Get ready to hit the inshore waters of Gulf Shores for an afternoon of non-stop fishing action! Captain Ronald Doyle's 30 years of local know-how means you're in for a treat as you target some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting redfish or want to test your skills against the speedy king mackerel, this 3-4 hour trip with Another Fish Charters is your ticket to inshore success.
As soon as you hop aboard Captain Ronald's well-equipped vessel, you'll feel the excitement building. With room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a small group of friends or family looking to make some memories on the water. Don't sweat the gear - all the bait and tackle you'll need is provided, so you can focus on the important stuff: catching fish! The afternoon departure gives you flexibility in your schedule, and with trips running daily, you can easily fit this Gulf Shores fishing adventure into your vacation plans. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Ronald's hands-on approach ensures everyone has a shot at landing the big one.
Inshore fishing in Gulf Shores is all about variety, and Captain Ronald knows just where to find the action. You might start by drifting live bait near structure for redfish, feeling that telltale thump as a bruiser takes the bait. Or maybe you'll troll the edges of grass flats, enticing king mackerel with flashy lures. The beauty of inshore fishing is the constantly changing tactics - one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, the next you're working a jig near dock pilings for sheepshead. With access to prime fishing grounds and years of local knowledge, you're in for a productive day on the water. Keep your eyes peeled for diving birds or bait showering on the surface - that's often a dead giveaway that fish are feeding nearby!
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Gulf Shores anglers. Known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, redfish can be found year-round in the inshore waters. They love to hang around structure like oyster bars and dock pilings. When you hook into a big 'bull red', hold on tight - these fish can top 40 pounds and will give you a workout you won't soon forget!
King Mackerel: Speed demons of the Gulf, king mackerel are prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. These toothy predators show up in good numbers during the warmer months, often chasing bait schools near the passes. Trolling with live bait or spoons is a great way to entice a strike. When a king hits, be ready for your reel to scream as line peels off at an alarming rate!
Sheepshead: Don't let their stripes fool you - these crafty fish are no pushovers. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, thanks to their human-like teeth. You'll find them around structure like bridge pilings and artificial reefs. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. Once hooked, sheepshead put up a surprisingly stout fight for their size. Plus, they're excellent table fare!
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sandy bottom to wait for unsuspecting prey. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is worth it. Captain Ronald might have you drift live bait or work a jig slowly along the bottom in areas with sandy drop-offs. When you feel that distinctive 'thump', get ready for a fight - flounder may not make long runs, but they sure know how to dig in!
Spanish Mackerel: Smaller cousins to the king mackerel, Spanish macks are no less exciting to catch. These fish show up in huge schools during the warmer months, often creating feeding frenzies on the surface. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here. Spanish mackerel hit hard and fight with quick bursts of speed, making for non-stop action when you find a school.
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it! The inshore waters of Gulf Shores offer a unique mix of scenic beauty and productive fishing grounds. As you cruise along, you might spot dolphins playing in the wake or pelicans diving for their own catch. The calm waters make for a comfortable trip, even if you're prone to seasickness. And let's not forget the wealth of knowledge you'll gain from Captain Ronald. His stories and tips are worth the price of admission alone. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, this Gulf Shores inshore trip delivers on all fronts.
Ready to experience the best of Gulf Shores inshore fishing? Don't wait - spots on Captain Ronald's boat fill up fast, especially during peak season. With all gear provided and his expert guidance, you're set up for a successful and memorable day on the water. Whether you're dreaming of battling a bull red or hoping to score some tasty flounder for dinner, this afternoon trip has you covered. So grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to make some fishing memories in Gulf Shores. Book your spot now and get ready to feel that first tug on the line!
King Mackerel, or "Kings", are the speed demons of the Gulf. These sleek predators typically range from 10-30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in open waters, often around structures like reefs or wrecks, usually 20-150 feet deep. Kings are most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Trolling's the go-to method, using live bait like blue runners or menhaden, or artificial lures like large spoons. Here's a local tip: when you're trolling and spot birds diving, slow down and work that area - Kings are likely feeding below. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The fight's only half the fun - Kings make for some great eating too, especially when smoked. Just remember, bigger fish can have higher mercury levels, so it's best to keep the smaller ones for the table.
Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, but you might tangle with a 30-pounder in deeper water. Look for them in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and in grass flats, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. They're year-round residents, but fall's prime time when they school up. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is a rush - watch for their tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs. Use live bait like shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local trick: on calm days, try topwater lures for explosive strikes. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. When you hook one, let it make its first run before applying pressure, or you might pull the hook. Remember, slot limits apply, so make sure you're up on local regulations.
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their distinct black and white stripes, are crafty creatures. These inshore favorites typically run 2-8 pounds, with some whopping 15-pounders out there. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - pilings, jetties, bridges, you name it. They're year-round residents, but winter and early spring see them bunch up for spawning. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, making them a fun challenge. Light tackle's the way to go, using fiddler crabs, shrimp, or barnacles for bait. Here's a local secret: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Anglers love the fight these fish put up and their sweet, white meat. Just be careful of those sharp dorsal spines when handling them. Patience is key with sheepshead - wait for that solid thump before setting the hook, or you'll miss 'em every time.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending right into sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish usually weigh 1-5 pounds, but you might luck into a 10-pounder. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around structure like jetties or oyster beds. Fall's the prime time as they move to deeper waters for spawning. Flounder fishing's all about patience - they're ambush predators, so a slow presentation is key. Use live bait like mullet or mud minnows, or try soft plastics on a jig head. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift. Folks love targeting these fish for their unique challenge and excellent table fare. The satisfaction of landing a doormat is hard to beat, and they're delicious whether you're frying, baking, or grilling.
Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. These silvery beauties, with dark green backs and yellow spots, typically range from 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in waters 20-40 feet deep around structures like reefs or wrecks. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic fights and tasty meat. To hook one, try trolling with small, shiny spoons or live bait like sardines or mullet. A local trick: when you spot a school feeding on the surface, cast a gotcha plug or small jig just beyond the frenzy and retrieve quickly. These fish can be picky, so matching your lure size to the baitfish they're chasing can make all the difference. Remember, Spanish Mackerel have sharp teeth, so a short wire leader is a must to avoid cut-offs.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150