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28April 2021

By Kevin c

The Complete Guide to Booking a Charter Fishing Trip

The waters of the Alabama Gulf Coast attract fishermen from all four corners of the globe. The area is renowned for its incredible variety of fish. Anglers get their hooks into everything from shark to red snapper, grouper to Spanish mackerel. Continue to read to learn about booking an Orange Beach fishing charter aboard the Miss Brianna.

There are also plenty of opportunities to snag hard-shell crabs, soft-shell crabs, oysters, and shrimp. It all depends on the time of year and the resources available to you. While some people stick to casting from the shore, a charter fishing trip will significantly enhance your odds of a bountiful harvest from the Gulf. 

Of course, if you’ve never been on a charter fishing trip, you likely have questions about how it works. Here’s our full breakdown of everything you need to know to take full advantage of this one-of-a-kind southeastern fishing adventure. 

Charter Fishing Trips 101

Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of reeling in a big one. Upping your odds of a major catch involves finding the best locations and knowing which techniques yield success. But most importantly finding the right Orange Beach fishing charter boat and captain. The Miss Brianna fits that bill.

When you’re a traveler in a new location, having this intimate knowledge of the area and its fish proves impossible. Sure, you can try to bone up on TV shows and books about the area, but all the research in the world could still lead to a whole lot of nothing on the end of your line.

We’ve seen highly skilled fishermen with years of experience get little more than a nibble while fishing off the coast, even in areas recommended by locals. And we’ve also have seen beginners enjoy incredible successes on a guided boat. The secret is the charter fishing captain and have we got a good one.

What makes the difference? Knowing where to put your investment and time on a visit to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Start by doing a simple search: “Orange Beach fishing charter near me.”

Making the Most of Your Fishing Trip

After you’ve decided to go with the Miss Brianna chartered fishing boat and booked a time, it’s time to prepare for your upcoming fishing trip. This preparation includes everything from knowing what to pack to communicating with your fishing guide.

Guided fishing trips are all about establishing a connection with your captain. Begin forging this connection as soon as you book a charter fishing trip. Whether you’ve made reservations well into the future or are leaving next week, this is a vital step and you will find talking to Bobby Kelly is easy and informative.

During these communications, you need to get acquainted with the person you’ll soon be fishing with. In the process, you must agree on a handful of critical points, including:

  • The objective for your trip
  • Policies related to your trip
  • What’s included
  • Where and when you’re leaving

Let’s take a closer look at each of these considerations and how they’ll shape your upcoming Alabama adventure. 

The Objective for Your Trip

How will you know whether your chartered fishing trip is a success without setting clear, achievable objectives? Even if you’ve never been on a fishing vessel before, you likely have some expectations you need to hash out with the captain in advance. 

For example, do you have a specific fishing technique you’d like to use (e.g., fly fishing trips)? Are you in pursuit of a particular catch? Or do you have a fishing spot you’ve heard about and want to explore?

If you said yes to any of the questions above, you need to communicate these expectations to your fishing guide. If you or your friends require special accommodations or requirements, now’s the time to mention this as well. 

Not only will discussing these things allow your guide to make this trip the best possible, but it’ll provide them with opportunities to let you know when something isn’t in the cards. For example, if you’re after a fish species out of season, your skipper can make this clear from the get-go.

What’s Included in Your Trip

Besides going over expectations, you should also talk about what’s included in your trip as well as any policies you need to know about. These include asking about the captain’s policy on things like smoking, drinking alcohol, and whether to bring your own food.

Talk about extra services upfront, too. For example, would you like the guide to pick you up and drop you off? Would you like help with other parts of the process, such as licenses, fish cleaning, filleting, gear, or live bait? 

Captain Bobby Kelly will go the extra mile for his customers, but he needs to know early on to arrange the schedule, bring the right gear, etc. 

While you’re at it, make sure you ask about the price of fuel. It can add up quickly and may not be in the quote. While it’s common practice to include fuel charges in the bill, double-check to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Find out more about charter fishing trip rates aboard the Miss Brianna, whether you’re after a four-hour trip or a full day on the water. 

Where and When You’re Leaving

Confirm with your guide where and when you’ll head out on your trip before you leave. While this might sound like a no-brainer, we’ve met plenty of people who missed a scheduled charter due to miscommunication or poor planning.

After all, life happens. A marina might be under construction when your scheduled departure arrives, or your captain may have moved his operation. The Miss Briana departs both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. No matter the case, get the details sorted out, so you don’t show up late.

Otherwise, your trip will get cut short, and you may not enjoy the experience (or the catch) that you envisioned going in. What’s more, if you’re heading out with friends who tend to show up on the late side, offer to drive so that you don’t lose precious time on the water. 

Remember that the vast majority of marinas provide parking to guests. But this can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. So, inquire about parking options from your guide, too. 

Whether you’re on a reel fishing road trip adventure with your buddies or a snowbird flying south for the winter, you can have an epic fishing trip in Alabama. The tips above will help you establish a connection with your guide, manage expectations, and get to the ship on time. 

Fun in the Alabama Sun

What else do you need to know before departure? Most fishing trips leave early in the morning and can go overnight (be sure to check out our overnight fishing charters), and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of extra time to get there, especially during tourist season. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and have everything packed so you can get up and go.

Always act friendly and respectful with your captain and first mate. And get ready to soak up every bit of information that you can.

Remember that a guided fishing trip is about more than gaining access to a boat. The charter fishing captain is also there to teach you how to fish on the Gulf Coast. With these tips in mind, you’re ready for a fantastic ocean experience.   

Ready for more excellent information about fishing in Alabama? Check out our guide to Orange Beach fishing charter.  

21March 2021

By Kevin c

TWO OF THE BEST ORANGE BEACH FISHING CHARTERS

Perched on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, with the warm waters of its scenic bays and bayous full of prized fish, Orange Beach is a great place for embarking on a private charter fishing adventure.

There are excellent fishing locations dotted all the way along the Alabama coastline, from Dauphin Island to Orange Beach and everywhere in between, with some of the best inshore spots being Wolf Bay, Bay La Launch, and Bayou Saint John. Sport fishing can be enjoyed both on private fishing charters or, for a more economical choice, as part of a group fishing expedition. Here are two of the best Orange Beach sport fishing charters.

12-hour Full Day Trip

Run and organised by Gulf Shore Fishing Charters, this all-day trip is a fun-filled and immersive way to experience fishing in the region. Aboard the fully air-conditioned Brianna fishing vessel, you’ll start your adventure by filling the live well with plenty of enticing live bait before heading offshore to seek out fish species such as Amberjack, Triggerfish, Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, White Snapper and Scamp. If you ask nicely, the captain may even bust out his cherished Big Green Egg to cook up a meaty feast. Briana can accommodate up to 13 people and comes equipped with a bath and shower, microwave, refrigerator and freezer, as well as blue tooth radio so you fish against the backdrop of your favourite tunes. From $3,000 per group

Book at gulfshorefishingcharters.com

Kid-Friendly Private Charter Fishing Experience

There’s nothing like spending a Fun Filled day on the water Fishing with your Kids, the charter captain on either at either of these charter fishing company will ensure that everyone is having Fun and Catching Fish. Being a father himself, he understands the importance of good instruction and continued help while your kids are fishing throughout the charter fishing trip.  The crew will assist and bait all hooks so you, the parent, are hands-free to fish, as well as, taking pictures of your kids excitement in fishing with Dad. See Fishing Charters with Kids.

Overnight Charter Fishing Trip 

If a day’s fishing isn’t enough, how about booking you and your family or friends onto an overnight adventure with Orange Beach Sport Fishing Charters? Catering to both beginners and seasoned anglers alike, including children, these atmospheric one-night tours run over a full 36-hours aboard Miss Briana, a sleek, impeccably retrofitted fishing boat that’s equipped with a bath, shower, microwave, fridge and freezer. Overnight you’ll fish for Swordfish while you drift, before returning in the dead of the night to a rig to start jigging for black fin tuna. Once day breaks, you’ll put out the trollers and hunt for the elusive Yellow fin Tuna. On your second day you’ll focus on blue water fishing before returning to Orange Beach for early evening. Tours include breakfasts, lunches and dinners. From $3000 per group

Book at orangebeachsportfishingcharters.com

Overnight Charter Fishing Trip

(Photo: Orange Beach Sport Fishing Charters)

Originally Printed in Travel Magazine

21March 2021

By Kevin c

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Charter Fishing Trip

Are you ready to leave your worries behind on the shore and sail out into the tranquil water of the Gulf of Mexico for a day of charter fishing? Nothing is a better stress reliever than a day of fishing out on the water. 

If you’re planning your first charter fishing trip, we’ve got some helpful hints and tips to help you get the most out of your experience. Keep reading to learn how to plan your fun and care-free charter fishing trip. 

Talk to Your Captain

To make your charter boat fishing trip a success, communication is key. Talk to your captain before the trip so he can inform you of any important details you will need to know. 

If it is your first time on a charter fishing trip it is a good idea to let your captain know that. Tell them if there is any specific type of fishing that you would like to do and what type of fish you are looking to catch. This way he can arrange a trip to a fishing spot that is best suited to your needs. 

Letting your captain know about your expectations before the trip is a good way for the captain and crew to make sure your trip meets and even exceeds your expectations. They are also very familiar with what type of fish are running at particular times and can give you an idea of what you can expect. 

If you have any special requests or concerns, now is a good time to voice them. This will help set realistic expectations for your trip and ensure that everyone in your party has the best fishing charter experience. 

Ask About Onboard Policies

While talking to your captain, go ahead and ask about the onboard policies of your particular vessel. Some fishing boats in Orange Beach Alabama might feel it is completely normal to smoke or light up a cigar on board as long as it is properly disposed of, while others may not allow smoking. 

The same goes for alcohol and food. Many fishing charter boats allow you to bring your own food or snacks but it is a good idea to ask upfront and not assume. 

Ask about extra services the charter company may provide. Some charter companies are happy to pick you up from your hotel and drop you off for an extra charge. Others do not offer pick-up service. 

The same logic applies to cleaning fish and filleting your catch. Be sure to ask about bait, what type of gear will be provided, and if you will need to buy and bring your own fishing licenses. 

Ask your captain if the fuel is included in the price of the trip or if it will be an extra charge. Fuel costs on a charter boat can add up quickly. If the fuel is not included you can ask for an estimated cost ahead of time to avoid surprises. 

Know When the Boat Leaves the Dock

It may sound funny but when taking charter fishing trips in Alabama it’s always a good idea to double-check the time the boat is supposed to leave and where it will be leaving from. If you show up late, you may not be able to board. 

A lot of things can happen on the day of your fishing trip. You could be delayed on the way to the dock or the charter company may have moved its base of operations. Knowing exactly where you are supposed to be and at what time can save you from your trip being canceled or deemed a no-show. 

Fishing charters usually book a morning and an afternoon trip. Getting off schedule could potentially affect their next charter so it’s best to show up on time and be ready to go when the captain says so. If you are running late you run the risk of your trip being cut short or not being able to go fishing. 

If you are from out of town be sure to ask the charter company for directions. They more than likely know the best way to get to the dock. Most marinas will have a dedicated place for you to park.

Ask your fishing company about parking the day before your charter. 

Come Prepared

Packing for your charter fishing trip will vary depending on the season and location. However, there are a few things that you will always need. 

The first item on the list is rubber-soled shoes. Do not wear flip-flops on a charter fishing boat. This is a safety issue. 

If you wear flip flops or sandals it’s much easier to slip on a wet deck. If you step on a fishing hook it can go right through a pair of rubber thong sandals and really hurt your foot. 

Wearing layers of clothing provides flexibility if the weather changes out at sea. A pair of sunglasses and a hat are always a good idea to block the sun’s rays and help you see better out on the water. 

Other crucial items include sunscreen, a first aid kit, Dramamine for seasickness, and water. Bring a separate cooler for your food and drinks so you don’t put them in the same cooler as the fish you catch. 

Ice is going to be necessary to keep your catch and your drinks cold. Many fishing charters provide ice but it is a good idea to check if that is included on your particular charter. 

Most fishing trips begin early in the morning. Make sure you get a full night’s rest before you go fishing so you can be alert and ready. Partying all night with your buddies can bite you in the butt when you’re out on the water. 

Book a Charter Fishing Trip

We know that there is a lot to take in on your first charter fishing trip, but don’t worry! Your captain will be there to guide you through the whole experience and make sure you and your guests have a great time fishing. 

Miss Brianna Fishing Charters is a leading charter fishing boat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Let us show you some of the best fishing the Gulf of Mexico has to offer!

Contact us today to set up your fishing charter. We can’t wait to get you out on the water. 

9December 2020

By Kevin c

A Beginner’s Guide to Charter Boat Fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Are you thinking about going on a charter boat fishing trip? If you haven’t been on one of these types of excursions before, you are in for a real treat.

Fishing charters are a great way to spend time with your friends, to enjoy some beautiful scenery, to catch some fish, and to make some memories you’ll treasure always and will never forget. 

One of the best places in this entire nation to go charter boat fishing is off the coast of Alabama. The Gulf of Mexico is vast, but so many amazing fish visit and congregate off the coast near Gulf Shores at all times of the year. Many charter boat fishing guides and boat captains have been fishing these waters all of their lives, and therefore have developed the expertise needed to lead fishing trip participants to personal victories as well. 

If you’re interested in charter boat fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, then read on. You’ll learn everything you need to know to plan, execute and enjoy your charter boat fishing adventure.

How to Plan Your Trip

In order to have the best possible experience on your fishing boat charter, you’ll need to do some research and planning beforehand. It’s sometimes possible to book a fishing charter at the last minute, but it’s better to give yourself time to consider numerous factors to ensure that you choose the best boat, captain, and trip for you and your party.

Time of Year

The first thing to consider is the time of year that you should go charter fishing. Off the Alabama coast, it’s possible to fish year-round, but the weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in the spring, fall or winter. That doesn’t mean that you’ll have a bad time or that you won’t catch any fish, but it’s more likely to rain or be rough during those seasons. Most people enjoy summer in the Gulf most of all. However, we recommend customers pick two or three days in the Spring and/or Fall so, as we closer to the dates the weather is a little bit more practical. Contact us to discuss potential charter fishing dates in the Spring and/or Fall.

Also keep in mind that some fish are more prevalent at certain times of the year than others, so if you want to catch a specific type of fish, that can influence the right time of year to go as well.

Private vs. Shared

You’ll also want to decide if you want to pursue a private charter or a shared expense trip. A private charter is exactly what it sounds like; it’s you and your friends on a boat alone with the captain and crew. This is a great option if you have a large group and enjoy privacy. If you have a smaller group or would like to save money, you might consider merging with a group of strangers to split the cost of a charter among you.

Length of Trip

In Gulf Shores, you can find charter boat fishing trips offered at a wide variety of lengths. You could take a short, half-day trip, or you could charter a boat over several days. If you’re just starting out, you may want to choose a shorter trip. Fishing in the Gulf is often more tiring than you might imagine!

Food Fishing or Sport Fishing

You should also think about whether you want to fish for food or for sport. If a fish that you catch is in season, you can keep it and eat it, but if it isn’t you have to throw it back. If you know that you want to pursue fish that you can eat, let your captain know so he can help you to find fish that you can keep during your charter. 

How to Choose a Charter Provider 

When it comes to choosing a charter boat fishing provider, take time to consider all the possibilities. The charter provider you choose can and will make or break your overall experience.

Today, it’s easy to find reviews online for service providers of all kinds and that includes charter boat fishing providers. A quick internet search will help guide you to reputable and reliable captains, crews, and boats. A couple of bad reviews can be overlooked; consistently bad reviews should never be ignored.

When calling around to find out prices and more information, be sure to know the number of participants in your group. This will help a charter provider to know whether or not they can accommodate you. The person who answers the phone should be excited to answer your questions about the boat, the captain’s experience, the plan for the day at sea, pricing, onboard safety measures and more. 

Once you’ve selected a company, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit or you may even be asked to pay in full. This will hold the boat for your group until the day and time of the charter arrive.

What to Expect 

When the big day comes, arrive a little early. If you arrive a little late, you are only wasting your own time. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and prepare for anything. On a cooler day, wearing several layers is always a wise idea; you can shed them as it gets warmer.

You won’t need a fishing license to fish on a charter boat. When you charter a boat, everyone on board is covered by the boat’s fishing permit. You also won’t need to bring any fishing equipment or bait; on a fishing charter, everything is provided for you to use.

Introduce yourself to the captain and crew and prepare to listen to their directions. Remember, even though you chartered the boat, the captain is in charge. This is crucial to ensure everyone’s safety.

Off the coast of Alabama, you can catch some very interesting and exciting fish. If your charter heads out to deep waters, you can expect to catch fish like Red Snapper, Grouper, Trigger Fish, Amberjack, Tuna, and Marlin, to name a few. In the summertime, you can add migratory fish like King Mackerel, Cobia and Mahi-Mahi to that list as well. On the other hand, if you focus on inshore fishing, you may catch some Speckled Trout, Flounder, or White Trout. 

Charter Boat Fishing: Fun for All

The most important thing to do when going on a charter boat fishing trip is to relax and enjoy yourself. After all, that’s why you signed up to do it in the first place. It may seem like there are a lot of things to consider when planning a charter fishing trip, but once the time comes to hop on board, just listen to the captain and crew and get ready for a fantastic and memorable experience. After you go once, you’ll likely want come back for more time and time again.

If you’re looking for a great fishing boat charter in Gulf Shores, Alabama, please consider us at Miss Brianna Fishing Charters. We offer fishing charters for all ages and even offer charters that are especially geared towards kids. We can’t wait to take you and your family and friends out on the water. Give us a call today! 

23November 2020

By Kevin c

Want to Go Fishing in Alabama but Don’t Have a License? Hire a Fishing Charter!

You live in or around Alabama. You want to go fishing in Alabama. The only problem is that you don’t have an Alabama fishing license. 

You don’t plan on fishing much this year, and so you don’t really want to pay for one. You’d rather just have one big and extravagant fishing adventure. Might we suggest hiring a charter?

Booking a fishing charter enables you to get out on the ocean without a license. It offers a number of other benefits as well. Read on to find out what they are. 

The Benefits of Booking a Fishing Charter

The benefits of booking a fishing charter are many and varied. The most prominent of these benefits include the following. 

You Don’t Need a Fishing License

As we’ve made clear, when fishing on a fishing charter in the state of Alabama, you don’t need a fishing license. Charters in the state have licenses that cover everyone on board. 

Your only responsibility is to book the boat and show up on time. The charter company will handle the rest! 

You Don’t Need to Buy Any Gear

Fishing successfully (especially in the ocean) requires a great deal of gear. Not only do you need a pole and line but a large selection of tackle and bait as well. Added up, this equipment can cost you hundreds of dollars. 

That’s obviously a lot of money and money that you might not have on hand. Fortunately, when you book a fishing charter, you don’t have to pay for your own gear. The charter provides it all to you. 

The second you step on the boat, everything will be waiting for you. All you’ll have to do is sit down and cast out. This also saves you the trouble of having to pack up substantial amounts of equipment in your automobile. 

You’ll Receive Instruction

Never fished before? Have no experience in deep-sea fishing? A fishing charter is perfect for you. 

Fisher charters are patrolled by expert fishermen and they can show you everything you need to know in order to have a successful trip. They’ll show you how to cast out your line, they’ll tell you when to pull in your reel, they’ll show you what to do when you have a bite, and more. 

Don’t need instruction? No worries! The crew will have no problem leaving you to your own devices. 

You’ll Receive Guidance

The ocean is a big, mysterious place. If you’re not careful, you can get lost out on it. This is why, if you’ve never been out on the ocean before, you’re advised to take a guide. 

How do you find a guide? It’s as simple as booking a fishing charter. Fishing charters are navigated by experienced crews. They know their areas like the backs of their respective hands and know exactly how to get the boat to where it’s supposed to go. 

Going out on a boat alone in the ocean is a dangerous endeavor. You shouldn’t do it until you have plenty of experience under your belt. 

You’ll Get to Go Out on the Ocean

Unless you yourself have a boat, your fishing trips are going to be relegated to the pier or the shoreline. That is unless you book a fishing charter. Fishing charters will take you out upon the ocean, allowing you to catch those gigantic fish at the bottom of the sea.

Not to mention, you’ll get to take in some awe-inspiring views. Imagine looking in at the beach from miles out. It doesn’t get much cooler than that. 

How Much is a Fishing Charter? 

Now, you might be wondering: how much does a fishing charter cost? In truth, it can depend on a few factors, including the size of the boat, the number of passengers, and the area in which the charter is located. 

A good average to consider is between $500 and $800 per trip. This would cover around 5 or 6 passengers and would last for a few hours. 

Note, though, that there are some boats that can carry over 30 passengers, and which would cost several thousands of dollars for a single trip. If you have a big group, these can actually end up being the better deal. Their per-person costs are typically lower than those for small boats. 

Charter Fishing Destinations in Alabama

There are a variety of places to go charter fishing in Alabama. Some of the most popular spots include the following. 

Orange Beach

Orange Beach is the most popular beach in Alabama. Though it’s geared toward tourist activity, it’s a great place for charter fishing as well. There are plenty of charters located in Orange Beach and the surrounding areas, all of which can help get you out on the ocean. 

Gulf Shores

Bordering Orange Beach is Gulf Shores. Quieter than Orange Beach, Gulf Shores is an ideal spot for a relaxing and tranquil fishing experience. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a fishing charter in the Gulf Shores area. 

Dauphin Island

Located off the coast of Alabama, Dauphin Island is surrounded by water on all its sides. Home to a bevy of fishing charters, it’s a great place to snag some speckled trout or snappers. 

Ready to Go Fishing in Alabama?

20November 2020

By Kevin c

Why Orange Beach Is Your Ultimate Fishing Getaway

Welcome to Orange Beach, Alabama, one of the Gulf of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. The turquoise water lapping against soft white sand so fine it’s like sugar and stretches out of sight east and west.

If you’re an angler then you aren’t here for the sand. Good thing, too, because Orange Beach is also known as the Red Snapper capital of the world. The Gulf of Mexico is home to over 1,400 species of finfish. Throw in 51 sharks and another 49 skates and rays and you have some serious fishing in front of you.

The Gulf of Mexico’s shoreline stretches for 1,680 miles in the U.S. alone, giving the enthusiastic fisherman options. A little digging and you’ll find Orange Beach is the perfect spot to embark on your next charter fishing trip, and here’s why. 

Location, Location, Location!

If you’re planning a fishing trip, why not head to one of the prettiest spots on the Gulf? You spend the entire time fishing, so when you take your shore leave you’ll love the quaint little town of 5,000 residents. Orange Beach recreation opportunities abound. The shopping is great, the food is amazing, and there’s plenty of accommodations to fit any budget.

But still, you know it’s all about the fish. The Red Snapper is the star of the show here, but Orange Beach is almost exactly between Mobile Bay in Alabama and Pensacola Bay in Florida. It also features access to Perdido Bay right behind it to its north.

Alabama has an extensive nearshore reef system and the Perdido Pass is one example of the many shallow waterways that meet the Gulf of Mexico. Add the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the equation and you have yourself access to all the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.

Orange Beach Game Fish

An old fisherman once said, ‘If you want to catch fish, you have to fish where the fish are at.’ There are some serious trophy fish to be caught in the Gulf of Mexico, and chartering a boat from Orange Beach will get you to those coveted spots quickly.

Grouper is an ugly, but delicious prize that can be caught in abundance in the deeper parts of the Gulf. Gag, red, and scamp grouper varieties are all possible depending on the season, but you’re talking 30-40 miles offshore to find them. You can bag yourself some vermillion and white snapper too while you’re that far out.

Red Snapper fishing in the summer is so productive you will see people throwing keepers back because they know there are bigger ones to catch. Mackerel and Bonita are some popular fish to angle for when bottom fishing nearer to shore. Redfish is another local fish that is fun to catch and delicious.

Amberjack is another game fish you’ll have fun angling for in the deeper regions further offshore. Serious fishermen will want to test the water for Swordfish. Jigging for Blackfin Tuna is another option, as is trolling for Yellowfin Tuna. These game fish are usually pretty far offshore so you’ll probably want to charter a full-day or even an overnight trip if you want to catch these big boys.

What Type of Charter Should You Book?

When chartering a boat you need to know a few things first. How many people is important to know because there are limits to how many people can fit comfortably on certain boats. There are limitations to how many can fish at once too. You don’t want to pack a boat with so many people that you only get to fish half the time.

Time is another important consideration. How much time do you want to be out on the water? If you’re going with children, or perhaps bringing people that have never fished before you’ll want to keep your trip shorter. There’s nothing worse than having to leave a hot hidey-hole because the kids or the newbies are going stir crazy.

You need to know what you want to catch. Seasonal rules are strictly followed, so don’t head out in January and expect to get Red Snapper. Federal restrictions can be different than state laws too. Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico will typically open for June and July, however inshore waterways under Alabama control might have longer seasons.

It’s difficult to get a charter company to commit to a guarantee, but most will at least say they will do everything possible to make sure you catch fish. After all, this is how they make a living, and people won’t book again if they don’t catch anything the first time.

This might mean they scrap the plan for bigger game fish halfway through the trip and have you jigging for flounder. You should ask in advance what their plan is for the trip. Will they be trolling while going from spot to spot? Do they have different bait for different fish? 

What Should You Bring With You on a Charter?

Most charters are pretty easy going with what is allowed on the boat, so long as it isn’t illegal. Bigger boats will sometimes have galleys or kitchens for the landlubbers. Some will have food for sale, while others will be happy to let you use the galley.

Ask your Captain before booking so you aren’t hit with any surprises. As a general rule of thumb, you should anticipate bringing it if you want it. That means bring a corkscrew if you want to open a bottle of wine. The point is, the Captain cannot anticipate everything you might need and the boat has limited space. 

If you’ve never been on a charter boat before, you should take something for motion sickness before you get on the boat. Even if you’ve been out dozens of times, having some Dramamine on hand is smart. Weather is unpredictable and when the waves get big they can affect the most seasoned seafarer. 

Booking a Charter

If you’re ready to experience all the Gulf of Mexico has to offer for fishing you should contact Orange Beach Sport Fishing Charters. We have multiple boats for different-sized parties and can accommodate short, medium, long, and overnight trips. Our Captains and mates are all skilled seamen and dedicated to making your trip one you’ll never want to forget.