Alabama’s Gulf Coast hosts a treasure trove of marine life. Whether close to shore or far off in deep blue waters, there’s a new angling experience waiting for everyone. Here’s a list of the top 10 fish to catch during your stay on Dauphin Island.
Red snapper
A staple of the region, these fish are a great catch for beginners and pro anglers alike. Red snappers vary wildly in size. Those which are several feet long are prized for photoshoots.
Triggerfish
These strangely tall but thin bottom dwellers hang out in coral reefs some 10-20 miles offshore. They come in many splendid colors, though grey is most common in the Gulf of Mexico.
Amberjack
These sleek metallic looking fish are tough as nails when biting on your line. This just increases their appeal for game fishing. Once harvested, they make for thick filets perfect for grilling and smoking.
Cobia
Large and packing lots of flavors, cobia are also highly sought both for big game and for food. Their girth means they put up a reel fight for anglers looking for a challenge.
King Mackerel
A quick eater with razor-sharp teeth, catching one of these is no trivial feat. King Mackerel are generally found by trolling within sight of land.
Wahoo
Long and sleek with a cool blue coat, the Wahoo is an agile deep sea fish that requires quick wits and a shiny lure. If you manage to catch one, they also make a great filet.
Tuna
The Gulf Coast is abundant with both bluefin and yellow (ahi) tuna. Bluefins are larger, fattier and prefer deeper, colder waters, while yellowfins are small and lean. That said, both are prized as delicious take-home catches.
Sharks
Bull sharks, hammerheads and mako sharks all appear in the waters off Dauphin Island. Recently charters have stepped up to help customers land this hard-fought catch. Though shark meat is a delicacy, the strong taste and smell can be off-putting to some.
Swordfish
Those looking for a true challenge might want to try their hand at swordfish. They are large, aggressive and require a lot of live bait. They also make an excellent trophy or wall mount!
Fishing Season
What’s the best fishing season? The simple answer is it depends. Every fish species has different migration and spawning periods. For example, triggerfish and cobia swim near the shores in March and April, while peak Amberjack season is from August to October.
Fortunately, fishing around Dauphin Island can be done year-round due to the presence of artificial reefs. Keep in mind quotas and regulations that exist to help with fish preservation. This means you can only catch fish to keep within their designated fishing season. For example, the red snapper season in Alabama is in June and July. These limits help to maintain the population so that everyone can enjoy Gulf coast fishing for many years to come!
Fishing Events
Beyond the plentiful fish and peaceful environment, Dauphin Island is home to some renowned angling competitions. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo was founded 90 years ago and is now the world’s largest deep-sea angling competition! With a grand prize of $1 million, the competition brings in thousands of participants a year.
The Mystic Stripers Fishing Rodeo is a great family-oriented event perfectly timed for Father’s Day. It has many categories for everyone to participate in. The Rodeo includes many of the fish on the list above, such as cobia and Spanish mackerel.
Orange Beach vs. Dauphin Island
There are a lot of popular angling spots across the Gulf coast. Orange Beach in Alabama is an especially popular locale. However, the fish stocks around Dauphin Island are just as plentiful and diverse. With the relative lack of industry, fishing makes for a relaxing but rewarding experience while staying at a Dauphin Island beachfront vacation rental. There’s always something to catch without the stress of other anglers or boats scaring the fish away.
There are lots of ways to approach fishing at Dauphin Island. One popular method is surf fishing, which doesn’t require a boat or any heavy equipment. There are also a variety of fishing charters for hire which accommodates people of all ages and skill levels. They’re perfect for those looking for guided wildlife tours or family-friendly group activities.
Looking to take your angling game up a notch or just try something new? Fishing is one of the best pastimes for many travelers while staying at a Dauphin Island vacation rental!