Perched on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the warm waters of Orange Beach’s scenic bays and bayous are a great place for embarking on a fishing adventure.
(Photo: Reel Fishin’ Charters / Courtesy Fishingbooker)
There are excellent fishing locations dotted all the way along the Alabama coastline, from Dauphin Island to Orange Beach and everywhere in between, with some of the best inshore spots being Wolf Bay, Bay La Launch, and Bayou Saint John. Sport fishing can be enjoyed both on private charters or, most affordable, as part of a group fishing expedition. Here are five of the best Orange Beach fishing charters currently available.
2-Hour Inshore Trip
Short but sweet, this quick-fire fishing charter close to the Orange Beach shoreline takes place aboard the smooth lines of a 22-foot Everglades center console boat. Rigged with a GPS, a fish finder, a live well loaded with bait, and safety equipment, the vessel provides a comfortable experience for groups of up to six, with children welcome. During the trip, you’ll target a variety of species, including Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Cobia, and Amberjack. You’ll also troll for exciting game fish closer to the surface, such as King and Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, and Mahi-Mahi. All trips come with licenses, quality rods, reels, tackle, lures, and bait, and as an added bonus, the captain can take photos and e-mail the pictures within a day. From $361 per group (max 3 people; or $69 for each additional person).
3-Hour Nearshore Trolling Trip
(Photo: Nauti Fish Co / Courtesy Fishingbooker)
Available as a morning or afternoon charter, this 3-hour trip invites you to troll and light tackle fish around the famous Dixie Bar, Lighthouse, and oil rigs for all kinds of pelagics. Aboard a 38’ Luhrs Express, among the species you’ll be on the prowl for are King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and even big Bull Red. This trip caters well for kids, friends, and families looking to experience an offshore adventure and test the waters while staying close to land. It also presents an opportunity to enjoy the occasional viewing of dolphins and sea turtles along the way. From $610 per group (max 6 people).
4-Hour Afternoon Trolling/Bottom Fishing
This half-day charter is ideal for novice and seasoned anglers. Aboard a comfortable 25’ Sea Hunt center console boat, over the course of the trip, you’ll be trolling for mackerel and bonito on your way out to some great nearshore reefs. Once there, you’ll bottom fish for snapper, triggerfish, beeliner, and others, then troll back the same as you trolled in for mackerel and bonito. When trolling, you’ll use a variety of techniques using outriggers, z-wings, downriggers, and planers, with the crew on hand to show you the ropes. Your fishing license and catch cleaning is included in the tour price. From $595 per group (max 5 people).
Half-Day Red Snapper Trip
(Photo: Circle Hook Charters / Courtesy Fishingbooker)
Running from June to November, Snapper season on the Gulf Coast presents a great chance for lots of fun for the whole family. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll cruise the hottest fishing grounds for your dream catch aboard a 30’ Contender vessel, decked out with top-of-the-line navigational gear, including GPS and fishfinder, to get you to the best spots. As you search out those elusive Red Snapper, you’ll have the chance to jig, troll, spin, and even bottom fish. The trip price includes top-notch Shimano rods and reels, live bait, a variety of tackle, and a valid fishing license. From $848 per group (max 6 people).
10-Hour Trip
For anglers that want to spend plenty of time on the water but still be back home for dinner with the family, this trip could fit the bill. Over ten hours, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to target the species of fish that are in season at the time, including the chance to try out trolling for that big catch as well. The charter tour takes place aboard a large, custom-built 52’ Miller sportfishing boat that comes with a full complement of electronics to help the captain find the best fishing spots. The air-conditioned interior features satellite television and a Big Green Egg barbecue cooker. From $2,504 per group (max 6 people; or $268 for each additional person).