Into the Blue: A Day Offshore with the 45' Renegade
Private Charters Starting at $1,000 • 4 - 8 Hour Charters • A.C. Cabin
Salt and diesel—two smells that stitch together the first minutes aboard the 45' Renegade. The boat rocks with a low, familiar thrum as you step up the boarding ladder at 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, and the world of parking lots and roadside palms slips behind you. Ahead is the Gulf of Mexico: a wide, low horizon that dares you to find what lives beneath it. On this trip, the promise is not only a trophy fish but a focused, efficient day at sea run by pros who know these waters by sound and photograph as much as by compass.
Trail Wisdom
Book Mornings for Offshore
Choose 6- or 8-hour morning trips for calmer seas and the best shot at deep-water snapper.
Bring Motion-Sickness Medicine
Take an anti-nausea medication before boarding if you’re prone to seasickness; cabins and fresh air help but don’t replace prevention.
Pack a Small Cooler
Crew provides free cleaning but a personal cooler keeps sandwiches and drinks chilled during the trip.
Tip Your Deckhand
A 20% gratuity is customary for hands-on service like baiting, gaffing, and filleting.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Perdido Pass sandbars for post-trip wading and shelling
- •Little-known artificial reefs on the continental shelf that attract large snapper
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Sea turtles
Conservation Note
Local charters follow NOAA regulations and seasonal limits; many crews participate in reef restoration and encourage catch-handling practices that reduce post-release mortality.
Orange Beach’s fishing culture grew with Gulf shrimping and charter operations in the 20th century; modern recreational charters evolved alongside reef-restoration efforts.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory mackerel runs, Mild seas for first-time anglers
Challenges: Unpredictable frontal systems, Variable water temps
Spring brings active nearshore fishing for king and Spanish mackerel and generally comfortable days—watch the forecast for frontal winds.
summer
Best for: Warm-water snapper fishing, Long daylight for 8-hour combos
Challenges: Hot sun and humidity, Peak recreational season and busy docks
Summer is peak season for vermilion and lane snapper on the shelf; bring sun protection and hydrate frequently.
fall
Best for: Amberjack and triggerfish, Fewer crowds after peak summer
Challenges: Hurricane season overlap early fall, Changing bait patterns
Fall can offer productive offshore days with cooling water; keep an eye on tropical weather advisories.
winter
Best for: Calmer offshore windows, Less crowded charters
Challenges: Colder winds and unpredictable closures, Some species less active
Winter has quieter docks and occasional excellent fishing windows but bring warm layers for the run out to sea.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Non-slip Deck ShoesEssential
Provides grip and comfort on a wet deck while protecting feet from hooks and gear.
Sun Protection (SPF 30+ Sunscreen & Hat)Essential
The reflected sun off the Gulf and hours on deck require high-level sun protection.
Motion-Sickness MedicationEssential
Prevents nausea for susceptible passengers during transit to offshore grounds.
Waterproof Phone Case / Camera
Keeps electronics safe from spray and lets you capture the bite without worry.
Common Questions
What is included in the charter price?
Price includes bait, tackle, rods and reels, the fishing license, public parking, and fish cleaning; food, drinks, and gratuity are extra.
How many people can the Renegade carry?
The boat is permitted for up to six passengers per trip.
Do I need a fishing license?
No—charter includes the required recreational fishing license for your trip.
What species can we expect to catch?
Common catches offshore include vermillion, lane and white snapper, king and Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, and amberjack—seasonal and regulation-dependent.
Are children allowed?
Yes—children are welcome but should be supervised; discuss safety and life jackets with the captain when booking.
What if I'm prone to seasickness?
Take preventative medication before boarding, and let the crew know; the Renegade has an enclosed cabin for shelter and the crew will advise on seating for the smoothest ride.
What to Pack
Sunscreen (all-day protection), Non-slip shoes (deck safety), Motion-sickness meds (pre-boarding), Lightweight cooler (snacks and drinks)
Did You Know
Red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico are federally managed by NOAA Fisheries, and recreational seasons and bag limits are set annually to protect stocks.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book well in advance for summer weekends; 2) Fly into Pensacola (PNS) for the shortest drive; 3) Check marine forecasts the morning of your trip; 4) Label your cooler and fillet bags.
Local Flavor
After the trip, head to the Marina area or Perdido Key’s Flora-Bama to sample fresh Gulf seafood, local oysters, and cold regional lagers—many restaurants will even cook your catch if you ask.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Pensacola (PNS) ~30 miles, Mobile (MOB) ~60 miles; Launch/meet: 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach; Cell service: reliable nearshore, spotty 10–40 miles offshore; Permits: No—charter provides license; follow NOAA size and bag limits.
Sustainability Note
Charters adhere to federal bag limits and seasonal closures—pack out trash, avoid single-use plastics, and follow crew guidance on safe fish handling to reduce mortality.