5.0(1 Reviews)Swordfish Fishing Adventure | 12 HR Private Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour private charter targets swordfish and premium Gulf speciesElectric reels enable deep drop fishing in offshore zonesAccommodates up to 6 guests with professional equipment included
When you're serious about offshore fishing and want to go after the Gulf's premier gamefish, this 12-hour private charter out of Dauphin Island delivers exactly what you're looking for. Starting at 6:00 AM, you'll spend a full day targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters, from massive Swordfish in the deep blue to solid Yellowfin Tuna and quality bottom fish. At $3,000 for up to 6 anglers, you're getting dedicated boat time with top-tier equipment and the expertise to put you on fish. This isn't a rushed half-day trip – it's built for anglers who understand that the best fishing happens when you've got the time to work different areas and techniques.
You'll be running offshore into some of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds, where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish live. This charter combines two proven approaches: deep drop fishing and bluewater trolling. The deep drop game gets you down to where the Swordfish and Tilefish hang out, sometimes in 800+ feet of water. Don't worry about cranking fish up from those depths by hand – the boat's equipped with electric reels that do the heavy lifting. The trolling spreads cover serious ground while you're moving between spots, and that's where you'll pick up Yellowfin Tuna and other pelagics cruising the blue water. With 12 hours of fishing time, there's opportunity to adjust tactics based on what's biting and where the action is that day.
The electric reels are game-changers when you're fishing the deep stuff. You'll be dropping baits down 600-1000 feet, and these reels let you work that depth without wearing yourself out. For the deep drop, you're typically fishing heavy sinkers with multiple hook rigs, targeting structure and ledges where the bottom fish congregate. The trolling setup runs a different game entirely – outriggers, downriggers, and a spread of lures designed to mimic baitfish moving through the water column. The boat moves at trolling speed between productive areas, covering water and searching for feeding fish. When something hits the spread, you know it's likely a quality fish. The crew handles the technical side of rigging and boat positioning, so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the experience.
"Took an overnight for tuna and swordfish. Came back with tons of black fin and yellow fin. Plus had a limit of snapper to boot! First class fishing operation. Highly recommended!" - Jason
Scamp Grouper are one of the premier bottom fish in the Gulf, and they're exactly why serious anglers make the run to the deep ledges. These fish live in 200-400 feet of water around rocky bottom and structure, and they're known for their hard initial run when hooked. Scamps typically run 3-8 pounds, but the bigger ones can push 15+ pounds and provide a serious fight on the way up. They're most active during cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when they move up on the ledges to feed. What makes Scamp special is their excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. They're also one of the more challenging grouper species to target consistently, so landing a few on your trip is always satisfying.
Yellowcheek Wrasse might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're a welcome addition to any deep drop trip and surprisingly good eating. These colorful fish live in deeper water, typically 300-600 feet, and they're often caught while targeting other species. They're most active during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when they're feeding heavily on small crustaceans and invertebrates around the bottom structure. What anglers appreciate about Yellowcheek Wrasse is their reliability – when you find them, you can usually catch several, and they make excellent table fare despite their smaller size, typically running 1-3 pounds.
Swordfish are the holy grail of deep water fishing, and the Gulf of Mexico holds some of the best Swordfish populations on the East Coast. These fish are apex predators that can exceed 100 pounds and provide fights that anglers remember for years. Swordfish are most active during twilight hours and at night, but daytime deep dropping has become an effective technique in recent years. They're found in 800-1500+ feet of water, often around underwater structure or temperature breaks. What makes Swordfish so special is their incredible fighting ability – they're known for long, powerful runs and aerial displays that test both angler skill and equipment. The meat is also premium quality, with steaks that rival any restaurant preparation.
This 12-hour private charter gives you the time and flexibility to really work the offshore grounds and target multiple species. With electric reels, professional rigging, and access to some of the Gulf's best fishing areas, you're set up for success whether the Swordfish are cooperative or the bottom fishing is hot. The $3,000 rate for up to 6 anglers breaks down to serious value when you consider you're getting a full day on a well-equipped boat with experienced crew. Plus, the free cancellation with 3 days' notice means you can book with confidence and adjust if weather doesn't cooperate. These longer trips book up, especially during peak fishing seasons, so secure your date and get ready for some serious offshore action out of Dauphin Island.
This 35-foot Contender center console is built for serious offshore fishing around Dauphin Island's deep waters. Restored in 2022 with triple 300HP Yamaha engines, she'll cruise at 50 knots to get you to the swordfish grounds fast and back before dark. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work without bumping elbows, while the fish finder and radar keep you locked onto productive bottom structure even when visibility drops. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 12-hour battles with Gulf monsters. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit those deep drop spots where the big yellowfin and tiles are holding. Whether you're dropping electric reels for swordfish or trolling the blue water for tuna, this boat handles the Gulf's roughest conditions while keeping you comfortable and focused on fishing.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper run 4-6 pounds on average but can hit 30+ pounds. These brown, blotchy fish with elongated tail rays live around structure like reefs and wrecks at 75-300 feet deep. They ambush prey and put up a serious fight once hooked - even small ones will test your drag. Best fishing runs February through May during spawning season when they move shallower. What makes scamps special is the meat quality - many captains call it "captain's meat" because it's hands down the best-tasting grouper you'll eat. The Gulf holds some monsters. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure or you'll lose your tackle in the rocks.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep water challenge, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds but capable of much more. These powerhouses live in 1,500+ foot depths and are most active at night when they rise to around 300 feet to feed. We target them year-round here in the Gulf, but peak season runs April through September. What draws serious anglers is the combination of size, speed, and that legendary sword - plus the meat is top-shelf eating. These fish can hit 60 mph and will test every piece of your tackle. We use heavy conventional gear with electric reels to reach the depths where they cruise. My go-to tip: squid is king for bait, and always use multiple lights to draw them up from the deep. Once hooked, be ready for a marathon fight.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusYellowcheek wrasse are small, colorful fish maxing out around 11 inches. They've got bright blue-green bodies with yellow markings and live over sandy bottoms near reefs at 65-300 feet deep. These aren't target fish for most anglers, but they're perfect for kids or light tackle fun on slower days. They nibble at small baits like fresh mussels or marine worms - skip the shrimp since they just pick at it. You'll find them year-round in warmer waters, and they're actually pretty curious fish that will investigate your setup. They change colors as they grow and can even switch from female to male. Best to practice catch and release with these guys - they're better left in the water to keep the reef ecosystem healthy.
5.0 out of 5.0Took an overnight for tuna and swordfish. Came back with tons of black fin and yellow fin. Plus had a limit of snapper to boot! Fi...
Dauphin Island