Orange Beach Private Afternoon Trolling Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour afternoon trolling charter targeting multiple fish speciesRelaxed pace perfect for beginners and scenic water enjoymentSmall group experience with maximum five guests aboard
Looking for a relaxing way to spend your afternoon on the water? This 2-hour private trolling charter departing at 4:30 PM is perfect for anglers who want to unwind while still having a shot at some quality fish. Captain Watts runs a top-rated operation here in Orange Beach, and this trip has become a customer favorite for folks who prefer a more laid-back approach to fishing. You'll cruise the beautiful inshore and nearshore waters of Orange Beach while your lines do the work, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery and enjoy good conversation with your group of up to 5 people.
This isn't your typical high-energy fishing trip – and that's exactly the point. We'll head out into the calmer inshore waters where the fishing pressure is lighter and the pace is perfectly relaxed. The afternoon departure time means you'll catch some of the best lighting of the day, with that golden hour glow hitting the water just right. The trip runs seasonally from May 1st through August 15th, which happens to be prime time for the species we're targeting. You'll spend your two hours trolling at a comfortable speed, letting the boat's movement work the lures while you sit back and watch the rods. When something hits, you'll know it – the rod will bend and the drag will start singing. This setup is ideal for beginners who want to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed, but experienced anglers love it too because it's such a nice change of pace from more intensive fishing styles.
Trolling is one of the most effective ways to cover water and find active fish, especially in these Orange Beach waters. We'll be running multiple lines at different depths and distances behind the boat, each rigged with proven lures that these fish can't resist. The beauty of trolling is that it's passive – the boat's forward motion gives life to the lures, creating that wounded baitfish action that triggers strikes from predatory species. We use a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits depending on what's been producing lately. The gear is all set up and ready to go when you arrive, from the medium-heavy trolling rods to the quality reels loaded with the right line weight for these waters. Captain Watts knows exactly which depths to target based on water temperature, bait movement, and recent fishing reports. The shallow nearshore waters we'll be fishing typically range from 15 to 40 feet deep, perfect for the species mix we're after.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and Orange Beach waters hold some beauties. These chunky, crimson-colored fighters typically run 2-8 pounds in our area, though bigger ones show up regularly. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. What makes red snapper so exciting to catch is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll head straight for the bottom when hooked. The best part? They're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that make trolling so much fun. These sleek, silver fish with their distinctive yellow spots are built for speed, often hitting lures at full throttle and peeling drag like you wouldn't believe. They typically range from 1-3 pounds in our waters, but don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. Spanish mackerel are most active during the warmer months, making this May through August season perfect for targeting them. They school up and follow baitfish, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, and they'll hit just about anything you put in front of them when they're feeding. These aggressive predators have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Blues in our area typically run 2-6 pounds, and they're known for their hard initial run and acrobatic jumps. They're also schooling fish, so multiple hookups are common when you find them fired up. While they're not typically kept for the table due to their strong flavor, they're pure fun on light tackle.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of this group – they're notorious bait stealers with a knack for picking baits clean without getting hooked. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing shellfish and crabs. They typically run 1-4 pounds in our waters and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Landing a nice sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes, making them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate the challenge.
King mackerel are the apex predator on this list and the fish that gets everyone's heart pumping. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can reach 20+ pounds in our waters, though 5-15 pounders are more common. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. They're also one of the most sought-after species for the dinner table, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. When a king hits your trolled bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod will double over and line will disappear from your reel faster than you thought possible.
This world-class afternoon trolling experience books up quickly during the season, especially on weekends and holidays. With only 5 spots available per trip, it fills fast with repeat customers who know what a gem this is. The combination of Orange Beach's renowned fishing grounds, Captain Watts' local expertise, and the relaxed trolling approach creates the perfect recipe for an afternoon you'll remember long after the lines are reeled in. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or just want to enjoy a peaceful few hours on the water with a good chance at some
Step aboard Ben's pristine 2020 Sea Hunt, a 25-foot fishing machine that's built for comfort and results. This well-maintained vessel cuts through Orange Beach's inshore waters with ease, giving you and up to 4 fellow anglers plenty of room to spread out and work your lines. The spacious layout means no one's bumping elbows when the Spanish mackerel start hitting. Ben's boat comes loaded with serious fishing tech - a fish finder to spot the action below, GPS to hit the productive spots, and radar for those hazy afternoons when visibility drops. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into position without spooking the fish, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 2-hour afternoon run. Whether you're targeting king mackerel cruising the nearshore breaks or picking up bluefish along the structure, this Sea Hunt handles it all. The clean deck and quality tackle mean you can focus on what matters - getting lines wet and bringing dinner home.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that make our trolling trips exciting for anglers of all skill levels. These hard-fighting fish typically range from 2-10 pounds around Orange Beach, though bigger ones show up regularly. They travel in schools and feed voraciously on baitfish near the surface, making them perfect targets for our nearshore trolling. You'll find them in 10-40 feet of water during summer months when they're most active in our area. What makes them special is their raw power - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They'll make long runs and fight right to the boat. The meat is rich and flavorful, best when prepared fresh with simple seasonings. Here's a tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's likely a bluefish feeding frenzy. Get your lures in there fast - they'll hit anything that moves.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our Gulf waters and one of the most sought-after gamefish around Orange Beach. These silver torpedoes average 15-30 pounds but can easily hit 50+ pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water where they patrol for schools of baitfish. Summer months are prime time when water temperatures hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F they love. What makes Kings special is their blistering runs - they're matched only by wahoo for pure speed and will test your drag system to the limit. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling or smoking. Kings are notorious for hitting the back half of live bait, so always rig with a stinger hook through the tail. When trolling, use heavy tackle with wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Once hooked, hold on tight!
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the trophy fish everyone talks about around Orange Beach. These deep-water fighters typically run 1-2 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though the big ones can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-200 feet of water - reefs, rigs, and rocky bottom where they feed on smaller fish and crabs. They're gorgeous fish too, bright red with that classic snapper profile. The bite is best during warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a serious fight and some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf. Their white, flaky meat has a sweet, mild flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook one, get them up quick - they'll run straight for cover and cut your line on structure if you give them the chance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish in the Gulf. These guys typically run 2-8 pounds and love hanging around any kind of structure: docks, bridges, reefs, and pilings. They're famous for their human-like teeth that they use to crunch barnacles and crabs. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallow to feed. What makes them fun to target is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling it. But when you do hook one, they put up a solid fight. The payoff is some of the sweetest, whitest meat you'll find. My trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Wait too long and your bait's gone.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for our trolling trips - they're fast, aggressive, and always ready to bite. These silver bullets typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. You'll spot them in schools near the surface in our nearshore waters, especially around 20-60 feet deep. They love warm water and are most active during our season from May through August. What guests love about Spanish Mackerel is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll make multiple runs and even jump. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with mild, flaky white meat that's great grilled, smoked, or even blackened. The key to landing them consistently is using smaller spoons or jigs with a quick retrieve. They hit fast and hard, so keep your drag set right or they'll snap your line on that initial run.
Montgomery