Orange Beach Fishing Charters

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!

03/24/2026

Not all offshore fishing trips are the same, and most families don’t realize why.

One of the biggest factors in a successful trip is range, how far a boat is able (or willing) to run.

Areas closer to shore can see heavy pressure, especially during peak seasons. With more boats fishing the same spots, results can vary day to day.

Running farther offshore often opens up more opportunities, less pressured areas, and a better overall experience when conditions allow.

Every captain has to make decisions based on weather, fuel costs, and trip structure.

For customers, the key is simple:

-Ask how your trip is planned or how far will you be going offshore
-Understand what kind of experience you’re booking. Family? Serious? For Fun?

A little knowledge upfront can make a big difference in the day you have on the water.

03/15/2026

One thing we’ve learned after many years of charter fishing in Orange Beach is that every family comes fishing for a different reason.

Some want to take fish home for the freezer.

Others just want enough for dinner.

And some simply want their kids to catch their first fish and experience a day on the Gulf.

Today we had a repeat guest who told me something I always appreciate hearing:

“Captain, we just want enough fish for one good meal.”

So that’s exactly what we did.

We caught some nice fish, put dinner in the cooler, and spent the rest of the trip catching and releasing, enjoying the Gulf, the conversation, and the experience.

That’s how we approach fishing.

No pressure.
No rush.
Just a great day on the water.

As we head into Spring Break, Summer, and Fall fishing season here in Orange Beach, we look forward to helping families, first-timers, and experienced anglers enjoy the Gulf the way they want to enjoy it.

Every trip is a little different, and that’s part of what makes it special.

Bent Poles & Smiling Faces.

— Captain Troy

Charter Boat Distraction

02/24/2026

Where have all the king mackerel gone in northern gulf? Not blaming the gill net fishery at all. It’s a very sustainable way to fish. Just wondering where have all the king mackerel gone that used to be caught here?

12/14/2025

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