Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Orange Beach Fishing Charter Experience
Cool Change Charters has been delivering exceptional fishing experiences in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores since 1987. Founded by Captain Joe Nash, a seasoned outdoorsman with over 35 years of Gulf Coast expertise, we specialize in private inshore and offshore fishing charters tailored to anglers of all skill levels. Our USCG-approved vessel accommodates up to 20 guests, ensuring personalized attention whether you're targeting red snapper, king mackerel, or speckled trout. With a proven track record of 5,000+ successful charters, we prioritize safety, education, and creating lasting memories. Our team's deep local knowledge of Gulf waters, combined with family-friendly approaches and modern equipment, sets us apart.As active members of the Orange Beach Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Charter Operators, we maintain the highest industry standards. Every trip includes fishing licenses for Alabama and Florida waters, with crew assistance for baiting, technique coaching, and fish handling. From half-day trolling adventures to 12-hour deep-sea excursions, we customize trips to match your group's preferences. Our commitment to quality has earned us consistent positive reviews highlighting our patience with first-time anglers and ability to consistently locate productive fishing grounds.
Services
Offshore Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
Group Charters
Snapper Fishing
Trolling Trips
Family Charters
Red Snapper Trips
King Mackerel Fishing
Charter Boat Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of Gulf Coast fishing expertise since 1987
- USCG-approved vessel accommodating up to 20 guests
- Family-friendly trips with expert coaching for all skill levels
- Proven success with 5,000+ satisfied charter customers
- Active membership in leading fishing industry associations
Associations and certifications
- US Coast Guard (USCG)
- Orange Beach Chamber of Commerce
- National Association of Charter Operators (NACO)
- Orange Beach Fishermans Association (OBFA)
What people say
Memorable experience
Knowledgeable crew
Great with kids
Consistent fish catches
Professional service
Services
Offshore Fishing
Venture into Gulf waters targeting red snapper, grouper, and amberjack on custom offshore charters. Our 44' USCG-approved vessel accommodates groups of all sizes with professional crew assistance. With 35 years of local expertise, we guarantee action-packed trips for both novice and experienced anglers.
Inshore Fishing
Target king and Spanish mackerel along nearshore reefs in smaller groups of 1-4 people. Our specialized inshore trips focus on drift line fishing techniques. Ideal for those seeking a more intimate fishing experience with personalized instruction from our expert crew.
Group Charters
Customize trips for groups up to 20 people with our spacious 44' Cool Change II vessel. Perfect for family reunions, corporate outings, or special celebrations. We provide all necessary equipment and expert guidance to ensure successful group fishing adventures.
Snapper Fishing
Specialized red snapper charters during open seasons with expert bottom fishing techniques. Our local knowledge maximizes catch opportunities when regulations permit. Includes professional instruction on reef fishing methods and fish handling.
Trolling Trips
Action-packed trolling adventures using 35-rod spreads targeting Spanish mackerel and bonito. Ideal for beginners and families with rotating rod access. Our crew ensures continuous fishing action while teaching proper trolling techniques.
People
Captain Joe Nash
Owner/Operator
With 35+ years of Gulf Coast experience since 1982, Captain Joe has guided 5,000+ successful charters. A lifelong outdoorsman and Orange Beach native, he combines expert fishing knowledge with family-friendly service to create memorable adventures for all skill levels.
Cindy Nash
Crew Member
An avid fisherwoman and integral part of the Cool Change team, Cindy brings extensive hands-on experience to our charters. She assists with guest instruction, fish handling, and ensuring every trip maintains our family-oriented, welcoming atmosphere.
Questions
What types of fishing charters do you offer?
We offer offshore deep-sea fishing, inshore reef fishing, and specialized snapper trips with durations from 4 to 12 hours.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes, we provide cleaning services for your catch, though regulations determine what species and quantities can be kept during your trip.
What's included in the charter price?
All trips include fishing licenses for Alabama and Florida waters, necessary equipment, and professional crew assistance.
How many people can join a charter?
Our vessel accommodates up to 20 guests, with customized pricing for groups exceeding 8 people.
What should we bring on the charter?
We recommend sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and appropriate clothing. We provide all fishing gear and safety equipment.
Do you offer family-friendly charters?
Yes, we specialize in family trips with patient instruction and safety-focused experiences for children of all ages.
Reviews (7)
Tony Brock
Nov 02, 2021
Report
Booked trip last month. Went on a 6 hour trip. Had 10 people. Deckhand was great. Captain was very nice. Talked to him for a bit at end of trip. Both very knowledgeable. Boat was clean and well maintained. Water was slightly choppy. Most of my group was sick. They were very accommodating.
Jimmie Barton
Jul 28, 2021
Report
Picked a date back in February and Mother Nature had other plans for that date. Seas were rough and it poured on us most of the trip. Radio traffic indicated even seasoned guides were not finding many fish, let alone bites. Captain Joe and Deckhand Dallas did a great job locating and getting us on several species. We did not wast half the trip travelling. We caught a bunch among all three of us, unfortunately the trigger fish was out of season and most of the snapper were not legal length. My wife even landed a large amber jack. We brought home meat and had fun in spite of the weather. Would definitely
Brian Waggoner
Jun 30, 2021
Report
We took 15 people, varying experience and age (from 12-70). Everyone landed atleast 20 fish. We hit our limit on Red snapper quick, and filled up on vermillion snapper.
Aiden was an amazing hand. With that many lines all landing fish, he kept up and kept us fishing. I've taken several charters and never had a deck hand as good as Aiden. Take this charter and you will have a great time! Thanks for the best experience we could ask for!
Aiden was an amazing hand. With that many lines all landing fish, he kept up and kept us fishing. I've taken several charters and never had a deck hand as good as Aiden. Take this charter and you will have a great time! Thanks for the best experience we could ask for!
Chris Weaver
Apr 14, 2021
Report
Capt Joe was awesome. Very personable and super friendly. Booked a last minute inshore charter since my new boat is still in rigging. We had a great morning smashing big sheepshead and redfish. Even got a keeper black snapper. Joe was very forthcoming about different areas to catchem when I get my boat eventually. There is fine fishing inshore at Orange beach and Joe can put you on them. Pic is my buddys 1st redfish. Highly recommend cool change! Thanks Joe.
John Muhlhauser
Dec 28, 2020
Report
Absolutely had an amazing time!! Cpt. Nash was able to put us right on the fish! Even with the other boats around we were the only ones reeling in catches! We ended up catching 5-6 different types of fish. Afterwards he fileted our catches to prepare them for use to eat. Overall we had an amazing time!
Becca Fuller
Nov 28, 2020
Report
Overall, I was disappointed with the trip. It started with our charter arriving 20-30 minites late. Before heading out, the deckhand told us he was up the night before working on the engine and to let him know if we smell something funny or see smoke. The ride out to the fishing spot was an hour and a half. We spent maybe an hour total fishing. The rest of our fishing trip ended up being a boat ride. Other members of our party felt the same way and even asked," when are we going to fish?" We did manage to catch two keepers the last hour of our trip but, it did not make up for the time spent on
Cody Gaston
Sep 29, 2018
Report
Captain Joe Nash and his deck hand Ryan were both awesome and kept us catching fish. It was a great trip and something that I hope to do again some day. I highly recommend Cool Change Charters.
