Dauphin Island coastal waters
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Fishing regulations at Dauphin Island coastal waters, AL
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Alabama can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Northern red snapper
Bag limit2
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size16" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Special gear
Non-SS Circle Hook
Anglers must use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait.
Restrictions & requirements
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Required licenses
Additional information
Alabama's 2026 Private Angler Red Snapper Season
Alabama state waters and federal waters will open to private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers for red snapper harvest on Friday, May 22, 2026. The season will be open 7 days a week until the end of the year or when Alabama's quota has been met. NOAA Fisheries has set the 2026 private angler quota for Alabama at 664,552 pounds. A season closure date will be announced when the 2026 quota is anticipated to be met.
*Remember to report your red snapper, gray triggerfish and greater amberjack harvest through Snapper Check. In addition to an Alabama saltwater fishing license or saltwater angler registry a Reef Fish Endorsement is also required to land reef fish in Alabama.
*Operators of vessels with an Alabama Commercial Party Boat License without federal for-hire permits must abide by the state season, possess an Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement for charter vessels and may only fish inside the 9-mile state waters line.
Click Here for the 2025 Red Snapper Landings Summary
NOAA Fisheries Announces the 2026 Gulf of America Red Snapper Recreational For-Hire Season
The season for federally permitted for-hire reef fish vessels will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2026, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 26, 2026.
The 2026 red snapper fishing season for vessels with a federal for-hire reef fish permit is 147 days in federal waters of the Gulf.
Edibility
Synonyms
Red drum
Bag limit3
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size16" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Max size26" (Total Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Additional information
Edibility
Synonyms
Blacktip shark
Bag limit1
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Min size54" (Fork Length)
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.
Aggregate limit1
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Special gear
Shark Circle Hook
Anglers must use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural bait
Edibility
Synonyms
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