Gulf Shores Deep Sea Fishing Report
Last updated: September 2, 2025 • From the deck of Cool Change Charters in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL.
Thinking about charter fishing in Gulf Shores, AL or Orange Beach? Here’s your updated deep sea fishing report with what’s biting now, this week’s offshore conditions, captain tips, and how to book the best trip.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Offshore Fishing Conditions
Overall: Late-summer pattern with early bait on the beach and cleaner water outside the nearshore bar. Afternoon sea breeze means calmer seas in the morning.
Water: Green to blue-green across the reef line; clarity improves on incoming tides. Weed lines are showing farther offshore.
Family Tip: Morning half-day charters offer the smoothest ride and steady action for kids and first-timers.
What’s Biting Now in Gulf Shores
- Kings & Spanish: Found nearshore chasing bait pods. Planer rigs and live baits are hot.
- Reef Mix: Vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and other reef species on structure and current breaks.
- Pelagics: Mahi and wahoo along weed lines and temp breaks on 8–10 hour trips.
- Red Snapper: Excellent when in season. Target high-relief structure with live bait and jigs.
- Amberjack: Hard fighters on deep wrecks; check season status before booking.
Best Zones for Gulf Shores Charter Trips
Beach & Bar
Great for fast action nearshore. Look for nervous bait and birds diving on clean water edges.
Reef Line
Alabama’s artificial reefs are packed with life. Drop cut bait for snapper or troll edges for kings.
Blue Water Push
For those booking 10-hour trips, temperature breaks and weed lines produce mahi, wahoo, and amberjack when open.
Captain’s Tips: Tactics, Bait & Gear
- Trolling: Spoons and planers for Spanish; downriggers and live bait for kings.
- Bottom Fishing: Double-drop rigs with squid for beeliners; knocker rigs with live bait for snapper/grouper.
- Vertical Jigging: Speed and flutter jigs for amberjack and strong reef fish.
Family-Friendly Fishing in Gulf Shores
First-time anglers and families are welcome! We recommend:
- Morning half-day trips for calmer seas.
- Sharing ages and experience when booking so we provide the right gear.
- Light meals and hydration before the trip; motion-sickness meds if needed.
7–10 Day Outlook
Reef bite: Consistent if you rotate spots and fish current seams.
Pelagic opportunities: Available when weather windows allow. Weed lines hold mahi and wahoo.
Nearshore: Kings and Spanish remain steady around bait schools.
Recent Highlights from Cool Change Charters
- 24-lb red snapper landed 15 miles offshore.
- 18-lb grouper pulled from a natural ledge on live bait.
- Family of four caught over 30 fish on a half-day charter.
FAQ: Charter Fishing in Gulf Shores, AL
Do I need a fishing license? No. Your charter covers all permits and licenses.
What’s the best month? Summer is prime for red snapper and kings, fall brings strong reef and pelagic action.
Will you clean our catch? Yes, fish cleaning is available after your trip.
What if weather is rough? Safety comes first. We’ll reschedule or recommend an inshore/nearshore option.
How many people can go? Private charters are customized to your group size.
Book Your Gulf Shores Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Call Capt. Joe at (251) 979-1812 • Departing daily from Zeke’s Landing Marina, 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL.
Prefer online? Tap the Book Now button to reserve your trip before spots fill up.
Helpful links:
Deep Sea Fishing Gulf Shores •
Deep Sea Fishing Orange Beach •
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