Ready for some serious rod-bending action? Our Gulf Shores offshore fishing charter is your ticket to a full day of hauling in monster fish from the deep. We're talking 10-12 hours of non-stop fishing for prized catches like snapper, grouper, and a whole bunch of other hard-fighting species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the Gulf!
When you step aboard our boat in Fort Morgan, you're in for a real treat. We'll cruise out beyond the sight of land, where the big boys play. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will take you straight to the honey holes. You'll be dropping lines for red snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, and if we're lucky, maybe even a wahoo or mahi. The best part? We provide all the gear, so you just need to bring your A-game and some grub to keep you fueled up. It's a long day on the water, but trust me, when you're reeling in fish after fish, time flies!
Out here, we use a mix of techniques to land the big ones. For bottom fishing, we'll be using heavy tackle and dropping baits right to the seafloor. You'll learn how to feel for bites and set the hook when a grouper or snapper takes the bait. When we're after pelagics like king mackerel or cobia, we might switch to trolling or sight fishing. The crew will show you how to work the rods, and before you know it, you'll be cranking up fish like you've been doing it for years. Just remember, when that drag starts screaming, hold on tight – these Gulf monsters don't give up easily!
"Captain Steve put us on the fish! Logan the deckhand earned his money making sure all 6 of our lines were baited and in the water at all times. They're both friendly and knew what they were doing. We limited out on snapper and caught a ton that we had to throw back. Would highly recommend them to anyone unless it's the week we're coming back down to Gulf Shores because we'll have them booked forsure." - Tyler
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Known as "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fights, amberjack can top 100 pounds and will test your arms and your drag. They hang around deep structure and wrecks, and when you hook one, get ready for a battle royal. Best time to target them is late summer through fall, but be sure to check regulations as seasons can be tight.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the Gulf, wahoo are like the Ferraris of the fish world. These sleek predators can hit speeds over 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel smoking. We target them by trolling at high speeds, often using colorful lures that mimic flying fish. Spring and fall are prime wahoo seasons, and landing one of these torpedo-shaped fighters is always a highlight of any trip.
Cobia: Also known as ling or lemonfish, cobia are the curious wanderers of the Gulf. These brown beauties can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their hard fights and excellent table fare. We often spot them near the surface, following rays or hanging around buoys. Spring is the best time to target cobia as they migrate along the coast, but you can catch them throughout the summer too.
Red Snapper: The poster child of Gulf fishing, red snapper are prized for their tasty fillets and hard-pulling nature. These ruby-red reef dwellers can be found over rocky bottoms and artificial reefs. The fight starts as soon as you set the hook – they'll try to dive back to their structure, so you've got to turn their heads fast. The season is tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on!
Gag Grouper: These ambush predators are the bulldogs of the deep. Gags like to hang tight to structure, so when you hook one, you've got to pull hard to keep them from breaking you off. They can grow to over 50 pounds, and the bigger ones will really make you work. Fall is a great time to target gags, as they move to shallower waters. Just be ready for some serious arm-pumping action!
There you have it, folks – a full day of world-class offshore fishing right here in Gulf Shores. From bottom-dwelling grouper to high-flying wahoo, this trip's got it all. Our experienced crew will make sure you're in the right spots, using the right techniques, to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish and a day full of memories. Just remember, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to tangle with some of the Gulf's finest, don't wait – book your spot now and get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime!
July 16, 2024
Cobia are one of our most unique targets - lone wolves that cruise just under the surface, often mistaken for sharks. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. We find them around buoys, pilings, and even following big rays or turtles. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Sight-fishing for cobia is a rush - once spotted, they'll eagerly chase down a well-presented jig or live bait. They put up a dogged fight, making strong runs and often trying to wrap you in structure. The firm, white meat is delicious any way you cook it. My favorite cobia trick is to always have a ready rod with a pre-rigged eel lure. When you spot one, a quick cast often seals the deal before they spook.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, stocky and incredibly strong. Most run 10-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them in rocky areas and artificial reefs from 60-250 feet deep. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they move to shallower waters. Gags are known for their powerful first run - they'll try to dive straight back into their hole. It's a true test of angler vs. fish. The meat is firm and sweet, great for sandwiches or blackened. Live bait is key for big gags - pinfish or squirrelfish are top choices. Here's a local trick: when you feel the bite, quickly reel down and lift up to pull them away from the bottom before they can hunker down. It's all about winning those crucial first seconds of the fight.
Greater amberjack are bruisers of the Gulf, often reaching 6 feet and 100+ pounds. These powerful fish hang out near reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times to target them as they move closer to shore. Anglers love 'jacks for their incredible strength and stamina - hooking one feels like you've snagged a freight train. They put up an epic fight all the way to the boat. The meat is firm and tasty, great for grilling or smoking. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and large live baits like blue runners or hardtails. A local trick is to "bump troll" slowly over structure, keeping your bait in the strike zone longer. Be ready for a battle when that rod doubles over!
Red snapper are the crown jewels of Gulf bottom fishing. These ruby-red beauties usually run 5-15 pounds but can reach 30+. You'll find them hugging natural and artificial reefs in 60-300 feet of water. Our short summer season makes them extra special. Snapper fishing is all about getting your bait to the bottom fast - they hit hard and immediately head for cover. The fight is a tug-of-war to keep them out of the reef. Everyone loves snapper for their sweet, flaky white meat. To boost your catch, try a double-hook rig with squid on top and a live pinfish on bottom. And here's a pro tip: when you feel that bite, reel fast and set the hook hard to pull them away from structure.
Wahoo are the speedsters of the Gulf, streamlined torpedoes that can hit 60 mph. We find them in the deeper blue waters, usually 100+ feet deep around ledges and drop-offs. Late summer into fall is prime wahoo time as they follow bait migrations. Anglers go nuts for the blistering runs - when a wahoo hits, hang on tight! They're known for scorching first runs that can dump half your line. The meat is excellent, with a mild flavor perfect for grilling or sashimi. To target wahoo, we troll at high speeds, 12-15 knots, using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. My go-to lure is a purple/black Ilander with a ballyhoo. The key is getting that lure to skip and dance on the surface to trigger strikes.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Captain Steve put us on the fish! Logan the deckhand earned his money making sure all 6 of our lines were baited and in the water at all times. They're both friendly and knew what they were doing. We limited out on snapper and caught a ton that we had to throw back. Would highly recommend them to anyone unless it's the week we're coming back down to Gulf Shores because we'll have them booked forsure.