Hey there, angler! Ready to turn your lazy afternoon into a fish-filled bonanza? Southern Sun Fishing Charters has just the ticket with our 4-hour afternoon inshore trip right here in Orange Beach, Alabama. We're talking primo fishing spots, a boatload of potential catches, and that laid-back Gulf Coast vibe you can't find anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's gonna be the highlight of your day – guaranteed.
Picture this: You're cruising the stunning inshore waters of Orange Beach, rod in hand, with the afternoon sun warming your face. Our seasoned captains know every nook and cranny where the fish are biting, from hidden coves to productive flats. We'll hit up spots where you can tangle with hard-fighting redfish, sneaky cobia, or even a king mackerel if we venture a bit nearshore. It's just you, a buddy, and 4 solid hours of pure fishing action. No need to worry about grub – this trip's all about the catch. And speaking of catch, get ready to reel 'em in!
On this trip, we're all about versatility. We might start off sight-casting to redfish tailing in the shallows – man, there's nothing like watching that bronze torpedo charge your lure! If the bite's slow inshore, we'll run out a bit and maybe do some light trolling for kings or cobia. Our captains are masters at reading the water and adjusting tactics on the fly. We've got all the gear you need, from light tackle for specks to heavier setups if we hook into something beastly. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – our guides live for showing folks the ropes and helping you land that trophy fish.
"Captain Charley and Gill were great, the fish weren't cooperating but they kept trying and made it enjoyable" - douglas
"2nd trip with captain Charlie. Had one heck of a good time. He doesn't just make sure you have a great time fishing but also gives insight to the area and it's history. Captain Charlie is very patient and helpful to novice anglers. Don't worry if you have never fished, Captain Charlie will take good care of you! I can't wait until I return next year to get back on the water with Captain Charlie!" - Jerome
Alright, let's break down what's swimming around out there waiting for you to hook 'em:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of our inshore show. They love to hang around structure and grass flats, and boy, do they put up a fight! Fall's prime time for big bulls, but we catch 'em year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a big red's tail sticking up out of the water as it roots for crabs.
Cobia: These curious fish are like the puppies of the sea – they'll come right up to the boat to check things out. They're also known as ling or lemonfish, and they grow big. We typically see 'em from spring through fall, and they're a blast on light tackle. Cobia will test your arms and your drag, so be ready for a workout!
King Mackerel: When we venture a bit nearshore, these speedsters are often on the menu. Kings are all about the chase – they'll zip after a trolled bait and give you one heck of an aerial show. Spring and fall are your best bets for hooking into a smoker king, and trust me, once you feel that first run, you'll be hooked too.
Black Drum: The redfish's cousin might not be as flashy, but don't let that fool you. These bulldogs of the bay put up a stubborn fight and can grow to monster sizes. They love hanging around pilings and bridges, and when you find 'em, you can often catch a bunch. Plus, they're delicious if you're into keeping a few for dinner.
Sheepshead: Don't let those chompers scare you – sheepshead are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These striped convicts are structure huggers, often found around jetties and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that tap-tap, set the hook fast! Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons here in Orange Beach.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish you might catch, but there's only one way to really experience it – by getting out there yourself. Our 4-hour afternoon trip is the perfect way to cap off your day in Orange Beach. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy being on the water, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we're ready when you are. So what do you say? Let's make some memories and maybe even catch dinner while we're at it. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious inshore action with Southern Sun Fishing Charters!
March 8, 2024
2nd trip with captain Charlie. Had one heck of a good time. He doesn't just make sure you have a great time fishing but also gives insight to the area and it's history. Captain Charlie is very patient and helpful to novice anglers. Don't worry if you have never fished, Captain Charlie will take good care of you! I can't wait until I return next year to get back on the water with Captain Charlie!
May 20, 2024
Cobia are real bruisers - they can grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds! You'll often spot these solitary fish hanging around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in waters 30-70 feet deep. Spring's the prime time to target them during their spawning migration. What makes cobia so fun is the sight fishing - keep your eyes peeled for them just below the surface. They put up an epic fight and taste fantastic too. My go-to lure is a big bucktail jig, 4-8 oz. Don't overthink the color, they'll hit pretty much anything. Just make sure you've got heavy tackle - these guys will test your gear. One tip: look for rip lines or current breaks near structure. That's where you'll often find cobia lurking, ready to ambush prey. They may look like sharks at first glance, but that single dorsal fin gives them away.
King Mackerel are speed demons - they're one of the fastest fish in these waters. We typically catch them in the 15-30 pound range, but they can grow over 90 pounds. Look for kings anywhere from 40 to 150 feet deep, often near structures that hold bait. They're migratory, so timing is key - late spring through fall is usually best. Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the most popular method. Their meat is rich and oily, great for smoking. One trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings are notorious for short-striking baits, so that trailing hook helps you connect more often. Just watch those teeth when you're handling them - they're razor sharp!
Sheepshead are the ultimate structure fish. You'll find them around pilings, jetties, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles and crustaceans to munch on. They usually run 2-8 pounds but can reach 20. Spring is spawning time when they bunch up in huge schools. Sheepshead are famous for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal bait. They're tricky to hook, but that's part of the fun. Use small hooks and light tackle. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are top baits. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook fast and hard. Sheepshead put up a solid fight for their size and they're excellent eating. Local tip: try scraping some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Once they start feeding, it can be non-stop action.
Redfish are shallow water specialists, often cruising in just 1-4 feet of water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They've got that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's actually a false "eye" to confuse predators. Most redfish we catch are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures. Topwater plugs are my favorite - nothing beats seeing a big red explode on a surface lure in skinny water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water temperatures are just right. Redfish put up a great fight and they're excellent eating too. Pro tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp on the bottom.
Captain Charley and Gill were great, the fish weren’t cooperating but they kept trying and made it enjoyable