Orange Beach Fishing Charters

06/19/2026

When you see some of the largest charter boats in Orange Beach tied securely to the dock today, despite crews that have decades of experience in rough weather, there’s usually a good reason.

Today’s seas are running around 6.6 feet. Could we go? Maybe. But that’s not the question we ask.

The question is: “Will our guests enjoy the trip?”

We care about more than just getting offshore. We care about your comfort, your safety, and making sure your family has a great experience. The fish will still be there when the weather settles down.

Sometimes the best fishing decision is simply waiting for a better day.

We’ll be ready when the Gulf is ready.

06/16/2026

One of the most overlooked parts of a fishing trip happens after the boat returns to the dock.

When you take your catch home, it should be ready for the dinner table. Fish cleaning goes beyond simply cutting fillets. It includes removing rib bones, trimming bloodlines when appropriate, and preparing your fish so your family can spend more time enjoying it and less time working on it.

Small details matter. Whether it’s how customers are treated on the boat, how their fish are cared for, or how their catch is prepared, we believe the experience doesn’t end when the fishing is over.

What is most important to you when you pick up your fillets?

06/14/2026

The struggle is real. 😂

Apparently Touch ID wasn’t designed for charter captains who still work on their own boats.

05/22/2026

Glad to see attention being brought to this boating safety concern near Perdido Pass.

The goal of sharing the original post was never criticism. It was simply awareness and a hope that future accidents and injuries might be prevented through education, visibility, and possible safety improvements.

We appreciate everyone working to keep our waterways safe for both locals and visitors.

A boat struck a submerged steel wall Saturday evening at the east jetty of Perdido Pass between the beach and the rocks. The steel wall was built to bolster the jetty and at times lies just below the water's surface where boaters may not see it.

05/21/2026

Captain Jay Gunn is one of the most knowledgeable inshore fishing guides on the Alabama Gulf Coast. His background in fisheries biology, combined with years on the water, gives customers more than just a fishing trip. He teaches people how and why fish move, how tides and conditions affect the bite, and helps anglers understand what they are doing instead of simply handing them a rod.

Jay is especially good with families, first-timers, and anglers who want a relaxed, educational experience while targeting speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and other inshore species around Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Mobile Bay. He is patient, professional, and genuinely wants his customers to learn and enjoy the day.”

05/20/2026

Hot off the press! Gag grouper season announced.

05/20/2026

One thing many families never think to ask about when booking a fishing charter is onboard safety equipment, preventive maintenance, and how different captains choose to operate their business.

This is a thoughtful post from Distraction Charters about going beyond minimum requirements and why preparation matters on the water.

Worth the read for anyone planning an Orange Beach fishing trip.

Most families booking a fishing charter never think about what happens behind the scenes to keep a boat prepared and operational.

Today was routine service day for part of our onboard fire suppression and safety equipment.

A lot of people are surprised to learn that many safety items passengers assume are onboard a charter boat are not always federally required on 6 passenger vessels. Every captain and business owner makes their own decisions about how they equip and maintain their operation.

At Distraction Charters, we have always believed in going beyond the minimum requirements when it comes to preparation, maintenance, and safety.

That includes things like:
• AED onboard
• EPIRB satellite emergency beacon
• First aid supplies
• Regularly serviced fire suppression equipment
• Preventive maintenance schedules
• New life raft

None of those things catch fish.

But we believe they matter when families trust us with the people they care about most.

Our goal has always been simple:
Run a clean, well-maintained boat.
Make calm decisions.
Create great memories.
And do things the right way, even when nobody is watching.

05/17/2026

Yesterday evening, Perdido Pass claimed another boat and serious injuries were reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.

There are a couple of long-standing hazards in this area that local mariners recognize immediately.

Many inexperienced boat operators do not realize there is an underwater steel wall extending from the beach toward the east jetty. From the surface, especially in certain tides and lighting conditions, the area can appear navigable. In reality, the structure sits just beneath the waterline and can become extremely dangerous.

Another concern is the nighttime visual approach into Perdido Pass. Over the years, increased shoreline and pass lighting has created significant glare and background lighting that can reduce depth perception and make navigation markers harder to distinguish while running inbound after dark.

At one time, poles helped identify the hazard area, but storms eventually removed them. It may be time to revisit a clearly visible marking system using modern solar-powered lighting or reflective markers to better warn unfamiliar boaters before another tragedy occurs.

This is not about criticism. It is about awareness, safety, and protecting lives on the water.

Whether you are local or visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast, slow down when approaching unfamiliar passes at night. Electronics help, but local knowledge and caution still matter.

04/25/2026

Time to go fishing. Good times to come!