5-Hour Afternoon Trolling & Bottom Fishing
When the afternoon sun starts its descent over Orange Beach, that's when the real action begins. This 5-hour fishing adventure combines the best of both worlds - trolling for pelagic species and dropping down to work the bottom structure where the big grouper and snapper hang out. With Sure Shot Fishing Charters, you're getting a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand and genuinely cares about putting you on fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Alabama Gulf Coast species to your list, this trip delivers.
What to Expect on the Water
Your afternoon starts with a friendly meet-and-greet at the dock where we'll talk about what you're hoping to catch and tailor the trip to your group's experience level. No two trips are exactly alike because the fish don't follow a script, but that's what makes it exciting. We'll head out into the emerald waters of the Gulf, and depending on conditions and what's biting, we might start by trolling the nearshore waters for kings, Spanish mackerel, and maybe even some mahi if we're lucky. The boat can comfortably handle up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out without bumping elbows. Once we locate some good bottom structure or artificial reefs, we'll anchor up and drop lines for grouper, snapper, and triggerfish. The beauty of this mixed approach is that you're never just sitting around waiting - there's always something different to try.
Trolling & Bottom Techniques
Trolling in these waters is all about covering ground and presenting baits at the right speed and depth. We'll pull a spread of lures and live baits behind the boat, watching the electronics for bait schools and temperature breaks where predators like to hunt. When a rod starts screaming, that's when the fun really begins. For bottom fishing, we use circle hooks and heavy enough weights to get down through the current. The key is feeling the bottom and knowing when you've got a bite versus just bouncing off structure. Live bait works great down there, but fresh cut bait can be just as effective. All tackle is provided, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. Part of being a good guide is adapting to what's working on any given day, whether that's adjusting our drift, changing bait presentation, or moving to different spots until we find where they're feeding.
Target Species
Grey Triggerfish are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. They might not look like much, but pound-for-pound, they'll give you a workout. These guys hang around hard bottom and structure, usually in 40-100 feet of water. They've got those strong jaws for crushing shellfish, so they can bite through light line in a heartbeat. Summer and early fall are prime time for triggers, and they're actually excellent table fare with firm white meat.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Orange Beach. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs near the beach. They're not the fastest fish in the water, but they'll use that broad tail and strong shoulders to pull drag. Look for them tailing in shallow water during warmer months, though they can be caught year-round. A slot-sized red between 16-26 inches makes for some of the best eating you'll find.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Orange Beach has some fantastic snapper grounds. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and incredibly good eating. They typically hold in 60-200 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom. During open season, usually summer months, they're aggressive and will hit both live and cut bait. A good-sized snapper will test your drag and try to get back to the structure, so be ready for a fight.
Gag Grouper are the most common grouper species we target, and they're fantastic fighters. They love ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs in 40-120 feet of water. Gags are ambush predators that will inhale a bait and immediately try to get back to their hole, so you need to turn them quick. They're most active during cooler months, from late fall through early spring. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red Grouper prefer slightly deeper water and softer bottom than their gag cousins. They're usually found in 80-200 feet, often around natural ledges and shell bottom. Reds are curious fish that will sometimes come up off the bottom to investigate, and they're known for their excellent table quality. They tend to be more active during winter months when water temperatures drop.
King Mackerel are speed demons that provide some of the most exciting action you'll find trolling. These toothy predators cruise the open water looking for schools of baitfish, and when they hit a trolled bait, they often go airborne. Kings are most abundant from spring through fall, with the bigger fish showing up when the water cools down. They're excellent smoked or grilled, and a good king will peel line off your reel like it's going out of style.
Mahi Mahi are the wild cards of offshore fishing. When they show up, usually around floating debris or weed lines, they often travel in schools and provide fast action. These colorful fish are acrobatic fighters that will jump and tail-walk when hooked. They prefer warmer water, so late spring through early fall gives you the best shot. The meat is mild and versatile, great for grilling, blackening, or making fish tacos.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the nearshore waters. These curious fish will often swim right up to the boat, and sight-fishing for them is a
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Orange Beach, AL
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