Hey there, angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters the Gulf Coast has to offer? Our 4-hour and 30-minute fishing charter in Orange Beach, Alabama is just the ticket. We're talking crystal-clear waters, fish practically jumping in the boat, and a day you won't soon forget. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert captains know exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on 'em.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Orange Beach Marina, the salt air in your face, and the anticipation building. Our seasoned captains have been fishing these waters for years, and they're itching to share their local knowledge. We'll hit up some prime fishing spots where you can try your luck at hooking black drum, speckled trout, redfish, and even those feisty hardhead catfish. But here's the kicker – this trip isn't just about filling the cooler. Want to take a break and hunt for seashells on a nearby island? No problem. Spot some dolphins? We'll cruise over for a closer look. And if you've got kids along, we'll make sure they get in on the action with some hands-on fishing lessons. It's all about having a good time on the water, folks.
Now, let's talk fishing. We're set up for light tackle inshore fishing, which means we're using gear that's perfect for the species we're after. You'll be working with spinning reels and rods that are just right for casting live bait or artificial lures. We'll show you how to rig up, whether we're using live shrimp under a popping cork for trout or tossing out a chunk of blue crab for those big ol' black drum. And don't worry if you're new to this – our captains are patient teachers. They'll have you casting like a pro in no time. We might do some drift fishing over grass flats or anchor up near oyster beds or channel edges. The technique changes with the tide and the target, but that's half the fun!
"Captain Ty was great. Very personable got us some fish and was very knowledgeable. Just ach ask around great experience" - Gary
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweight champions of inshore fishing. They can grow up to 50 pounds or more, and boy, do they put up a fight! Black drum love to hang around structure like pilings and bridges. They've got a distinctive "drumming" sound they make, and when you hook into one, you'll feel the vibration right through the rod. Best time to target them? Late fall through early spring when the big ones move inshore.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): Ah, the speck – a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. These silver beauties with their spotted backs are known for their delicate taste and their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk. They school up in the cooler months, so fall and winter can be prime time. Watch for diving birds – they'll often lead you right to a feeding frenzy.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored fighters are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got that distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're in the shallows, you can sometimes see their tails sticking up out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Reds can be caught year-round, but fall is when they really shine, schooling up in big numbers.
Hardhead Sea Catfish: Okay, they might not be the glamour fish of the bunch, but don't underestimate these whiskered critters. They're abundant, put up a decent fight, and can be a blast for kids to catch. Just watch out for those sharp spines! Hardheads are around all year and are often the first to bite when you're testing out a new spot.
Look, folks, Orange Beach is a fishing paradise, and we're here to make sure you experience the best of it. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty filets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, we've got you covered. Our trips are filling up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back year after year. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and we can't wait to show you what Orange Beach fishing is all about. See you on the water!
April 5, 2024
Hardhead Sea Catfish are common catch around here, usually about a foot long and a few pounds. You'll find 'em in shallow, muddy areas near river mouths and in the bay. They're bottom feeders, so look for them around structure. These fish aren't the most glamorous catch, but they can put up a decent fight for their size. Be careful handling them though - they've got sharp spines that can give you a nasty poke. Interesting fact: the males actually carry the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Pretty cool, right? As for eating them, most folks pass since they've got a pretty strong fishy taste. But if you do want to keep one, just make sure to remove the skin before cooking. Best time to catch 'em is summer through fall when the water's warmer. They'll bite on just about any bait, but shrimp seems to work best. If you're targeting other fish and keep hooking catfish, try moving to a different spot or using larger bait. These guys are notorious bait stealers.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a blast to catch. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They like cooler water, so winter's actually a great time to target them. These fish are known for their delicate, mild flavor. The meat's on the softer side, so be careful not to overcook it. They're fun to catch because they school up, especially during spawning season. When you find one, there's usually more nearby. For the best action, try fishing grass flats with artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Live shrimp work great too. One local trick: troll slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble locating them. In winter, look for deeper holes where they school up to stay warm. Remember, they're called 'specks' for a reason - keep an eye out for those distinctive spots all over their body.
Redfish are a favorite around Orange Beach. You'll often spot them in shallow flats, just 1-4 feet deep, sometimes with their backs sticking out of the water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and old structures like piers. They typically run 20-30 inches, but the big ones can hit 45 inches and 50 pounds. These fish put up an awesome fight and are great eating too. They've got a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round here. They'll hit all kinds of lures, but topwater plugs in shallow water can make for some exciting strikes. One tip: look for that distinctive black spot near their tail. It's actually there to confuse predators, but it helps us anglers spot them in clear water. If you're fly fishing, try a weedless shrimp pattern about 3 inches long. Cast it ahead of where you see them moving and let it sink. The bite is usually pretty subtle, so stay alert.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Captain Ty was great. Very personable got us some fish and was very knowledgeable. Just ach ask around great experience