Thread: Party Fishing Charters

Originally Posted by Pierless

As far as the party boat, a group of 8 with 5 of them under 12 is going to struggle. The smaller kids won't be tall enough to work a rod over the side of the boat, and I doubt a 12 year old will be able to successfully fish without assistance unless he/she is already practiced at working a conventional reel. December seas tend to be higher than summer seas as well, and the party boat isn't going to cancel for 3 footers should they have enough people to run (which is a toss up anyway). Target species will be small reef dwellers like beeliners and porgies. Snappers and triggers are closed.


Sometimes this is far from the case, regardless of captain and crew experience. It can also be a fishless vomit and tangle fest.

Thanks so much for your guidance. The 12 year old would be able to handle the rod. He typically works a baitcaster for bass. But the other kids do not have that experience. Nor the height to work over the side of the boat. It doesn't sound like a party boat would be the best experience. Maybe if weather is decent, we could check out the party boat and 'walk-on' if it seems doable.

We will be able to fish off a dock in the Little Lagoon as maybe try surf fishing on the Gulf side. Hoping to get some action early mornings or near dusk. I just need to figure out this saltwater thing.

Thanks again for any and all input. Please keep any tips or recommendations coming.

Good Afternoon,

I wanted to share this mornings experience. It's cold. It's windy. But it was still 60-degrees warmer than back home in WI. Our group of 8 went out this morning on the Head Boat, Reel Surprise out of Sanroc Cay. The seas were a little rough, but for those of us that took Dramamine, handled it fine. There were a few others that offered up some "chum" to the sea. Thankfully, not us. It did not look fun.

That said..We had a blast. Using squid chunks as bait, we caught many Red Snapper and Triggerfish and a few Scamp Grouper. We were only able to bring 1 fish home for a meal. But we had fun!.

The deck hands were awesome as they did have to handle many tied up lines and dozens on sheared lines from hitting the propeller shaft. Captain Randy put us on the fish immediately at both stops.

I highly recommend.

Next up...Ralph Young on Friday for some Inshore fishing!

You will have a great time with Ralph. Super guy.

Congradulations on a Great Trip Kids will remember it forever.

Originally Posted by Haywire

You will have a great time with Ralph. Super guy.

Well today was Charter day with Ralph Young (aka Fishin Dixie). Our party was reduced from 4 to 2 due to illness. And 39-degrees at the time of boarding.

Nevertheless, Ralph ROCKED and provided us with a fantastic time and a meals for several days. We caught Sheepshead, Permit, Bluefish, Mangrove Snapper and Pin Fish. No only did he get us on the fish, he didn't rush when our time slot was up. In fact, he said..."Hey, there's birds over there. Let's check it out and see if it's a school of redfish". 20 minutes later..No Redfish, but it was exciting. So then Ralph switched gears and took us to try and get Specs well after our 4 hours had past. I don't know if he extends charters longer for many, but he did for us and it was much appreciated.

While cleaning our fish, Ralph was kind enough to share some surf fishing tips. As soon as we got back, we outfitted my bigger rods and tried some surf fishing. The result....~20# Redfish! YEH! After 100 Youtube videos...a big Redfish was on my bucket list. And I got it!

I wish my profession allowed a summer visit or October visit...but it doesn't. Oh well, we had a great experience. Thanks to ALL for the advice and guidance for our family visit to the State of Alabama and Gulf Shores.

~4 pm. Dead Shrimp and Fast-acting Fish bite.