Fort Morgan Inshore Fishing Adventures
Looking for a solid half-day charter that'll get you on fish without breaking the bank? Our 3-hour intermediate trips out of Gulf Shores are perfect for anglers who want to experience the best of Alabama's inshore waters. Captain Patrick and the Trick'em Charters crew know these backwaters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on everything from slot redfish in the grass flats to hard-fighting kings just outside the pass. With room for two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to bend some rods on this action-packed adventure.
What to Expect on the Water
This intermediate charter strikes the perfect balance between inshore and nearshore fishing around Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores. You'll start your morning meeting Captain Patrick at the dock, where he'll get you rigged up with top-quality tackle suited for the day's conditions. The first part of your trip typically focuses on the productive backwater areas behind Fort Morgan, where the grass flats hold plenty of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. These shallow waters are perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right, and there's nothing quite like watching a big red crush your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water. As the trip progresses, you might head toward the Gulf passes or even venture just outside for some Spanish mackerel and king mackerel action, depending on what's biting and what you're hoping to target.
Tackle and Techniques
Captain Patrick keeps his boat stocked with everything you need for a successful day of fishing. For the inshore portion, you'll be throwing medium-action spinning rods rigged with live bait like shrimp, mullet, or pogies. Cut bait works great for redfish, while live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly on speckled trout around the grass beds. When targeting the offshore species like kings and Spanish, the crew will set you up with slightly heavier tackle and wire leaders to handle those razor-sharp teeth. Trolling with spoons and diving plugs is highly effective for mackerel, but don't be surprised if you get to throw some live bait at a school of feeding fish. The key is staying flexible and adapting to what the fish are telling you on any given day.
Customer Stories
"Fantastic day today on the water!! Not the amount of keepers we would have liked but man were we on the fish this morning!!! Thanks Captain Patrick!!" - Matthew. "Patrick was amazing with the two teenage boys we brought! We had an amazing time and will definitely book again thru trick em charters thanks for the memories and thanks for getting the boys on the fish!" - Josh. "Captain Patrick was patient and persistent! We fought through some weather delays to make it a memorable day. He did an outstanding job teaching to two younger fishermen on our boat. Would definitely recommend a trip with Trick'em charters." - Jonathan.
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the bread and butter of our inshore program here in Gulf Shores. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars scattered throughout the back bays behind Fort Morgan. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from schoolies around 18-20 inches up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature and incredible fighting ability in shallow water. They'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the grass beds. The slot limit keeps things interesting too – you're looking for fish between 16-26 inches to take home for the table, while the bigger bulls make for great photos before release.
King mackerel show up in force during the warmer months, typically from late April through October. These speed demons patrol the edges of the shipping channel and just outside the pass, where they ambush baitfish in spectacular fashion. Kings can range anywhere from 15-pound schoolies up to trophy fish over 40 pounds. What gets anglers fired up about kings is their initial run – when you hook one, it'll scream line off your reel like nothing else in these waters. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers looking to stock the freezer with some premium Gulf Coast seafood.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and non-stop action. These aggressive feeders travel in large schools and will hit just about anything you throw at them. Summer months are prime time for Spanish, when they flood the nearshore waters and provide fast-paced fishing that's perfect for kids and beginners. They typically run 1-3 pounds and are fantastic when grilled whole or filleted for fish cakes. When you find a school of Spanish, it's not uncommon to catch 20 or more in a single spot.
Time to Book Your Spot
Our 3-hour intermediate charters offer the perfect taste of what makes Gulf Shores fishing so special. You'll experience multiple fishing environments, from shallow grass flats to deeper Gulf waters, all while working with a captain who genuinely cares about putting you on fish. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you're an experienced angler wanting to explore new waters, this trip delivers consistent action and lasting memories. The 2-person capacity means you'll get plenty of hands-on instruction and fishing time without feeling rushed or crowded. Book your spot with Trick'em Charters today and discover why anglers keep coming back to these productive Alabama waters season after season.