Gulf Shores 2-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Gulf Shores
Updated Date: January 23, 2026

Summary

This 2-hour inshore trip with In Too Deep Charters gets you right into Gulf Shores' productive back waters where Speckled Trout and Redfish hang out. At $350 for two anglers, it's a solid half-day option that lets you target multiple species including White Trout without the commitment of a full day on the water. The captain knows these shallow flats and grass beds well, putting you on fish while keeping things relaxed. Perfect for couples or friends who want to experience Gulf Coast fishing without spending all day out there. Anything out of season gets released, so you're fishing responsibly while still getting plenty of action.

Gulf Shores 2-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Inshore Action Shots

Spanish mackerel caught while deep sea jigging, trolling with heavy tackle and light tackle in Gulf Shores, AL

Reeled in a tasty Spanish mackerel with some tricky deep sea fishing techniques in Gulf Shores, AL!

5 anglers deep sea fishing in Gulf Shores AL

A gang of hardcore anglers tackle the deep waters off Alabama's coast.

Deep sea jigging, trolling, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing in Gulf Shores, AL

Battling the waves and reeling in the best catch in Gulf Shores, AL!

4 anglers deep sea fishing, trolling, and jigging at Fort Morgan Marina

Reeling in the big catch at Fort Morgan Marina on a partly cloudy day!

Gulf Shores Inshore Fishing - 2 Hour Adventure

Looking for a solid half-day on the water without breaking the bank? Our 2-hour inshore trips are perfect for couples, buddies, or anyone wanting to get their line wet in Gulf Shores' prime fishing spots. At $350 for two people, you're getting access to some of Alabama's most productive backwaters where speckled trout and redfish cruise the shallows year-round. We keep it simple but effective – no crowded party boats, just you and your crew working the grass flats and oyster bars where the fish actually live.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll launch from Orange Beach Marina and head straight into the protected waters behind the barrier islands. These shallow bays and bayous are where inshore fishing really shines – think 2-4 feet of water over grass beds, scattered oyster shells, and plenty of structure that holds fish. The beauty of a 2-hour trip is we can hit multiple spots without wearing you out. I'll position us over proven areas where the tide and bait are working together. You'll be casting live shrimp under popping corks or throwing soft plastics at visible redfish tails – the kind of sight fishing that gets your heart pumping. The boat stays in constant motion as we work different depths and cover, reading the water for signs of feeding fish.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

We fish light tackle here – 7-foot spinning rods spooled with 10-15 pound braid that lets you feel every tap and gives you the sensitivity needed for these spooky inshore species. My go-to setup is a 1/4 ounce jighead with a 3-inch paddle tail in natural colors like white, chartreuse, or pink depending on water clarity. When the fish are finicky, we'll switch to live bait rigs – slip sinkers with circle hooks and fresh shrimp that we'll suspend under popping corks. The key is staying quiet and making long casts to fish that haven't been spooked. I'll handle the net and coach you through the fight, especially when we hook into a bull redfish that wants to drag you into the nearest oyster bed.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Gulf Shores inshore fishing. These guys love grass flats in 3-6 feet of water, especially during moving tides when baitfish get stirred up. Spring and fall are peak times when specks school up and feed aggressively, but we catch them year-round by adjusting our approach. A good speck runs 15-20 inches and fights with surprising power for its size – they'll jump, shake their heads, and make several strong runs before coming to the boat. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.

Redfish are the real showstoppers of our inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers patrol shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Bull reds over 27 inches are catch-and-release only, but they provide some of the best fights you'll experience in shallow water. Slot-sized reds between 16-26 inches are perfect for the cooler and known for their drum-like croaking sound when brought aboard. They're year-round residents that get more aggressive as water temperatures cool, making fall and winter some of our most productive times for consistent redfish action.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 2-hour format works perfectly for first-timers who want to test the waters or experienced anglers looking for a quick fishing fix. We can expand your group to 4 people for just $50 per additional angler, making it an affordable way to get everyone involved. The trip includes all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses – you just need to bring sunscreen, drinks, and a cooler if you plan to keep any legal fish. Morning trips often produce the best bite as baitfish are active and gamefish are feeding, but afternoon slots can be dynamite when conditions line up right. Ready to see what Gulf Shores inshore fishing is all about? Let's get you on the water with In Too Deep Charters for an authentic Alabama fishing experience that delivers both action and memories.

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are the bull fighters of our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push well into the slot and beyond. Look for that telltale black spot near the tail - it's their signature calling card. They love super shallow water, often cruising flats so thin their backs break the surface. You'll spot them around oyster bars, grass edges, and marsh drains, especially on moving tides. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in our area. What gets anglers fired up is their drag-screaming runs and stubborn fight - they'll use every inch of shallow water to their advantage. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My go-to trick: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sit motionless. They spook easy, but a perfectly placed soft plastic or live shrimp will get crushed.

Sea Trout

Speckled trout are one of our most popular targets in Gulf Shores waters. These silvery fish with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They love water 2-6 feet deep with good grass coverage. Spring through fall offers the best action, but winter can be great when schools bunch up in deeper channels. What makes specks special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - soft plastics under popping corks work magic. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious when cooked right. Pro tip: when you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - those soft mouths tear easily, so let your drag do the work.

About the In Too Deep Charters – 21’

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 17

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Jump aboard our comfortable inshore fishing boat for a quick 2-hour adventure in Gulf Shores' prime fishing waters. This nimble vessel handles shallow bays and nearshore waters like a dream, getting you right where the Speckled Trout and Redfish love to hang out. With space for 2-4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast your lines without bumping elbows. The boat's shallow draft design lets us sneak into those secret spots where the big ones hide among the grass flats and oyster bars. Everything you need is on board - rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Our captain knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with fish on the line and less time wondering where they are. Perfect for couples or small groups who want to experience Gulf Shores fishing without committing to a full day on the water.

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