Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Gulf Shores

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters In Gulf Shores, Al

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Red Snapper Round Up

93% (15)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Reel In Fun With Captain Chase

88% (8)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Ocean Thrills With Captain Chase

88% (8)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

22-Person Private Trip

88% (8)
60 ft 1 - 22 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

6-Hour Bottomfishing & Trolling

100% (8)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

Trolling Or Bottom Fishing Orange Beach

100% (1)
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Gulf Shores

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Target Species in Gulf Shores

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More Bonito Fishing Charters In Gulf Shores, Al

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

Half Day – Nearshore Trolling

100% (1)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $690
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

Legends Of The Emerald Coast

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

12 Hour Bottom Fishing And Trolling

100% (10)
40 ft 1 - 18 People From $3,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

Orange Beach 4-Hour Trolling Excursion

NEW
36 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

Salt Water Fishing 2-People

100% (4)
26 ft 1 - 2 People From $920
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Gulf Shores

Extended Day Bottom Fishing

NEW
60 ft 1 - 18 People From $5,000
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Everything to Know About Booking a Gulf Shores bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Gulf Shores?

Why should I book a bonito fishing charter in Gulf Shores with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 31 bonito trips in Gulf Shores, and the most popular trips in the area are Red Snapper Round Up guided by Jerry, Reel in Fun with Captain Chase guided by Chase, and 22-Person Private Trip guided by Chase.

Our guides in Gulf Shores are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 3723 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly bonito guides / fishing lessons in Gulf Shores? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Gulf Shores.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Gulf Shores?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for bonito in Gulf Shores as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Gulf Shores are trolling, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but jigging and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Gulf Shores bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Gulf Shores can range anywhere from about $1,150 to $5,950, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Gulf Shores is $1,639. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Gulf Shores is $3,560.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for bonito fishing in Gulf Shores?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Gulf Shores is summer, and most anglers book their trips 38 days in advance.

Do I need a Gulf Shores fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito in Gulf Shores?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Gulf Shores, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Gulf Shores. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Gulf Shores.

What is bonito fishing in Gulf Shores all about?

Bonito, a species of fast-swimming tuna-like fish, offer anglers in Gulf Shores exhilarating fishing opportunities. These powerful and streamlined fish are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked, making them a favorite target for anglers seeking a thrilling fight. Found in the offshore waters of Gulf Shores, bonito often congregate near reefs, oil rigs, and other underwater structures where they hunt for baitfish. Their voracious appetites and aggressive feeding behavior make them susceptible to a variety of fishing techniques, providing anglers with an exciting challenge.

Anglers targeting bonito in Gulf Shores typically employ trolling, casting, or jigging techniques to entice these high-speed predators into striking. Trolling with rigged baits or lures allows anglers to cover large areas of water while searching for actively feeding fish. Casting surface poppers or metal jigs near feeding schools can also provoke explosive strikes from bonito as they attack the lures with ferocity. Additionally, vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs can be effective when bonito are holding near the bottom or in deeper water, enticing strikes from fish lurking below.

Beyond the thrill of the fight, bonito are prized by anglers for their firm flesh and mild flavor, making them a sought-after catch for both sport and table fare. While not as renowned as some other tuna species, bonito provide a rewarding fishing experience and delicious fillets for anglers to enjoy. Whether targeting them for their sporting qualities or culinary appeal, anglers in Gulf Shores relish the opportunity to hook into these fast and formidable fish amidst the backdrop of the Gulf's azure waters.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito fishing in Gulf Shores?

In Gulf Shores, the seasons play a significant role in the availability and activity of bonito, providing anglers with distinct opportunities throughout the year. Spring marks the beginning of the bonito season as these fast-swimming predators migrate closer to the coastline in search of warmer waters and abundant prey. During this time, anglers can often encounter schools of bonito near offshore reefs, oil rigs, and other underwater structures. With their voracious appetites and aggressive feeding behavior, bonito provide anglers with thrilling fishing experiences as they eagerly attack lures and baits with ferocity.

As summer arrives, the bonito season reaches its peak in Gulf Shores, offering anglers optimal conditions for targeting these high-speed predators. Warm waters and abundant baitfish populations create ideal feeding conditions for bonito, leading to frenzied surface activity and explosive strikes. Anglers can capitalize on this feeding frenzy by trolling, casting, or jigging near feeding schools, enticing bonito into striking with a variety of artificial lures or rigged baits. With their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, bonito provide anglers with adrenaline-pumping battles and memorable catches during the height of the summer season.

As the seasons transition into fall, bonito fishing in Gulf Shores continues to offer rewarding opportunities, albeit with some changes in behavior and habitat preferences. Cooling water temperatures prompt bonito to move to deeper waters and offshore reefs, where they continue to hunt for prey in preparation for the winter months. While still accessible to anglers, targeting bonito during the fall season may require venturing farther offshore or employing different fishing techniques to locate and entice these elusive predators. Nevertheless, with proper planning and adaptation, anglers can continue to enjoy productive bonito fishing outings while soaking in the beauty of Gulf Shores' coastal waters.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Gulf Shores?

Bonito fishing in Gulf Shores demands a combination of skill, strategy, and adaptability, as anglers employ various techniques to hook into these fast and powerful fish. One effective method is trolling, where anglers trail a spread of rigged baits or lures behind a moving boat to cover large areas of water and search for actively feeding bonito. Anglers often target areas near offshore reefs, oil rigs, and other underwater structures where bonito congregate in search of baitfish. Adjusting trolling speed and lure depth can help anglers present their offerings at the optimal depth to entice strikes from bonito cruising below.

Casting surface lures such as poppers or stickbaits can also be an exhilarating way to target bonito in Gulf Shores, especially when fish are actively feeding near the surface. Anglers can cast their lures into schools of feeding bonito, mimicking the movements of fleeing baitfish to provoke aggressive strikes. This technique requires precision casting and quick retrieval to mimic the frantic actions of baitfish effectively. Anglers can experiment with different retrieve speeds and lure presentations to determine what triggers a reaction from bonito, adding an element of excitement and challenge to the fishing experience.

Another productive technique for targeting bonito in Gulf Shores is vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs. Anglers drop their jigs to the bottom and then work them vertically through the water column, imitating the movements of wounded or disoriented baitfish. This method can be particularly effective when bonito are holding near underwater structures or in deeper water. With their rapid descents and erratic movements, jigging can trigger aggressive strikes from bonito lurking below, providing anglers with thrilling battles and memorable catches in the waters of Gulf Shores.

What other species are popular in Gulf Shores?

In addition to bonito, Gulf Shores offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, ensuring there's always an exciting fishing adventure to be had. One popular catch is the red snapper, known for its vibrant coloration and delicious flavor. These prized fish inhabit the reefs and wrecks off the Gulf Shores coast, providing anglers with thrilling battles and rewarding catches. With their aggressive strikes and impressive size, red snapper make for an exhilarating fishing experience, whether using live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures to entice them into biting.

Another sought-after species in Gulf Shores is the cobia, also known as ling or lemonfish. Cobia are highly prized for their strong fights and tasty flesh, making them a favorite among anglers. Found nearshore and offshore, cobia often patrol the waters around buoys, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target them. Whether sight casting to cruising cobia or bottom fishing near structure, anglers can use live bait such as eels, crabs, or fish to entice these powerful predators into striking.

For anglers seeking fast-paced action and abundant catches, Gulf Shores offers excellent opportunities to target king mackerel. These speedy pelagic predators are commonly found near offshore reefs, oil rigs, and other structure-rich areas where they hunt for baitfish. Trolling with live bait, rigged baits, or artificial lures is a popular method for targeting king mackerel, allowing anglers to cover large areas of water and locate actively feeding fish. With their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, king mackerel provide anglers with adrenaline-pumping battles and memorable catches in the waters of Gulf Shores.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Walt and Keith were fantastic! Extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful, plus great to crack a joke and share a laugh with. The waves were choppy when we went out and Walt & Keith guided us through it and took us around the area when we eventually got too sick haha. Highly recommend! I’ll be coming to them again in the future.

    Roberto O. | November 10, 2024

    Trip: Red Snapper Round Up

  • ★★★★★
    Hey Captain Experiences! Captain Eddie and Fisher are a great crew. Captain Eddie did his best to get us on fish and he did, we just had trouble with the dolphins stealing our bait. As much as the dolphins are cute and cool to see, they can be annoying to say the least. Fisher was very informative, not only about fish and dolphins, but also about how weather and moon cycles play out into catching fish as well. The boat is a very nice 55 for boat. Very clean and in top notch condition for the year! We recommend Captain Eddie and Fisher very highly. When we come back to Gulf shores, we will be calling on Captain Experiences, Captain Eddie and Fisher. We feel we have made two new friends. Thanks for the great and fun time guys. Bill

    William H. | September 18, 2024

    Trip: 6-Hour Bottom/Trolling - 55' Gillman

  • ★★★★★
    My family thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The captain for the boat and the young man that helped them with catching the fish was wonderful and worked so hard to help everyone have an excellent time. We will definitely use this company again for fishing trips!

    Lendy H. | August 25, 2024

    Trip: Fish OBA

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Zack and Jackson were great. Knowledgeable and friendly. Looking forward to next fishing trip.

    Van E. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: 6-Hour Bottomfishing & Trolling

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great experience today- the most fish we have caught on an expedition. Capt Eddie and Fisher were great!

    William W. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: 6-Hour Bottom/Trolling - 55' Gillman

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Corey and his deck hand were so great! We caught 8 red snapper! Our family had a great time! Highly recommend!

    Molly B. | July 19, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Mixed Bag

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time and caught everything we could catch. The crew was knowledgeable, fun and super helpful! Definitely going again! Gavin and Ben were awesome! Highly recommend!!

    Sean S. | July 13, 2024

    Trip: Fish OBA

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best experience with Captain Chase and his deckhand House. We had 6 adults and 7 kids under 10 and they had an experience they’ll never forget! The boat was roomy to accommodate our group, the little ones could rest inside out of the heat and watch dvds when they needed a break, and the deck had Bluetooth and coolers for the grownups. The care and attention our group was given was top notch! We were always being helped or checked on, and they worked to make sure the kids enjoyed themselves, which meant so much to us. And of course, they knew how to find the fish! Every person in the group brought up several beautiful fish, which House expertly filleted and gave us great cooking tips! Next time we are in Alabama, we’ll absolutely book with Captain Chase again!

    Josh N. | July 13, 2024

    Trip: Reel in Fun with Captain Chase

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Corey and his 1st mate were top notch! Super engaging, friendly and informative, and they put us on the fish right away! From bottom fishing to trolling, we were reeling in the king mackerel and red snapper. When you wanted to relax, the AC cabin was a nice escape from the sun. Highly recommended!

    Tim R. | July 5, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Mixed Bag

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent experience with Captain Corey on the Wahoodat. Half day trip for red fish, was great time and family friendly.

    Michael F. | July 4, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Mixed Bag

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time

    Bobby G. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: 6-Hour Bottomfishing & Trolling

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chase and his crew were awesome! We had a large group of 18 made up of several 12 year old boys, everyone had a blast. Shoutout to his Deckhand Brandon, man was a workhorse dealing with everything and ensuring everyone was safe and successful. Highly recommend this crew and already looking to next year's trip.

    Dustin M. | June 23, 2024

    Trip: Ocean Thrills with Captain Chase

  • ★★★★★
    Such a fun experience with Gavin & Ben. We would highly recommend booking a trip. We will definitely book a future trip with them!

    Lesley G. | June 11, 2024

    Trip: Fish OBA

  • ★★★★★
    Great deck hand, the captain put us on fish we limited out with 20 red snapper. The boat was super comfortable also. All around great trip!

    Lonnie H. | June 9, 2024

    Trip: Ocean Thrills with Captain Chase

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome guides!!!

    John W. | June 7, 2024

    Trip: Snapper/ Bottom Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Experienced crew. Knowledgeable and fun

    Laura W. | June 7, 2024

    Trip: OBA fishing on 40' Sportsfisher

  • ★★★★★
    Top notch. Great capt. great deck hand. Will put you on the fish.

    Christopher N. | May 31, 2024

    Trip: Snapper/ Bottom Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time today with James. Learned alot today about fishing red snapper

    Erik | May 29, 2024

    Trip: Pensacola Fishing Frenzy

  • ★★★★★
    Cory and his team were great! Enjoyed the fishing and hospitality. Thanks for everything!

    Andrew S. | May 26, 2024

    Trip: Orange Beach Mixed Bag

  • ★★★★★
    Captain and deck hand were great helpful and nice made the experience exciting and fun couldn’t ask for anyone better

    Betty S. | May 20, 2024

    Trip: 6-Hour Bottomfishing & Trolling

What's biting in Gulf Shores?

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