Ready to get your hands dirty and fill the cooler with some of the Gulf's tastiest bottom dwellers? This 6-hour bottom fishing charter out of Fort Morgan is your ticket to hooking into snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, and other prized reef fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time dropping a line, Captain Steve and his crew will put you on the fish and make sure you're in for a day of steady action and quality catches.
As soon as we clear the pass, it's all about finding those honey holes where the big boys hang out. We'll be targeting structure and reefs anywhere from 10 to 30 miles offshore, depending on where the bite's hot. The crew provides all the gear you need - stout rods, quality reels, and fresh bait - so you can focus on wrestling those fish to the surface. Just bring your grub and drinks for the day, and maybe a lucky hat. We'll be using techniques like dropper rigs and live bait to entice those bottom-feeders to bite. Fair warning: when you hook into a big amberjack or snapper, you'll know it - these guys pull like freight trains!
Folks love this trip because it's all about getting fish in the boat. We're not out here for a scenic cruise (though the views are pretty sweet) - we're here to bend rods and fill fish boxes. The steady action keeps everyone engaged, and there's nothing like the rush of feeling that thump on your line and knowing you've got a good one on. Plus, the eating quality of these reef fish is top-notch. Nothing beats fresh-caught snapper or triggerfish on the grill. Just remember, we practice catch and release for any out-of-season species to keep our fishery healthy for years to come.
"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 ruby-red beauties are known for their firm, white flesh and sweet flavor. They typically hang around reefs and wrecks, and can grow up to 40 pounds! The fight is intense - they'll try to dive back to their structure, so be ready to put your back into it. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on!
Spanish Mackerel: While we're primarily bottom fishing, we might tangle with some Spanish mackerel on the way out or back. These speedsters are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're usually in the 2-4 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. They're also delicious smoked or grilled fresh.
King Mackerel: The big cousins of Spanish mackerel, "kingfish" are torpedo-shaped predators that can top 50 pounds. They're often found in the same areas as snapper and amberjack, so don't be surprised if one decides to crash the bottom fishing party. Kings are known for screaming runs that'll have your drag singing.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you - triggerfish are crafty fighters and some of the best-eating fish in the Gulf. They've got powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they can be tricky to hook. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted to their light, sweet meat.
Greater Amberjack: Affectionately known as "reef donkeys," these bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the Gulf. They can top 100 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength. Amberjack love to hang around deep-water structures and will often hit jigs or live bait. Be prepared for an arm-burning fight when you hook into one of these bad boys.
Look, if you're after a day of non-stop bottom fishing action targeting some of the Gulf's most prized eating fish, this is your trip. Captain Steve and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand and are committed to putting you on the fish. With only 6 spots available, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't miss out on your chance to load up on snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack - book your spot now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the Gulf. Trust me, your taste buds (and your fishing stories) will thank you later!
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
Amberjacks are the bruisers of the Gulf, known for bull-dogging fights that'll test your strength. These powerful fish average 30-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep reefs and wrecks in 60-240 feet of water, especially in spring and fall. AJs hit hard and fight dirty, often trying to break you off in the structure. Anglers love the challenge and the arm-burning battle. Live bait like blue runners or heavy jigs work well. A local secret is to use a butter knife jig - the fluttering action drives them crazy. Be ready for the initial run - it's a doozy. Amberjack meat is firm and flavorful, great for grilling or blackening. Just be careful with larger fish, as they can carry ciguatera toxin.
Triggerfish are quirky reef-dwellers with a lot of personality. They're usually 1-2 feet long and hang around hard bottoms and structures in 60-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move inshore to spawn. These fish are known for their tough, leathery skin and powerful jaws that can crunch through shellfish. Anglers enjoy the challenge of getting them to bite and their tasty white meat. Use small, strong hooks with squid or cut bait. A local tip: when you feel the bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Triggerfish like to "test" the bait first. Their meat is sweet and flaky, great for fish tacos. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Kings are the speedsters of the Gulf, known for screaming runs that'll test your drag. They average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them from spring through fall in 40-150 feet of water around structures and drop-offs. These predators chase baitfish near the surface, so trolling with large spoons or live baits is the way to go. Kings are popular for their fighting ability and size. They'll make your reel sing and often go airborne. For best results, use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. A local trick is to slow-troll live blue runners or mullet. Kings have firm, oily meat that's excellent when smoked or grilled. Just be aware they can have high mercury levels, so limit consumption.
Red snapper are a prized catch in the Gulf, growing up to 3 feet long and 35 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs and structures in 30-620 feet of water. These fish put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. Peak season is May to October when they spawn. To land one, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Cigar minnows or squid work well. Watch out for their initial run - they'll try to wrap you around structure. A local trick is to use a double-hook rig with one in the mouth and one in the back of your bait. This helps hook those crafty nibblers. Red snapper have a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Just don't overseason - a little lemon and butter lets the fish shine.
Spanish mackerel are fast swimmers that'll give your reel a workout. They average 1-2 feet long and cruise in large schools near the surface. Look for them around piers, jetties and in open water from spring through fall. These fish love warm water in the 70-80°F range. Trolling with spoons or live bait is effective. Spanish macks hit hard and make blistering runs. Anglers enjoy the fast action and tasty fillets. To up your odds, try first light or dusk when they feed most actively. A local secret is to use a long fluorocarbon leader - these toothy critters can slice through lighter line. Keep an eye out for diving birds, which often mark feeding schools. The meat has a rich flavor that's great grilled or smoked.
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.