About Distraction Fishing Charters
OUR MISSION: To be the most memorable, fun and gracious charter boat in the world!
Distraction has been serving family’s in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area since 2002. The boat and business is family owned and operated by Captain Troy Frady. The charter fishing business specializes in deep sea fishing for family’s and kids. Our charter boat is 41 feet long and 13 feet wide. It is air conditioned, has a clean/modern restroom-toilet and she is a well maintained Hatteras yacht. We carry from 1 to 6 passengers maximum. All the trips we offer are private. This means only you and your group are on the boat. We do not take people and put them together with others in order to fill the boat. Every fishing trip we offer is specific to our guests and their desire. Please continue reading below so you can find out why we are the premier family fishing charter in Alabama.
Distraction operates with a different mindset than other deep sea fishing boats on the Alabama gulf coast. We are also the birthplace of family fishing. We are forward thinking captains and mates that teach you how to catch some really cool fish. Depending on the length of your trip, some of them can be really large. Captain Troy and his crew promote conservation by asking our guests, how many fish do you want or need to make you happy? We offer the best service and hospitality in the charter fishing industry.
Breaking The Rules In Charter Fishing – Creating Our Own Traditions
As a child/teenager, I always thought how I would “break the rules” and do things differently if I ever had my own charter boat. When I left the corporate world in 2002, I had my chance to do something different than all the rest. Since I came from outside the fishing industry, I knew less about how charters were run or the traditions they had, than anyone else. Not knowing all the old traditions, actually gave me an opportunity to offer customers more. I always envisioned deep sea fishing including something more than what it was. Believing that charter boats should have incredible customers service, a lot of hospitality, a bit of education, a positive conservation message and a lot of interaction and fun with our guests was a must for me.
I started my business by connecting with our customers. We began asking them, “What would you like to do today?” To my amazement, most of them would tell me that they wanted to “Have a good time, catch fish and keep a few for supper, etc.” To my amazement, about 30% of them didn’t care to keep any fish at all. They just wanted to go fishing. I had just stumbled across a novel idea that had never been tapped in charter fishing. My customers just wanted to catch a lot of fish. It didn’t even matter the size. Having customers tugging on fish, keeping what they needed and releasing the rest, would become my goal.
When I started in 2002, reef fish populations were beat down from severe over fishing. This made catching legal size fish like red snapper, triggerfish, grouper and amberjack tough. In order to get the bite, I quickly bought and started using light tackle and focusing on family and kids as my customers. They would be easier to please than those who were only there to fill their freezer.
Making sure everyone caught a lot of fish was going to be my goal that year. I even broke the old charter boat rule and let people come upstairs and drive the boat. Something till this day you don’t hear of. Before I realized what I had done, I had broken all the rules of charter fishing by giving customers what they wanted, instead of what our competitors thought they wanted. I guess that ole saying about “a rule born out of tradition doesn’t serve the customers on Distraction Charters.”
Available Fishing Trip Lengths
During the busy summer months, the only trip options we offer are 6 and 10 hours in length. Why? First – The US Coast Guard allows us to work a maximum of 12 hours a day. The only way we can make a living for our family’s is to work as many hours a day as we can during the summer tourism season. Since two six hour trips equals 12 hours, that is the right formula for us. During the spring and fall, when there are fewer people in town, we offer shorter or longer trips, depending on what our guests want to do.
Because we want you to have a good time and catch fish, the 6 hour trip is the minimum or shortest trip we offer. The 6 hour territory covers waters up to 22 miles offshore. There are a lot of reefs and fish we can take you to catch in that area. Shorter trips keep you close to shore where fishing pressure is incredible and the fish are smaller or smart enough not to bite your hook. Because we want you to have a successful trip, we encourage you to book a minimum of 6 hours. Any trip shorter may disappoint you, and that is something we don’t want to happen.
Why We Have You Submit A Reservation Request
Our reservations require two quick and easy steps. First, the Inquiry you submit with a little information about your group, when you want to fish and tell us what you want to achieve on your trip. This helps us create a trip just for you and understand what you are looking for out of a charter. Our competitors don’t do that. The second step is to confirm your trip.
We are Not Like Everyone Else. The reason we don’t allow you to click an “easy button” and “instantly” confirm your trip is simple. The brokers who offer “Instant conformations” are triggering you to impulse buy. Much like a casino slot machine with all the bells and whistles, they are designed to distract you. These distractions in our opinion force you to make a buying decision before you know what you are actually getting.
Being different than the rest, we do not publish pictures of only our “best trips or biggest fish.” Each day is different and not every day produces a cooler full of fish or a big fish. Most days we catch plenty. In our opinion, Instant confirmations may be fine when buying a product from Amazon, but it will get you in trouble or let you down when booking a fishing charter. Fishing charters do not sell fish. We sell service, hospitality and wonderful experiences.
Customer Service and Hospitality
Our attention to customer service and hospitality is unsurpassed. Our reputation is flawless, but our desire to please you continues to improve every day. Each trip helps us become better at what we do for you. We believe deep sea fishing involves so much more than catching fish. That is why we involve you and your family in what we are doing. You and your kids are welcome to come upstairs with the captain. You are welcome to drive our boat. We let you ask a thousand questions if you want.
Most importantly, we offer you a stress free, laid back environment. Your captain treats you with respect, laughter and a fun. We educate, demonstrate and let you learn at your own pace. Our fishing tackle is simple and easy to use. However, there is a learning curve on becoming proficient using it. That is where your deckhand comes in. He gently and calmly takes you through each step of the process. This helps you catch fish.
Your Fishing Time
When it comes to deep sea fishing, all charter boats pretty much ride the same amount of time, catch the same size and species of fish for the same trip length. What we do differently is, we communicate with you and let you know beforehand about how long the ride is to and from the fishing grounds. If you are happy catching fish, we let you fish. This gives you more fishing time. As long as the fish are biting, we stay and let you catch them. When the fish bite slows or a dolphin or shark shows up and stops the bite, we move on to another spot. We will also move if the fish we are catching aren’t big enough to keep.
How Many Fish You Want vs How Many Fish You Need
Being responsible and accountable for our actions is important to us. We are the only charter who will ask you before you start fishing, what you want to do with your fish. We have had trips before where customers caught a bunch of fish and put them in the cooler and when we got back to the dock, they did not want their fish. It has happened more frequently than can imagine and still happens on many other charters.
Instead of automatically assuming that the purpose of your trip is to limit out or fill the cooler, we ask you what you want to do with the fish you catch. It doesn’t matter to us if you want to keep a limit or just a few for supper. We don’t mind if you want to let them all go. We are here to serve you and will do all we can to please you. If the fish you catch are in season, you are welcome to keep them all. If the fish you catch are not in season, we will let you get a picture and let it go. We are servants that want you to get the most out of your deep sea fishing trip.
We Are Obsessed Where We Are Going, Not With Our Competition
Our competitors often battle to see who has the best catch or the biggest fish. They are obsessed with being good fishermen and many have huge egos. We are not like that. We refer to ourselves as humble servants. We care if you receive the best experience. We don’t care what other captains are doing or catching. Instead, we do our own thing. That is what makes us unique. And that is what makes what we do for you, so special.
We are only obsessed with why we do what we do and where we are going. We have no ego. All we do is strive to be the best we can be and learn something new every day. Our goal is to be the best servant and give our guests the opportunity to have fun and hopefully learn something new. We do these things in an attempt to become better guides. Some days we are ahead, and other days we are behind. But every day we are working on ourselves and how we can improve the service we provide you.
Catching a big Wahoo is always a possibility while deep sea fishing in Orange Beach on our specially requested full day trips.
Why you will enjoy Deep Sea fishing with Distraction!
We take you to catch the same species of fish everyone else catches, but we offer so much more. Your family will enjoy deep sea fishing the way we do it. With us, there is fun, laughter, humor, safety, luxury, education and a whole lot of reeling. When you allow us to serve you, you are going to get an experience that is so valuable, you can’t find it elsewhere.
Where Our Charter Boat Is Docked
We are docked just left of the Orange Beach Marina dock store which is located at 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561
Where We Take You To Fish
We fish south of Orange Beach beach, in the Gulf of Mexico. Our boat can see the condo’s on short trips. We do go farther offshore where you may lose sight of the top of the condos on our longer trips. Deep sea fishing can be up to 40 miles out, depending on the length of the trip you book. Since most of our trips during the summer months are half a day in length, we usually stay within 10-12 miles on our regular charters. On our half day premium fishing trip, we go faster, which gets you farther. The distance ranges from 16 to 20 miles offshore. On the premium trips, you have a chance to catch more variety of fish. These fish include vermilion snapper, white snapper and possibly a lane snapper. Our full day trips are where we can target larger fish like amberjack and grouper (as long as they are in season).
Your Captain and Crew’s Professionalism
Captain Troy (me) is a former corporate banking executive, transportation manager and commercial pilot that acts professional at all times. I do love to laugh, tell clean jokes and I find humor in every day life and situations. I have a way of getting shy children out of their shell and want to hang out with me upstairs. I even teach them how to drive the boat. Professionalism and safety go hand in hand on our vessel. The captain crew is drug and alcohol free. You can rest assured that your family is in competent and qualified hands when you allow us to serve you. You don’t have to worry about us being under the influence of anything other than happiness.
Why Distraction Is Unlike Any Other Fishing Charters Around
Peter Drucker said ” You can’t be an expert in something that used to work.” Coming from the corporate world of over 20 years, I found that quote to hold true. Many of the fishing charters we booked when I was a child, those captains habits, mannerisms are still the same as they were 40 years ago. That is why we offer a different kind of fishing charter, not just an alternative to other ones. When I tell you we are different, we mean it. I will explain below my past experiences with other charters for the past 30 years, in order to help you understand why we are the way we are. For over 21 years, we have been specializing in nothing but family fishing.
We Book Our Own Fishing Trips
Charter fishing companies that book their own boats, offer better over all fishing experiences. This is because when we don’t allow brokers to book us, we are able to invest that much needed revenue back into our business. When you see how we take care of our boat and tackle for yourself, you will understand what we are talking about.
Reasons You Should Book With Us:
The main reason you need to give us a chance to serve you is, we are just like you. We know what you expect and want for your family. We are extremely humble servants and our customers are the best. From the time you book your fishing charter trip, until we say goodbye, we are always there for you and asking are you satisfied. We trust our customers and they trust us to always do what is right. For that reason, we don’t require a deposit to hold your trip. All we need is a credit card number on file like a hotel. Doing so insures your spot and commitment to go fishing with us. If you are not satisfied with the way we treat you, we promise to make it right.
Our guides are teachers. We educate and demonstrate to you, how to catch saltwater fish. We then demonstrate how to bait your hook and drop your lines to catch the fish. When you come with us, you will come back feeling like you have accomplished something. You will be happy with yourself and your trip. When you allow us to serve you, you can relax, enjoy the sights, sounds and get ready for some world class fun.
Our Goal For You and Your Family
Our goal is to take you to the best fishing spots and keep your poles bent, catching one fish after another. We focus on you having something tugging on your line every time we stop the boat. Since we don’t fish for limits or only big fish, your family gets to enjoy a relaxing fishing experience where you can actually fish.
As long as the fish are biting, we will let you catch them. After we have fished a spot and you have caught some fish, we will ask you if you are ready for a break while we move to another reef. Then the process of catching fish starts all over again.
The Fish and Your Participation?
While most of the red snapper fish we catch on our regular half day trip are average size 14″ to 16.” These trips keep you within 15 miles of shore, some of them may be a lot larger that that. Our longer trips or premium half day trips take you from 15 to 20 miles in distance from shore. Here you can learn to catch a few more species than you can on the regular half day trip. We take you to try and catch as many different species of fish as we can, so you can experience what all lies beneath the seas. As with any fishing trip, the length of your trip, weather conditions, moon phases and your participation are all keys to catching quality fish. You can’t catch them if you are not participating. That’s why we encourage everyone to participate, no matter their age.
Catching a jack crevalle is a treat for any family. The food quality is not so good, but the game fish fight is one to remember.
Everyone likes the way we explain things so you will know we care about you getting a return on your investment. This ensures that you get the best charter fishing trip available. We are conservationists when it comes to deep sea fishing. We strongly believe that we need to take only what we need from our marine resources. This is because we want future generations will have fish to catch. We also do all we can to ensure the fish you catch and release survive. We do this by using barbless circle hooks and fish descending devices that keep fish from getting the bends.
The Best Fishing Trip We Offer
Our featured year round fishing charter, is the Half Day or 6 hour deep sea fishing trip. These trips are ideal for families and first time anglers. Our premium half day as mentioned above, gets you farther, faster while still giving you the same amount of fishing time as our regular half day trip. The premium trip is not designed to fill the cooler. The premium trip gives you a chance to catch some mackerel, vermilion snapper or red porgy, in addition to catching some red snapper and triggerfish.
Our full day trip is about full day is approximately 10 hours in length. These trips are ideal for family’s that want to get out to deeper water which is 28 to 40 miles offshore. These are ideal for those who have been fishing before, but want to see what all is out there. Grouper and Amberjack are possible on full day trips.
Why We Do, What We Do, For Families and First Time Anglers
Competition between brothers is common.
We love families and it shows!
Parents and Grandparents Love What We Do For Them
Moms play a vital role in a child’s development. They also love to share those moments when their child catches their first fish.
Whether you are parents, first timers, have small kids or are involved grandparents, you will find something uniquely impressive when you allow us to custom tailor a deep sea fishing trip that is just right for you. Our guests have the opportunity to get involved at any level they choose and will learn something new about deep sea fishing in Orange Beach that you never knew existed. Being parents and grandparents, we want everyone to experience deep sea fishing. We especially encourage those parents who have children or family members with special needs, to bring them with us. We welcome them.
In addition to learning something new, your family will have a lot of fun and get a chance to catch some really nice fish using light tackle. With fishing seasons and bag limits being reduced to just a few weeks or months on popular species like red snapper, you may not be able to keep any of the fish you catch during certain times of the year. That doesn’t mean you won’t catch some quality fish. We can certainly catch a lot them and take a picture of you holding your trophy or first fish.
We expose you to deep sea fishing in Orange Beach in a way that allows you to truly absorb all of those magical moments and a world of wonder that might be missed if they were not pointed out. There is so much more to charter fishing than just riding on a boat and filling a cooler. Our goal is for your family and kids not to miss a thing and to catch some quality fish.
Escape Ordinary and try a different kind of fishing charter. Experience fishing with Distraction Charters
Being different, not just another Alternative.
Deciding to take your family deep sea fishing in Orange Beach it is important to know what we are actually doing for you. We are family fishing specialist that only offer exclusive private charters. These trips are ideal for those who don’t want to be around a lot of people they don’t know or want to be with a professional crew. All we offer are family fishing and both the half day charters and all day charters are a lot of fun. We also have two daily departure times during the summer months on our half day trips. This makes it ideal for those who want to sleep in or rise with the chickens.
We are good at what we do and we focus on making your families fishing trip special. Simply put, we put others first, and it shows. One of the biggest misconceptions people have about fishing is, they assume all charter boats are the same. Well, all boats do have similar bells and whistles and we all catch fish; but what we really do for you is offer great service and work hard to personalize your trip so you will be enthusiastic about your adventure. We offer a premium service that allows your family to engage at any level they choose. We love to laugh, have fun and help you learn how to catch fish.
In addition to having a professional captain who acts more like a host and our guests get to take advantage of many services we provide. These services include a laid back atmosphere, use some incredible light tackle gear and we take you to fish on reefs that we only know about where you will have a chance to catch bigger fish. We calm any anxieties you may have about bringing the kids fishing so you can just sit back and enjoy your trip. There is nothing we love more than seeing a family spend time together and share some really neat experiences. In the end, you get a trip that is a unique experience and gives you a better return on your investment.
How we custom tailor your fishing trip
Imagine Catching Mahi-Mahi while you are fishing in Orange Beach
When deciding to book a fishing trip for your family or for your kids, it is important to include as much information you can on the reservation form. This helps me see how I need to start custom tailoring your trip. In addition to basic personal information, we have a space where we ask you to “tell us what you expect to get out of this trip.” This is the space that allows you an opportunity to tell us what you would like to get out of this experience or address any concerns you might have. This field is an opportunity to tell us what you are thinking or to explain what you want out of the fishing trip. I read everyone of them and use them to help prescribe a custom trip that is unique to your family or group. Personalized service comes standard on our trips and best of all, we will call each of you by your name.
There are a lot of people who have taken our half day trips in the past, and are now ready to graduate to the next level. That is why we began offering our All Day charters. They have been hugely successful and popular among many of our past guests.
Come on and Indulge Yourself by fishing with us. Besides, Don’t you deserve it?
Leading The Next Generation Of Charter Fishermen
Since early childhood, we dreamed how if we had our own charter boat, we would do things differently. Judging from our own past charter fishing experiences dating back as far as the early 1970’s, this gave us an opportunity to capitalize on and blaze our own trail by offering value added services to you. Over the years we made mistakes, but we learned from them and made an effort to change. Instead of fighting “the way it has always been done”, we evolved, grew and have now grown our small business into one of the most successful charter operations around. We did this by communicating with our guests and heard what they were saying. By doing so, we began offering families something uniquely different than any other charter company around. We became the first of what is known now as The Next Generation of Charter Fishermen. We are caring, considerate, responsible and an accountable operation. We created a company that attracts like minded anglers, who really care about their family having a good first experience.
You will be extremely pleased at how gentle and professional we are with your family and children. When you choose one of our exclusively private fishing charters in Orange Beach, Alabama, you and only your family or group will be on the boat except for our professionally staffed captain and crew.
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