%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F7174%2Fimages%2F1747957269156img_7048.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Gulf Shores Private Inshore Fishing | 3-Hour Trip
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Gulf Shores
- Updated Date: January 23, 2026
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fabaa6c91-968f-484f-bf62-cc7b1b81aa8c%2Fratecard%2F281509622_149051410975257_6792120322383455506_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Gulf Shores Fishing Action
3-Hour Inshore Fishing in Gulf Shores
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank? Captain Hogan and the crew at In Too Deep Charters have you covered with their customer favorite 3-hour inshore adventure. Starting at $450 for two people, this Gulf Shores fishing experience puts you right in the heart of Alabama's most productive shallow waters. You'll be targeting speckled trout and redfish in the protected bays and grass flats where these fish love to hang out. The best part? Everything's included – rods, reels, bait, licenses, and they'll even clean your catch at the end of the day.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical run-and-gun offshore trip. Inshore fishing around Gulf Shores means working the marshes, grass beds, and shallow structure where the fish are feeding. You'll launch from one of the local marinas and head into the back bays or along the shoreline, depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat stays in calmer, protected waters – perfect if you're not crazy about big swells or if the weather's acting up. Captain Hogan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to switch up the game plan if conditions call for it. The trip accommodates up to four people total, with each additional angler beyond the base two costing just $50 more. Three hours gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and really get dialed in on what the fish want that day.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adjusting your approach. You'll be using medium-action spinning gear loaded with braided line – perfect for feeling those subtle trout bites and having enough backbone to muscle a bull redfish away from structure. Live shrimp is the go-to bait, but don't be surprised if the captain breaks out some artificial lures when the fish are active. Popping corks work magic over grass beds, while soft plastics rigged on jig heads are deadly around oyster bars and dock pilings. The shallow draft boat lets you get into skinny water where bigger boats can't go – that's often where the best action happens. You'll be sight fishing, casting to structure, and learning to read bird activity that signals feeding fish below.
Customer Stories
"Captain Hogan and his deckhand were absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend going with them. There were Unseasonable swells out deep in the gulf on our trip and we both just looked at each other and we both agreed that it just wasn't worth sheephead that day. He offered to take us redfish fishing closer to shore where it was much calmer. We had a blast just talking and throwing out lines. All in all fantastic trip." - Patrick
Species You'll Want to Hook
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Gulf Shores inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish are aggressive feeders that love to ambush prey around grass beds and sandy potholes. They typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with bigger "gator trout" pushing 24+ inches showing up during cooler months. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year. What makes specks so fun to catch is their fighting style – they'll make blistering runs and jump clear out of the water when hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table with their mild, flaky white meat.
Redfish are the other star of the show, and they're what most anglers get truly addicted to. These copper-colored bruisers are pure muscle, and when you hook into a slot-sized red (16-26 inches), get ready for a drag-screaming fight. They hang around oyster bars, marsh edges, and shallow flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. The cool thing about reds is they're here year-round, though fall brings some of the best fishing when they school up in big numbers. Bull reds over the slot limit make for great photos before you release them, while the keeper-sized fish are phenomenal eating. Their popularity has exploded in recent years, and once you feel that powerful head shake on the end of your line, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over to target them.
Time to Book Your Spot
Three hours on the water with In Too Deep Charters gives you a real taste of what makes Gulf Shores inshore fishing so special. You're getting top-rated guiding, quality gear, and the flexibility to target what's biting based on conditions. The all-inclusive pricing means no surprises – just show up ready to fish. Captain Hogan's local knowledge and willingness to adapt the trip based on conditions sets this charter apart from the rest. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn new water or a beginner wanting to experience some of Alabama's best inshore fishing, this trip delivers. The fish are here, the guide knows where to find them, and three hours is the perfect amount of time to get your fish on without committing to a full day. Book now and see why so many anglers keep coming back to these productive Gulf Shores waters.
Customer Review
Fantastic Gulf Trip
Patrick Mangin
March 31, 2024
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Reds are the bullies of the flats and absolute favorites among our guests. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches in our waters, easily spotted by those black eyespots near their tail. They love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Peak action happens during moving tides, especially in spring and fall, but summer mornings can be dynamite too. What hooks people on redfish is their power - they'll strip drag and give you a workout on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters either, crushing everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Local secret: look for nervous water over shallow oyster beds on incoming tides. That's usually a school of hungry reds pushing bait around.
Sea Trout
These speckled beauties, what we call "specks" around here, are some of the most fun fish you'll target in our Gulf waters. They run 14-24 inches typically, with that distinctive spotted silver body that makes them easy to identify. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round in Alabama waters. What makes specks special is their light bite and strong runs - they'll test your drag and jump when hooked. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect table fare if you don't overcook it. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in shallow grass, cast past them and work your lure back through their path. They spook easy, so stay quiet and keep your distance.
About the In Too Deep Charters – 21’
%2F%2Fusers%2Fabaa6c91-968f-484f-bf62-cc7b1b81aa8c%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fe55d8ba50f20c407884fb9c91d4432f1.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Captain Hogan and his deckhand were absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend going with them. There were Unseasonable swells out deep in the gulf on our trip and we both just looked at each other and we both agreed that it just wasn't worth sheephead that day. He offered to take us redfish fishing closer to shore where it was much calmer. We had a blast just talking and throwing out lines. All in all fantastic trip.