12 Hour Offshore Smack Down - Orange Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesCharter accommodates up to 6 guests with professional crewPrime location for grouper, snapper, mahimahi, and wahoo
Picture this: you're 20+ miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, the sun's barely up, and your rod's already bent double with something massive on the other end. That's what you're signing up for with Sure Shot Fishing Charters' 12-hour offshore adventure. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. We're talking about a full day of serious fishing in some of Alabama's most productive offshore waters, targeting the heavyweights that make Gulf Coast fishing legendary.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. We'll be at the dock before sunrise because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. The run out to the fishing grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the coastline disappear behind you. Once we hit the prime spots, it's game on for the next 10 hours. We'll be working everything from natural bottom structure to artificial reefs, oil rigs, and the famous "rigs to reefs" program sites that have turned into absolute fish magnets. The Gulf of Mexico off Orange Beach is known for its deep water and diverse structure, which means we're not just fishing one type of bottom all day. Expect to see your fish finder light up like a Christmas tree when we pull up on these spots.
We'll be mixing up techniques all day long to maximize your chances at different species. Early morning typically starts with trolling for pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel while we're running between spots. Once we're on structure, it's time to drop bottom rigs loaded with circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get down to where the big grouper and snapper live. We're talking 80-150 feet of water in most spots, so you'll need some muscle to winch these bruisers up from the depths. The boat's equipped with quality conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test – because when a 40-pound gag grouper decides it doesn't want to leave its hole, you'll need every bit of that drag system. We'll also keep some lighter spinning gear ready for when the mahi show up in schools, because there's nothing quite like the aerial show these fish put on when they're hooked on lighter tackle.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and Orange Beach sits right in the heart of some of the Gulf's best snapper grounds. These fish typically run 15-25 pounds, with plenty of bigger ones mixed in during peak season. They're structure-oriented, so we'll be fishing around wrecks, reefs, and rig sites where they school up in impressive numbers. What makes red snapper so popular isn't just their fighting ability – they're absolutely delicious table fare. Gag grouper are another crowd favorite, and these guys are pure muscle. They'll hit hard, then immediately try to get back to their rocky hideouts. A good gag will test your tackle and your technique, often reaching 20-30 pounds with trophy fish pushing much larger. Red grouper tend to be a bit more cooperative but still pack a punch, and they're incredibly tasty fish that freeze well for later meals.
King mackerel bring speed and aggression to the mix, often hitting trolled baits at 15+ knots and peeling drag like you wouldn't believe. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience offshore. Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, are the acrobats of the bunch – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing their phones. They travel in schools, so when we find them, it's usually a feeding frenzy for everyone aboard. Cobia are the wildcards, often showing up when you least expect them, cruising near the surface around structure. They're curious fish that can be sight-fished, and they grow big – 30-50 pounders aren't uncommon. Wahoo are the speed demons, capable of hitting 60+ mph and taking 200+ yards of line in seconds. They're relatively rare compared to other species, but when one hits, you'll know it instantly.
This 12-hour offshore trip is designed for serious anglers who want to experience the best of what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. With a maximum of 6 guests, you're not going to be fighting for rod space or waiting in line for your turn at the action. The smaller group size means more personal attention, better fishing opportunities, and a more relaxed atmosphere overall. Keep in mind that meals aren't included, so pack a good cooler with lunch, snacks, and plenty of water – 12 hours on the water works up an appetite. The trip isn't cheap, but when you consider the fuel costs for running 40+ miles round trip, the time investment, and the quality of fishing you'll experience, it's a solid value for a world-class offshore adventure. Book early, especially during peak season, because trips like this fill up fast with both locals and visiting anglers who know what Orange Beach offshore fishing is all about.
Your floating command center for this 12-hour offshore assault is built for serious fishing action in Gulf waters. This fully-equipped sportfisher handles the big blue with ease while keeping your crew of 6 comfortable during those long battles with grouper and snapper. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting bird action and structure, while the fish finder and GPS keep you locked onto the hottest bottom spots where the big ones hang out. When you're grinding it out in 100+ feet chasing wahoo and mahi, the air conditioning provides sweet relief between fights. The onboard kitchen keeps everyone fueled up for the long haul, and the fridge keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. After hours of pulling bent rods, crash in the comfortable bed or hit the head when nature calls. Radar ensures safe navigation when weather moves in from the Gulf. This boat means business – perfect for anglers who want to get serious about putting trophy fish in the box during Orange Beach's legendary offshore action.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 20+ pounds. These beautiful pink-to-red fish hang around structure in 30-200 feet - think reefs, ledges, and wrecks. They're year-round targets, but summer months offer the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving for cover the moment they feel the hook, and the meat is absolutely primo - sweet, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure. They'll wrap your line around anything they can find, so muscle them up quick and clean.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ultimate speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line faster than almost any other fish. These sleek, blue-striped torpedoes average 20-40 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds. You'll find them in open water, often near oil rigs and current edges in 50-200 feet. Fall through spring offer the best opportunities when they move closer to shore. What makes wahoo special is that screaming initial run that'll test your drag system, plus their meat is absolutely primo - white, flaky, and mild with no fishy taste. They're also relatively rare catches, making them true trophies. Pro tip: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key. Their razor teeth will cut anything else, and you need that speed to trigger their predatory instincts.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our most reliable bottom dwellers, typically running 15-25 pounds with some bruisers pushing 40+. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They're year-round fish, but fall and winter often produce the biggest specimens when they move to deeper structure. What guests love about gags is the solid fight - they'll try to dive straight back to their hole once hooked, plus the meat is excellent eating with firm, white flesh. These fish are ambush predators, so they'll usually slam your bait hard. Pro tip: once you set the hook, lock down that drag and don't give them an inch. If they make it back to their rocky hideout, you're probably done.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are steady producers that'll give you a solid workout every time. Most run 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised to hook a 25-pounder on the right day. These rusty-red colored fish prefer muddy and rocky bottoms in 80-200 feet, often hanging near ledges and structure. They're available year-round, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. What makes them a favorite is their aggressive nature - they'll usually crush your bait without hesitation, then put up a determined fight all the way to the boat. The eating quality is top-notch too, with sweet, firm white meat. Local tip: use fresh shrimp or cut crab for bait, and once you hook up, keep that rod tip up and pump them steadily. They love to hug the bottom.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here, flashing brilliant gold, green, and blue when they're lit up. These beauties typically run 15-30 pounds, with bulls occasionally pushing 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in open water. Spring through fall are your best bets when they follow the warm water north. What gets anglers hooked is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. The meat is premium table fare with firm, sweet flesh that's perfect on the grill. Here's my go-to trick: when you spot floating sargassum or debris, work it thoroughly. Mahi often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are pure speed demons that'll test your tackle and your skills. These sleek predators average 15-30 pounds but can easily hit 50+ pounds when conditions are right. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often cruising along drop-offs and current edges. Spring through fall are prime time, especially when baitfish are thick. What makes kings so popular is that explosive initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. Plus, smaller ones make great table fare with firm, flaky meat. Here's the key: always use wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When trolling, keep your speed up around 8-12 knots to trigger those aggressive strikes.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. These brown, torpedo-shaped fighters average 20-40 pounds, with some reaching 60+ pounds. You'll find them around structure like buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 20-100 feet, often just below the surface. Spring migration and summer months offer the best shots at these solitary hunters. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often approach the boat - and their incredible table quality with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They fight hard too, making powerful runs. Here's a local secret: when you see one, have a bucktail jig ready. They're aggressive and will usually hit a well-placed jig, especially around structure where they're hunting crabs.
Orange Beach, AL