Dauphin Island winter fishing report
December fishing in Dauphin Island
December weather in Dauphin Island typically stays consistent with occasional cold fronts. For what ever reason it seems to rain more and more each year during the winter months in general, which can muddy the water in the Bay. When a cold front hits, it’s the perfect opportunity to go surf-fishing on Dauphin Island Beach for whiting and drum. However, if the wind is coming from the south, you may want to target sheepshead or mullet as they become more active on the Bay Side. You can use live bait like crab, squid or shrimp, and lures such as spoons, jigs and plastics. If I had to pick between the two I would probably pick Sheepshead in the bay.
January fishing in Dauphin Island
Cold windy January days can make for some tough fishing around Dauphin Island .While speckled trout and redfish become more active in January. On calmer days, white trout as well as sheepshead can be added to the mix. They can be found around structures or gas rigs in deeper water but choppy water and strong winds can make for some tough conditions to stay on top of structure. Setups such as bridge rigs or Carolina rigs, with live shrimp, on a kahle hook or small split shot tend to work well in these areas year round. You may want to consider using a slightly heaver weight than the typical1/8 or 1/4 ounce jig head with Vudu shrimp, or paddle tail artificial swim baits. This link includes more details on Dauphin Island areas and what local fishermen are catching.
February fishing in Dauphin Island
February is when the getting starts getting good. In February, you can have a good chance of catching redfish, black drum and sheepshead in the bay. Bull-reds are typically found in the upper end of the Bay, also into the Mobile River Delta. Dauphin island has multiple bull-red hotspots including the Rubble Reefs, Interstate 10 bridge, Dog River and The Shoals. You can also have the opportunity to go surf-fishing, off the east end of Dauphin Island Beach, which also has piers and jetties.
While Dauphin Island winter fishing has many different hotspots and varieties of fish that can be caught during different months, February is probably the best winter month to target inshore fish. It’s important to know what fish become active and what bait is most effective. There are several jetties, rocks, small islands and beaches that offer surf-fishing. If this sounds like something you want to give a try, call us and book now to go fishing with experienced fishermen off Dauphin Island!
This video gives a good realistic impression of what inshore fishing around dolphin island can be like during the winter months.
