Ready to reel in some serious action on Mobile Bay? Our half-day guided fishing trip out of Fort Morgan is the perfect way to get your line wet and your cooler full. We're talking about targeting some of Alabama's most prized inshore species - speckled trout, redfish, and Spanish mackerel. But this isn't just any old fishing trip. You'll be cruising the same waters where Civil War blockade runners once snuck past Union ships, with the historic Fort Morgan as your backdrop. And let's not forget the chance to spot playful dolphins and massive cargo ships along the way. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone.
Hop aboard our well-equipped vessel and get ready for a morning or afternoon of non-stop action. We'll start by heading out into the rich waters of Mobile Bay, where your expert guide will put you on the fish using tried-and-true local techniques. You might find yourself casting near grass flats for speckled trout, working a popping cork for redfish, or trolling for Spanish mackerel. And don't worry if you're new to this - our crew's got the patience of saints and will have you fishing like a pro in no time. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Speaking of catch, we'll even clean your fish for free at the end of the trip. How's that for Southern hospitality?
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to maximize your chances of landing the big one. For speckled trout, we might use live shrimp under a popping cork or toss soft plastics around structure. When targeting redfish, we'll often sight-cast to tailing fish in the shallows or work the edges of oyster bars. For Spanish mackerel, trolling with small spoons or casting jigs into feeding frenzies can be deadly effective. We'll hit some of Fort Morgan's best-kept secret spots, from the point of the peninsula to the gas rigs just offshore. And if the bite's slow in one spot, no worries - we'll run and gun until we find the action. That's the beauty of fishing with a local who knows these waters like the back of their hand.
"We had an amazing time with Captain Rick! While other boats struggled, we were reeling in fish. Rick was fantastic with both us and our kids, making sure everyone had a great time. We highly recommend him and would absolutely book with him again!" - Meade
"We had an awesome time! Captain Rick made finding fish look easy, and we quickly caught our limit. We highly recommend him. He even filleted our catch, sending us home with a delicious feast!" - Tim
"Rick was an amazing captain—everything we could have asked for! He knew all the honey holes and had the patience to teach my son and me how to fish. We ended up catching 9 large sheepshead and even tried for some reds, though they weren't biting that day. I'll definitely be booking with him again on my next visit. Plus, the fresh catch made for a delicious dinner!" - Joseph
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a favorite among local anglers, and for good reason. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight on light tackle. In the Fort Morgan area, specks can range from 1-5 pounds, with the occasional gator trout pushing 7 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime times for big trout, but you can catch them year-round in these parts. Nothing beats the sound of a big speck smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are the bullies of the flats. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and can grow to over 40 inches in length. In the Mobile Bay area, we typically target slot-sized reds between 16-26 inches, perfect for the dinner table. But don't be surprised if you hook into a big bull red that'll have your drag screaming. Redfish are most active in the fall, but you can find them year-round, especially around structure and in the shallows during high tide.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the perfect target when you want non-stop action. They're fast, they're furious, and they're a blast on light tackle. Spanish mackerel typically show up in our waters from spring through fall, with peak season being summer. They average 2-4 pounds but can get up to 7 or 8 pounds. When you find a school of Spanish, it's not uncommon to catch one on every cast. And let's not forget - they're delicious on the grill!
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Our half-day trips out of Fort Morgan offer a unique blend of history, nature, and world-class fishing that's hard to beat. Where else can you cast a line in the shadow of a Civil War fort, watch dolphins play in your wake, and fill your cooler with some of the Gulf's tastiest fish all in one trip? And let's not forget the convenience factor. We're just a short drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making us the perfect addition to your beach vacation. Plus, with our expert guides and top-notch equipment, even novice anglers have a great shot at landing the big one. It's no wonder we've got folks coming back year after year, making this our most popular trip.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want to impress your buddies with your angling skills, or just need a break from the beach, our half-day trip has got you covered. Remember, we can accommodate up to 6 people, so bring the whole crew. And with our fish cleaning service, you can go straight from the boat to the grill. Don't miss out on this chance to experience the best of what Alabama's coastal waters have to offer. Book your trip today and get ready to make some serious fishing memories. Trust us, once you've fished Fort Morgan, you'll be hooked for life!
August 7, 2024
We had an awesome time! Captain Rick made finding fish look easy, and we quickly caught our limit. We highly recommend him. He even filleted our catch, sending us home with a delicious feast!
August 2, 2024
We had an incredible trip with Alabama Girl and Captain Rick Murdock! Rick kept us on the fish all morning, moving as needed to keep the bite active. Even as fairly inexperienced anglers, we limited out on great-sized fish. I highly recommend Rick to anyone looking for a charter in Fort Morgan. A fantastic experience all around!
June 7, 2024
Rick was an amazing captain—everything we could have asked for! He knew all the honey holes and had the patience to teach my son and me how to fish. We ended up catching 9 large sheepshead and even tried for some reds, though they weren’t biting that day. I’ll definitely be booking with him again on my next visit. Plus, the fresh catch made for a delicious dinner!
March 11, 2024
Not only did we catch an incredible number of fish, but Captain Rick was also a joy to work with. He even took the time to show us the lighthouse on the way back, making it such a special memory. Would definitely recommend!
March 29, 2024
The trip was very good. Techniques were well explained and we caught our limit!!
August 15, 2025
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 28-33 inches but can grow much larger. You'll spot them by the distinctive black spot near their tail - it's actually a false "eye" to fool predators. We find redfish in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure like old piers. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish put up a great fight, especially in skinny water. They'll test your drag and sometimes even tail-walk across the surface. Their firm, white meat is delicious too - great for grilling or blackening. For the best shot at a trophy red, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or topwater plug. Work it slowly and be ready for an explosive strike. Just remember to release the big breeders - we want to keep this fishery strong for years to come.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in our local waters. These fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones show up now and then. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Sea trout put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. Just be careful not to overcook it. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. To land one, try working topwater lures or soft plastics over grass flats early in the morning. A local trick is to use a popping cork rig with live shrimp - the noise draws them in. Sea trout have soft mouths, so set the hook gently. With their great taste and sporty nature, sea trout are always a fun catch on our trips.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons of the Gulf, often swimming in massive schools. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. They're here from spring through fall, following baitfish migrations. You'll find Spanish macks zipping around in open water, often near the surface. They love to chase small, shiny baitfish. Watch for birds diving - that's a good sign mackerel are feeding below. These fish are a blast to catch. They hit lures hard and make blistering runs. Light tackle makes for an exciting fight. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flavorful meat that's great grilled or smoked. To hook up, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local trick is to use a "Christmas tree" rig with multiple lures - it imitates a school of baitfish. When you find a school, get ready for non-stop action. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
We had an amazing time with Captain Rick! While other boats struggled, we were reeling in fish. Rick was fantastic with both us and our kids, making sure everyone had a great time. We highly recommend him and would absolutely book with him again!