Full Day Offshore Fishing - Dauphin Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour offshore fishing trip targeting snapper and triggerfishAll fishing gear and licenses included for up to six guestsEarly 6:30 AM departure from Dauphin Island waters
Looking for a serious day of fishing off the Alabama coast? Charter Boat Dorado's full-day trip out of Dauphin Island puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking an 8-hour adventure that takes you well offshore, where the water gets deep and the action gets hot. Captain and crew handle everything from gear to guidance, so all you need to do is show up ready to fish. With species like Red Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, and Cobia on the menu, this trip consistently delivers the kind of catches that make for great stories back at the dock.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 AM sharp - and trust me, that early start is worth every minute of extra fishing time. We'll cruise out from Dauphin Island into the deeper waters of the Gulf, where structure and current lines hold the fish we're after. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility - we can adjust our approach based on what's biting and where they're biting. Some days we'll spend more time bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks, other days we might cover more water trolling for pelagics. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets prime real estate at the rail. No fishing license required on this trip, and we've got all the tackle you'll need - though feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites.
We run a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on conditions and what's showing on the fish finder. For bottom fishing, we'll drop down with chicken rigs and knocker rigs loaded with squid, sardines, and cut bait. This is where you'll connect with Snapper, Triggerfish, and Grouper holding tight to structure. When we're trolling, we'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and ballyhoo rigs to target King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia cruising the water column. The boat's equipped with quality conventional reels and rods matched to the fish we're targeting - heavier gear for bottom fishing, lighter setups for trolling. Circle hooks are the standard for most bottom fishing to ensure proper catch and release when needed. GPS and fish finder technology help us locate productive spots, but reading the water and understanding fish behavior is what really puts fish in the boat.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Dauphin Island's offshore waters hold some beautiful fish. These ruby-red fighters typically run 3-8 pounds in our area, though bigger fish are always possible. They're structure-oriented, so we'll target them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. Snapper season runs June through July typically, and when they're open, they're absolutely electric to catch - strong initial runs and that classic head-shaking fight that tests your drag.
Grey Triggerfish have become a customer favorite over the years. These disc-shaped fighters punch way above their weight class, with powerful runs and a stubborn attitude that'll surprise first-time anglers. They love the same structure as Snapper but tend to be more aggressive feeders. Most Triggerfish we see run 2-4 pounds, and their unique appearance makes for great photos. Season typically opens in spring and runs into summer.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our offshore trips. These silver bullets can hit 40+ mph and make screaming runs that'll have your reel singing. Spring through fall is prime time for Kings in our waters, and they'll readily hit trolled baits and lures. A good King runs 15-30 pounds, though smaller "school fish" and larger "smoker Kings" are both possibilities. The fight is all about that initial run - pure adrenaline.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks-lookalikes cruise near the surface and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving anglers shots at fish in the 20-50 pound range. Spring migration brings the best Cobia action, but they're around all summer. Strong, stubborn fighters that use their broad tails and thick bodies to maximum advantage.
Grouper represent the heavyweights of the bottom fishing world. Red Grouper, Scamp, and occasional Gag Grouper call our offshore waters home. These fish use structure and their powerful bodies to test every aspect of your tackle. Most run 5-15 pounds, but the potential for something larger keeps things interesting. Their flaky white meat makes them a top choice for the dinner table when regulations allow harvest.
At $1,950 for the full boat, this trip delivers serious value for serious fishing. Split between six anglers, you're looking at top-shelf offshore fishing for around $325 per person - hard to beat for 8 hours on the water with a professional crew. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but Gulf fishing can surprise you any time of year. Weather plays a big role in offshore fishing, so we'll work with you on rescheduling if conditions aren't safe or fishable. Book early for peak season dates, and don't forget to bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the day. The fish are out there - let's go find them.
This spacious fishing boat cuts through Gulf waters with serious power - twin 300HP Suzuki four-stroke engines get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the productive offshore grounds quickly. Built for comfort during those long 8-hour days chasing red snapper, triggerfish, and grouper, there's plenty of room to move around whether you're bottom fishing structure or trolling for kings and cobia. The GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure where the fish hang out. With enough space for everyone to fish comfortably and store all the gear, this boat handles the Gulf conditions well and gets you back to the dock with a cooler full of fish. Perfect setup for serious anglers looking to make the most of Dauphin Island's offshore opportunities.
Dauphin Island, AL