Orange Beach Night Fishing: Top-Rated Inshore

Published Date: November 18, 2025
Fishing

$400 - $1,050 price range
Updated Date: November 19, 2025

Summary

Ready for some night fishing action? Join Autistress Fishing for a laid-back 3-hour trip on the calm waters off Orange Beach. As the sun sets, we'll be targeting some of the area's favorite inshore species - redfish, flounder, mangrove snapper, bluefish, black drum, and even red snapper when they're in season. This trip is perfect if you're new to fishing or just want a relaxed evening on the water. We've got all the gear and licenses covered, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Our captain will show you the ropes, help you bait up, and share some local knowledge as we drift along productive spots. There's something special about fishing after dark - the quiet anticipation, the glow of the lights on the water, and the excitement when you feel that first tug on the line. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to spend an evening with family or friends while trying your hand at some coastal gamefish.

Orange Beach Night Fishing: Top-Rated Inshore

Nighttime Bites and Sights

Redfish! Clean Catch! - Orange Beach, FL.

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Night Fishing Magic: Orange Beach Inshore Adventure

Get ready for an after-dark fishing adventure you won't forget! This 3-hour night inshore trip in Orange Beach is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. We'll be chasing some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish under the stars, including redfish, flounder, and the occasional red snapper when they're in season. With all gear and licenses covered, you can focus on the thrill of the catch while I show you the ropes of night fishing. It's a laid-back introduction to the world of inshore angling that's sure to get you hooked!

What to Expect on the Water

As the sun sets over Orange Beach, we'll head out to some of my favorite inshore spots. The cooler night air and calmer waters create ideal conditions for fish to feed, giving us a great shot at landing some impressive catches. I'll set you up with light tackle that's perfect for battling everything from feisty mangrove snapper to hard-pulling black drum. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – I'll be right there to help you cast, hook, and reel in your catch. And there's something special about feeling that tug on your line in the darkness – it really gets your heart racing!

Night Fishing Techniques

Night fishing is a whole different ballgame, and I've got all the tricks up my sleeve to make sure we're successful. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. I'll show you how to work a popping cork for redfish, or how to slowly drag a soft plastic along the bottom for flounder. We might even break out some glow-in-the-dark lures that drive fish crazy! The key is to use all your senses – feeling the bite when you can't always see it is part of the fun. And don't be surprised if we attract some curious dolphins with our underwater lights – it's all part of the Orange Beach night fishing experience!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These bruisers are the stars of inshore fishing in Orange Beach. They love to cruise the shallows at night, often tailing in just a few feet of water. Redfish put up a great fight, with powerful runs that'll test your drag. The "bull" reds can grow over 40 inches, giving you a real workout on light tackle. Fall is prime time for big reds, but we catch them year-round.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. They're more active at night, making our trip the perfect time to target them. Flounder have a unique bite – you'll feel a tap, then nothing as they swim off with the bait. I'll teach you the "flounder walk" technique to hook these tasty flatfish. Late summer through fall is flounder season, with some real doormats in the 5-pound range not uncommon.

Red Snapper: When they're in season, usually in the summer months, we might venture a bit further out to catch these prized eating fish. Red snapper are strong fighters that love structure, so we'll target them around reefs and wrecks. They can grow up to 40 pounds, but even the smaller "chicken" reds are a blast to catch. Their bright red color is stunning when they come up from the depths.

Bluefish: These toothy critters are speed demons of the inshore waters. Bluefish hunt in schools, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. They're aggressive feeders that will hit just about anything that moves, making them great for beginners to practice on. Bluefish are most common in the warmer months and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle.

Black Drum: The cousin of the redfish, black drum are bottom-feeders that can grow to massive sizes. We typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range, but they can get much bigger. Black drum have sensitive barbels they use to detect food, so we'll use natural baits like shrimp or crab to tempt them. They're around all year but seem to bite best in the cooler months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing under the stars in Orange Beach. The peace and quiet of the night, broken only by the splash of fish and the hum of the boat, creates a sense of adventure you just can't get during the day. Plus, the night bite can be red hot – I've had trips where we've landed over a dozen quality fish in just a few hours. It's a great way to beat the heat and crowds of daytime fishing, and you might just catch the biggest fish of your life!

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience the magic of night fishing in Orange Beach? This trip is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to try something different. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to spend an evening making memories and maybe even catching dinner. All the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a light jacket – it can get cool on the water at night). Don't miss out on this unique fishing experience – book your night inshore trip today and get ready for some after-dark angling action!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often hanging out in the same areas. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. Smaller ones, under 15 pounds, are great eating with sweet, flaky meat. The big ones can top 50 pounds and put up a serious fight, but they're better for catch-and-release. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which can help you locate them. They're bottom feeders, so use natural baits like crab or shrimp. My favorite trick? Fish the falling tide around oyster bars - drum love to root around the exposed shellfish. Just be ready for a stubborn battle when you hook into a big one!

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. They typically run 3-5 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20. You'll find them in bays and along beaches, often in schools churning up the water surface - we call that a "bluefish blitz." They're most active in summer and fall, following bait schools. Anglers love blues for their hard strikes and powerful runs. They're not the best eating when big, but smaller ones are tasty if prepared right. Use metal lures or live bait like mullet. Here's a local tip: when you see birds diving, that's often a sign of bluefish feeding. Cast into the frenzy and hang on tight - blues hit hard and fast!

Red Snapper

Red snapper are prized for both their fight and flavor. You'll typically catch them in 60-300 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and other structure. Most run 5-10 pounds, but they can grow over 30. The season's limited, usually summer months, so check regulations. Snapper put up a tough battle, especially the bigger ones that try to dive back to cover. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating - mild and slightly sweet. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and substantial bait like cigar minnows or squid. Here's a tip: when you feel that first bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it for a second, then reel down and pull up hard. It's all about timing with these crafty fish.

Redfish

Redfish are a popular inshore target, usually 20-30 inches long and putting up a great fight. You'll find them in shallow waters, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They love structure, so look near old piers and jetties too. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong pulls and delicious meat. That distinctive black spot near the tail isn't just for looks - it helps fool predators. When fishing, try using a gold spoon or live shrimp. My local trick? On calm days, watch for their tails sticking up as they feed in the shallows. Cast just ahead of them and hold on tight!

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters. They're usually 15-18 inches long, but can grow over 30. Look for them in bays, estuaries, and around river mouths, especially during their fall migration to spawn offshore. Flounder fishing is all about patience - they're ambush predators, so a slow presentation is key. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these flat fish, and their sweet, flaky meat is a real treat. Try using live mullet or bull minnows on a Carolina rig. My go-to trick? Drag your bait slowly along the bottom, and when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait sideways before turning it to swallow.

About the Sea Pro

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for a nighttime fishing adventure in Orange Beach? Join us for a laid-back 3-hour trip that's perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. As the sun sets, we'll head out to explore the inshore waters, targeting a variety of coastal gamefish. You might reel in Redfish, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Bluefish, Black Drum, and even Red Snapper when they're in season. Don't worry about gear or licenses - we've got you covered. Our experienced captain will show you the ropes and help you cast your line under the stars. It's a great way to experience the coastal waters after dark and maybe catch your first fish. With room for up to 4 guests, bring your friends or family for a fun evening on the water. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or just enjoy some relaxed fishing, this night trip offers a unique perspective on Orange Beach's marine life.

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