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.