Since you are limited to 12 miles the rigs might be a best bet.
The are some relatively new (2019) reefs off Dauphin Island that I have not fished because we usually go deeper. I assume you have checked out the reef lists at Outdoor Alabama. I you have not you should. The easiest way to access them is through Google Earth or you can download an Excel file. If you look at the "Alabama Wildlife Federation" reefs off Dauphin Island there is a sunken tug, "Jane B" with barge welded to it on the east end of that area.
GPS Latitude |
N30° 5.471' |
Latitude (Decimal Degrees) |
30.091183 |
GPS Longitude |
W88° 13.387' |
Longitude (Decimal Degrees) |
-88.223117 |
If I were limited to 12 miles I would consider going there. Again, I have never fished it but it sure looks like the right kind of target to me other than its relative newness. Pier#r might know better.
As far as the flat line, you need a circle hook (#5/0 to #7/0) with steel leader (I use 27# or 44# single strand - about 15-18") and any reel with good drag and 15-25 lb line. Just hook a frozen cigar minnow through the nose and let the current take it about 50-100 feet behind the boat and set it in a rod holder with the clicker on and a pretty light drag. You can also use alive bait on a float, but it will require more tending. The live bait will not attract remoras quite as much.