Get ready to drop lines and fill coolers on this action-packed 6-hour bottom fishing trip out of Fort Morgan. We're targeting the Gulf's prized reef dwellers – snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, and more. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Captain Steve and his crew will put you on the fish and keep your rods bent all day long. With all gear provided and a focus on customer-favorite spots, this trip is your ticket to experiencing some of the best bottom fishing the Alabama coast has to offer.
As soon as we clear the pass, it's go-time. We'll cruise out to carefully selected reef structures where the big ones lurk. The crew will get you set up with sturdy bottom fishing rigs – think circle hooks, heavy weights, and chunks of squid or cut bait that the reef fish can't resist. You'll feel the thump when a fish hits, and then it's all about cranking that reel and getting your catch to the surface. It's a workout, but man, is it worth it when you see that flash of red snapper or the distinctive stripes of a trophy triggerfish breaking the surface. The 6-hour time frame is the sweet spot – enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in the bite, without completely wearing you out.
Bottom fishing is all about structure, and the Gulf off Fort Morgan has it in spades. We'll be targeting natural and artificial reefs, sunken wrecks, and offshore oil rigs – each one its own underwater oasis teeming with fish. The captain will use top-notch sonar to pinpoint the honey holes where fish are stacked up. Once we're on a spot, it's all about getting your bait down fast and keeping it in the strike zone. We use heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line to cut through the current and feel every nibble. Depending on conditions, we might drift fish over larger structures or anchor up on smaller sweet spots. Either way, you'll be in for some arm-burning action as you winch up hard-fighting bottom dwellers from depths of 60 to 200 feet or more.
"2nd time out with Captain Steve. He has over delivered both times. Would highly recommend,and will be going back." - Scott
"Captain Steve is highly skilled and professional, ensuring we found the best spots. Logan, our deckhand, ensured no hook went un-baited, kept us supplied with bait, re-tied hooks, and maintained a clean boat. They make a fantastic team—I highly recommend Steve Crews!" - Greg
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, these hard-fighting crimson beauties are prized for their firm, white flesh and excellent table fare. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, but 20-pound-plus "sow" snapper aren't uncommon. Red snapper love structure and will hit cut bait, squid, or live pinfish with gusto. The season is tightly regulated, so when it's open, you'll want to jump on the chance to fill your limit.
Spanish Mackerel: While we're primarily bottom fishing, don't be surprised if we run into schools of Spanish mackerel on the way out or back in. These sleek, silver speedsters are a blast on light tackle and make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste. They're typically in the 2-4 pound range and love to hit fast-moving lures or live bait fished near the surface.
King Mackerel: The bigger, badder cousin of the Spanish, king mackerel (or "kingfish") can top 50 pounds and will smoke a reel like nobody's business. We might troll for these toothy predators between bottom spots or if we mark a school. Fresh-caught ribbonfish or blue runners make prime kingfish bait.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small mouths fool you – triggerfish put up a scrappy fight and are a customer favorite for their sweet, tender meat. They're typically in the 2-5 pound range and love small baits like squid strips or cut fish. Triggerfish season can be short, so it's always a treat when we can keep them.
Greater Amberjack: Affectionately known as "reef donkeys," these bruisers will test your arms and your drag. Amberjack in the 20-40 pound class are common, with some topping 100 pounds. They love live bait and jigs fished near structure. Be ready for a battle royale when one of these powerhouses decides to eat!
This 6-hour Fort Morgan fishing charter is the perfect mix of action, variety, and time on the water. You'll have a shot at multiple species, learn pro techniques from Captain Steve and his crew, and come back to the dock with a cooler full of fresh Gulf fish and memories to last a lifetime. Remember, all gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish (and maybe pack a few snacks and drinks to keep you fueled). With a maximum of 6 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and rod time. Don't miss out on this customer-favorite trip – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your Fort Morgan fishing adventure today and get ready to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer!
October 10, 2024
Captain Steve is highly skilled and professional, ensuring we found the best spots. Logan, our deckhand, ensured no hook went un-baited, kept us supplied with bait, re-tied hooks, and maintained a clean boat. They make a fantastic team—I highly recommend Steve Crews!
July 8, 2024
Greater amberjack, or AJs, are bruisers that'll test your arms and your gear. These powerful fish can top 100 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for them around deep reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the 70s. Anglers target AJs for their bulldogging strength - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. To improve your chances, drop large live baits like blue runners or hardtails near structure. When an AJ hits, hold on tight and start pumping. These guys will try to break you off in the wreck, so you've got to turn their head fast. Be ready for a long, grueling fight - AJs don't give up easy!
Grey triggerfish are odd-looking critters with tough, leathery skin and a set of chompers that can crunch through just about anything. Most are under 5 pounds, but they put up a scrappy fight for their size. You'll find them around reefs and hard bottom areas in 60-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are good seasons to target them. Anglers enjoy catching triggers for their tenacious fight and firm, white meat. To hook one, use small hooks with squid or cut bait. Drop it right to the bottom and be ready for a subtle bite. Once hooked, reel fast and steady - if you give them slack, they'll duck into a hole quicker than you can blink. Pro tip: bring a pair of pliers to remove the hook, as their mouths are small and those teeth are sharp!
King mackerel, or "kings," are the big cousins of Spanish macks. They can grow over 5 feet long and top 50 pounds, though most are in the 10-20 pound range. You'll find them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often near structures or drop-offs. Summer and early fall are prime king seasons when they're chasing bait schools. Anglers target kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - hooking one is like tying into a freight train. To improve your odds, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A wire leader is a must, as kings have razor-sharp teeth. When a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. Then hold on tight and be ready for some screaming drag!
Red snapper are prized catches around here, usually growing 1-2 feet long and weighing up to 10 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near reefs and wrecks in 30-600 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's around 60-70°F. Anglers love targeting these fish for their strong fight and excellent taste. To land a big one, try using cigar minnows or fresh squid on a heavy bottom rig. Drop your bait right to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and start reeling - these guys will make a run for cover if you give them a chance. Just remember, they've got some sharp teeth, so watch your fingers when you're unhooking them.
Spanish mackerel are speedy little guys, usually 1-2 feet long and weighing 2-4 pounds. You'll spot them in big schools near the surface, often chasing bait fish in coastal waters. Late spring through fall is the best time to target them, especially when water temps are in the 70s. Folks love going after Spanish macks because they're fast, feisty, and make for some tasty eating. To hook one, try trolling with small spoons or jigs near the surface. A local trick is to look for birds diving - that usually means there's a school of mackerel feeding below. When you find them, cast a shiny lure right into the frenzy and hang on. These fish hit hard and will give you a good run for your money on light tackle.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
2nd time out with Captain Steve. He has over delivered both times. Would highly recommend,and will be going back.