What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama for the first time?

We've been coming to Gulf Shores for Spring Break since 2019 and we're reluctant to try charter fishing. After our 3 hour adventure with Captain Bill & 6 Deep we will be back again next year. Just Do It!

No. We had a group of 4 adults. Half had been on several charters and knew what to expect. They said this was unlike any charter they had ever been on. My husband and I had never been on one before. When we showed up to his house, he didn’t introduce himself. He just said he was getting ready and walked to the backyard. It seemed as if we were bothering him and an inconvenience. We didn’t know what to do so we eventually went to the backyard to see what he was doing. We asked about a cooler for water and a bag of sandwiches. He said we could put our waters in the cooler, but the sandwiches could be put upfront in storage (no refrigeration). We found that strange. When we got outside of the canal where he lived he asked us where we wanted to go. We told him he was the captain and we didn’t know the area. He told us that the fishing spot he usually goes to wasn’t catching fish, but he would take us anyway. He drove out there, put his pole in the water about 10 times then said yep no bites and drove us back to the spot by his house. We didn’t use any live bait. We caught the same white trout for 4 hours in the same spot. Even his daughter got bored because she laid down in the bottom of the boat and fell asleep. Even when she was awake she would moan when she had to get up and reset a hook or take a fish off. Once she fell asleep, the captain complained that he couldn’t get back there to help us because she was in the way. After awhile a member of our group just started taking them off. The charter was not what we expected. We thought we would catch a variety of fish and fish in different spots.

Red Snapper is the target fish in June off Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan. The season usually starts the beginning of June and generally lasts through August (but check the season first!). June weekend Snapper trips are in high demand, so book charters early (3-6 months in advance). Be SURE the boat you charter is Federally licensed or you will be stuck fishing within 9 miles of shore, which is over fished and not where you will find snapper of any size. I also recommend an early morning 6 hour trip (2 hours out, fish for 2 hours, 2 hours back) - the seas are generally calmer in the morning. If you can also snag a morning trip with the full moon, all the better. If you as a recreational boat (private or your friends boat), you are not required to have a Federal license, but I would recommend you buy saltwater fishing licenses. We used frozen herring easily bought at a bait shop. Live bait (cigar minnows are premium bait) As always, the hard part is knowing where to go - big ocean with lots of artificial reefs in the 15-20 mile range of shore, but if you don't know any numbers, you are fishing blind over a sandy bottom.

We were tied to a late March date because of college Spring Break dates, but I would recommend a May date if your vacation is flexible. The temps are all over the place in March, so results won't be as consistently good. Captain Shawn knows where to find the fish no matter the weather and season though, so don't be afraid to go early in the season like we did.

Go fishing with Captain John! He is the kindest and most encouraging of the fisherman that we had ever met. We had a terrible experience on another excursion in the Atlantic by a total loser who insulted our fishing skills. So we were a bit nervous about what John would be like. And John surpassed our expectations with kindness and enthusiasm. He's a good dude. And we are "hooked" on doing this every family vacation now!

Understand that tips for your Captain and deck hand are a compliment to their performance and knowledge. You will want to drain savings account after fishing with with Captain Steven and Logan. With that said, there was no pressure to give a tip! I have been fishing a long time, just understand that tips are customary and how they make a living!

contact your captain when you book and if possible, just days before the trip to make sure what you are looking for is what they are offering, in our trip with Blackflag Co it was 10/10, knocked it out of the park

I picked a crappy day and this fish new it as well. A bad day fishing is still better than a good day working. Being on the ocean was great, we're from the Midwest, not much ocean there. I had incredible storm views from 5 miles out and really enjoyed the boating.

Patrick was great all around. He was up front about the fish bite being slow that morning, and gave us the option stay inshore or head offshore. We chose offshore and he was able to put us on King + Spanish Mackerel and a few Red Snapper. We caught 12 keepers plus several that were a bit too small. Equipment was in good shape and reliable. Would definitely head out with Patrick again.

Communicate with your captain if there is something specific you want to target and be realistic about your timeframe and expectations. They are going to want to put you on fish that can be caught first and foremost so you'll have a good experience. If you don't care about catching the typical school fish, message ahead of time to see about the feasibility with your captain.

Show up 15 mins early, have sunscreen already applied. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a log sleeve fishing shirt for sun protection. Keep yor wallet, keys, and other items in a small bag or backpack. Be patient, relax enjoy the outdoors!

This was our first fishing charter. After looking at some of the prices for boated charters, I was discouraged. Then I found Forever Bent charters at the bottom of the page but this charter was top notch all the way. For 250 bucks, we got triple the time of a boated charter for half the price! As a Dad with 5 other people here for a week, that counts. Definitely look for Collins Terry for your charter

Go fishing!! The captain and crew are very knowledgeable, patient, instructive if needed. It’s a great day out on the water. The boat was comfortable, had a suitable bathroom and enclosed air conditioned sitting room. We even saw dolphin right up close to the boat! Wear a hat, bring your lotion sunscreen, light snacks, plenty of water/drinks, your camera and a pair of binoculars. You’ll have a blast!

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.

We booked two trips. The first was cancelled by the Captain for bad weather. The weather was great but the Captain was a complete jerk. I have saved all of the nasty emails with this captain. Unfortunately, there is no way to leave a warning "review" for other anglers to avoid this situation on FishingBooker. The other trip was fantastic and we caught our limit in two hours. We left this captain a glowing review on FishBooker. Would I use Fishbooker again knowing that poor reviews from cancelations? No.

First would be book Capt Brad, Nauti Fish Co. I would recommend checking what fish are in season. I also would recommend looking into state waters vs federal waters. I messed up and looked at seasons wrong or something i also was totally ignorant to all the regulations on state waters and federal waters. Brad thoroughly explained all this but i wish i had known all this before planning a vacation. I most likely would have came a week later or maybe even 6 weeks later.

This was 6 deep charters with Bill and Nikki was a really good time. They’re really good at what they do they’re professional in every way I would recommend them and I would take them on my next charter also.

Absolutely. Just be sure to ask the guide question about what to wear and what to expect. They know what is going on and will advise you on what to do. Dress warmer than you would expect and have rain gear ready.

Remember it is called fishing, not catching. Just because you may be looking to catch a certain fish doesn't mean it will happen that particular day. Don't miss the forest because of the trees, take what is bighting that day and make memories.

I would recommend you go to the marina a day before the day you’re supposed to fish and understand how the marina and guided fishing works. It’s fun to watch them, clean the fish and see how excited the people are.

Always be flexible regarding the weather/water conditions. Listen to your Captain. Our Capt recommended against the freezing high wind and waves in the gulf and we spent our trip in the lagoon catching more fish than we could count and stayed perfectly warm and dry.

Absolutely recommend Captain Noah as your go-to fishing guide! His determination and expertise led us to an unforgettable trip despite challenging conditions. If you're looking for a guide with skill, tenacity, and a knack for finding the big ones, Captain Noah is your guy. Book with confidence for a fantastic fishing experience!

capn Jason is a great guy and knows right where the fish are. mackerel, red fish, pompano, angel fish, toad fish and 3 sharks. our wives loved it and we have red fish on the grill tonight. 4 hour inland fishing.

Go with off the hook charters. Both boats from the company came back with tons of fish, big fish. Other boats at the dock had small fish and less fish. If you want big ones and numbers go with off the hook charters.

Definitely get a charter if it’s your first time. You won’t 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

Try to come on a better moon phase. We came Labor Day weekend because it was my birthday. I knew the fish would be biting better late at night before I came, but we caught fish despite the time & tidenot being right.

Take plenty to drink, protection from the sun, and be open minded, because the captain knows what he is doing and trying his best to give you a great fishing experience. Remember when fishin,g it is a roll of the dice if the fish will bite or not.

Figure out what you want to target. Get the charter going after that species …… and let the Captains take over. Both my charters this week got right on the fish we were going after and got our limits.

We were hoping to bring back some fish to freeze. We caught all red snapper which you are not allowed to keep because it is out of season for it. We only caught one fish to keep. Not our guides fault by any means but it was a huge disappointment.

Do not eat a big meal before you go & dont be drinking the night before if you expect to be able to stay the whole time my husband & son eat a honey bun & I eat a half of a brownie & be sure to take dramamine the night before & the day of ur trip...