Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the water with In Too Deep Charters! Our 10-hour private fishing trip takes you 12 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, where the big ones are biting. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, our seasoned crew will put you on the hottest spots for reeling in trophy catches. With a mix of trolling and reef fishing, you'll have plenty of chances to land everything from tasty Red Snapper to hard-fighting Amberjack.
We'll start the day bright and early, loading up the boat with all the gear you need for a successful outing. As we cruise out past the breakers, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's game on! We'll start by trolling for speedy pelagics like King Mackerel and Bonito. The excitement of watching a rod suddenly bend double when a fish hits is hard to beat. After some trolling action, we'll anchor up on some prime reef spots to bottom fish for snappers, groupers, and more. With 10 full hours on the water, there's plenty of time to try different techniques and target a variety of species. Our experienced captain knows all the best spots, so you can focus on reeling 'em in!
We use a mix of trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish. For trolling, we'll set out lines with colorful lures or live bait to entice predators like mackerel and bonito. It's a great way to cover water and find actively feeding fish. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll use heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line to get your bait down to the structure where the big boys hang out. Whether it's dropping live pinfish for grouper or sending down squid for snapper, we've got the right setups to put fish in the boat. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - our crew will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
The Gulf is teeming with fish right now, and anglers have been crushing it on our recent trips. Red Snapper season is in full swing, with plenty of keeper-sized fish coming over the rails. The King Mackerel bite has been on fire too, with multiple 30+ pound smokers caught trolling. Yellowtail Amberjack have been providing great sport on the deep wrecks, putting anglers' arms to the test. Even on slower days, we're still finding plenty of action with Spanish Mackerel and Bonito to keep the rods bent. With 10 hours to work with, you've got a great shot at checking multiple species off your list!
Yellowtail Amberjack: These bruisers of the reef are a favorite target for their hard-fighting nature. Ranging from 10-40 pounds, they'll test your strength and endurance when you hook into one. Amberjack love to hang around deep structure, so we'll drop big live baits down to entice a strike. The initial run of a big AJ can smoke a reel, making for an adrenaline-pumping battle. They're most abundant in the warmer months, with peak fishing from May through October.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, Red Snapper are prized for both their tasty fillets and the challenge of catching them. These ruby-red beauties can grow over 20 pounds and are known for their strong initial run towards structure. We target them around natural and artificial reefs using a variety of baits. The season is limited, so don't miss your chance to get in on the action while they're open. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling up a big snapper from the depths!
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy speedsters are a blast on light tackle. Typically weighing 2-4 pounds, Spanish Mackerel make up for their size with blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. We often catch them while trolling for their larger cousins. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spanish Mackerel are most abundant in the warmer months and make for excellent eating when prepared fresh.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these sleek predators are the larger cousins of Spanish Mackerel. Kings can grow to over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. They're famous for their smoking runs, often peeling off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. We target them by slow-trolling live baits or pulling diving plugs. The thrill of watching a big King skyrocket on a bait is hard to beat. They're around most of the year but are most active in the warmer months.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Bonito punch well above their weight class when it comes to fighting ability. These rocket-shaped fish typically range from 5-15 pounds and are close relatives of tuna. We often catch them while trolling, and they're known for their blistering runs and dogged determination. While not considered a prime eating fish, Bonito make excellent bait for larger predators. They're most abundant in the cooler months, providing great action when other species slow down.
Our 10-hour trip gives you the best bang for your buck when it comes to Gulf fishing. With a full day on the water, we can run to the prime spots and really put in the time to find the fish. The mix of trolling and bottom fishing means there's always action, even if one technique is slow. Our experienced crew works hard to put you on fish and make sure everyone has a great time. Plus, with a max of 6 guests, you'll have plenty of room to fish and personal attention from the mate. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, this trip delivers the goods.
Don't miss out on the chance to experience world-class Gulf fishing right here in Gulf Shores! Our 10-hour private charter gives you the time and flexibility to target a variety of species and really make the most of your day on the water. With the current hot bite and limited seasons for some species, spots are filling up fast. Remember to bring sunscreen, snacks, and your favorite beverages (no glass containers). Our crew will take care of the rest, from bait and tackle to fish cleaning at the dock. Get ready for a day of rod-bending action and unforgettable memories. Book your trip with In Too Deep Charters today and get ready to experience the best fishing the Gulf has to offer!
Yellowtail Amberjack are hard-fighting reef dwellers that'll test your arms and your gear. These powerful fish typically run 15-25 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in waters 60-300 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as Yellowtails move to shallower waters. They're structure-oriented fish, so finding the right spot is key. Once you do, get ready for action. Anglers prize Yellowtails for their bulldog-like fights. They'll dive hard for cover when hooked, so you need stout tackle to turn them. Live bait like blue runners or hardtails works great, but they'll also hit jigs and even poppers on the surface. Here's a local secret: when you find Yellowtails, drop a live bait down and free-line it back to the structure. The strike can be explosive. While not as celebrated for eating as some other reef fish, Yellowtails make excellent sashimi. Just be prepared for a serious workout when you hook into one of these bruisers.
Red Snapper are the crown jewels of Gulf reef fishing. These bright red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structures in waters 60-300 feet deep. Summer's the prime time for Red Snapper, with a short but action-packed season. These fish are homebodies, sticking close to their favorite spots year-round. That makes them reliable targets if you know where to look. Anglers love Red Snapper for their hard-fighting nature and exceptional table fare. They put up a strong, determined fight all the way to the surface. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works great, but they'll hit cut bait and even some artificial lures too. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, reel quickly to get it away from the structure. Red Snapper are experts at breaking you off in the rocks. The sweet, white flesh makes for some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf. It's no wonder these fish are so popular with both sport and commercial fishermen.
King Mackerel are the speedsters of our coastal waters. These sleek predators can grow over 5 feet long and top 90 pounds, though 20-30 pounders are more common. Look for them in water 40 to 150 feet deep, especially near structures where baitfish hang out. Kings love warm water, so summer and early fall are peak seasons. They're migratory, following schools of smaller fish. You'll often find them near the surface, ready to chase down a meal. These fish are prized for their lightning-fast runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is a go-to method. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks, as kings are known for short-striking baits. While their meat can be a bit oily, smoked king mackerel is a local delicacy. Just be aware of mercury levels if you're keeping them for the table. Overall, hooking into one of these speedsters is a thrill any angler won't soon forget.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect game fish for both novice and experienced anglers. These swift, silvery fish with yellow spots usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, often in large schools near the surface. Spring through fall is prime time for Spanish Mackerel fishing, as they follow bait schools in warmer waters. They're most active when water temps hit the 70s. Look for diving birds to spot feeding schools. These fish are known for their fast, aggressive strikes and tasty meat. They'll hit a variety of lures, but I've had great luck with small, shiny spoons or jigs that mimic their favorite prey like sardines or anchovies. Here's a local trick: when you spot a school, cast just beyond it and retrieve your lure quickly through the school. Spanish Mackerel can't resist chasing down a fleeing "baitfish." The fight is short but exciting, and you can't beat fresh Spanish Mackerel on the grill. Just watch out for those razor-sharp teeth when handling them!
Atlantic Bonito are speedy little fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These silver bullets with dark stripes can hit 30 inches and 12 pounds, though most are smaller. They're coastal fish, hanging out in schools near the surface where water's in the 60s. Spring and fall are prime times to catch 'em as they migrate. You'll often spot bonito chasing bait, with birds diving above – that's your cue to cast. They'll hit just about any fast-moving lure, but I like using small, shiny spoons or soft plastics that mimic their favorite snacks like sardines or mackerel. Trolling works great too. Anglers love bonito for the pure sport. They're not prized eating fish around here, but man can they fight! When hooked, they'll zip and zig-zag, sometimes leaping clear out of the water. My tip? Use light tackle to really feel that action, but be ready for a workout. It's a blast when you get into a school of these guys.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200