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Fairwater II Charters LLC
Charter operator

Fairwater II Charters LLC

Orange Beach, United States
Federal waters
Angler's choice
250+ reviews
Meet your Captain Tom Ard, a true Orange Beach native and a 5 boat owner at Zekes landing Marina, with over 40 years of offshore fishing experience. The love for fishing started at a very young age for Tom, fishing farm ponds and rivers around his house for bass and bream, or catching speckled trout and red fish off the family dock on Wolf Bay. This all transitioned to offshore fishing when his father, Captain Gloyice Ard had a custom built charter boat, a Buskins, completed 1980, the 'Bollweevil' which is still in service here at Zekes. Tom grew up deck handing on the Bollweevil and ran his first real charter at 18 years old. He inherited the vessel after his dad passed away. After graduating from UWF with a degree in criminal justice, Tom married his love of his life Kim, in 1997. They purchased the Fairwater II in 1998. Since then he's charter fished, raised a family ( son Garrett is working on his Masters degree at Mississippi State) and cared for the boat, trying to make her a better boat each and every year. Along the way they purchased the Water Dog, a 34 ft crusader, continued fishing on the Bollweevil. In 2019 he and business partner Captain Brett Russell added the SouthWind and the TradeWinds in 2022. Captain Brett started his fishing career at just 16 years old working with us during the summer. Training young men into captains has been one of Tom's strengths, along with having a fishing team that feels like a family. We all work together and help each other with the boats and in fishing which gives the whole fleet an advantage. One of Tom's passions has been finding older boats and making them look new again with a strong knowledge about engines, generators, and very importantly electronics that keep you safe and help catch fish. This has been his hobby inside his fishing career. In his 50s now, Tom still has a passion for hunting,and fishing, going on adventures with his family (which includes his two Labrador retrievers) and boats. Tom also runs a 64 ft Viking sports fisher for his lifelong friend, fishing marlin tournaments, traveling on vacations just to hunt and fish, and still loves a good boat ride on an impressive craft. And lastly he really loves to watch the joy and excitement catching fish brings to his clients and friends who still come back to fish year after year.
Tom A.
Tom A.
Captain
Tristan E.
Tristan E.
Captain
Brett R.
Brett R.
Captain
Marian J.
Marian J.
Business partner

Charters

  • Fairwater II

    Fairwater II

    Orange Beach
    Trips from
    US $1,000
  • Boll Weevil

    Boll Weevil

    Orange Beach
    Trips from
    US $850
  • Southwind

    Southwind

    Orange Beach
    Trips from
    US $1,200
  • TradeWinds

    TradeWinds

    Orange Beach
    Trips from
    US $1,000

Rating

4.9
489 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (489)

Showing 1 – 5 of 489 reviews
  • Randy Wallace
    Randy Wallace
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    best trip ever!

    5 hour trip AM • 6 adults

    we caught a lot of fish on this trip. I have been out many times. deep sea fishing but my two stepsons that went and son-in-law that went with us. it was their first time started out by trolling on our way to do some bottom fishing and hooked up with a Spanish mackle trolling One of my stepsons reeled the fish in and we caught some bobos trolling reeled the fish in and we caught some bobos trolling as well. The captain put us on the spot and we caught a lot of vermilion snappers The captain done an awesome job keeping us on the fish and the deckhand. Brad did an awesome job. very helpful he kept our hooks baited and took all our fish off for us. I highly recommend this charter service. they do a fantastic and awesome job. five star review. by the way, this was only a 5-hour

    Reported catch:
    Gray Triggerfish
    Red Snapper
  • Debbie Brewster
    Debbie Brewster
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Fairwater II is the BEST!

    6 Hour Trip (PM) • 10 adults • 2 children

    We had 10 in our group from the age 9 to 71 and none of us had done a deep sea fishing trip. Brad was great in helping us all get the our lines in the water without tangling them. He was running from one side of the boat to the other! He was really good and patient with us rookies. Captain Tom knew where the fish were. Everytime our line went in the water we were hooking them. We caught over 60 fish. It was a great trip and a wonderful experience. It’s worth the money. My 9 year old grandson told me it was the best day of his life! Thank you Captain Tom and Brad! Book with them you won’t be disappointed.

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Gray Triggerfish
    Vermilion Snapper
    Lane Snapper
  • Colin Grunnet
    Colin Grunnet
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Making Memories

    3 hour cruise/trolling trip (PM) • 4 adults • 2 children

    Todays fishing trip with Ty and Shawn was the best part of our trip! My kids had never been on a boat before and these two gentlemen made it a fun learning opportunity. They instantly made us all feel welcome, and like we were on a boat with family. I really appreciate the extra care that was taken to ensure my kids felt safe and they both gave them the boost they needed to get out there and try something new. The kids had huge smiles on their faces and have not stopped talking about all the things they learned and loved about this fishing trip. Ty worked his tail off,and Captain kept it steady at the wheel. They knew were to go to have the best chance of catching some fish. We caught plenty of fish on our three hour tour. If you are looking for a boat that is well maintained, driven and worked by capable and kind individuals, The Boll weevil is it. Thank you to Ty and Shawn for creating a love for fishing and boating for my family. You want these guys to take you and your family fishing, trust me.

  • Kyle O'neal
    Kyle O'neal
    Repeat angler
    us
    Arkansas, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Family Outing!

    5 hour trip • 8 adults • 4 children

    We had the best time with crew on the Southwind! Cpt. Brett put us on fish from rhe first hole all throughout the morning. We had four kiddos in our group and Deck Hands Harrison and Marshall did a tremendous job of assisting them, helping them boat rheir fish, rebait and get back in the action. We caught a ton of fish, not ALL keepers, but you aways need to leave some for next time. The ones we did keep were great fish, including a huge, 33.5” red snapper for one of our older boys. One of the other boys caught another really nice snapper and we ended up with a mixed bag including red snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Albacore Jack and a surprise bonus, Mahi Mahi! Would 1,000% recommend a day on the water with Cpt. Brett, Harrison and Marshall. the Southwind delivered memories our families will treasure for years to come and that 33.5” snapper will find its way to my oldest son’s wall in a few months. Thanks Cpt. Brett and crew. you’ll see us again! -Kyle

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Vermilion Snapper
  • James Hunter
    James Hunter
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great all the way around!

    6 Hour Trip (AM) • 11 adults • 4 children

    We just got back from a 6 hour family trip on Captain Tom’s boat, the Fairweather II. We had 7 adults and 3 kids. The boat has a lot of room and a great wrap around deck. We could have fit several more adults and kids if we wanted. We easily caught our limit and had several trophy fish to boot! Tom found the fish and Brad made sure we landed them. The deckhand, Brad, was great with our family and kids, just a great guy all around. Our haul was far better than the competitors at the dock. We’ll book this trip again. No question. Thanks for a great time!

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Gray Triggerfish

Real catches shared by our community

  • Boll Weevil
    Boll WeevilOrange Beach, AL
    Group of four anglers posing beside a wooden fish display board and a large dockside spread of red snapper and other saltwater fish, with a charter boat in the marina.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +4
    Vermilion Snapper
    Randy W.
    Randy W.
    we caught a lot of fish on this trip. I have been out many times. deep sea fishing but my two stepsons that went and son-in-law that went with us. it was their first time started out by trolling on our way to do some bottom fishing and hooked up with a Spanish mackle trolling One of my stepsons reeled the fish in and we caught some bobos trolling reeled the fish in and we caught some bobos trolling as well. The captain put us on the spot and we caught a lot of vermilion snappers The captain done an awesome job keeping us on the fish and the deckhand. Brad did an awesome job. very helpful he kept our hooks baited and took all our fish off for us. I highly recommend this charter service. they do a fantastic and awesome job. five star review. by the way, this was only a 5-hour
  • Fairwater II
    Fairwater IIOrange Beach, AL
    Group of adults and children posing beside a catch board and cooler filled with red snapper at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Debbie B.
    Debbie B.
    We had 10 in our group from the age 9 to 71 and none of us had done a deep sea fishing trip. Brad was great in helping us all get the our lines in the water without tangling them. He was running from one side of the boat to the other! He was really good and patient with us rookies. Captain Tom knew where the fish were. Everytime our line went in the water we were hooking them. We caught over 60 fish. It was a great trip and a wonderful experience. It’s worth the money. My 9 year old grandson told me it was the best day of his life! Thank you Captain Tom and Brad! Book with them you won’t be disappointed.
  • Fairwater II
    Fairwater IIOrange Beach, AL
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, after a successful night fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Jonathan W.
    Jonathan W.
    If your looking for a fantastic crew and boat, look no further! Non stop catching fish! We will be back again!
  • TradeWinds
    TradeWindsOrange Beach, AL
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper and Mackerel on the boat after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Sam M.
    Sam M.
    These guys will put you on fish and are top notch guys.
  • TradeWinds
    TradeWindsOrange Beach, AL
    A lively group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Snapper at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, showcasing a fun day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Rob J.
    Rob J.
    We had a group of 11 of all different ages……some experienced in fishing offshore others for the first time. Everyone had a great time and caught lots of fish!  Both Tristan and Ben were awesome and made sure everyone was having a good time and catching fish. 
  • Fairwater II
    Fairwater IIOrange Beach, AL
    A bucket filled with freshly caught Snapper, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Marshall K.
    Marshall K.
    Captain Tom and deckhand Brad did an awesome job which led to a great day of fishing! We had 8 people in our group and all caught our limit on Red Snapper. We also caught a dozen or more Spanish Mackerel. Had a really great time. Highly recommend!
  • Fairwater II
    Fairwater IIOrange Beach, AL
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper in a wheelbarrow at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Darryl J.
    Darryl J.
    This is the first time when we stayed in 30-50 of water fishing. I hear the mate and captain said they didn't want to use a lot of fuel but the mate said another captain use more fuel.
  • Fairwater II
    Fairwater IIOrange Beach, AL
    Angler displaying a successful catch of multiple Red Snapper on the boat after a day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Shane S.
    Shane S.
    this was easily the best fishing trip i have ever been on. caught more fish in one day than ever in my life at one time. we will definetly be booking with fairwater again. best crew ever.
  • Fairwater II
    Fairwater IIOrange Beach, AL
    A large group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, showcasing a successful day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Darren S.
    Darren S.
    Brad was great! We caught a lot of snapper. The trip was really good for the whole family.
  • TradeWinds
    TradeWindsOrange Beach, AL
    Family fishing group posing on a boat with several mackerel and red snapper catches, including young anglers holding fish in a coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Eric D.
    Eric D.
    Tristen and Ben were awesom! boat is big and roomy so no one‘s crawling on top of each other. They had the AC cranking in the cabin for those that need to get away. They did an awesome job moving us around keeping us on fish. We ended up with more fish than we could eat. Ben the deck hand did an amazing job making sure everyone was taken care of and Hooks were always baited and offering advice along the way. Great experience for our family of all ages and would highly recommend!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Fairwater II in Orange Beach

With the weather starting to disrupt the chances to go offshore, attention shifts inshore for winter. The good news is that some of the most prized fish can be found in the shallows, as Bull Redfish become commonplace!

Top catches for November