bars, docks, and grass edges using different retrieval techniques. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, plus our guides will teach you the local tricks that separate the fish-catchers from the fish-wishers. If you've got your own lucky rod, bring it along – we're always happy to rig up your personal gear.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped bullies of the inshore scene, and Orange Beach has some real doormat-sized specimens lurking around structure. These guys are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and small crabs. Peak season runs from late winter through early spring when they're staging for their spawning runs. What makes sheepshead so exciting to catch is their incredible fight-to-size ratio and the finesse required to hook them. They'll tap your bait so lightly you might think it's current, then suddenly your rod doubles over as a five-pounder makes a bulldogging run for the nearest piling.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast inshore fishing. These gorgeous spotted predators love the grass flats and drop-offs around Orange Beach, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. A good speck will hit your lure like a freight train, then put on an aerial show with gill-rattling jumps. The best action typically happens during spring and fall transitions, though we catch them year-round. What anglers love about trout fishing is the versatility – you can catch them on everything from live bait to topwater plugs, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore gamefish and Orange Beach's signature species. These copper-colored bruisers can push 30-plus inches and will test your drag system when they make their trademark bulldogging runs. Reds are year-round residents but really turn on during fall when they school up in massive numbers. The sight-fishing opportunities here are world-class – watching a big red inhale your bait in shallow water will get your heart pumping every single time. They're also incredibly hardy fighters that use their broad tails and stocky build to maximum advantage, often making multiple screaming runs before coming to the net.
Orange Beach's inshore fishing scene is as good as it gets on the Gulf Coast, and this half-day charter gives you a perfect taste of what these waters offer. You'll come away with a better understanding of inshore techniques, local hotspots, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets. Our top-rated guides at Sunrise Charters have been putting clients on fish for years, and they know exactly how to make your limited time count. Whether you're squeezing in some fishing between other vacation activities or testing the waters before booking a longer trip, this charter delivers maximum action in minimum time. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect.
The 27' Shearwater bay boat puts you right where the fish are biting in Orange Beach's productive inshore waters. Built in 2018 and powered by a robust 350HP Yamaha engine, this fishing machine cuts through the water at speeds up to 62 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast. Perfect for targeting redfish, seatrout, tarpon, and snapper in the shallow bays and flats. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking spooky fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate schools and structure. With space for up to 4 anglers and an onboard head for convenience, you'll have everything needed for a successful day on the water. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the grass flats for trout, this versatile bay boat handles it all with ease.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Orange Beach inshore charters - bronze-backed beauties with those distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but we regularly see bulls pushing 40+ inches that'll test your drag. They love super shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall is phenomenal when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - they'll rip drag and make long runs even in shallow water. Plus, slot-sized fish are fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, crab, or artificials like topwater plugs and soft plastics. Here's a local secret: look for nervous water or "push wakes" in skinny areas - that's usually a redfish rooting around for crabs.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a staple of our Orange Beach inshore trips. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle action. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Fall and spring are peak seasons, but they bite year-round here. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a solid fight with some nice runs. The white, flaky meat is outstanding eating - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Pro tip: during cooler months, work your lures slower and look for them in slightly deeper water channels where they school up. Night fishing under lights can be absolutely killer for big specks.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of our most unique targets around Orange Beach - you'll recognize them by their black and white stripes and those famous human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we occasionally see 20-pounders that'll make your day. They hang tight around any structure - docks, bridges, jetties, and oil rigs where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active. What makes them special is that mild, sweet white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Fair warning though - they're notorious bait thieves with those crushing jaws. Here's the trick: get your bait right against the structure and when you feel that first nibble, set the hook hard and fast. They won't give you a second chance.
Gulf Shores, AL