Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Fishing Charters

It was the summer of 1986, and I was 5 years old aboard the Summer Breeze with Captain Bobby Walker, a 3rd generation captain and local fishing legend who is still actively chartering trips today. I remember my first off shore charter fishing trip experience vividly. Primarily the part about how Cheetos Cheese Puffs are just as bright orange the second time seeing them (if you get my drift). So my first Orange Beach fishing trip was tough thanks to rough seas but watching all of those huge fish being caught had me hooked. I’ve been passionate about fishing along the gulf coast ever since. Every summer, I would look forward to our vacation to go on a charter fishing trip aboard the Sea Hunter with Captain Ricky McDuffie, who’s also still running charters and slaying the fish.

There are hundreds of charter captains around here and several dozen great ones. All of our local captains will put you on fish in the warmer months, but below are some of my year-around personal favorites.

Any Number of People
• Captain Chris Garner runs 55’ custom sportfisher named “High Cotton” out of San Roc Cay Marina (Orange Beach) for off-shore bottom fishing trips. You can book by the person (versus booking the whole boat). It costs $100/person which is a tremendous value if you want to get off shore but don’t have enough people to justify chartering a whole boat and don’t mind going along with strangers. His cell is 251-978-1467. www.FishHighCotton.com
• Captain Jimmy Waller has a fleet of boats including “Big Adventure” for larger groups (8+), sleeps 12 and fishes up to 24. A 6 hr trip is going to run about $1600 and 12 hour trip is around $3000. He is at Zekes Marina (Orange Beach) and his # is 251-747-4893. Jimmy also runs a 23’ Blazer Bay center console great for inshore/near-shore fishing and recently added a six-pack boat to his fleet which is great for a 6-8 hour off shore fishing trip for up to 6 people. I’ve been fishing with Jimmy for 20 years, back when he was a deck hand on the Sea Hunter and he is definitely the real deal. www.bigadventurefishing.com

1-3 People
• Captain Ringo is one of my favorites for inshore/near-shore (trout/ redfish/ flounder/ mackerel). He runs a 24’ center-console perfect for 1-3 anglers on a 4-6 hour trip. His # is 251-504-5867 and he can launch close to where you are staying whether it be Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Fort Morgan. www.captringo.com
• Captain Brent “Hollywood” Shaver is probably the most well-known inshore guide around. He runs a 23’ center-console out of Zeke’s Marina (Orange Beach). His rates are around $400 for a 4 hr trip (good for 2 people plus $50 for each extra person, up to 4 total people). Call Zeke’s for info at 251-981-4044.

2-6 People
• Captain Don McPherson with Getaway Charters at Sportsman Marina (Orange Beach) runs a 36’ Hatteras off-shore boat good for 4-6 people. Price is roughly $850 for a 5 hr trip, $1000 for 6 hrs, $1400 for 8 hrs. His # is 251-981-8047. www.getawaygulffishing.com
• Captain Gary Bryant out of Gulf Shores Marina (Fort Morgan) runs a 36’ Topaz named “Red Eye” ideal for a 6-8 hour trip with up to 6 fishermen. Shorter and longer trips are available, but 6-8 hours is the way to go. His # is 251-540-6982. www.redeyecharters.com

Large groups (8-20 people)
• Captain Ricky McDuffie is a second generation captain who runs a 62’ custom built fishing machine, the “Sea Hunter.” There may be a few captains in his top-tier category, but there is no one better. He can be reached at 251-747-4468. www.orangebeachfishing.com
• Captain Bobby Walker is a third generation captain who runs a 60’ custom built Resmondo. Bobby is an Orange Beach fishing legend. His cell is 251-747-3575. www.bobbywalker.com

Prices vary according to the season. Don’t be afraid to shop around. 15% gratuity is expected.

Here are some other good resources.
http://www.obawebsite.com/fishingcharters – Resource of all of our local Gulf Shores & Orange Beach fishing charters.
http://www.zekeslanding.com/index.cfm/charter-fishing (251-981-4044)- Orange Beach
http://www.gulfshoresyachtclubandmarina.com/charters (251-540-2628)- Fort Morgan

Choosing the charter that is right for you depends on what you want to do (off-shore vs. in-shore/ near-shore fishing), the # of people going, age ranges, how long you want to fish, and the time of year. If you have 2-3 people, I’d recommend going the 4 hour in-shore/ near shore route with Captain Ringo or Captain Hollywood or on the “High Cotton” for a 4-6 hour off-shore trip. For 4-6 people, I’d recommend going offshore for 6-8 hours with Captain Don or Jimmy Waller if you are staying in Orange Beach or Gary Bryant if you are staying in Ft. Morgan. For larger groups (8+), you can’t go wrong with Jimmy, Ricky, or Bobby.

Let us know if you have any questions or need help deciding what kind of fishing adventure is best suited for you. Be sure to let them know Taylor Means with Bella Beach Properties sent you!