File or pinch down the barb of your hook. A barbless hook is much easier to remove. However, if your hook is set too deep in the throat, simply cut the fishing line as close as possible to the eye of the hook and release your catch. The hook will rust away or simply be absorbed by the fish’s tissue.
Choose circle hooks when possible. Usually these hooks, with the point curving inward toward the shank of the hook, will catch the fish in the corner of its mouth instead of the stomach. In all cases, safe hook removal is made easy with a de-hooking tool, such as long-handled pliers.
Net your fish. Slipping a wide hoop landing net under your tired gamefish and removing the hook while your catch is still in the water is simply the best tactic for a healthy catch and release. Landing nets with rubber, knotless webbing also protect the sensitive skin and fins of your game fish.
Grippers: Gamefish can also be safely landed while using a wide variety of fish grippers. Grippers allow fisherman to grip their hooked fish with stainless steel claws and dislodge the hook, or hooks, while keeping the fish in the water. Many come with a built-in scale which weighs your catch so that a quick photo can be taken.
Wet your hands, glove and towel, etc. Avoid handling your catch with dry surfaces. The reason is to avoid removing the protective slime from the game fish’s skin, which not only helps fish swim, but also wards off infections and parasites. Dry hands and towels will pull much of the slime off.
Never jerk a fish straight up by its jaw; support it by the belly also – and don’t handle fish by the gills or eyes.
Give fish a chance to recover. When releasing your catch never toss the fish back into the water. Instead, hold the fish in the water with grippers allowing water to flow through its gills until fully revived. Once the fish is able to swim on its own, grasp the fish just ahead of its tail and push the fish headfirst back into the water.
RELATED:
Perks of Fishing the Off-Season / Grouper on the Grill
Sparkling-white sandy beaches and the beautiful blue-green waters of our Orange Beach area attract millions of visitors each year. From parasailing or kayaking to simply laying in the hot sun, there are many fun activities available for people of all ages to enjoy.
Did you know that the Gulf Coast also offers some of the best spring fishing in the entire world? As the waters along our area begin to warm up, many types of fish migrate back into the area, allowing people to catch an ice-chest full of fish onshore and offshore. Cobia, Speckled Trout, Gray Trigger Fish, Pompano and Amberjack are just a few of the fish you can catch during the upcoming season.
Cobias migrate through the area in late March and April. You often catch them by sight fishing, where you trick them into eating your bait, a fun method to ask your deck mate about! Cobias are white fish that have a clean and buttery flavor. The fish has high oil content, helping it not dry out no matter how you prepare it.
Speckled trout have a slight flakey and very meaty texture. They are most commonly caught in the shallow bays and tend to move into deeper bay waters as temperatures decline during the fall. These delicious fish are frequently caught with shrimp.
Gray Triggerfish are great to fish for during the spring as the season opens on March 1st and closes by the end of May, making it a true spring fish. Gray Triggerfish primarily feast on bottom dwellers like shrimp, crabs, sea urchins, and sand dollars. The flavor is clean and uniquely sweet when cooked with a taste and texture similar to that of a crab.
Pompano appear in May and stay through October. They frequent the surf zone where the waves break in “suds” on the beach. They feed on sand fleas (Mole Crabs) that live in the area. Some call it “the world’s most edible fish” due to its flat-bodied, pan-sized shape that makes it easy to eat whole. The fish meat is pearly white, with a moderate fat content. It has a sweet, mild flavor that is firm, but finely flaked.
Best to hook during April and May, Amberjack are thick and meaty and are a favorite cooked blackened. They are known as “sea donkeys” because they are some of the toughest fighters in the Gulf. They enjoy swimming around ground structures like oil and gas platforms.
By the time May rolls around, taking a deep sea fishing trip can lead to a good number of the fish mentioned above. But, that’s not all you can catch during the spring and early summer!
Make the most of spring fishing by booking a trip with Class Act Charters! Our knowledgeable captain and crew will help you navigate the gulf and find where the fish are biting. Regardless of your group size, ages, or budget, we can accommodate your needs to provide you with the fishing experience of a lifetime!
Don’t forget a recipe for the Cobia that you’re bound to catch! Try out one of our favorites:
Cobia with Lemon Caper Sauce
INGREDIENTS
1/3-cup all-purpose flour
1/4-teaspoon salt
1/4-teaspoon pepper
1 1/4-lb. cobia, cut into 4 pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3-cup dry white wine
1/2-cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1-tablespoon capers, rinsed, drained
1-tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
STEPS
1. In shallow dish, stir flour, salt and pepper. Coat fish pieces in flour mixture
(reserve remaining flour mixture). In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over
medium-high heat. Place coated fish in oil. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway
through cooking, until fish flakes easily with fork; remove from heat. Lift fish
from skillet to serving platter with slotted spatula (do not discard drippings);
keep warm.
2. Heat skillet (with drippings) over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon reserved
flour mixture; cook and stir 30 seconds. Stir in wine: cook about 30 seconds or
until thickened and slightly reduced. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice; cook
and stir 1 to 2 minutes until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in capers.
3. Serve sauce over fish; sprinkle with parsley.
It’s this time every year that Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama come alive with Spring Breakers and their families. What a joy it is to see so many families outside enjoying the sunshine and their time spent together! With the technology as it is nowadays, even at the dinner table you find everyone staring at their screens – missing out on those quality discussions we all grew up with. That’s one reason why we’re in the business we’re in – we love seeing families spend quality time together making memories that last a lifetime.
One of the main attractions down here on the coast this time of year is charter fishing. The 4, 5, and 6 hour trips are very affordable and accommodating for families from children to grandma. This time of year the water is still a bit cold, but this makes many fish cluster up in the warmer areas which makes for a great fishing trip. On these excursions, we typically fish 10-15 miles off the shore, making several fishing stops along the way. Our experienced captains know these waters well, and we have a good sense of where the fish are biting. We typically will stop the boat over a reef or wreck so everyone can drop their fishing lines. Many of our customers let us know that they only want to catch enough for dinner, and these ½ day excursions are ideal for just that. Whether it’s the 4 hour trolling trip or a bottom fishing and deep sea experience, we will cater the trip to meet your needs. In March and April, one of the more exciting things that happen in our Gulf waters is the Cobia migration. The Cobia fish, also known as Ling or Lemon, start to relocate along the coast from the warm waters in the south. They love to ride the waves as they soak in the sun. On longer trips we will fish out by the oil rigs and beyond, around 20-35 miles off the coast, where we can get the bigger fish. If you’re in for a thrill, fishing for Yellowfin Tuna and Amberjack can be very exciting. The tunas are resilient against the cold water as their body temperature doesn’t slow down so they’re off swimming in high gear. The Amberjacks are known as the “donkeys of the sea” because of how strong they can be when trying to reel in, really putting the “sport” in “sport fishing”. The giant Red Snappers will not be in season until June 1st so they are all catch and release for now, but still a heck of a good time. As the temperatures warm up, so do the fish. Other fish we see often include King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Vermilion Snapper, White Snapper, Red Fish, Sheepshead, Flounder and Speckled Trout. For those of you looking to book a trip after April 1st, the season opens up for bag limits on the very tasty Scamp and Red Groupers. If high intensity fishing is not what you’re after, rest assured we customize each trip based on your needs, desires and expectations. Our deck mates and captains are there with you and your group every step of the way, showing you the ropes, helping reel in the fish, all the while educating youngsters and first-timers about the fish, fishing, and our Gulf waters. As an added bonus, during this Spring Break season we are offering discounted trips on the 4, 5, and 6 hour trips. For additional information or to book with us, give us a call at 251-391-0935 or fill out the form on our website. Hope to see you out on the water!
You might be wondering how another 365 days came and went so quickly. We are about to start a New Year and many of us make resolutions for our personal and professional lives. Did you get out on the water to fish as much as you hoped in 2017? If not, why? If you did, what did you learn as a result of your time on the water?
Here are 5 fishing resolutions to set as goals for your favorite sport in the New Year:
Read and practice twelve new fishing tips and tricks in the coming year. If you break it down, it’s pretty simple. Just research and read one new fishing tip or trick per month throughout the year. Need some help finding information? We have some helpful information to get you started.
Resolve to teach a kid to fish. A day on the water can provide a great opportunity to teach kids about the outdoors while they learn new fishing and boating skills. If you teach a kid to fish, you can also incorporate educational activities or related hobbies like a trip to a local aquarium or fish hatchery.
Pick one fish species you want to learn more about and become a species “expert”. One of the best ways to experience greater success when fishing is to learn as much as you can about fish anatomy and behavior. Understanding more about how and why fish behave the way they do will help you increase your catch rate. For example, knowing that Spanish Mackerel prefer temps above 68 degrees and mostly live in open water but are sometimes found over deep sea grass beds and reefs, will help you find them.
Stop making excuses and fish more often. We all make time for the things in life that we thoroughly enjoy. If you enjoy fishing, stop making excuses and just simply do it more often. Team up with a fishing buddy and add one or two dates to your calendar now.
Find and try out a new fishing spot each month and if you don’t have the time to research, hire a fishing charter like Class Act to show you various types of habitat and structure that will encourage you to be a better, more versatile angler. Learn how to fish in various areas and climates throughout the year.
If you have other fishing resolutions that you plan to add to your list, share it with us on our Facebook page! Happy New Year fishing fans!
Book your trip for the New Year with us now.
Make the Most of Your Time by Hiring a Charter
Taking a deep sea fishing charter is a very exciting experience for young and old alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first timer, we hope this article will help you make the most out of your fishing trip. When taking a charter boat from our lovely Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama areas, keep in mind how long your trip will be. Even the four hour trip requires a little planning.
What to bring from home:
We highly recommend that you take Dramamine (or other sea sickness medication) both the evening before your charter and again the morning of your trip, especially if you are worried about getting sea sick.
Alcohol is permitted onboard, and we only ask that you drink in moderation. Captain’s advice: Don’t drink much alcohol the night before, if any at all.
What we provide
We provide all the fishing equipment and bait needed for your trip but you are welcome to bring your own tackle if you choose, although we will not be responsible for any damages to your equipment.
We also suggest you bring your own cooler to take the fish filets home after the deck mate cleans your fish. We have a fish box on board for your fish during the trip.
We have refrigerators on each vessel for you to store any food you may bring. If you want to bring burgers or hot dogs to eat on the trip both vessels have a grill aboard.
Amenities on board
We offer two sized charter boats to choose from depending on the size of your party. Both are very roomy, spacious, and clean.
On our 52’ Class Act (for groups 7-20): • Full air-conditioned cabin • Green Egg grill • 40” flat screen satellite tv (local channels included) • PS3 player
On our 38’ Daddy’s Baby (for groups up to 6 people): • Full air-conditioned cabin • Radio • Mp3 Player • Green Egg Grill
Children We encourage you to bring your children and all ages are welcome. We do suggest that you double the amount of snacks you’d bring for yourself if you’re bringing little ones aboard. They tend to like to snack the entire length of the trip! You may also want to bring an extra change of clothes for the kids too. It’s pretty easy for children to find a way to get wet while on board.
Clothing Depending on the season and the weather, it’s usually a good idea to bring layers like a light jacket and wear breathable quick-dry attire.
Lastly, wear a pair of non-marking, non-slip boat shoes or sandals, as bare feet are not permitted for safety reasons.
Fish cleaning We will clean your fish for free on the 4-6 hour trips. We charge $0.30/lb for fish cleaning on longer trips. On all the trips we will keep your fish on ice during the trip and supply you with Ziploc bags to take them home with.
Deck mates Along with your captain, each trip will be accompanied by an experienced deck mate. The deck mate is there to assist throughout the entire trip and works for tips (typically 18-20% of the total cost of the trip).
Insurance We are fully insured.
Catering If you’d like to have food for your trip catered, we can help find catering options for you for an additional fee to include the food costs.
Taxidermy We can refer you to a skilled and reputable taxidermist.
Extensions If there is not another trip scheduled after yours, you can extend the trip if you want to once we’re out on the water.
Cancellations The captains may cancel the trip due to weather or sea conditions, but not just for rain. We will not fish if the conditions are too bad. Once you are on the trip, if you are not comfortable with the conditions, we can elect to shorten and prorate the trip.
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for the rest of his life.” Deep sea fishing is an exhilarating experience and a survival skill that creates memories to last a lifetime.
Be sure to contact Dale Woodruff before your trip if you have any questions or concerns about the weather or what to bring. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
By the time spring break comes around, you are ready to take a much-needed vacation. A great way to bring your family together during this time is to plan a trip full of adventure and relaxation, with a little something for everyone.
When you reserve a deep sea fishing charter trip with Class Act Charters, you can rest assured that we handle the planning and make sure your family has a great time. Plus, you have the chance to catch game fish that you might otherwise not have the time or tools to reel in.
A few reasons spring break is the best time to plan a trip with us…
Your Family Already Has Time Off
The days of an electronic-free family dinner table in the evenings are long gone. Most of the time your family spends together is accompanied by small glowing screens while your family half-listens to the details of your day.
Spend some quality time with your family on the water with one of Class Act Charters’ two boats and it brings the opportunity for great bonding with your otherwise distracted family members. Imagine a relaxing afternoon on the water as your take in the sights and try your hand at fishing. Enjoy watching your family learn new fishing techniques and catch something unique to tell their friends about.
Fishing is a Great Way to Soak Up the Sun
During the year, your children and teens sit in school while you sit behind a desk in a boring office under fluorescent lights. Get out on the water and take in the sun and salt air with a deep sea fishing trip.
Our boats are equipped for both beginner and expert fishing. Sit on the deck with your fishing rod enjoying the warmer weather and family time. We’ll take care of the rest!
Spring Break is Perfect Timing for Fishing
There is less fishing in the winter months so it often causes fishing in the spring to be better and more plentiful. Your family will enjoy all the opportunities to catch a variety of fish in our local waters and take in the sights near Orange Beach.
Deep sea fishing always offers an offshore adventure and the different types of fish available during spring break is some of the best of the year. What can you catch? Well, there’s grouper, mahi mahi, snapper, swordfish and sailfish to name a few. Bring your fish aboard for photos or even have it mounted to show to your friends and family. There are a plenty of ways to create memories this time of year and deep sea fishing is an adventure not soon forgotten.
Book your trip today and ask about our Spring Break Specials! 251.391.0935 Our prices during this season are better than any other time of the year!
Football and hunting seasons reign supreme during the fall, causing many anglers to spend less time on the water. But fall is actually one of the best times for deep sea fishing! From cooler weather to fewer boats on the water, there are some great reasons that you shouldn’t hang up your line come September - or ever! The Gulf of Mexico has some of the best deep sea fishing in the ocean year-round, and the latter months provide their own unique fishing experience. And, Class Act Charters can make your fall fishing trip experience a memorable and cherished one.
Here are 6 reasons that fall is a great time to fish the Gulf of Mexico with Class Act Charters.
1. The Weather is Fine
Fall brings with it the end of the summer - and that means cooler weather. It’s a pleasant change to spend several hours on the open sea without fighting the blistering heat of the summer sun. Plus, less sweaty hands means a tighter grip on your fishing pole.
2. Less Intense Sunshine
Speaking of the summer sun, it can be intense. But during the fall the sun shines lower in the sky, making its impact a bit less intrusive. This can also cut down on glare in the water, making it easier to see and follow fish.
3. The Gulf Is Yours
The water traffic during the fall and winter is considerably less than in other months. That means that the Gulf is yours for the taking! Enjoy prime spots and less competition when you fish the Gulf of Mexico during the fall.
4. Plenty of Fish
During the fall you can still catch plenty of fish in the Gulf of Mexico! Amberjack, grouper, wahoos, and king mackerel are common catches during the fall and early winter. Each of these puts up a good fight and tastes delicious on your plate fried or grilled. Amberjack takes a little more effort to season to perfection.
5. A Bigger Catch
Speaking of great catches, fall is the best time to catch the biggest fish of the year. That’s because large predators begin to gorge on baitfish that are moving inland into warmer waters. By searching for foraging birds on the water, we’re able to find large schools of fish and that’s when the hunters become the hunted.
6. You Can Still Catch The Game
We know that football is a fall staple. We love it, too! That’s why The Class Act - our large namesake vessel - has satellite TV with local channels so you never have to miss a play. Plus, there’s a grill on board so that you can cook your famous football BBQ while you fish! It’s the best of both worlds!
Spring and summer are the most popular times for deep sea fishing - but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the best! There’s lots of fun to be had out on the water year-round, and especially during the latter months. Let Class Act Charters man the wheel as you spend a cool autumn day fishing the wide-open Gulf of Mexico. Book your trip today before the season is over!