Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report

On this week's Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, Butch Thierry and Angelo DePaola cover a strong spring bite across the Alabama Gulf Coast, from deep-drop swordfish and offshore bottom fishing to the changing surf bite along Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. This week, Chris Vecsey breaks down how he uses electronics, structure, bait, sacrificial weights, and quick drops to target daytime swordfish, including what worked during a four-for-four Mud Marlin tournament trip. Next up, Tony Emmons with South Alabama Surf Fishing gives an honest surf report, where pompano have been hit-or-miss, but whiting, quality flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, jacks, and a few other beach species are giving anglers plenty to chase. Finally, Capt. King Marchand checks in from Dauphin Island with an offshore report centered on scamp, beeliners, live bait, tuna that were marked but stubborn, and why the current bottom fishing may be too good to leave. SPONSORS AFTCO Make Wake Deep South Cranes Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Dixie Building Supply KillerDock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts McCoy Outdoors Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits Pure Flats ADCNR Marine Resources Division Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics Camper City Mobile Destin Boat Show

This episode of the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report covers the full spring transition across the Alabama coast, from boat fishing the jetties to working the surf and even what's happening off the water. Captain Ben Knight kicks things off with one of the hottest bites on the coast right now—pompano stacked up around the jetties. He walks through exactly how he's targeting them from a boat, from dialing in tide direction and current seams to using smaller live shrimp on Carolina rigs to match their bite. It's a really practical breakdown of how to fish moving schools, how to adjust between incoming and outgoing tides, and why this might be one of the best pompano runs he's seen in years. He also touches on flounder showing up as quality bycatch and trout starting to stage up in the grass, giving a pretty complete picture of what's happening in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach zone. Then the perspective shifts to the beach with Cooper Garmeson, who gives a boots-on-the-sand report from Fort Morgan. The surf bite has been steady, with whiting leading the charge and a mix of trout, flounder, and even Spanish mackerel mixed in. What stands out here is how simple the approach is—basic bottom rigs tipped with shrimp and Fishbites, fishing the trough for numbers and reaching past the sandbar for bigger fish. It's a good reminder that you don't need anything complicated to have a really productive day from the beach right now. The episode wraps with Jim Cox, who talks through the upcoming Destin Boat and Yacht Show and what it says about the Gulf Coast boating scene right now. From hybrid boats that can run offshore to sandbar-friendly setups, the conversation highlights just how versatile the fishery—and the lifestyle—has become, and why this region continues to grow as a boating and fishing destination. Taken together, it's a snapshot of a coast that's heating up in a big way. Whether you're fishing jetties, soaking baits in the surf, or just thinking about getting on the water, there's a lot happening—and it's only getting better. SPONSORS AFTCO Deep South Cranes Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Dixie Building Supply KillerDock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts McCoy Outdoors Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits Pure Flats ADCNR Marine Resources Division Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics Camper City Mobile Destin Boat Show

This week's Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report is all about adapting to tough conditions and finding fish when the wind won't let up. Host Butch Thierry sits down with Captain Tanner Deas and Captain Patric Garmeson to break down what they're seeing across Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and the surrounding inshore waters—and why this stretch of windy weather might actually be making anglers better. Captain Tanner Deas shares how heavy winds are forcing anglers to slow down, cover water more intentionally, and focus on protected areas where bait and fish are stacking up. Wade fishing has been especially productive, with solid numbers of redfish and flounder showing up and trout beginning to make a stronger push, particularly in areas closer to where they've overwintered. With live bait hard to come by, artificials are doing the heavy lifting, and subtle changes in retrieve and cadence are making a big difference in getting bites . Captain Patric Garmeson echoes the same theme from a different angle, emphasizing how windy days force anglers to dial in their approach and learn more about specific spots. He's seeing strong redfish action on bait, a steady trout bite in select areas, and flounder showing up just about everywhere. He also shares how slowing down, working an area thoroughly, and experimenting with presentation can turn a tough day into a productive one . Across the board, the takeaway is clear: fishing is heating up along the Alabama Gulf Coast, but success right now belongs to anglers willing to adjust. From changing retrieves to targeting protected water and paying attention to bait movement, this episode is packed with real-time insight on how to stay on fish when conditions are far from ideal. SPONSORS AFTCO Deep South Cranes Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Dixie Building Supply KillerDock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts McCoy Outdoors Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits Pure Flats ADCNR Marine Resources Division Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics Camper City Mobile

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, we're digging into early spring patterns across the Gulf Coast, and there's a lot starting to take shape if you're paying attention. Butch Thierry and Dylan Kiene kick things off with Captain Tanner Deas of Dauphin Island Fishing Charters, who's been dialed in on a strong sheepshead bite around nearshore structure. Tanner breaks down how small differences in docks, rocks, and current seams are holding fish right now, why crabs are dramatically outfishing shrimp, and how anglers can still put together big numbers even from shore when conditions keep them off the rigs. From there, they talk with Sam Sumlin of Community Fly Shop in Gulf Shores, who's been exploring the backwaters and finding one of the most unique bites we've heard in a while. From big river trout to a 20-plus pound striped bass and even snook showing up in the same systems, Sam walks through how he's approaching these mixed-bag fisheries on fly, what he's seeing with bait movement, and how to fish structure and bank lines when you truly don't know what might eat next. They wrap things up with Captain King Marchand of Capt. Mike's Fishing, where the offshore action has been just as strong. Swordfish success, yellowfin tuna, and solid bottom fishing closer to shore all point to a wide-open spring if the weather lines up. Between delayed trout movement, aggressive sheepshead spawning behavior, and some wild multi-species opportunities popping up inshore, this is one of those weeks where staying flexible might be the difference between a slow trip and one you won't forget. SPONSORS AFTCO Deep South Cranes Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Dixie Building Supply KillerDock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts McCoy Outdoors Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits Pure Flats The Wharf Boat Show ADCNR Marine Resources Division Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics

Spring is starting to show up along the Alabama Gulf Coast, and with it comes some of the most exciting seasonal fishing patterns of the year. In this week's Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, host Butch Thierry checks in with guides and anglers across the region to break down what's happening on the water right now. Captain Bobby Abruscato of A-Team Fishing reports that speckled trout are beginning their seasonal transition out of the rivers as water temperatures climb into the low 60s. While many fish are staging near the mouths of tidal rivers, some of the biggest trout are still holding farther up the system on shallow flats and channel edges. Over on the beach and pier scene, Sean Lawless of The Lawless Tide shares a strong sheepshead report from Gulf State Park Pier, where anglers are catching fish from shallow sections all the way to the end of the pier. Ghost shrimp on small jigheads have been especially effective, often outperforming traditional baits like fiddler crabs and live shrimp. Captain Ben Knight with Great Southern Fishing Charters adds that the sheepshead spawn is firing up around passes, bridges, and jetties along the coast, with big fish staging on nearshore structure. He also discusses nighttime redfish opportunities around dock lights and bridges, along with a few important reminders about fishing etiquette and responsible harvest during these seasonal congregations. If you're planning a trip to the Alabama coast this week, this episode will help you understand where the fish are moving, what they're eating, and how to take advantage of one of the most dynamic fishing periods of the year. SPONSORS CCA Alabama AL DCNR Dixie Supply and Baker Metalworks Killerdock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Slipski Coastal Connection Fiber Plastic Hilton's Realtime Nativator McCoy Outdoor Co. Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits

This week's Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report covers a fishery that's in full transition mode. After wild swings in weather, from 80-degree afternoons to freezing mornings, Captain Patric Garmeson reports that the fishing has actually been better than you'd expect for late February. On warming trends, fish are sliding shallow and acting more like it's spring already, with redfish, trout, flounder, drum, and sheepshead all showing up in the mix. When conditions turn windy and cold, the rivers and protected water are still producing, especially around docks, rocks, and pilings. One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is the importance of being reactionary. The fish are simply responding to water temperature, clarity, and pressure, so anglers need to do the same. Patric shares a tactic he picked up from the Lower Chesapeake Bay report that's made a real difference locally: downsizing tackle. By switching to lighter braid, lighter leaders, and small jig heads paired with subtle plastics like the Slick Junior and Little Slick, he's been able to get more bites in clear, pressured water. When trout are suspended in deeper systems like canals and the Mobile River, a slow-sinking presentation—whether it's a free-lined shrimp or a lightly weighted artificial—has been key. Bait-wise, live shrimp are still effective, but fresh dead shrimp have been surprisingly productive, especially for redfish, drum, and flounder. With flounder showing up consistently across multiple systems since January, there's growing optimism about what the spring flounder bite might look like. As sheepshead season ramps up, the conversation shifts toward conservation. Patric emphasizes the value of releasing fish over 20 inches, not just during the spawn but year-round. Those larger fish represent significantly greater egg production and long-term genetic strength in the fishery. The "Release Over 20" mindset isn't about shaming anyone; it's about keeping a strong population for the future while still enjoying a fish fry with mid-sized fish. Offshore, Tom Hilton breaks down what to look for when targeting wahoo and tuna. Ideal wahoo water ranges from the upper 60s to mid-70s, with clean blue water, defined temperature breaks, structure, and current all stacking together. Areas near the Destin fads, the Oriskany, and along the shelf edge show promising conditions when those factors overlap. Tuna, as always, remain harder to pin down, but temperature, bait presence, and current remain central to the search. The episode wraps with a reminder about the upcoming Mobile Boat Show and opportunities to get involved in fish tagging through CCA Alabama. A cool tagging story highlights just how much growth and movement can happen over 500 days in the life of a redfish, reinforcing how valuable long-term data can be. Overall, this report is about adaptability. Whether you're inshore chasing trout and sheepshead or offshore hunting wahoo, the anglers who pay attention to environmental shifts and adjust accordingly are the ones finding success right now. SPONSORS CCA Alabama Dixie Supply and Baker Metalworks Killerdock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Slipski Coastal Connection Fiber Plastic Hilton's Realtime Nativator McCoy Outdoor Co. Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, Captain Tanner Deas fills in and checks in offshore with Captain Chris Vecsey for a trip that turned into a serious meat haul. What started as a tuna plan shifted to targeting a strong temp break near the Spur, where they boxed three solid wahoo on deep-diving plugs. After the troll slowed down, they pivoted again and quickly hooked up on swordfish in 1,500-plus feet, landing a 100-pound-class fish and proving the value of reading electronics and staying flexible. Inshore, Captain Richard Rutland breaks down a strange, dry winter that has left fish scattered and inconsistent across Mobile Bay and the rivers. Trout have been keyed in on smaller-profile baits like the Slick Junior, with subtle retrieves and lighter jig heads outperforming bigger, flashier presentations. They also talk about how slick-calm days can make shallow fish spooky, why a little wind can help, and how the bull redfish bite on the south end of the bay has been heating up. From pelagic pivots offshore to fine-tuning winter trout patterns inshore, this episode is all about adjusting on the fly. If you're fishing this warm trend and trying to stay ahead of changing conditions, there's plenty here to sharpen your approach. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply McCoy Outdoors CCA Alabama Ricciardone Dentistry KillerDock Foster Contracting Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts Coastal Brew Baits

In this episode of the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, host Butch Thierry is joined in the studio by Dylan Kiene and welcomes Gabe Tidmore and Captain Matt Swiggum for a deep dive into the recent Winter Classic tournament and the challenging winter conditions along Alabama's coast. The conversation centers on how rapidly changing weather, strong winds, and dramatic water level swings reshaped fish positioning from one day to the next, forcing anglers to constantly adapt their game plans. Much of the discussion focuses on how trout and redfish behaved during the event, why bites were often subtle or resulted in short strikes, and how pressure and unstable conditions made even well-scouted areas difficult to fish consistently. The group breaks down practical lessons learned on the water, including the importance of slowing presentations, adjusting cadence, and experimenting with lure profiles when fish refuse to fully commit. They compare notes on what worked across different parts of the system, from deeper 10–12 foot holding areas to shallow structure affected by wind-driven current. Lure selection, color confidence, and profile changes all come into play, with anglers explaining how they rotated baits to trigger reaction strikes while avoiding overworking schools during scouting and tournament hours. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to tournament strategy, including managing five-fish bags, knowing when to stay put versus when to move, and how the Winter Classic's staggered flight system added an extra layer of planning to each day. The anglers also share hard-earned insights on electronics use, reading bait behavior, and recognizing when fish are present but simply not feeding. The show wraps with a detailed discussion on fish care and livewell management, highlighting how proper salinity, aeration, and additives can make the difference between losing fish and earning valuable live-fish bonuses. Overall, the episode delivers a candid, experience-driven look at winter tournament fishing and offers plenty of actionable takeaways for anglers dealing with cold fronts, high winds, and finicky coastal fish. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply KillerDock Foster Contracting Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Saltwater Marketing Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts

In this episode of the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, host Butch Thierry presents the latest insights on inshore, offshore, and onshore fishing around Mobile Bay, Perdido Bay, and the Gulf Coast. Special guests include Drew Giles with The Fever, who shares expert sheepshead fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, and gear tips, and Tyler Hanks, who recaps the Battle of the Grubs tournament with strategies for landing trophy speckled trout. Captain Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters delivers an offshore update, focusing on scamp grouper, vermilion snapper, and recent regulatory changes impacting winter fishing. The show offers actionable tactics, tournament strategies, and up-to-date fishing reports for anglers targeting sheepshead, speckled trout, and more during the prime Gulf Coast winter season. SPONSORS The Coastal Connection Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Works Foster Contracting KillerDock BOW Blue Water Marine Service Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Saltwater Marketing Hilton's Realtime-Navigator Fiber Plastics Inc

Join the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report for a masterclass in cold-weather inshore fishing. Hosts Butch and Joe are joined by two expert guides, Captain Evan Wheeler from the Pensacola area and Captain Patric Garmeson with Ugly Fishing from the Mobile Bay fishery, for an in-depth discussion on how to consistently find and catch speckled trout and redfish when the temperature drops. This episode dives deep into the science and strategies that make winter fishing successful. The captains break down how a fish's slowed metabolism changes their behavior, making solunar feeding windows more critical than ever. They discuss how to adjust your retrieve speed, sink rate, and lure selection based on water temperature, and explain why a warming trend after a cold front can trigger an explosive bite. The conversation covers everything from prospecting new areas and reading your electronics in deep water to the surprising effectiveness of sight-fishing shallow flats even in the dead of winter. Captain Evan and Captain Patrick also share their absolute confidence lures and tackle setups for tempting lethargic fish, and they provide crucial advice on fish handling and the importance of the "Release Over 20" initiative for fishery conservation. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to refine your cold-water approach or someone trying to break through the winter slump, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you put more fish in the boat. SPONSORS The Coastal Connection Sea Tow Test Calibration Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Works Foster Contracting Pure Flats KillerDock BOW Blue Water Marine Service Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Saltwater Marketing

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, Captain Tanner Deas with Dauphin Island Fishing Charters steps in as host to break down a strong inshore and onshore bite across the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Alabama's beaches. With offshore opportunities limited by weather, the focus turns to what's been some of the most consistent winter fishing anglers have seen in years. We start in the Delta with Captain Richard Rutland of Cold Blooded Fishing, who says this season is shaping up to be one of the best he can remember. After a recent cold snap, speckled trout have piled into deeper river bends and channels, creating incredible numbers and quality fish for anglers willing to slow down and fish methodically. Richard explains how drifting with the current and reading a traditional bottom machine has been the key to finding fish, even without obvious surface activity or diving birds. Quarter- to three-eighth-ounce jig heads, paired with Slick Juniors and Down South Lures Supermodels, have been producing nonstop action, with presentation mattering far more than color. Richard also breaks down how recent freshwater runoff has affected the system, explaining why local rain impacts tidal rivers differently than upstate rainfall feeding the Delta. With saltier water holding deep and freshwater skimming the surface, the Delta has remained remarkably stable. As temperatures warm, he expects trout and redfish to slide back onto nearby flats and points, opening the door for shallower patterns—and even some surprising winter topwater opportunities. Next, we head to the beaches and backwaters with Tony Emmons of South Alabama Surf Fishing. Tony reports a much-improved December compared to last year, with whiting, redfish, and even the occasional flounder showing up along sandbars, points, and nearshore structure. He emphasizes mobility this time of year, often covering miles of beach to find productive water. While he prefers artificials, Tony explains why bait has been the best tool for client trips lately, with single-drop rattle rigs producing steady action right up close to the beach. Sam Sumlin with Community Fly Shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama gives us a great saltwater fly fishing segment. Sam has been dialing in the Speckled Trout on the fly. Pompano has been a welcome "bycatch" while targeting trout. Listen in for tips and techniques to catch these fins on the fly! The Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report is brought to you by Great Days Outdoors. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don't forget to text ALSFR to (779) 345-2918 to join our email list and receive a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase. SPONSORS The Coastal Connection Sea Tow Test Calibration Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Works Foster Contracting Pure Flats KillerDock BOW Blue Water Marine Service Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Saltwater Marketing

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, hosts Butch and Tanner Dees bring you the ultimate insider's guide to cold-weather angling and upcoming events. Special guests include Blake Lee Ellis from CCA Alabama discussing the annual online silent auction and conservation efforts, Capt. Spencer Kight - D.I. Reef Monster sharing expert tips for winter Wahoo fishing and his new blast-freeze fish processing service, and Capt. Branden Collier - Capt. Collier's Charters breaking down sheepshead fishing tactics and the latest inshore and nearshore action. With updates on blast vacuum-sealed fish packaging, state-water charters, and comprehensive beach fishing strategies for whiting, flounder, and redfish, this episode is packed with actionable tips for targeting trophy fish in Alabama coastal waters. Whether you're planning a winter fishing trip, looking for expert charter guides, or want the scoop on the CCA auction and pro angler services, this saltwater fishing podcast delivers everything you need for a successful season. SPONSORS The Coastal Connection Sea Tow Test Calibration Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Works Foster Contracting Pure Flats KillerDock BOW Blue Water Marine Service Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Saltwater Marketing