5.0(6 Reviews)Quick Cast Morning Fishing in Fort Morgan
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Twohour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing charter near Gulf ShoresTarget redfish, trout, mackerel in calm Alabama coastal watersAll gear, bait, licenses, and instruction included with guide
Looking for a perfect introduction to inshore fishing without committing your whole day? This two-hour morning charter out of Fort Morgan is exactly what you need. Captain Patrick runs a relaxed, family-friendly operation that's become the go-to choice for first-timers and experienced anglers wanting a quick fish. You'll work the productive inshore waters just outside Gulf Shores, targeting redfish, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting in these fish-rich flats and grass beds. Everything's included – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and your Alabama fishing license – so you just show up ready to cast.
Fort Morgan's inshore waters are about as user-friendly as saltwater fishing gets. We're talking calm, protected areas where you won't deal with rough seas or seasickness – perfect for kids, nervous first-timers, or anyone who wants to focus on fishing instead of hanging onto the boat rails. The morning bite here is typically solid, with redfish cruising the grass flats and speckled trout working the deeper pockets. Captain Patrick knows these waters like his backyard and will put you on fish while teaching proper technique. Expect to work with light tackle, which makes every catch more exciting and gives beginners a real feel for what the fish is doing down there. The boat stays close to shore, so you'll always have beautiful views of the Alabama coastline while you're working your lines.
This trip runs on light spinning gear – typically 7-foot medium-light rods paired with 2500-size reels spooled with 15-20 pound braided line. Captain Patrick sets everyone up with the right tackle for the conditions, whether that's live shrimp under popping corks for trout, cut bait on the bottom for redfish, or small jigs worked through the grass. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – you might start the morning sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, then move to a deeper channel to work vertical jigs for Spanish mackerel. Everything's hands-on instruction, so you'll learn to read the water, feel the bite, and set the hook properly. Don't worry if you've never touched a fishing rod – Captain Patrick has turned countless beginners into confident anglers in just two hours.
"Patrick was amazing. This was my kids' first deep sea fishing trip. He was so accommodating and taught the kids how to do everything and did all the things they were uncomfortable doing. Highly recommended!" - James Palestrini. "So much fun! Great morning and lots of fish!" - Townsend. "We booked this trip for my son's 6th birthday. Fishing is his favorite hobby. Captain Patrick gave him and his sister the best trip. Great with kids, knowledgeable and provided a great experience for us." - Kayley.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Fort Morgan's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice their size. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish feeding aggressively in the shallow grass flats during incoming tides. What makes reds special is how they eat – you'll often see them tailing in skinny water or hear them slurping bait off the surface. When a slot-size red takes your bait, expect screaming runs and stubborn head-shaking that'll test your drag. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for families wanting to take dinner home.
Speckled trout might be the most cooperative fish in these waters, especially for beginners. These beauties typically run 14-20 inches around Fort Morgan and have a delicate bite that teaches new anglers to feel what's happening on the other end. Peak season runs from April through November, with morning and evening producing the best results. Specks love structure – grass beds, oyster bars, and channel edges – and they respond well to both live bait and artificial lures. The fight is more finesse than power, but their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them a blast on light tackle. Plus, few fish taste better than fresh speckled trout.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and excitement to every trip. These silver rockets typically show up in spring and stick around through early fall, schooling in deeper channels and around structure. Most fish run 12-18 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. When Spanish are feeding, the action can be non-stop – you'll see them busting bait on the surface and hitting anything that moves. They're perfect for kids because the bite is usually obvious and the fight is fast and fun. Captain Patrick often finds them around channel markers or working the edges of grass flats where they ambush smaller fish.
Sheepshead are the challenge fish that keep experienced anglers humble and teach beginners patience. These black-and-white striped convicts have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They love structure – pilings, rocks, oyster bars – anywhere they can find crabs and barnacles to crunch. Most Fort Morgan sheepshead run 12-16 inches, with occasional doormat-size fish pushing 5-6 pounds. Winter months often produce the best sheepshead action, making them a reliable target when other species are less active. The key is using small hooks, fresh bait, and lightning-fast hooksets. When you finally connect with a good sheepshead, you'll understand why anglers get obsessed with these finicky fighters.
Red snapper add a bonus element when they're in season, typically summer months in federal waters. While this inshore trip focuses on state waters, occasionally juvenile snappers turn up around structure in the bay. These small snappers are catch-and-release only, but they're scrappy fighters with an aggressive
This completely rebuilt 2003 Blazer Bay 2400 is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around Fort Morgan's shallow waters. Powered by a reliable 2015 Suzuki 225 outboard, she'll get you to the redfish holes and trout grass flats with ease. The boat got a full makeover in late 2022 – new fuel system, fresh electrical, updated plumbing, and finished fiberglass flooring that's easy on the feet during long fights with fish. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly through skinny water without spooking the fish, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. When morning fog rolls in off the Gulf, the radar system keeps you moving safely to the best fishing areas. Built for the shallow Alabama inshore waters, this boat handles the back bays and grass flats where the redfish and speckled trout like to feed.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are deep-water fighters that'll test your skills. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds around here, though bigger ones lurk in deeper waters. You'll find them hanging around structure - oil rigs, reefs, and hard bottom in 30-200 feet of water. They love cooler months when the Gulf temps drop into that sweet 50-70 degree range. What makes them special? They fight hard all the way to the boat and taste amazing - mild, nutty flavor that's restaurant-quality. Their sharp teeth and tendency to head straight for cover when hooked keeps things interesting. Pro tip: use fresh squid or cigar minnows on a heavy rig, and when you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard and fast. These guys are notorious bait thieves, so don't give them time to think about it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate inshore game fish - built like bulldogs with that distinctive black spot near their tail. Around Fort Morgan, most run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, perfect slot-size fish that fight way above their weight. They love super shallow water, often cruising flats so skinny their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass edges, and shallow coves year-round, though fall and spring offer the best action. What makes them special? That powerful tail gives them serious pulling power, and they'll make long runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mildly sweet meat. They're not picky eaters but can be spooky in shallow water. My go-to approach: use weedless soft plastics or topwater plugs early morning, keep your approach quiet, and make long casts to avoid spooking them in the shallows.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in shallow bays where they ambush shrimp and baitfish. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn and dusk are magic time. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters, put up a solid fight, and make excellent table fare with tender, flaky white meat. They're also forgiving for beginners since they'll hit both live bait and artificials readily. The key is working grass flats in 2-6 feet of water with soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Keep your retrieve slow and steady - trout like to follow before they commit, so give them time to make up their minds.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the Gulf with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish around. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, with those human-like teeth that'll surprise first-timers. Find them around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties - where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are peak season when they stack up for spawning. What makes them fun? They're notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite, so landing one feels like an accomplishment. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're picky eaters that'll test your patience, but that's the challenge. My trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook immediately. Wait too long and you'll just be feeding them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that put on a show. These silvery rockets with yellow spots typically measure 14-20 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll spot them in schools near the surface around piers, jetties, and open water flats, especially when baitfish are thick. Spring through fall is prime time when water warms up and they move closer to shore. Guests love them because they hit hard, jump, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. They're one of our fastest swimmers, hitting lures at lightning speed. Here's the key: use light tackle with bright spoons or small jigs, and cast ahead of moving schools. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure - their soft mouths tear easily if you horse them.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great time
Patrick was amazing. This was my kids’ first deep sea fishing trip. He was so accommodating and taught the kids how to do everythi...
So much fun! Great morning and lots of fish!
Awesome trip and great time.
Awesome trip and great time.
We booked this trip for my son’s 6th birthday. Fishing is his favorite hobby. Captain Patrick gave him and his sister the best tri...
little man killed it!! thank you guys for letting me tag along!!
Fort Morgan