Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing Charters
Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing Charters
Best Inshore Fishing Charters in Gulf Shores
Best Inshore Fishing Charters in Gulf Shores
Inshore Fishing in Gulf Shores
Inshore Fishing in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is an inshore angler’s dream. From sheltered lagoons to protected wetlands to wide, open bays, you can find every major shallow-water habitat within easy reach of a half day trip. Gulf Shores inshore fishing can get you on a huge range of species, too. Iconic game fish like Red Drum, Speckled Trout, and Spanish Mackerel share the shallows with great table fare like Flounder. Add seasonal visitors like Pompano and Tarpon to this already star-studded cast and you have one of the best inshore fisheries on the entire Gulf Coast.
What to Expect from an Inshore Fishing Charter
With a name like Gulf Shores, it should be no surprise that the area has awesome shoreline fishing. You can troll for Spanish Mackerel along the mile after mile of beachfront, and find Tarpon moving along here in the summer, too. The best action is in more sheltered waters, though. Little Lagoon is the first port of call, with Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout, as well as lots of Pompano during the spring and summer.
Launch out the other way from Gulf Shores, and you can enjoy the productive waters of the Oyster and Bon Secour Bays. The creeks and rivers which feed these waters draw huge stocks of baitfish, tempting in Sheepshead, Whiting, Speckled Trout, Red and Black Drum, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and even Kingfish.
Whatever you’re after, you can rely on a seasoned charter captain to show you the best places to fish. There are endless spots to hit around here, and your guide will always have hidden favorites for when the bite is slow in well-known areas.
Fishing Techniques
Red Drum, Flounder, and Speckled Trout, can be reliably caught with live bait and light tackle. Mullet and Minnows are both great options, depending on what’s in season. If you fancy something with a little more finesse, light spinning tackle and lures can also bring in trophy fish. Soft plastics work best for Flounder, while topwater lures and jerkbaits are irresistible to Redfish and Trout. Fly fishing can be outstanding here in Gulf Shores, especially during the summer months when Pompano and Tarpon are both in town.
Need to Know
Fishing licenses are not required when fishing from a registered Alabama fishing charter. If you’re planning on going it alone, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license for anyone aged 16 or over. Get yours online before you get to town, or swing by a local approved vendor to get the skinny on what’s in season and where the bite is hot.
Live bait is almost always included on local charters. It’s normally prepared ahead of time, but you may catch it during your trip. It won’t take long, though, and can be great fun for kids. Remember to bring protection against the hot Alabama sun, as well as an extra layer - it can get colder than you’d think when you’re out on the water.
Gulf Shores
4.6
/
5
Based on 26,549 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Inshore Fishing in Gulf Shores
What anglers said about Inshore Fishing in Gulf Shores
Captain Patrick was a class act. We had a great time. I would recommend Trickโem Charters to anyone.
5.0
/
5
Captain Patrick was a class act. We had a great time. I would recommend Trickโem Charters to anyone.
Lee F.
West Plains, MO
Captain Jay and Ricochet Charter were excellent! Friendly staff. Great day on the water!
5.0
/
5
Captain Jay and Ricochet Charter were excellent! Friendly staff. Great day on the water!
Tom H.
McKinney, TX
Don't fish in early or mid May as your options for keeping seem to be more limited
4.7
/
5
Don't fish in early or mid May as your options for keeping seem to be more limited
Nate R.
Look up freebird charters with captain John and Jerry. They will take care of you and put you on fish.
5.0
/
5
Look up freebird charters with captain John and Jerry. They will take care of you and put you on fish.
Nicholas N.
Cherokee Village, AR
Captain Jamie took such good care of us. Gave us an education and great information.
5.0
/
5
Captain Jamie took such good care of us. Gave us an education and great information.
Tony H.
Marengo, IA
Only way to go is a private charter. Don't like to bad mouth anything, but do not waste your time on the 'GS fishing pier'. It is hit or miss and overall not productive. My family wehn on two charters during the week and caught plenty of fish on both. We went in early May and the timing was so-so. A little after one of the breeding runs and prior to snapper season. Would recommend early June next year to my group.
5.0
/
5
Only way to go is a private charter. Don't like to bad mouth anything, but do not waste your time on the 'GS fishing pier'. It is hit or miss and overall not productive. My family wehn on two charters during the week and caught plenty of fish on both. We went in early May and the timing was so-so. A little after one of the breeding runs and prior to snapper season. Would recommend early June next year to my group.
Mike H.
Brooks, KY
Stressed Out charters. Actually recommend them in the parking lot after our trip.
5.0
/
5
Stressed Out charters. Actually recommend them in the parking lot after our trip.
Michael T.
San Antonio, Texas
I would honestly contact Stressed Out Charters, Their reviews and my great experience speaks volumes for catching fish and having fun.
5.0
/
5
I would honestly contact Stressed Out Charters, Their reviews and my great experience speaks volumes for catching fish and having fun.
ROBERT F.
Flowery Branch, GA
Perfection Captain Tony and deck hand Zack we are sharing with all of our Gulf Shores family
5.0
/
5
Perfection Captain Tony and deck hand Zack we are sharing with all of our Gulf Shores family
Sharon K.
DeWitt, MI
April is absolutely as early as I would go. May through the rest of summer is what Iโve been told is true peak season
5.0
/
5
April is absolutely as early as I would go. May through the rest of summer is what Iโve been told is true peak season
Andrew V.
Rossville, GA
Go for the 4 the four hour trip. They will do there best to get you on fish
5.0
/
5
Go for the 4 the four hour trip. They will do there best to get you on fish
Todd V.
Omaha, NE
Wait until May. My husband wanted to catch Amberjack, but you can't keep until May, but even if you can't keep the fish uts a great experience. There are smaller fish in season in April.
4.7
/
5
Wait until May. My husband wanted to catch Amberjack, but you can't keep until May, but even if you can't keep the fish uts a great experience. There are smaller fish in season in April.
Amanda M.
New Market, AL
Little rough out there but it's not a farm pond. You're on the Gulf. What do you expect.
5.0
/
5
Little rough out there but it's not a farm pond. You're on the Gulf. What do you expect.
Steve A.
Marengo, IL
Try a party barge first or boat. Itโs simple. The smaller boats with less people are great fun.
5.0
/
5
Try a party barge first or boat. Itโs simple. The smaller boats with less people are great fun.
Jim S.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Definitely get a charter if itโs your first time. You wonโt be disappointed and you can learn quite a bit about the local waters and what rigs and techniques work the best at the time you are fishing
5.0
/
5
Definitely get a charter if itโs your first time. You wonโt be disappointed and you can learn quite a bit about the local waters and what rigs and techniques work the best at the time you are fishing
Dennis B.
Wapella, IL
We had a chilly morning make sure u dress appropriately! Still had a great trip!
5.0
/
5
We had a chilly morning make sure u dress appropriately! Still had a great trip!
Bryan P.
Fair Oaks, IN
Be flexible! Weather can be unpredictable so dress according to weather. Good fishing no matter.
5.0
/
5
Be flexible! Weather can be unpredictable so dress according to weather. Good fishing no matter.
Rachel H.
Pike Road, AL
I always liked inshore, and would recommend it but always recommend off shore.
5.0
/
5
I always liked inshore, and would recommend it but always recommend off shore.
Kyle H.
Monico, WI
Only downside was the weather. Cold front came through and it was quite windy.
5.0
/
5
Only downside was the weather. Cold front came through and it was quite windy.
Jacqueline T.
Livingston, TX
Fish the gulf if possible, it is a much better bite than fishing the lagoon.
5.0
/
5
Fish the gulf if possible, it is a much better bite than fishing the lagoon.
Louis H.
Gulf Shores, Alabama