December Inshore Charter? Decision Time

Good afternoon,

I joined this forum a couple months ago in order to gain exposure to surf fishing in the Gulf Shores/Little Lagoon area at the end of this year. Thanks to all who have entertained my curiosity with answers to my questions. I truly appreciate the friendly advice and enjoy reading everyone's experience.

In 5 weeks, I am traveling from WI to the warm shores of Alabama. And yes, 60-degrees will be warm. It sounds like this time of year could be hit and miss, especially with the weather. I'm still interested in catching some fish and would love to experience specs, redfish, flounder or other. Anything bigger than a 1# bass would be great. I have scanned the forum for recommendations for Charters. But most were not targeting fishing during late Dec.

It is the holiday season and not all Captains are running during this time. It's time for me to reserve a charter and need recommendations. I would appreciate any and all recommendations for a charter for a 4 hr inshore fishing trip. 2 adults and 2 kids (11 & 12). Hoping to catch some for a fresh meal, but also fine with catch and release.

Thanks again.

I have been on two inshore charters in the OB/GS area and they both sucked big time. I won't mention who they were on the Forum but I would recommend fishing the Pier, the surf, up at the Perdido bridge, the Little Lagoon area or going out on one of the Party Boats. The Reel Surprise is a good one. You didn't say how long you were going to be down, you may have trouble hooking up with Party boat during the Holidays. Your Neighbor!

Fishing is so hit or miss in Dec./Jan., that I wouldn't spend the money on an inshore charter.
As Flyguy recommended, stick with beach or pier and you will probably do just as good and spend a couple hundred $$ less.

I think that hoping for 60 degree weather in late December is being way-optimistic. It's low-to-mid 60s now. If there is decent warm weather between now and then, there may be whiting still around. Toward the end of the pier, you may be able to do some good with redfish on fresh mullet chunks. IF whiting are around (closer to the surf), that's going to keep the interest of kids a lot better.

If it's really cold, it could be miserable. Contact charters, though. They may be able to give you an historical perspective when it come to knowing what you can expect that time of year. I'm sure they'll answer your questions and give you basic information without your booking them at that time.

A fellow told me that there isn't any such thing as bad weather---it's just that you're not wearing the right clothing. He didn't say anything about the fishing, though, and what kind of clothes would make them bite.

For an inshore guide, I'd try Capt. Ralph Young/ Fishin' Dixie Charters. I've known Ralph for years and he knows where the speckle trout go when the weather turns chilly. Don't know his # right offhand, but you can Google him. He's easy to find.

They tell me that specks are in the king's battery (deep hole) up in the Blakeley when it gets cold. This is my first year down here, but I plan to find out this winter.

As far as weather, our typical cycle is to have a southern flow of warm air ahead of the cold fronts that cycle through on a fairly regular schedule four to seven days apart. That usually gives us at least one good day a week in the winter. You want to fish on that day, not on the first "bluebird" day after the front clears.

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Originally Posted by frednic

They tell me that specks are in the king's battery (deep hole) up in the Blakeley when it gets cold. This is my first year down here, but I plan to find out this winter.
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In front of the Battleship in the deep part of the Tensaw, the deep boat basins in the MObile River and the Theodore Industrial Canal are good winter spec spots.
Never heard of anyone fishing the Battery once the weather turns cold for good. But it can be great when the specs are still chasing white shrimp as they migrate out.

+1 on Ralph Young. 2519237492 is the number I have on file.

+2 on Ralph Young went out with him last Feb. great trip. Fun guy to fish with. Lots of story's