Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing: Redfish & Mackerel

Published Date: September 7, 2025
Fishing

Orange Beach, AL
$350 - $550 price range

Summary

Get ready for a solid day of Gulf Shores inshore fishing with Captain Ronald Doyle. This 4-hour trip targets popular species like redfish and king mackerel, perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The captain's 30 years of local know-how means you'll hit the best spots and learn effective techniques. With room for up to four people, it's great for small groups or families looking to fish together. Everything you need is provided - rods, reels, and bait. Choose from multiple departure times throughout the day, giving you flexibility to fit fishing into your schedule. Whether you're after your personal best or just want to spend a relaxing morning on the water, this charter delivers a hands-on Gulf Coast fishing experience. It's a chance to see what's biting in the rich inshore waters around Gulf Shores.

Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing: Redfish & Mackerel

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Reel in Gulf Shores: Inshore Fishing Adventure

Ready to wet a line in the rich waters of Gulf Shores? Hop aboard with Another Fish Charters for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're chasing the powerful pull of a redfish or the lightning-fast runs of king mackerel, this trip offers the perfect mix of action and relaxation. With all the gear provided and an expert captain at the helm, you're in for a day of fishing that hits all the right spots.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising the calm inshore waters as the sun peeks over the horizon, rod in hand, ready for whatever bites. Captain Ronald Doyle, with 30 years of local know-how, knows exactly where the fish are biting. He'll get you set up with everything you need - bait, tackle, the works. It's just you and up to three buddies on the boat, so there's plenty of elbow room to cast and reel. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Cap'n Ronald's got your back with tips and tricks to land the big one.

Fishing Hotspots & Tactics

Gulf Shores isn't just about beach lounging - it's an angler's paradise. We'll hit up the prime inshore spots where the fish are known to hang out. Depending on the day, we might be drifting live bait for redfish near grass flats, or trolling for king mackerel along the deeper channels. You'll get hands-on with different techniques - maybe some bottom fishing for sheepshead around pilings or sight-casting to tailing reds. It's all about reading the water and adapting to what's biting, and that's where having a pro like Cap'n Ronald really pays off.

Top Catches This Season

Gulf Shores waters are teeming with a variety of fish that'll test your skills and fill your cooler. Spanish mackerel are like the speedsters of the sea - they'll give your reel a workout with their quick runs. Southern flounder might not look like much, but they're masters of camouflage and a real treat on the dinner table. Sheepshead, with their distinctive black stripes, are the tough guys - they love structure and put up a stubborn fight. King mackerel, or "kings" as we call 'em, are the prize fighters of the near-shore waters, known for blistering runs that'll have you hollering. And let's not forget about redfish - these copper-colored beauties are the local favorites, offering a mix of power and finesse that keeps anglers coming back for more.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, silver torpedoes are a blast to catch. They school up in the warmer months and hit lures with lightning speed. Expect weights anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds, but their acrobatic jumps make them feel twice as big. Best time to target them is from late spring through fall when they're chasing bait fish near the surface.

Southern Flounder: Masters of disguise, these flatfish blend in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll use slow-moving baits to entice them. Fall is prime time for flounder as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love 'em not just for the fight, but for their delicious, flaky white meat.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are tough customers. They hang around structures like pilings and reefs, using their chompers to crush crabs and barnacles. Winter and early spring are peak seasons. They're tricky to hook but well worth the effort, with a sweet, delicate flavor that's hard to beat.

King Mackerel: When a king hits, hold on tight! These speedsters can top 30 pounds and will make your reel sing. We target them from late spring through fall when they're chasing schools of bait fish. Trolling with live bait or flashy lures is the ticket. Kings are prized for their hard fights and make for some epic fish stories.

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what Gulf Shores is famous for. They're here year-round but really fire up in the fall. Look for that distinctive spot on the tail. Reds can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds over 40 pounds. They'll test your drag and your patience, but landing one is pure gold for any angler.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Folks come back to Another Fish Charters because of the whole package. You've got Captain Ronald, who's like a walking, talking fish-finder. He's got stories for days and knows these waters like the back of his hand. The boat's comfy, the gear's top-notch, and the fishing spots are dialed in. Plus, with multiple trip times daily, it's easy to fit a fishing adventure into your Gulf Shores vacation. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip delivers the goods time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This 4-hour inshore trip with Another Fish Charters is your ticket to some of the best fishing Gulf Shores has to offer. You've got your pick of daily departure times (except Sundays) - early bird? Grab that 6:30 AM slot. More of a midday angler? The 11:30 AM or noon trips might be your jam. And for those who like to sleep in, there's always the 2:00 PM option. Remember, the boat only takes up to four people, so it's perfect for a small group or family outing. All the gear's provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Don't let this chance slip away like a fish off the hook - book your spot now and get ready for a Gulf Shores fishing experience you won't forget. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. So what are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "kings," are the speedsters of our waters. These sleek predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often around bait schools. Kings are here from spring through fall, with peak action in summer. They're prized for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - hook one, and you're in for a thrill. We usually troll with live bait or large spoons. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are crucial. These fish are migratory, following bait and water temps, so finding them can be the hardest part. My insider tip: watch for birds diving or bait skipping across the surface. That often means kings are feeding below. Once you find them, it's fast-paced fishing. Just be ready for screaming reels and epic fights!

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. They're here year-round but really shine in fall. Most are "slot" sized at 18-27 inches, perfect for the table, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, or tailing in grass. Reds have a distinctive black spot near their tail - sometimes multiple spots. They're not the fastest fish, but they pull like a truck. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. My favorite trick is to use a gold spoon in murky water - the flash drives them crazy. The best part about reds is their versatility. You can sight fish for them in gin-clear water or blind cast in the muddiest bayou. Either way, when that line goes tight, you're in for a treat.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-8 pounds, but they can get up to 20. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, jetties - where they use those teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are challenging to catch, earning the nickname "convict fish" for their ability to steal bait. Use a small, strong hook with fiddler crabs or oysters. When you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook - sheepshead are pros at stripping bait. The fight is surprisingly strong for their size. My top tip: look for slight movement of your line rather than waiting for a big strike. These fish are masters of the subtle bite. The reward is some of the best-tasting fillets you'll find inshore.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish usually run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though trophy specimens can top 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure like oyster beds or pier pilings. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience - they're notorious bait stealers. Use a Carolina rig with live mullet or shrimp, keeping your bait right on the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give them a few seconds to get the bait in their mouth, then set hard. The fight isn't spectacular, but the table quality more than makes up for it. Flounder are some of the best eating fish in these waters.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a fast-swimming, streamlined fish you'll find in our waters from spring through fall. They typically run 1-2 feet long and a few pounds, but can get up to 25 pounds. Look for them in open water near the surface, often in big schools chasing bait. These fish put up a great fight on light tackle and make tasty table fare. We usually troll for them with small, shiny spoons or cast jigs into feeding frenzies. Spanish Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Prime time is summer when water temps hit the mid-70s. My go-to trick is to watch for diving birds - that's a dead giveaway Spanish are feeding below. Once you find them, it's non-stop action. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!

About the AFC

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard for a laid-back 4-hour inshore fishing trip in Gulf Shores with Another Fish Charters. Captain Ronald Doyle brings 30 years of local know-how to help you reel in redfish, king mackerel, and other prized catches. The comfortable boat has room for up to four anglers, perfect for a small group outing. All the gear and bait you'll need is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the peaceful waters and improving your fishing skills. With multiple departure times available daily (except Sundays), it's easy to fit this adventure into your schedule. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain Ronald will guide you to the best spots and share his tried-and-true techniques. Get ready for a productive day on the water and the chance to land some impressive Gulf fish.

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