5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Fishing Trip in Dauphin Island, AL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter with Captain Richard aboard Fear Knot.All gear, licenses, and bait included for up to 7 guests.Seasonal inshore or nearshore trips based on weather conditions.
Looking for some serious fishing action without burning a whole day on the water? Captain Richard and the Fear Knot crew have you covered with this top-rated half-day charter that puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether we're working the inshore flats or pushing out to nearshore structure, you're getting a genuine Alabama Gulf Coast fishing experience that adapts to whatever Mother Nature throws our way. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – we read the conditions, chase the bite, and put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming.
Captain Richard knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing that knowledge with his anglers. When you step aboard Fear Knot, you're joining a crew that lives and breathes Alabama fishing. We'll either work the productive inshore grass beds and oyster bars where reds and flounder love to ambush baitfish, or head to the nearshore reefs and structure where kings and Spanish mackerel patrol. The beauty of this half-day setup is flexibility – we can adjust our game plan based on tides, wind, and where the fish have been most active. You'll have room to move around comfortably with up to 7 anglers max, so no one's fighting for rail space when the action heats up. The captain keeps things fun and educational, especially if you've got kids along for the ride. Trust me, there's something special about watching a young angler land their first redfish.
We've got all the tackle dialed in, so you can leave your gear at home if you want. Our rods are rigged for everything from bottom fishing for black drum to trolling for kings when we venture nearshore. Live bait is king down here – expect to see plenty of live shrimp, pinfish, and croakers in our wells, along with a solid selection of artificials for when the fish want something moving. Inshore, we'll work everything from popping corks over grass beds to free-lining live baits around structure. If we head nearshore, we might pull some spoons or dive baits behind the boat while also working bottom rigs on productive reefs. Captain Richard will get you set up with the right presentation for whatever species we're targeting, and he's not one of those guides who just hands you a rod and walks away. Your Alabama fishing license is included, along with all the terminal tackle you'll need.
"I've always booked off-shore. This was enjoyable and captain was great. He is very involved if you have children. My 7 year old had a blast. If you book you must ask the captain about the fish dance" - Austin
Black Drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters, and Dauphin Island sits right in prime territory for these bruisers. You'll find them year-round, but spring and fall bring the best action when they move shallow to feed on crabs and oysters around structure. These fish can push 20-40 pounds easily, and once you hook into a big drum, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to that slow, powerful fight. They're not flashy jumpers, but they'll test your drag and make your arms burn. Look for them around oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and anywhere the bottom has good structure to hold crabs.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many call them, are the ultimate ambush predators in our waters. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to nail unsuspecting baitfish swimming overhead. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest doormat-sized fish typically showing up in summer. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the subtlety – you need to feel that light tap and set the hook before they realize the bait isn't real. A good flounder dinner is hard to beat, and these fish will test your finesse and patience.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll get your heart pumping when they slam a bait or lure. During their peak seasons in spring and fall, we'll often encounter them nearshore around reefs and structure. Kings are pure adrenaline – they'll make blistering runs, jump, and do everything possible to throw your hook. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 10-pounders to genuine smoker kings pushing 30+ pounds. The fight is spectacular, but don't sleep on the table fare – fresh king mackerel on the grill is phenomenal.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round, with fall bringing some of the best action when they school up in massive numbers. Slot-sized reds (16-26 inches in Alabama) provide outstanding sport on light tackle, with enough power to make multiple runs while staying close enough to shore for half-day trips. Bull reds over the slot limit offer even more excitement – these fish can exceed 40 inches and will test every knot in your rig. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm.
Atlantic Mackerel round out our target list and provide fast-paced action when they're around. These smaller cousins to the king mackerel travel in schools and can provide non-stop action once you locate them. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers since they're aggressive biters that don't require heavy tackle. Spanish mackerel, which are likely what you'll encounter in our area, have razor-sharp teeth and a feisty attitude that makes them fun on light spinning gear. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Captain Richard and Fear Knot deliver the kind of customer-favorite fishing experience that keeps anglers
Step aboard the Fear Knot's custom Blazer Bay 2400, a fully rigged fishing machine built for serious anglers targeting Dauphin Island's productive waters. This 24-foot center console packs everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the shallow bays and grass flats. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned perfectly over structure without spooking fish, while the fish finder reveals exactly what's swimming below. Stay connected with marine VHF radio, navigate confidently with GPS, and keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox. Between fishing spots, crank up the multimedia system and grab cold drinks. Captain Richard has this rig dialed in for Alabama's inshore bite, accommodating up to 7 anglers comfortably. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the deeper drop-offs, this setup delivers the performance and comfort that separates great fishing days from average ones.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are fast-moving schooling fish with distinctive blue-green backs and wavy black stripes. They average about a foot long but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding. These pelagic speedsters stay in open water, often forming massive schools that can stretch for miles. Summer months bring them closer to shore where we can reach them on half-day trips. What's great about mackerel is the non-stop action once you find a school - it's bend-and-reel fishing at its finest. They're also fantastic eating, loaded with healthy omega-3s and perfect for smoking. The trick is using small, shiny lures or sabiki rigs. Once you hook one, keep your lure in the water - where there's one mackerel, there's usually hundreds more waiting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90. You'll find them cruising shallow oyster beds, muddy flats, and around pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning in our brackish waters and estuaries. These fish put up a solid, determined fight that'll test your drag system. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key - use fresh crab on a circle hook and keep it right on the bottom. They're picky eaters, so patience pays off when targeting these spotted-tail fighters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf, capable of blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. These silver torpedoes average around 30 pounds but can top 90, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through regular line in a heartbeat. We target them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Summer through early fall brings the best action when baitfish are thick. What guests love is the explosive strike followed by drag-screaming runs - pure adrenaline. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill. Here's the secret: always use a wire leader and hook live bait through the nose with a stinger hook in the back. Kings typically hit the tail first, so that second hook is your insurance policy.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species, easily spotted by their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and put up fantastic fights in shallow water where you can watch the whole battle unfold. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings schooling action that's hard to beat. Guests love them because they're aggressive feeders, great fighters, and excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The visual aspect of sight-fishing adds real excitement to the experience. My go-to tip: work topwater plugs early morning over shallow flats. That explosive surface strike will get your heart pumping every time.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side watching for prey above. These ambush predators average 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy flats, around structure, and near drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. Fall months from September through November offer the best fishing as they feed heavily before winter. What makes them special is their incredible table quality - firm, white, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They hit live minnows, sea worms, and squid aggressively. Pro tip: use a slow drift with your bait just off the bottom, and when you feel that tap, give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0I’ve always booked off-shore. This was enjoyable and captain was great. He is very involved if you have children. My 7 year old ha...
Dauphin Island Marina