Nearshore Fishing Adventure | 6 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour private charter accommodates up to 6 guests starting 6AMTarget Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Cobia and Bull Sharks nearshoreFree cancellation available with 3 days advance notice
Looking for a fishing charter that delivers serious action without breaking the bank? This 6-hour private trip with Massacre Island Fishing Adventures puts you right in the heart of Dauphin Island's best fishing grounds. Starting at 6:00 AM, you'll have the entire morning and early afternoon to work both nearshore and offshore waters where the big fish live. With room for up to 6 anglers at $1,500 total, this charter gives your group exclusive access to some of Alabama's most productive fishing zones. The early start means you'll beat the afternoon chop and have prime time fishing when the bite is hottest.
Captain and crew know these Gulf waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using time-tested strategies that work year-round. You'll start the day running to productive spots where structure holds baitfish, and where baitfish go, predators follow. The boat is equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus all the safety gear required by the Coast Guard. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and whatever snacks or drinks you want for the day. The crew handles everything else, from rigging baits to gaffing your fish. This isn't a cattle boat charter - with just your group aboard, you get personalized attention and coaching that makes a real difference in your success rate.
This trip combines the best of both worlds: bottom fishing for reef species and trolling or live bait fishing for pelagics. When you're working the bottom, expect to drop heavy sinkers with circle hooks loaded with cut bait or live pinfish. The captain will position the boat over structure where snapper and other reef fish congregate. For the bigger predators like king mackerel and cobia, you'll switch to trolling with spoons, diving plugs, or pulling live bait behind the boat. The crew carries a variety of rod weights from medium spinning gear for smaller species up to heavy conventional tackle for sharks and large cobia. Live bait is often the key to success out here, and the boat typically carries a good selection of cigar minnows, blue runners, and other Gulf Coast favorites.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and Dauphin Island's artificial reefs hold some real beauties. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, hanging tight to wrecks and rocky bottom in 60-100 feet of water. During snapper season, expect fish in the 5-15 pound range with occasional larger specimens. They're excellent table fare and put up a solid fight on medium tackle. The key is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish steal it.
King mackerel are speed demons that can show up anywhere from 30-100 feet of water, especially around bait schools. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds common in these waters. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs that will test your drag system. They're perfect for trolling, and nothing beats the sight of one coming up behind a bait at full speed. Fresh king mackerel steaks on the grill are hard to beat.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These curious brown sharks look-alikes cruise the surface and will often approach the boat to investigate. Summer months bring the best cobia fishing, with fish averaging 20-40 pounds and occasional monsters over 50. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test every knot and connection. Sight fishing for cobia with live bait is as exciting as it gets - watching a big fish track your bait before crushing it never gets old.
Bull sharks and tiger sharks patrol these waters year-round, with summer offering peak action. Bulls are aggressive and powerful, typically running 100-300 pounds in the Gulf. Tigers are more methodical but even stronger, with distinctive stripes that fade as they mature. Both species provide battles that can last 30 minutes or more on heavy tackle. Shark fishing requires patience and strong gear, but the payoff is worth it when you hook into a fish that's bigger than most people.
Vermilion snapper, or beeliners as locals call them, are smaller cousins to red snapper but just as tasty. They school in huge numbers over hard bottom and provide steady action when the bigger fish are finicky. Most run 1-3 pounds, making them perfect for kids or light tackle enthusiasts. Their bright pink and silver coloration makes them one of the prettier fish you'll catch, and they're outstanding in the fish fryer.
This 6-hour charter offers the perfect balance of fishing time and value, giving you access to Dauphin Island's top-rated fishing grounds without the full-day commitment. The $1,500 rate for up to 6 people breaks down to just $250 per angler if you fill the boat - that's a bargain for private charter fishing in the Gulf. With free cancellation if you give 3 days notice, there's no risk in securing your date early. Peak fishing months fill up fast, especially weekends and holidays, so don't wait if you see an open slot that works for your schedule. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, family reunion, or just want to get your crew on some serious fish, this charter delivers the goods with professional service and local expertise you can count on.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35-foot Contender center console that's ready to take your crew of up to 6 anglers into Dauphin Island's productive fishing grounds. Triple 300HP Yamaha engines power this fishing machine to a cruising speed of 50 knots, getting you to the fish fast and keeping more time with lines in the water. The 2022 restoration means everything runs smooth and clean while you're chasing red snapper, king mackerel, and cobia in the Gulf's nearshore waters. Onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe in changing conditions. The spacious center console layout gives everyone room to fight fish, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour adventure. Whether you're bottom fishing for snappers or trolling for kings, this boat handles Gulf waters with confidence and gets you back to the dock with a cooler full of fish.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers that can show up anywhere - even in brackish water where rivers meet the Gulf. These stocky fighters average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds with an attitude to match. They patrol shallow coastal waters, especially around structure and drop-offs in 20-80 feet. Summer months are prime time when they move into our warmer inshore waters. What guests love is their unpredictable nature and raw power - bulls fight dirty with strong runs toward structure. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit fresh cut bait like mackerel, mullet, or bonito. My secret weapon? Fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook. Set up a good chum line and use heavy tackle with circle hooks. Bulls don't give up easy.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our Gulf waters - big brown fish that cruise solo and pack serious power. Most run 30-50 pounds, but we've seen them push 70-80 pounds out here. They love shallow structure like reefs, wrecks, and oil platforms in 30-70 feet of water. Spring spawning season brings the best fishing, though summer around structure stays productive. What guests love is the visual aspect - you'll often spot these fish cruising just under the surface before casting. They fight hard and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My tip? Use bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range and don't worry too much about color. Work it slow near the bottom around structure. Cobia are curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the bait up before striking.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fighters in Gulf waters, averaging 20-30 pounds with plenty reaching 40-50 pounds. These silver speedsters cruise depths between 40-150 feet, often around structure or current breaks. Spring through early fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like nobody's business. The meat is rich and flaky, though high in oils. Best technique? Use a wire leader with dual hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of bait, so that second hook saves the day. During summer months, we find them consistently around oil rigs and artificial reefs where baitfish congregate.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing - beautiful fish that turn bright red as they mature. Most run 15-25 inches and 5-15 pounds, though we catch plenty in the 20-30 pound range around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Season runs June through July typically, though it varies yearly. What makes snapper special is they're fighters that taste amazing - firm, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. They'll dive for cover when hooked, so keep pressure on them. Live pinfish or cigar minnows work best, but fresh squid and shrimp produce too. Pro tip: use a heavy sinker to get down fast and keep your bait near bottom. Snapper are smart - they'll steal bait if you're not paying attention.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the nomads of shark fishing - big, powerful, and built for the long haul. These bruisers commonly run 8-12 feet and 800-1200 pounds, with females growing even larger. They patrol deeper waters around 1000 feet but move shallow to feed, sometimes in just 30-50 feet. Summer months bring them closer to shore following warm currents. What makes tiger fishing special is the sheer power - it's you versus a fish that can weigh more than a small car. Fresh mackerel, tuna, or bluefish chunks work best on heavy tackle with 100-pound test and big circle hooks. The key is patience and a good chum line. Once hooked, these sharks make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Their distinctive stripes fade with age, but the fight never does.
Dauphin Island