Anglers can expect great fun in the sand while casting into the waves with their surf fishing rod. Dauphin Island surf fishing is a treat for all.
Two of the best times for surf fishing on Dauphin Island are at dusk and at dawn. When you stay at Dauphin Island Beach Rentals you’ll be close to the fish at any time of day.
Our top tips for surf fishing on Dauphin Island.
You’ll be surprised at the variety of fish that you can catch right from our Gulf Coast shoreline either surf fishing or via boat. They include a wide array from Amberjack to Dolphinfish, Flounder and Groupers, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Redfish, Sea Mullet, Sharks, Snappers, and speckled trout. And that’s just for starters. Surf fishing makes it easy to catch great fish from the shore. And when you’re ready for boat fishing on Dauphin Island, we’ve got you covered there as well.
Surf fishing is easy and enjoyable when you take into account the season, low tide vs. high tide, weather, and the fish you’re trying to catch before you set out with the right equipment and bait in hand. It’s great family fun and kids can readily take part.
Best technique for surf fishing.
You’ll want to learn to have greater accuracy and distance. Typically use a basic overhand cast to accomplish that. Take the rod and holding your arm bent up at 90 degrees, flick the pole out quickly, straightening your arm to send your bait into the waves. Over time you’ll learn how fast and how hard to cast to accomplish the perfect launch.
Find the perfect Dauphin Island fishing conditions.
Look for sand bars. This will be a tip as to where the fish are. Typically they’ll be behind it. Look for these where the waves start to break. Fish are prone to feed near sand bars as well as rip currents.
Also, find the shells and coarser sand areas on the beach. These are areas where you may have a better chance for a catch.
Things like the time of day and the weather conditions can make a big difference
Rainy weather and overcast conditions can help by reducing the appearance of the fishing line for the fish.
High tides, when combined with dusk or dawn surf fishing, are opportunities for better results since there is more water available to the fish.
Pick your surf fishing gear.
Getting prepared is critical. Here are some of the things you’ll want to add to your checklist.
- Fishing rod and reel designed for salt water
- Tackle and bait
- Cast Net
- Knife
- Bait Bucket
- Extra fishing line
- Pliers
- Tape measure
- Umbrella
- Wear the right clothes including rain gear, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- First aid kit just in case
Dauphin island features idyllic surf fishing locations.
There are so many options. Favorites include all along the West End of the island, known for its wildlife, which is ideal for both wade fishing and surf fishing. Also not to be missed are surf fishing spots on the east end of Dauphin Island, including the fishing pier at bill goat hole, on the beach, and from various jetties.
The island is full of ideal fishing spots for surf anglers, so you won’t have any difficulties finding a good option. Much of the western end of Dauphin Island is completely undeveloped, with several areas that are perfect for surf fishing and wade fishing.
You’ll find a number of bait and fishing tackle stores on the island where you’ll find everything for your rig, including hooks and live bait. They can help with a surf rod if you need one of these as well. These include Dauphin Island Marina and Mark’s Bait and Tackle.
What kind of bait? Fresh bait is the key here, and favorites include shrimp, squid, and crab. For those not wanting to use live bait, lures can work, including spoons and floating plugs, but are best during calm and clear conditions. Ask at one of the expert stores for what others say is working.
Dauphin Island fishing rules.
You can purchase your Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources fishing license online or via a licensed vendor. These are annual and expire on August 31.
Graham says
Is there anywhere on the island where I can rent a saltwater rod and reel? And if not, any idea on what that would cost me to buy new?
Thanks
Adam says
I’m unaware of anywhere that rents out fishing gear, but it may be worth calling ship ‘n shore. You would be able to pick on up at the Walmart in Theodore at a reasonable price though.
Eric says
Looking forward to staying at your Tidal Wave property in a couple of weeks. Is there any good surf fishing there on the bay side or is it typically better fishing on the gulf side?
Adam says
Easy to find opinions on that. 😉 One of my local experts tells me to focus on the Bay Side. Live Shrimp is good for bait and a popping cork to keep it off the bottom and away from crabs. You might hook a speckled trout or possibly a red, or lots of other things. You can fish behind your property, you might also try Salt Creek or the near the bridge. Good luck!
Richard Miller says
I will be down there the first 2 weeks of March. What kind of fish can I catch ?
Adam says
When you go to a bait and tackle shop, be sure to ask if they have any reports of pompano running. They usually show up in March. There is always something that will take the bait!
Clark says
Are you allowed to fish on the bay side of the island? I noticed lots of docks, and I wondered if the bay side was all private property. Is fishing better on the bay or surf side?
Adam says
You can fish on the bay side. The wet part of the sand is public, but it may be easiest to go down to West End Beach and you have several miles of bay beach to explore. Either side can be great, it just depends on what is running, but there is always something.
Clark Massey says
Thank you for running this page. I haven’t found any information about surf fishing rules in Alabama. I plan to go with my kids (7,9,10). Can we fish three or four poles? Our goal is edible fish, and we aren’t looking to hook any monsters. Would the Islands south beach near our beach house be good enough, or should we travel out to the west end? What species should we target in late July? All tips are appreciated!
Adam says
Sure, I’d recommend stopping at Jemison’s on the way to the island to grab some bait and ask what people are catching. I’d try close to your house if the beach isn’t too crowded, just for convenience. If you can spot a run out, the fishing will be better. Remember though, run outs are where the undertow occurs and it will be more dangerous for swimming.
Speckled Trout: Artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, or live bait such as shrimp or baitfish can be effective for targeting speckled trout.
Redfish (Red Drum): Redfish can still be found along the beaches of Dauphin Island in July. Look for troughs, channels, or areas where there is an inflow of bait and current. Cut bait, live bait (shrimp or baitfish), or artificial lures can be used to attract redfish.
Flounder: Flounder fishing can remain productive in July. Live or cut bait, such as mullet, shrimp, or finger mullet.
Pompano: Pompano are commonly targeted during the summer months on Dauphin Island. Sand fleas (mole crabs) are a preferred bait for pompano, but you can also use shrimp, clams, or artificial lures designed to mimic sand fleas.
Spanish Mackerel: Spanish mackerel can still be present in the surf zone during July. They are attracted to baitfish schools, so using shiny spoons, small jigs, or live baitfish can increase your chances of hooking them.
Dave Hunt says
Hey I’m coming down the 3-10 of June staying about halfway down dauphinois island on the bay side is fishing good there off the bank
Adam says
Yes, fishing is good on either side. The slope is very gentle, so you can wade out pretty far also.
Dennis says
I will be staying in the Quivira Bay Area of the island, we will have our own dock. Is fishing off of the docks there worth it?
Adam says
Absolutely. your deepest water it typically along the docks lines, which makes for a channel.
John says
When do the whiting run on the island? I am planning to stay on the island in October.
Adam says
You can catch whiting year-round, but you do see more and bigger ones in the winter months.
Richard says
Can you fish the west end at night and is the parking lot open at night?
Adam says
Yes and yes. Night time is a great time to be on the west end beach. Easy access to both sides.