If you’re planning a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and are hoping to charter a fishing boat, you’re in luck! Gulf Shores is a top fishing destination, with a wide variety of fish to catch, such as red snapper, tuna, Spanish mackerel, as well as many other species. And where there’s fish, there are folks who know how to catch them! If you want to try your luck at hooking a prize catch, these Gulf Shores fishing charters know all the best spots.
Fishing charters provide everything you need for your adventure, such as captains (who also serve as fishing guides), boats, gear, and your fishing license! And you know what's amazing? When you book a vacation rental through Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, we partner with Xplorie to provide you with a discount on a fishing charter with Zeke’s Lady Fishing Charters!
If you’re getting excited about your big day out on the water, read on!
Why Book a Fishing Charter?
Booking a fishing charter is a stress-free way to go fishing. You don’t have to worry about bringing gear or obtaining a license; all you have to do is show up! Captains and their crews already know all the best fishing spots, making sure that you’re set up for success. Of course, catching fish is not a guarantee, but their expertise brings you one step closer to making that big catch!
Fishing charters are also a fantastic family adventure! It's a wonderful opportunity to teach kids the ins and outs of fishing or to enjoy some quality time together as you cast your lines out into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Making memories while having fun in the sun is what it's all about!
Types of Fishing Charters
There are different kinds of fishing charters, which allow you to catch a diverse variety of fish.
Inshore and Nearshore Charters
Inshore and nearshore charters stay in shallow areas near shore, such as back bay flats, offshore reefs, beaches, and areas just a few miles away from shore. This allows you to catch fish such as red fish, speckled trout, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and more. Inshore and nearshore charters are great for families and beginners because they stay where the water is calm! These charters usually last from 2 hours to 8 hours.
Offshore Charters
Offshore charters take you out into the open ocean to fish. These trips can range from a few miles to 30 miles offshore, allowing you to fish in depths up to 300 feet or more! These trips are ideal if you want to catch red and white snapper, king and Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, and swordfish.
Duration
Charters can last anywhere from 2 hours to 48 hours, offering you a great deal of flexibility in choosing the duration of your fishing trip. So whether you want to spend a morning or afternoon fishing, or dedicate a large portion of your trip to fishing, there are options for you!
Fishing Charter Companies
There are many fishing charter companies to choose from in and around Gulf Shores, but we’ve chosen a few of them for you!
Zeke’s Lady Fishing Charters
When you book a home with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, you’re in for a treat! You can access a special discount on a fishing charter, thanks to our awesome partnership with Xplorie! With Xplorie you get one free admission to Zeke’s Lady Fishing Charter for 6 hours, which is a $125 value!
Onboard Zeke’s Lady, you’ll be able to travel 15-20 miles offshore and go bottom fishing, looking for snapper, red ruby, and trigger. Zeke’s provides everything you need, including an air-conditioned cabin. With service like that, it's no wonder that Zeke’s is one of the best fishing charters in Gulf Shores, AL! You can choose from morning or afternoon trips, lasting 6 hours. You do have to bring your own food and drinks, which is easy when you bring a small cooler (but remember, no glass containers). If you would prefer an inshore charter or a longer offshore charter (up to 48 hours), Zeke’s also provides those, but they are not eligible for the Xplorie discount. All that being said, no matter what adventure you choose, you are sure to have a great time!
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: Thanks to Xplorie you get one free admission! Without an XPlorie discount, it is $125 per adult, $95 for a child. You can rent the boat out as a private charter, starting at $4,500.
- Location: 26619 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Phone: (251) 981-4044
Off the Hook Charters
If you’re interested in other fishing charters in Gulf Shores, then Off the Hook Charters is a great option. They are excited to offer you an amazing range of inshore and offshore fishing experiences! If you’re looking to enjoy some inshore fishing, their trips last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, during which you can try your luck catching fish like red snapper, redfish, speckled trout, pompano, and black drum. For those looking for a bit more adventure, their offshore trips last between 4 to 12 hours, giving you the chance to reel in some fantastic catches such as vermillion snapper, amberjack, grouper, triggerfish, and others. So climb aboard with Off the Hook Charters to create some unforgettable fishing memories!
- Duration: 2 to 12 hours
- Cost: Each boat is available for charter as a whole, with rates ranging from $350 to $2800 for the entire vessel. The maximum capacity varies between 4 to 6 guests, depending on the boat.
- Location: Fort Morgan Marina, 1577 AL-180 W in Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Phone: 251-223-6736
MSC Fishing Charters
Next up on our list, we have MSC Fishing Charters! This company specializes in reeling in tuna, marlin, swordfish, and snapper. They offer deep-sea fishing charters in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Their friendly and experienced fishing guides are passionate about fishing and can't wait to share their love of it with you. Equipped with top-notch fishing gear and the latest technology, they’ll do their best to help you land the catch of a lifetime! Plus, if you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, they offer nearshore trips that are perfect for families and those just starting out. It's time to have some fun on the water!
- Duration: 6 to 12 hours
- Cost: $1500 - $4900 per boat for up to 6 passengers.
- Location: MSC Fishing Charters 1577 AL-180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Phone: 251-508-1674
Book Your Gulf Shores Vacation Today!
Featured Rental: Solo Vista
Now that you’ve learned all about Gulf Shores fishing charters, it’s time to book your home base for your upcoming fishing adventures. At Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, we have a fantastic selection of places to stay just for you!
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront getaway, a rental with a pool, or even an elevator, we've got you covered! Plus, if you’re planning a big gathering, we have large homes that can comfortably accommodate up to 42 guests. And don’t forget, all of our homes come with the Xplorie discounts as well, allowing you to save some money while you make memories!
So what are you waiting for? Come have an amazing trip with us! Book with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Charters in Gulf Shores, Alabama
What kind of fish can I catch in Gulf Shores, Alabama?
There are so many types of fish to catch in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Here’s a shortlist:
- amberjack
- black drum
- grouper
- mahi-mahi
- marlin
- pompano
- red dish
- red ruby
- red rnapper
- Spanish mackerel
- speckled trout
- swordfish
- trigger
- tuna
Do I need a fishing license to fish from a chartered boat?
No, you do not need a fishing license to book a fishing charter. The boats come with fishing licenses, so you are all set!