Hey there, fellow angler! Ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Captain Ty Fleming's got you covered with this killer all-day cruise that'll have you exploring the hidden gems of Orange Beach and Perdido Key. We're talking pristine beaches, world-class fishing spots, and dolphin encounters that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. This ain't your average cookie-cutter tour – it's a fully customizable day on the water, tailored to exactly what you want to do. So grab your shades, slather on that sunscreen, and let's dive into what makes this trip a can't-miss experience for any serious fisherman or water lover.
Listen up, because this is where it gets good. Captain Ty's giving you the keys to the kingdom here. You pick the start time, you pick the end time – heck, you can even choose where to grab grub from eight different waterfront joints if you don't feel like packing a cooler. Want to start with some laid-back beach hopping? Done. Feeling the itch to wet a line? Captain Ty knows all the honey holes where the big ones are biting. Got kids who are dying to try tubing? We'll make it happen. This trip is all about flexibility, so you can pack in as much or as little as you want. It's like having your own private yacht for the day, complete with a local expert at the helm.
Now, let's talk fishing. The back bays of Orange Beach and Perdido Key are an angler's paradise, and Captain Ty knows every nook and cranny. We're not just drifting around hoping for a bite – we're using tried-and-true techniques to put you on the fish. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, working topwater lures for explosive trout strikes, or dropping bait near structure for hefty black drum. Captain Ty's got all the gear you need, from light tackle to heavier setups for those bruiser fish. And don't worry if you're new to this – he'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.
Black Drum: These big boys are the bulldogs of the bay. They love hanging around structure and can put up one heck of a fight. The best part? They're here year-round, so you've always got a shot at landing a whopper. When you hook into a big black drum, hold on tight – these guys can tip the scales at over 30 pounds!
Sea Trout: If you're looking for non-stop action, sea trout are your ticket. These feisty fighters are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're most active in the cooler months, but with Captain Ty's know-how, you can target them pretty much any time of year. Nothing beats the thrill of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red. These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're strong, they're stubborn, and man, are they fun to catch. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red that'll test your arms and your drag. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in the shallows is an experience you won't soon forget.
Hardhead Sea Catfish: Okay, they might not be the glamour fish of the bay, but hear me out. These guys are abundant, put up a decent fight, and are perfect for anglers who just want to feel that tug on the line. Plus, they're a great way to hone your skills while waiting for the big ones to bite. Just watch out for those spines when you're unhooking them!
Sure, the fishing's top-notch, but this trip's got so much more up its sleeve. Want to explore some of the area's history? Captain Ty's got stories that'll make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Hoping to spot some dolphins? We know their favorite hangouts and can often get you close enough for some amazing photos. And let's not forget those pristine beaches and islands – perfect for a midday picnic or just soaking up some rays. It's like getting multiple tours rolled into one epic day on the water.
Alright, let's talk prep. This is a BYO kind of deal, so make sure you pack plenty of drinks (non-alcoholic, folks – safety first), snacks, and sunscreen. A hat and polarized sunglasses are clutch for spotting fish and keeping the sun off your face. If you're planning on hitting one of those waterfront restaurants, bring some cash – nothing worse than finding the perfect seafood joint and realizing it's cash only. And don't forget your camera or phone – you're gonna want to document this day.
I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you, there's something special about this trip. Maybe it's the variety – one minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're cruising past a pod of playful dolphins. Or maybe it's the personalized touch – Captain Ty's not just going through the motions, he's tailoring every aspect of the day to make sure you're having the time of your life. Whatever it is, I've seen folks come back year after year, bringing their buddies, their kids, even their grandkids to experience it all.
Look, I could go on all day about why this trip is the real deal, but at some point, you've just got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a family wanting to make some unforgettable memories on the water, Captain Ty's all-day cruise has got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't sleep on this one. Give Boat Day Cruises a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a day that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Trust me, once you've spent a day on these waters with Captain Ty, you'll be counting the days until you can come back and do it all over again. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you out on the water!
Redfish are a favorite catch around here, usually weighing 5-15 pounds but can get up to 40+ in the right spots. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near marsh grass - anywhere from 1-4 feet deep. They love to cruise the shallows, sometimes with their backs sticking out of the water. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the water's just right. Anglers love redfishing for the strong fight and delicious meat. These copper-colored beauties put up a great battle on light tackle. To improve your odds, try working topwater lures or soft plastics along grass lines early in the morning. And keep an eye out for that distinctive tail fin poking above the surface - it's a dead giveaway that reds are feeding nearby.
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a blast to catch in our shallow bays and grass flats. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around seagrass, oyster bars, and channel edges in 2-6 feet of water. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially on moving tides. Trout fishing really heats up in fall when they school up to feed. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. For best results, try working soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. A local secret is to fish the deep holes on cold winter days - that's where the big ones stack up. Just remember to release those over 20 inches so they can keep breeding.
Hardhead catfish aren't a prized catch, but you'll likely encounter plenty of them in our inshore waters. They typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-18 inches long. You'll find hardheads over muddy or sandy bottoms near river mouths, in bays, and around docks. They're here year-round but move to deeper water in winter. While most anglers consider them a nuisance, hardheads can put up a decent fight on light tackle. Just be careful of those sharp, venomous spines when handling them. If you do want to target hardheads, they'll bite just about any bait, especially shrimp. A good tip is to use a circle hook to reduce gut-hooking these bait stealers. And hey, they make great cut bait for other species if nothing else is biting.