Orange Beach Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and speckled troutExpert Captain Ben provides equipment and guides to proven hotspotsMorning and afternoon departure times available for two guests
You're looking at one of the best inshore fishing experiences on the Alabama-Florida coast, and Captain Ben knows these waters like the back of his hand. This private 4-hour charter puts you right in the heart of Orange Beach's most productive fishing grounds, where redfish cruise the flats and Spanish mackerel tear through bait schools. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who's never held a rod, you'll find yourself in good hands with top-notch gear and a captain who's been reading these tides for years. Morning trips kick off at 7:30 AM when the water's glass-calm, while afternoon charters at noon catch the prime feeding times as fish move with changing tides.
Captain Ben runs a tight ship that holds up to two anglers, so you're getting personalized attention every cast. He's got a nose for finding fish and isn't shy about sharing his proven hotspots around Orange Beach's extensive inshore waters. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, depending on what the fish are telling him that day. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle suited for whatever's biting, whether you're throwing topwater plugs at tailing reds or dropping live bait for mangrove snapper around structure. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks - Captain Ben's got the rest covered. These waters stay fishable year-round, but each season brings different opportunities as baitfish move and predators follow.
You'll be using a mix of casting and bottom fishing techniques that Captain Ben matches to current conditions and target species. When sight fishing is on the menu, he'll position the boat so you can make accurate casts to cruising redfish or feeding trout without spooking them. The tackle setup varies from medium spinning gear perfect for Spanish mackerel runs to heavier bottom rigs when you're after black drum in deeper water. Live bait fishing produces consistently here, especially with shrimp and small baitfish that these inshore species can't resist. Captain Ben reads the water constantly - watching for bait activity, bird action, and subtle current changes that put you on fish. You might find yourself casting spoons into breaking Spanish mackerel one hour, then switching to live shrimp under popping corks for speckled trout the next. The beauty of inshore fishing around Orange Beach is the variety, and having a guide who knows when and where to make those moves.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, showing up in huge schools during their spring and fall migrations. These fish hit hard and fast, often jumping clear of the water when hooked. They're perfect for anglers who love action-packed fishing since they travel in schools and compete aggressively for bait. Most Spanish mackerel here run 2-4 pounds, but the fight they put up makes them feel much bigger. Captain Ben finds them around structure and bait schools, typically in 15-30 feet of water.
Black Drum are the bulldogs that test your tackle and patience. These bottom-dwellers can grow massive in these waters, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon around Orange Beach's deeper channels and oyster bars. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months when they school up for spawning. What makes black drum special is their power - once hooked, they use their broad sides to fight every inch of line you try to gain back.
King Mackerel bring the offshore excitement to inshore waters when they move close to feed on abundant baitfish. These are serious gamefish that can stretch tape measures past 30 inches and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll experience. Kings are seasonal visitors, typically showing up during warmer months when Spanish sardines and other forage fish concentrate near the coast. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make every hookup an event.
Redfish are the stars of inshore fishing around Orange Beach, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive feeders that hit everything from topwater plugs to live bait. Bull reds over 27 inches are catch-and-release only, but they provide world-class sport fishing right in shallow water. Smaller slot-size reds make excellent table fare and are available year-round, though fall months typically produce the biggest numbers as they school up for their spawning runs.
Crevalle Jack are the surprise packages that show up when you least expect them. These powerful fish travel in schools and hit baits meant for other species, immediately letting you know you've hooked into something different. Jacks are pure muscle and stamina, often making long runs and using their broad sides to maximum advantage. They're not much for the dinner table, but pound-for-pound, few fish in these waters fight harder or with more determination.
Captain Ben's private charters fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot and conditions are perfect. This isn't just another fishing trip - it's your chance to fish with someone who lives and breathes these waters every day. You'll come away with fishing knowledge, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh catch. The combination of personalized attention, proven fishing spots, and quality equipment makes this a top-rated choice for anyone serious about inshore fishing around Orange Beach. Morning and afternoon slots are available, so pick the time that works best for your schedule and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to fish with Captain Ben.
Step aboard Captain Ben's pristine 2020 Sea Hunt, a 25-foot fishing machine that's built for serious angling in Orange Beach's productive inshore waters. This well-maintained boat seats up to 2 anglers comfortably, giving you plenty of room to cast for redfish, speckled trout, and snapper without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking fish in shallow flats, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper channels. Ben stocks the boat with premium tackle and keeps everything spotless – you'll find cold drinks waiting in the icebox and all the gear you need to land whatever's biting. The GPS and radar ensure safe navigation whether you're heading out at dawn or midday, so you can focus on what matters most: hooking up with Alabama's finest inshore gamefish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 10-20 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ pounds. These copper-colored bruisers love oyster bars, muddy flats, and shallow bay edges where they cruise around crushing crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up to spawn in 2-8 feet of water. They're famous for that deep, steady pull that'll make your drag sing. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating - flaky white meat. My go-to bait is fresh peeler crab on a circle hook, but cut mullet works too. Key tip: use enough weight to keep your bait on bottom and be patient. These fish take their time inspecting baits before committing.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the Gulf, averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. These brassy-gold fighters are pure muscle and attitude. You'll find them around grass flats, reefs, and structure from shallow water to 100+ feet. Warmer months bring the best action when they school up chasing baitfish. Jacks fight dirty - long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle and endurance. They're not great table fare, but the fight makes up for it. Silver spoons, topwater plugs, and live sardines drive them crazy. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue to get casting. Local tip: retrieve baits fast and aggressively. These bullies love the chase, and erratic movement triggers violent strikes from the whole school.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, averaging 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. These olive-backed torpedoes cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Summer and early fall offer prime fishing when baitfish are thick. Kings are pure adrenaline - their initial run will scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. They're excellent table fare with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Trolling with live blue runners or Spanish sardines on a wire leader is deadly effective. Pro tip: always use a strong wire leader and dual-hook rigs since they'll bite bait in half. When trolling, vary your speeds to trigger strikes from following fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature inshore species around Orange Beach, typically running 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail and bronze-red coloring. They love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer prime fishing when they're most active. These fish are pure fun - strong, steady fighters that'll drag you into structure if you let them. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for blackening. They'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, gold spoons, and topwater plugs all work. My secret: cast past cruising fish and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily in shallow water, so stay quiet and keep your distance.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver torpedoes that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-3 pounds around Orange Beach. You'll find them in schools near the surface, especially around structure and baitfish. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps warm up. These fish love shiny spoons, small jigs, and live shrimp or sardines. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills or smokes beautifully. Local tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and reel fast. Their razor teeth can cut through leaders, so always use a short wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon. Look for diving birds - that's usually where you'll find them feeding.
Montgomery