12 Hour Tuna Grouper Charter - Dauphin Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targeting tuna, grouper, wahoo, and snapperAll equipment, tackle, bait, and fishing license included onboardProfessional first mate provides assistance for all skill levels
Captain T's 12-hour offshore charter puts you right in the thick of Alabama's best deep-water fishing grounds. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish - yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and snapper - all in one epic day on the water. This isn't your typical half-day trip; we're talking serious offshore action where the big fish live. With everything included from tackle to bait, plus a skilled first mate to keep things running smooth, you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
We're heading out into the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off and the real action begins. This 12-hour charter gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots, from the near-shore rigs where snapper hang out to the deeper waters where tuna and wahoo cruise. The boat's equipped with top-notch electronics to locate baitfish and structure, and our first mate knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll start early - think pre-dawn departure - to maximize fishing time and hit different areas as conditions change throughout the day. The covered area provides relief from the Alabama sun, and with only 6 anglers max, there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing to cover all bases. For the pelagic species like tuna and wahoo, we'll be pulling spreads of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures at varying depths. When we find birds working or see surface action, we'll stop to chunk bait or throw topwater plugs. The deep drop fishing for grouper requires heavy tackle and electric reels to work depths of 200-400 feet. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided - we're talking quality stuff that can handle whatever we hook into. Live bait is included, and we'll catch fresh bait as needed throughout the day. The first mate handles all the rigging and net work, so even beginners can focus on fishing rather than fumbling with complicated setups.
The mahi mahi bite has been phenomenal around the floating grass lines and debris fields. These fish are pure excitement - they hit hard, jump like crazy, and their golden colors are something to see. Most of our mahi are running 15-25 pounds, perfect eating size with some real fighters in the mix. Wahoo fishing peaks during cooler months, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These speed demons can strip 200 yards of line in seconds, and their razor-sharp teeth mean the first mate needs to be on point with the leader. The yellowfin tuna have been showing up in decent numbers around the deeper rigs and sea mounts. Blackfin tuna are more common but still a blast on lighter tackle. Bottom fishing produces red snapper, grouper, and triggerfish when the bite is on. Each species requires different techniques, which keeps the day interesting and gives everyone a chance to learn something new.
Mahi mahi are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing. These fish travel in schools and once you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and their acrobatic fights make every hookup memorable. Peak season runs spring through fall, with the best action around floating debris and weed lines. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the Gulf.
Wahoo are the speed kings of the deep water. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 60 mph and typically weigh 20-50 pounds around Dauphin Island waters. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are plentiful. Wahoo have incredibly sharp teeth and a habit of making blazing runs that test both angler skill and equipment. The meat is firm and white, excellent for grilling or blackening.
Yellowfin tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge. These powerful fish can weigh 50-200 pounds and fight like nothing else in the Gulf. They're found around deep structure and oil rigs, often feeding in the early morning or late afternoon. Yellowfin require heavy tackle and serious technique to land. Their deep red meat is prized for sashimi and steaks, making every successful catch a real prize.
Blackfin tuna are smaller than their yellowfin cousins but pack serious fight into their 10-30 pound frames. They're more common and provide consistent action when the bigger tuna aren't cooperating. Blackfins are excellent table fare and perfect for anglers wanting to experience tuna fishing without the marathon battles.
Bigeye tuna are the deepwater specialists, typically caught while bottom fishing or when targeting other species. These fish have large eyes adapted for deep water hunting and can reach impressive sizes. They're less common than other tuna species but provide excellent eating and a unique catch for the logbook.
This 12-hour charter represents serious value for offshore fishing around Dauphin Island. You're getting a full day targeting multiple species with all gear, bait, and expertise included. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of fishing time for everyone. Weather and fish don't always cooperate, but the long trip duration gives us flexibility to adapt and find the bite. Bring your sunglasses, reef-safe sunblock, and plenty of water - the Alabama sun can be intense even with the boat's shade. Pack a cooler for your catch and prepare for a day that reminds you why offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Our 31-foot AmeraCat catamaran is built for serious offshore fishing around Dauphin Island's productive waters. This stable twin-hull design cuts through Gulf swells smoothly while you target tuna, grouper, wahoo, and mahi mahi during your 12-hour deep-water adventure. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, and the catamaran's wide beam keeps you steady when battling those bigger pelagic species. We've got you covered with quality rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait—just bring your fishing spirit. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the long day on the water. GPS navigation gets us to the hottest fishing spots efficiently, while radar ensures safe passage in any Gulf Coast weather conditions. Our experienced first mate handles the details so you can focus on putting fish in the boat.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye tuna are the deep-water heavyweights, growing over 400 pounds with those massive eyes that help them hunt in darker waters. They're built for depth, often found down to 800 feet where oxygen levels would stress other fish. Dawn and dusk fishing works best since they're more comfortable in low light. These fish are prized for their rich, fatty meat - some of the most valuable tuna on the market. The fight is something else too, long and powerful runs that'll test your gear. My advice: fish darker colored lures in 8-10 inch range as the sun drops. Bigeye rockets and short stocky patterns work great in those dim conditions when they're most active.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest of our tuna species but don't let size fool you - they're fierce fighters that punch above their weight. Running up to 39 inches, they're perfect for lighter tackle and great eating. We find them in warm Gulf waters, often schooled up near continental shelf edges. Fall through spring is peak season here. What guests love is their aggressive nature and how they fight - plus the meat is excellent fresh or canned. They've got sharp eyesight, so scale down your gear. Use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Live pilchards work great as chum to draw schools in close to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter out here. They average 15-29 pounds and put on a real color show when hooked - flashing gold, blue, and green before fading once boated. We find them around floating debris and weed lines in the upper water column, especially during warmer months. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard. Plus, the meat is fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water. Mahi often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph and known for their blistering runs. They typically run 3-5 feet long with that distinctive zebra striping along their sides. We target them around oil rigs and open water, usually trolling fast at 12-15 knots. The cooler months are prime time here in the Gulf. What guests love about wahoo fishing is that explosive initial strike - they'll smoke line off your reel before you know what hit you. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky with a delicate taste. Pro tip: use wire leaders and keep your lures moving fast. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and won't chase slow baits.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our tuna fishing, averaging 60 pounds but capable of hitting 400-plus. You'll recognize them by those bright yellow fins and that torpedo shape built for speed. They cruise the upper 300 feet of water column and spawn here from May through August, making summer prime time. What makes yellowfin special is their versatility - great on the grill, perfect for sushi, and they fight like freight trains. We catch them trolling, jigging, and chunking. Here's what works: when you mark fish deep but nothing's biting topside, bring in the spread and drop jigs. Sometimes they're feeding down there and won't come up for surface baits.
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