Full Day Dauphin Island Red Snapper Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day trip targets red snapper, king mackerel, and cobiaAll tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses includedSeasonal availability June through September from Dauphin Island
Get ready for an eight-hour fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of Alabama's most productive Gulf waters. Captain Joey and Underdog Fishing Charters know exactly where the fish are biting off Dauphin Island, and this full-day trip gives you the time needed to really dial in on the good stuff. From first light until the coolers are full, you'll be working Alabama's prime fishing grounds for red snapper, king mackerel, cobia, and whatever else is hungry that day.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're heading back just when the bite gets good. Eight hours means Captain Joey can take you to multiple spots, adjust tactics when needed, and really put you on fish. The 8 AM departure gets you out there during prime morning feeding times, and you'll stay until the afternoon bite winds down. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and your fishing licenses – so you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, which means everyone gets plenty of room to work and nobody's fighting for deck space when a big king comes to the boat. Pack some snacks and water since you'll be out there all day, and don't forget non-spray sunblock because the Alabama sun gets serious out on the Gulf.
Captain Joey runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For red snapper, you'll be dropping bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait down to structure in 60-80 feet of water. The key is getting your bait down fast before the smaller fish can steal it, and Captain Joey's got the spots dialed in where the keeper-sized reds hang out. When targeting kings and cobia, expect to troll with live bait and lures along drop-offs and current breaks. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle anything from 15-pound Spanish mackerel to 40-pound cobia. Live bait makes all the difference out here – fresh pogies, cigar minnows, and blue runners that get the big predators fired up. Captain Joey reads the water, watches the electronics, and adjusts the game plan throughout the day to keep you on productive water.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Alabama Gulf fishing, and Dauphin Island puts you right in prime snapper country. These fish average 3-8 pounds with plenty of 10+ pound fish mixed in during peak season. They're structure-oriented fish that live on artificial reefs, natural bottom, and oil rigs, feeding on everything from small baitfish to crabs and squid. Red snapper season typically runs June through early August, and the fishing is absolutely lights-out during this window. What makes them so special is the combination of great table fare and solid fights – they'll test your drag and make you work for every fish.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Alabama's waters produce some genuine giants. These fish range from 15-40 pounds with occasional 50+ pound smokers that'll make your reel scream. Kings are pelagic predators that follow baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges, making them perfect targets for trolling with live bait. They hit hard, run fast, and jump when they want to, putting on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. The meat is excellent when prepared right, and there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a big king taking off with 200 yards of line.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These fish look like sharks when they cruise up to the boat, often following rays and other cobia in small schools. They average 20-50 pounds and are incredibly curious, sometimes swimming right up to check out the boat before deciding whether to eat your bait. Cobia are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. They're strong fighters that will test your endurance, and seeing a 40-pound cobia surface next to the boat never gets old.
Spanish mackerel are the action fish that keep rods bent when the bigger fish are being picky. These speedsters average 1-3 pounds and hit with surprising authority for their size. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and are excellent bait for bigger predators like cobia and sharks. Spanish mackerel school up in huge numbers during their peak season, and when you find them, expect fast action with multiple hookups.
Sheepshead are the finicky biters that test your skills and patience. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure and have incredible bait-stealing abilities, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They average 2-5 pounds with occasional 8+ pound slabs that are true trophies. Sheepshead are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for any preparation.
This full-day Dauphin Island fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality time on productive water with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The seasonal timing from June through September puts you right in the sweet spot for red snapper, kings, and cobia when they're most active and abundant. With everything included and a small group size, you're getting personalized attention and the best shot at filling the cooler. Captain Joey's local knowledge and commitment to following all regulations means you're fishing with someone who cares about the resource and your experience. Don't wait on this one – call 251-583-4885 to confirm your date before booking, and get ready for a day of Gulf Coast fishing at its finest.
Hit the waters around Dauphin Island aboard this sleek 2023 24' Pathfinder center console, built to get you to the fish fast and comfortable. Powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha that pushes 45 knots, this bay boat cuts through Mobile Bay chop with ease. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for cobia, while the fish finder helps locate those red snapper schools offshore. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation whether you're running to the artificial reefs or following bait schools. Perfect setup for up to 4 anglers targeting king mackerel, triggerfish, and Spanish mackerel during Alabama's prime fishing season.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the Gulf's premier gamefish, known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag. Most fish we catch run 15-40 pounds, but we see some real bruisers over 50 pounds during peak season. They cruise open water and edges in 40-150 feet, hunting schools of baitfish. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're thick and feeding aggressively. What makes kings special is that initial strike - nothing hits harder or faster. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. These fish have razor teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speeds and watch for diving birds - that's where the bait schools are, and kings won't be far behind.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize catch around Dauphin Island's deeper waters, typically running 1-2 feet long and 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones lurk down there. We find them in 30-120 feet around hard bottom, wrecks, and structure where they feed on crabs and baitfish. Summer months are prime time when they're most active and legal to keep. What makes them special is that solid fight they put up - they'll head straight for cover when hooked, so you need to muscle them up quick. The meat is absolutely top-notch, mild and sweet. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait and keep it right on the bottom. They're picky eaters, so if you feel that light tap-tap, set the hook fast before they spit it out.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are shallow water warriors that'll give you heart-stopping topwater action right in 1-4 feet of water. They average 18-28 inches and 3-8 pounds, with that distinctive black spot near their tail and bronze-red coloring. We find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges where they root for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are prime, but they bite year-round in our waters. What guests love is watching them crash topwater plugs in skinny water - pure adrenaline fishing. They fight hard in shallow water with strong runs and head shakes. The meat's mild and sweet, great for blackening or grilling. Local secret: look for "tailing" fish with their backs out of water while feeding, then make quiet approaches and accurate casts ahead of them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those black stripes, and they're some of the trickiest fighters we target. Most run 2-6 pounds and 12-18 inches, though we catch some real slabs pushing 8-10 pounds around the right structure. They live around docks, bridges, pilings, and reefs where they crunch barnacles and crabs with those human-like teeth. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy. People love the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that'll clean your hook without you knowing. But the reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, sweet white meat. Best advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get tight to structure, and set the hook at the first nibble.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some of the most fun fights we get around here. They typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds, traveling in schools near the surface. We find them around structure, grass flats, and open water, usually in the top 20 feet. Summer's peak season when they're thick, especially early morning and late afternoon. What guests love is how fast and aggressive they hit - no subtle bites here. Plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfect. These fish move constantly, so when we find a school, we work it quick. Local trick: use small shiny spoons or live shrimp, but keep your bait moving. They won't chase a dead offering.
Dauphin Island, AL