Also known as the sunset capital of Alabama, this small barrier island is a premier vacation destination that’s famous for its endless stretches of white sand beaches, shimmering emerald waters, and abundant marine wildlife. Of course, like most small towns that skirt the hustle and bustle of urban life, there’s more to Dauphin Island than meets the eye. Take a look below at Reel Gypsy Fishing’s five favorite facts about our little slice of paradise that are sure to keep you coming back to go fishing in Dauphin Island Alabama.

1. The Name is French

Commonly mispronounced as “œdolphin”, our island actually gets its name from the French word for the aquatic animal. Historically, the term dauphin was used as a title for the heir to the French throne, and the island was named for the great-grandson of Louis XIV.

2. It is a Barrier Island

Dauphin Island is unique in that it is a barrier island, a constantly morphing deposit of sand that aligns along shallow coastal waters. Due to their geography, barrier islands create natural microclimates like bays, lagoons, tidal flats, maritime forests, and estuaries, all of which are critical habitats for a range of marine wildlife species.

3. It is a Hub For Migrating Birds

For many neotropical birds migrating to and from South America, Dauphin Island is the first landmass encountered when heading north. Accordingly, the island has several bird sanctuaries, including the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which spans 164 acres and is a temporary home to hundreds of different species year-round.

4. It is Reachable by Both a Bridge and a Ferry

That’s right. To get to Dauphin Island, you have a couple of options. First, you can drive across a massive, three-mile-long bridge that separates Mobile Bay from Mississippi Sound. Initially built in 1955, the bridge was destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979 and rebuilt three years later. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores and cross the mouth of Mobile Bay. Either way, both entrances to Dauphin Island offer scenic and panoramic views of the gulf coast.

5. It Has World-Class Fishing

For obvious reasons, we couldn’t resist adding this one. Just off the coast of dauphin islands are some of the largest and most productive artificial reef systems on the planet. This allows for a richness of marine biolife year-round that is perfectly suited for anglers of all skill sets. Speckled Trout, Redfish, Cobia, Tripletail, Red Snapper, Sheepshead, Mackerel, and more are all hooked regularly, making fishing in Dauphin Island Alabama one of the most premier fishing locations in the US.

Reel Gypsy Fishing: Dauphin Island’s Top Fishing Charter

You can go fishing in Dauphin Island Alabama right now when you book a trip with Reel Gypsy Fishing. Reel Gypsy Fishing boasts a team of experienced anglers and captains that always bring decades of combined experience and knowledge to every trip. We are conveniently located next to a variety of world-class vacation destinations and fishing grounds off the Alabama coast. Book your trip online today, call 251-533-1439.