Ready to dip your toes into the world of saltwater fishing? Our 4-hour trolling trip out of Fort Morgan, AL is the perfect intro. We'll cruise the nearshore waters, giving you a taste of the action without venturing too far from land. It's all about getting comfortable with the basics, feeling that first tug on your line, and maybe even landing your first keeper. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking for a laid-back day on the water, this trip's got you covered.
We'll push off from Fort Morgan and stick close to the coastline, where the fish are plentiful and the seas are usually calm. This isn't about battling monster fish or heading way offshore – it's about having fun and building your confidence. We'll be trolling, which means dragging lures behind the boat as we cruise along. It's a great way to cover water and find where the fish are biting. You'll get to learn how to set up lines, watch for strikes, and reel in your catch. And don't worry if you've never held a rod before – our crew's here to show you the ropes every step of the way.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of gear to target those fast-moving fish. We'll set up with planers to get our lures down in the water column, and we'll be dragging spoons and other flashy lures that mimic baitfish. It's all about making your lure look like an easy meal for those hungry predators. You'll learn how to watch the rod tips for signs of a strike, and how to quickly grab the rod and start reeling when a fish hits. It's not complicated, but there's definitely a knack to it – and by the end of the trip, you'll be feeling like a pro.
"Overall experience was great. Captain Seth and his deckhand Ralph were great to fish with and the air condition cabin is a must in the summer." - Matt
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore trolling in Fort Morgan. These zippy little torpedoes are known for their incredible speed and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They typically range from 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Spanish Mackerel are most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. They're not just fun to catch – they're also delicious on the grill.
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are the bigger, badder cousins of the Spanish. These sleek predators can grow up to 50 pounds or more, though on our nearshore trips we typically see them in the 10-30 pound range. Kings are known for their blistering runs and their tendency to sky out of the water when hooked. They're most common in our waters from late spring through fall, and hooking into one of these speedsters is sure to get your heart racing.
Atlantic Bonito might look like baby tuna, but these little powerhouses punch way above their weight class. Typically ranging from 2-10 pounds, Bonito are prized for their fierce fights and their willingness to strike just about any lure. They're most common in our waters during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. While they're not considered top table fare, Bonito are a blast to catch and a great species for anglers looking to hone their skills.
Look, I know a 4-hour trip might not sound like much, but trust me – it's the perfect way to get your feet wet in the world of saltwater fishing. You'll get a taste of the action, learn some new skills, and maybe even bring home dinner. Plus, with our air-conditioned cabin, you can beat the heat between bites. So why not give it a shot? Grab some friends or bring the family – we can take up to 6 people, and I promise everyone will have a good time. Just remember, our trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to book. We'd love to have you out on the water with us soon!
July 8, 2025
Atlantic Bonito are like mini torpedoes, packing a punch in a small package. These speedy relatives of tuna typically run 5-10 pounds and love to school up near the surface. We often spot them by looking for bird activity or fins breaking the water. Bonito are most active in cooler months when water temps are in the 60s. They're not picky eaters - small, fast-moving lures like metal jigs or soft plastics will do the trick. What Bonito lack in size, they make up for in fight. Expect strong, determined runs and even some acrobatics. While not prized for eating, they're a blast on light tackle and great practice for bigger game fish. Here's a local secret: if you see Bonito feeding on the surface, cut your engine and drift into the school. A quiet approach often leads to more hookups.
King Mackerel are the heavyweight cousins of Spanish Macks, and they're a prized catch on our nearshore trips. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds, with some monsters topping 90. Kings like to hang around structure in 40-150 feet of water, so we'll target reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. When hooked, Kings make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and get your heart racing. They're known for their fierce strikes and tendency to skyrocket when hooked. While not the best table fare due to high mercury, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Pro tip: use a stinger rig with two treble hooks when live baiting. Kings often strike the back half of the bait, and that trailing hook ensures you don't miss the bite.
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch on our nearshore trips. These streamlined speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and love to school up, making for non-stop action when we find them. Look for them in the warmer months cruising just below the surface, often giving themselves away as they chase bait. They're suckers for shiny lures - a small spoon or jig worked fast through the water is like ringing the dinner bell. Spanish Macks put up a scrappy fight on light tackle, with quick runs and acrobatic leaps. Beyond the fun factor, they're great eating too. Firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. One local trick: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. Motor upwind of the activity, cut the engine, and drift into casting range. You'll often hook up before you know it.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit
Maximum Cruising Speed: 15
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 550
Overall experience was great. Captain Seth and his deckhand Ralph were great to fish with and the air condition cabin is a must in the summer.