Leigh McPherson

• Inventory is WAY down.  For the past 5 years, we hav struggled with a glut of overpriced properties.  The numbers show that we only have about 5 months of inventory now - as opposed to 24 months worth just a couple of short years ago. 
• Signs in my own business:  I have recently sold or put under contract listings that I have had for as long as 2 years - and the contracts went quickly and very close to list price.
• Prices are steadily moving up - in a continuum - rising about 3%.
• And happily for buyers who want to borrow money: Interest rates, for both primary and second homes, are still very, very low.

Dreaming of Spring?  Read the following article by my husband, Capt. Don McPherson of Getaway Charters!

It is cold, rainy and a bit gloomy. It is winter. Many people experience this weather across the country. But wait, there is Spring Break and it is almost here. I cannot think of a better place to enjoy spring break than Gulf Shores, Alabama or Orange Beach. Sunny days, white sandy beaches and fishing. Take some time to relax on the beautiful white beaches. After a day or so on the beach, you may want to jump on board a nice comfortable boat and enjoy a few hours on the water. Three, four and six hour Gulf Shores fishing charters are the most popular during spring break. Take your family fishing and treat your children to this awesome adventure. Mom and Dad will enjoy the fishing and will certainly love the thrill from watching the kids reel in fish from the beautiful Alabama Gulf waters. You will most likely see some dolphins swim around the boat. Watch seagulls dive into the water in search of their dinner. Also keep an eye open for sea turtles sunning on the surface. Enjoy the quiet peaceful time together on the water. If you are not the quiet type, then you may enjoy some fun music on the back deck of your boat while you cruise and fish along the Alabama Gulf waters. If you prefer music then check with your captain before booking your charter and make sure there is music available on the boat. 

What kind of fish may you catch? The type of fish will depend on the length of trip you choose. The three and four hour charters are usually trolling only. Trolling is a method of  placing several lines out behind the boat while you cruise slowly along the beach or travel south of the beach. This is relaxing as everyone waits on a fish to strike one of the baits. In the Spring you may catch Spanish mackerel which are tasty fish. These fish  range from a couple of pounds to over 5 pounds. These fish are great for the young kids because they are not too difficult to reel in. I have seen many four year olds reel in these fish. This is a thrill for everyone. But dont get me wrong, adults enjoy this fishing also. Big bull redfish usually hang around until late March or very early April. These fish usually weigh from 17 pounds to well over 20 pounds. It is not uncommon to catch a 30 plus bull redfish. These bull redfish are caught by trolling or casting into a school. If you choose a six hour charter then you will most likely bottomfish. This method of fishing is traveling offshore 10 to 20 miles and stopping over a reef. Most of the time everyone will fish at the same time. Some anglers will choose to only fish 2 or 3 at a time while the others cheer the anglers on. The angler will release the line on the reel and allow the bait to drop several feet down in the water or maybe even drop to the bottom. You will wait for a bite and then start reeling. There will always be a deckhand by your side to assist you and your group with all of your needs. Some of the fish you may catch as you bottomfish will be vermillion snapper, triggerfish and white snapper (red porgy). These are all tasty fish. These fish will usually weigh a few pounds. This fishing is great for any age. You will also most likely catch red snapper while bottomfishing. Since red snapper season is closed during the Spring, you will have to release these fish. They will give you a battle, especially on light tackle. There is always a chance to hook into other fish on a six hour charter. If you want to experience a full day fishing charter then you will most likely catch some larger fish including amberjack. Remember, it is always your choice to keep your fish or catch and release. Your captain will tell you which fish are in season. 

It is time to shed the winter blues and plan your Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Spring Break. The sunny beaches, tasty seafood and hungry fish await you. What are you waiting for? Come enjoy our beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast as you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Captain Don McPherson

www.getawaycharters.com