A man sitting in white sand on a beach during sunset, holding a fishing rod. He is wearing a gray cap with a red 'A' logo, reflective sunglasses, a light blue long-sleeve shirt, and shorts.
Seal of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showing a fishing scene with a large fish, a boat, and a fisherman

Meet CHIP GILLIKiN

Chip Gillikin is a lifelong resident of South Alabama with a deep-rooted connection to the Gulf Coast and its backwaters. Having spent decades fishing these waters, Chip brings unmatched local knowledge and hands-on experience to every trip, guiding both locals and visitors with a strong focus on safety, skill, and respect for the resource.

As the Land-Based Shark Fishing (LBSF) guide for Apex Shark Fishing Charters and owner of Gillikin’s Island, Chip specializes in guided beach-based shark fishing experiences along Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key. His trips are built around responsible angling, proper shark handling, and unforgettable moments on the sand.

Chip is a Certified Florida Friendly Fishing Guide through the Florida Sea Grant Florida-Friendly Fishing Guide Certification Program, demonstrating his commitment to conservation-minded practices, ethical fishing, and coastal stewardship. He is also a proud member of Gulf Coast Guides, a respected local organization that holds its guides to strict professional and ethical standards.

By blending Gulf Coast tradition, laid-back beach vibes, and the adrenaline rush of landing a shark from shore, Chip delivers an experience that’s not only thrilling—but authentic, responsible, and rooted in respect for the Gulf.

Book with Chip

CATCH A SHARK FROM THE BEACH - PRIVATE SHARK FISHING EXPERIENCE

CATCH A SHARK FROM THE BEACH - PRIVATE SHARK FISHING EXPERIENCE

CATCH THE SHARK.
MAKE THE MEMORY.
TELL THE STORY. 

Experience the thrill of land fishing charters like never before with Chip Gillikin! This unique fishing adventure combines expert surf fishing guide techniques with local knowledge for an unforgettable shore fishing excursion.

This family fishing trip is perfect for groups of all sizes and anglers of all skill levels!

Media services included! We'll capture the moments of your experience so you can relive your catches and memories long after the trip ends.

A man with a beard wearing sunglasses, a gray cap, a blue T-shirt, and swim trunks kneels on the beach next to a large shark lying on the sand, with the ocean and a blue sky in the background.

Shark Fishing From Shore: The Gillikin’s Island Experience

What to expect:

When you book a land-based shark fishing trip with Apex Shark Charters, we make it as easy and seamless as possible.

If you’re staying in a beach house in Gulf Shores or Perdido Key, we’ll come directly to you and set up right on your stretch of beach—no loading gear, no driving, no hassle. Just step outside and enjoy a private, guided shark fishing experience from the sand.

If you're staying in a condo, we’ll coordinate a designated meeting spot near where you’re staying and handle everything from there.

Once on the beach, we take care of the entire fishing operation. Using Aqua Cat RC bait boats, we deploy baits far into the Gulf—well beyond the breakers—placing them precisely where the sharks are. There’s no casting required, making this experience smooth, exciting, and accessible for anglers of all experience levels.

While the baits are soaking, relax and enjoy the Gulf Coast atmosphere.

When a shark is hooked, the energy shifts. You’ll take the rod and fight the fish from the beach, guided every step of the way. All sharks are handled with care and released responsibly.

No experience required — just show up, relax, and let us handle the rest.

What to Bring:

To make your beach experience as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing:

  • Beach chairs

  • Towels

  • Sunscreen

  • Any personal snacks or drinks you’d like to enjoy

trip pricing:

$750 — 4-Hour Land-Based Shark Fishing Experience

  • Flat rate for the group

  • No group size limit

What Sets CHIP Apart

Lifetime Local Knowledge

Chip is a lifelong South Alabama resident, with decades of firsthand experience fishing the Gulf Coast and its backwaters.He knows the best fishing spots, tides, currents, and seasonal patterns better than anyone relying on charts or apps.

Certified and Conservation-Minded

Chip is a Certified Florida-Friendly Fishing Guide through Florida Sea Grant, emphasizing responsible, conservation-focused fishing practices. He educates guests on proper shark handling, catch-and-release techniques, and sustainable practices.

Combination of Adventure and Relaxation

Chip blends serious fishing with the laid-back Gulf Coast lifestyle, offering time to swim, sunbathe, and explore the islands while the lines work. It’s not just a fishing trip—it’s a full-day coastal adventure

Get Your 3 day Saltwater Fishing License for Land-Based Shark Fishing

For both Alabama and Florida (if you are under 16 you don't need a license).

FLORIDA LICENSE

Purchase your Florida fishing license at this location in Perdido Key.

Learn more

Complete the free shark course

Learn more

ALABAMA LICENSE

Purchase your Alabama fishing license at this location

Learn more
Two men on a sandy beach holding a large shark they caught, with fishing rods in hand and a clear blue sky in the background.
Woman in a blue bikini and yellow cap standing on ocean beach, holding fishing rod, next to a large shark on the sand, with cloudy sky and other beachgoers in the background.
A woman and three children on a sandy beach posing with a large shark. The woman is kneeling in the shallow water, holding the shark's tail, and the children are standing beside her. The woman and girl are smiling while the boy and girl are wearing swimsuits. An ocean with waves and other beachgoers is in the background.
A woman and three children fishing on the beach with a rod and a blue and gray sand spike, in a coastal setting with buildings in the distance.
People fishing on the beach with high-rise buildings in the background on a sunny day.

  • "He truly is talented and so knowledgeable having grown up here on the Gulf coast and fished his entire life. "

    —Heather O’Hara

  • "It is the information that Chip is putting out there to help us fish better!"

    —Earl Emmons

  • "Chip is amazing! Our experience shark fishing is still being talked about days later. "

    —Rhonda Marriot-Coslet

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ AND SIGN THE WAIVER BEFORE YOUR TRIP

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, all participants are required to complete and accept our waiver before the fishing trip.

WAIVER FORM

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ The cancellation policy

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, all participants are required to complete and accept our waiver before the fishing trip.

Cancellation Policy

need to contact chip?

Ready to experience the thrill of land-based shark fishing on the Gulf Coast? Get in touch with Chip Gillikin to book your next adventure or learn more about our guided shore-based shark fishing trips in Alabama.

Our team is here to answer questions about targeting large sharks from shore, trip details, and what to expect during your Alabama land-based fishing charter.

📞 Contact us today to reserve your spot and get ready for an unforgettable Gulf Coast shark fishing adventure from the beach.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE!

Ready to land your Gulf Coast shark from the shore? Booking with Chip Gillikin is easy, personalized, and guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Every trip is private or small-group, ensuring hands-on instruction, safety, and maximum excitement. Spots fill fast—reserve your shark fishing adventure today and experience the thrill, laid-back Gulf Coast vibes, and expert guidance only Chip Gillikin and Apex Shark Fishing can provide.