Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to experience the best of Fort Morgan's inshore fishing? You're in for a treat with our half-day guided trip that'll have you hooking into some of Alabama's most sought-after species. We're talking redfish, Spanish mackerel, and even blacktip sharks – all while soaking in the rich history and natural beauty of Mobile Bay. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to make some serious memories on the water.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. We'll cruise through Mobile Bay, keeping our eyes peeled for playful dolphins and massive cargo ships – it's like a maritime parade out there! You might even spot some oil rigs in the distance, a reminder of the Gulf's bustling energy industry. But the real star of the show? The historic Fort Morgan itself. As we pass by, you can almost imagine those Civil War blockade runners sneaking through these same waters. It's not just a fishing trip; it's a journey through time and nature rolled into one.
Now, let's talk fish. We'll be targeting some real beauties out here. Speckled trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, and blacktip sharks are all on the menu. And let me tell you, when one of these bad boys hits your line, you'll know it. The best part? At the end of the trip, I'll clean and package your catch for free. That means you can focus on the fun part – reeling 'em in – while I take care of the messy work. It's all part of the service, folks!
Alright, time for some insider info. We'll be using a mix of techniques to land our target species. For the redfish and trout, we might do some light tackle casting along the shorelines or structure. These fish love to hang around oyster beds and grass flats, so we'll hit those sweet spots hard. When we're after Spanish mackerel, we'll likely do some trolling or cast spoons – these speedsters can't resist a flashy lure zipping through the water.
Now, if we're going after sharks, we'll switch gears a bit. We'll use heavier tackle and might even chum the water to bring those toothy critters in close. Don't worry, though – I'll walk you through every step, from baiting the hook to fighting the fish. And remember, we're all about responsible fishing here. Any sharks we catch are quickly released after a photo op, ensuring they live to fight another day.
"Highly recommended!" - Joel
"This was our second time fishing with Captain Rick, and he didn't disappoint! Within 5 minutes, both my wife and I had "fish on!" Two and a half hours later, we had our limit of keepers (plus plenty of fun catching and releasing undersized ones). Rick knows the bay like the back of his hand and will always get you on the fish. He's a great guy—polite, helpful, and a pleasure to fish with. Highly recommend!" - Ken
"I booked this trip because my husband is a "girl dad" who's always caught up in dance conventions and tennis with the girls and doesn't often get a chance to do "manly" things. When we arrived, I'm pretty sure Captain Rick saw us and thought, "Oh lawd, this might be tough!" But it turned out to be amazing! The girls were reeling in fish and absolutely loved Captain Rick! He was so patient and knowledgeable, guiding them through their very first ocean catches. Meanwhile, Captain Rick and my husband had plenty of "man talk" about boat gas, game wardens, and the Coast Guard. We had an absolute blast!" - Isabelle
Let's break down the stars of our show – the fish you'll be chasing on this trip. First up, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for good reason. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to impressive sizes. In the fall, we often see bull reds in the 20-30 pound range cruising the shorelines. They love to hang around structure, so we'll target them near jetties and oyster beds. The "thump" when a big red takes your bait is something you won't forget!
Next, let's talk about Spanish mackerel. These streamlined speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. We typically see them from spring through fall, with the peak season being summer. They travel in schools, so when we find them, the action can be fast and furious. Light tackle anglers love targeting these fish because they're a blast to catch and make for some tasty fillets.
Last but certainly not least, we've got the blacktip shark. Now, I know what you're thinking – sharks in Alabama? You bet! These sleek predators cruise our waters, especially in the warmer months. Blacktips typically range from 3 to 5 feet long, but we occasionally hook into bigger ones. They're known for their powerful runs and even some impressive jumps. Catching a shark is an adrenaline rush like no other, and it's a great photo op (don't worry, we practice catch and release with these guys).
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. This half-day trip in Fort Morgan is more than just a fishing charter – it's a full-on Gulf Coast experience. You'll get to see dolphins, historic sites, and some of the best inshore fishing Alabama has to offer. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, this trip has got you covered.
Remember, I'll be there every step of the way to make sure you have a safe, fun, and productive day on the water. From rigging your lines to cleaning your catch, I've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your favorite fishing hat, and let's hit the water. The fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let this chance slip away – book your Fort Morgan fishing adventure today and get ready to make some serious angling memories!
November 27, 2024
This was our second time fishing with Captain Rick, and he didn’t disappoint! Within 5 minutes, both my wife and I had "fish on!" Two and a half hours later, we had our limit of keepers (plus plenty of fun catching and releasing undersized ones). Rick knows the bay like the back of his hand and will always get you on the fish. He’s a great guy—polite, helpful, and a pleasure to fish with. Highly recommend!
May 15, 2024
I booked this trip because my husband is a "girl dad" who’s always caught up in dance conventions and tennis with the girls and doesn't often get a chance to do "manly" things. When we arrived, I’m pretty sure Captain Rick saw us and thought, "Oh lawd, this might be tough!" But it turned out to be amazing! The girls were reeling in fish and absolutely loved Captain Rick! He was so patient and knowledgeable, guiding them through their very first ocean catches. Meanwhile, Captain Rick and my husband had plenty of “man talk” about boat gas, game wardens, and the Coast Guard. We had an absolute blast!
July 18, 2024
I asked Rick how long he’s been fishing when we left the dock, and he said 50 years—his experience really shows. He’s a true professional, and our 3 boys had an incredible time. Rick knew exactly where to go and which bait to use in each spot. We hooked multiple fish several times and had an amazing time. We had plenty of fish to cook for the rest of our trip and created memories we’ll cherish forever. Thanks, Rick!
June 11, 2024
Captain Rick was fantastic! He got us on the fish and was incredibly accommodating to the 7-year-old we had with us. Even when I got sick, he took great care of me 😂😂😂. He was also a true gentleman with the two young ladies on board. I’d highly recommend him to anyone visiting Gulf Shores for a fun and memorable fishing experience!
June 10, 2024
Blacktip sharks are the acrobats of our local waters, known for their impressive leaps when hooked. These streamlined predators typically run 4-5 feet long, though some can reach up to 9 feet. You'll find them patrolling artificial reefs and nearshore waters up to about 100 feet deep. They're most active in the warmer months, especially summer. Anglers love targeting blacktips for their hard-fighting nature and the thrill of landing a shark. While they can be timid, once hooked, they put up a heck of a fight. To attract them, try chumming with oily fish like mackerel or herring. Here's a tip: use circle hooks with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. It's catch-and-release for these guys, but the experience is unforgettable.
Redfish are a favorite target in our area, known for their distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find these bronze beauties in shallow waters, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs and grass flats. They grow fast, reaching 28-33 inches in 3-5 years. The fight's what makes 'em fun - they'll give your rod a workout. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. They're great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. When you're out there, look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water - that's when their backs are exposed as they feed. It's a sight that'll get your heart racing. Pro tip: use a gold spoon lure - redfish can't seem to resist 'em.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons of the sea, clocking in at about 18 feet per second. These silvery fish with yellow spots usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them schooling near the surface in open waters, often around structures like flats and oyster bars. They're here from spring through fall, with the bite really heating up in summer. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Plus, they're tasty on the grill. To catch 'em, try trolling with small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs. Here's a local trick: when you spot a school, cast just ahead of them and retrieve fast - they can't resist chasing down a fleeing "baitfish."
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Highly recommended!