Perks of Fishing the Off-Season / Grouper on the Grill
At Class Act Charters, we keep the poles bent all year. What are some benefits of booking a fishing trip during the "off season"? Well, the Fall and Winter rates are lower, the temperatures are comfortable and can be preferred compared to the hot summer months.
We’ll be catching Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Shark, Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Grouper, Tuna and others. For those who thought about booking a longer trip for the bigger fish but didn’t want to deal with the melting summer heat, Fall and Winter is the perfect time to make plans to catch that bucket list fish. Some of the fish are game fish, where catch and release is required this time of year, but measuring before you release is part of the game. Others, you are able to fill the cooler and take home to cook.
One of the best fish to catch and eat is grouper. Here in South Alabama, you’ll find it cooked many different ways but below is a recipe you may or may not have tried – Southern Style Grilled Grouper. If you add a little spice blend and throw it on a hot grill and cook it to perfection, this might be your new favorite way to cook it!
Southern Style Grilled Grouper
Ingredients
1 lb. Grouper fillets
Spice Rub
1/4 teaspoon minced onions
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Preparation
1. Mix all the spice rub ingredients together and remove the grouper from the refrigerator. Cover all surfaces of the fish with a light to medium covering of the spice rub and gently rub into the grouper. Let this rest in a container outside of the refrigerator to allow it to reach room temperature before putting it on the grill.
2. Get your grill going and achieve a medium hot grill. Place the grouper fillets in a grill basket or on a grill screen with smaller holes to keep the fillet from falling apart and crumbling through the grill as it gets closer to done. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side. You only need to flip it once on the grill.
3. Note: If you're unsure of whether it's fully cooked or not, you can test it with a digital meat thermometer at the center of the thickest part of the fillet. The temperature should read approximately 135° F.
Once the summer is winding down, you may think it's too late to book a charter fishing boat for your autumn or winter trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Fortunately, that's not so! Class Act Charters offers Gulf Shores fishing charters for fall and winter deep sea fishing. Our winters are mild, and we enjoy going out fishing all year long, season after season. If you're planning to visit South Alabama in autumn or winter instead of summer, you can still have a great time deep sea fishing. Class Act Charters hosts off-season charter fishing for families, business trips, and anyone else who doesn't want to wait until summer for some exciting deep sea fishing.
Summer is our busy season in Gulf Shores, primarily because that's when most people tend to vacation on Alabama's Gulf Coast. There's no denying our summer fishing is amazing-- red snapper season, anyone?-- but that doesn't mean you can't also have a fantastic fishing experience in September, October, November, December, through to spring. The people who live here, including the captains and crew at Class Act Charters, know that there's not a bad season for fishing on the Gulf of Mexico, as long as the weather permits.
There's plenty of fun to be had and fish to be caught in the Gulf Coast's cooler so-called "off-season". It's a unique experience and a breath of fresh air to tide you over until spring. Hooking a fish on a bright winter's day in Gulf Shores is especially sweet when you consider that if you were home, you'd probably be stuck indoors, avoiding the freezing weather!
Interested in doing a little fishing on the Alabama Gulf Coast this autumn or winter? Class Act Charters would love to welcome you aboard for some exciting off-season angling! Boo now or give us a call to discuss how we can accommodate you.
It's not too early to start planning what you'll do for Spring Break 2023! It'll be here before you know it, and the sooner you book, the more options are available. Whether you're a parent taking your kids to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for a fun spring vacation— or a college student hoping to enjoy some well-earned down-time on the Alabama beaches for Spring Break 2023— consider kicking your trip up a notch with a thrilling deep sea fishing adventure. Class Act Charters welcomes you to come fishing with us on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico!
The Alabama Gulf Coast has a lot to offer to Spring Breakers. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, have pristine white-sand beaches, a friendly, small town vibe, amazing fresh seafood, and a wide range of activities suitable for visitors of all ages. And while much of the country is still shivering in March and April, we typically enjoy warm, short-sleeve weather in spring! Spring Break 2023 is the perfect time to beat the summer rush and take advantage of everything our beach community has to offer.
While you're in the area, don't miss out on the opportunity to take an exciting charter fishing trip!
Who doesn't love the beach? Between the sunny skies, sea breeze, waves, sandcastles, and seashells, who could ask for anything more? But after a day or two in the sand and surf, you may be ready for some variety in your spring break vacation.
Did you know that Gulf Shores has world-class fishing? It's true; the Alabama Gulf Coast can offer you an amazing charter fishing experience, just a short boat-ride from the beach. If you want to do something truly memorable with your family or friends during Spring Break 2023, there's nothing like a deep sea fishing charter to put a little extra excitement into your vacation!
Spring is a great time to go fishing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Gulf is beginning to warm up by late March and April. Warmer water means more active fish— and there are more fish out there, too, since fewer people have been fishing during the cool winter months. There are plenty of types of interesting fish to try and catch in the Gulf during the Spring Break season— including speckled trout, pompano, cobias, gray triggerfish, amberjack, and more!
Whether you want a relaxing trip with your young kids or a heart-pounding sport-fishing adventure with your friends or older children, we can help you find the right trip for your group, from a 4- or 6-hour "half-day" fishing excursion up to fishing trips that last a full day or more.
We are happy to host fishing parties that include children of all ages. Fishing is an activity that anyone of any age can enjoy, and our friendly captains and crew love introducing children to the fun and excitement of deep sea fishing. If you're considering taking your kids on their first fishing excursion during Spring Break 2023, check out our tips for deep sea fishing with kids.
If you're ready to book your charter right away, give us a call or book online. For more information about the fishing trips available at Class Act Charters, read about the types of fishing trips we host. If you have any questions, we're happy to answer them. We also offer customized trips, if you have something particular in mind for your up-coming visit to Gulf Shores, AL.
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!
Looking for some fun for the whole family for Spring Break 2022? Class Act Charters invites you aboard our two charter fishing boats for an amazing deep sea fishing trip in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL!
You probably already know that the Alabama Gulf Coast is a great place for a family vacation. With our beautiful white-sand beaches, a family-friendly atmosphere, delicious local seafood, and tons of activities to choose from, you just can't go wrong with a family trip to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores. While you're down here, don't miss out on the thrilling experience of a charter fishing trip!
After a challenging last couple of years, we're all ready to get out and have some fun. Make the most of Spring Break 2022 by taking a deep sea charter fishing trip into the Gulf of Mexico! It's the perfect opportunity to make unforgettable memories with your family-- and everyone's welcome aboard our boats, including kids of all ages.
During the winter, there's less fishing, so spring fishing is often more plentiful than other times of year. The water's warming up, and the fish are active! This time of year, there are all sorts of exciting fish to catch in our Gulf waters, such as cobias, speckled trout, gray triggerfish, pompano, and amberjack, to name just a few. You're sure to have an excellent day of fishing with our friendly, experienced captains and crew!
Interested in booking a trip? To book right away, give us a call or book online, or if you want more information, check out the types of fishing trips we host. We're happy to answer any questions you have, and we offer customized trips, if you have something specific in mind.
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!
RELATED:
Make the Most of Your Time by Hiring a Charter
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.