Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report

This week’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report covers summertime bass tactics, topwater frog fishing, and the natural side of the Delta as June settles in. Darren Shirah of Reel Time Outdoors with Darren kicks things off with a report on high water, stained conditions, and how the bream and bass have been adjusting. Darren explains why bream have been tighter to the bank, how he’s been catching quality Delta bass on Ribbit frogs and swim jigs, and why shade, low-hanging limbs, palmettos, off-bank trees, and repeated passes through productive water can all matter once the summer heat sets in. He also gets into frog color, rod setup, braid size, hook choice, and why bass may bite better later in the morning than many anglers expect. Then John-Michael Chappelle of Chappelle Excursions joins the show to talk about the Delta’s summer wildlife, from blooming American lotus, pickerelweed, water lilies, spatterdock, buttonbush, and spider lilies to whistling ducks, alligators, lizards, and the bird life around Gailliard Island. SPONSORSDixie Building SupplyBlack BuffaloSlipSki

This week on the Mobile Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, things are heating up from the upper Delta all the way down to Dog River, and it sounds like spring is knocking on the door.Nick kicks things off with Justin “The Eight Mile Drifter” Dunnam, who put his Mardi Gras break to good use covering water from Majors Creek to the Escambia River. Justin breaks down a strong pre-spawn bass pattern, including how a seven-inch glide bait fooled multiple solid fish and nearly landed a four-and-a-half-pound Delta bass. He also shares what he’s seeing with crappie stacked tight in tree tops, how current affects fish positioning in swift rivers like the Escambia, and why this late-winter window might be your best shot at the biggest bass of the year. If you’ve been curious about throwing big baits in the Delta, this conversation will give you a real-world look at when and how to do it.In the second segment, Darren Shirah of Real Time Outdoors joins the show to talk bream, crappie, and the early signs of bedding activity. He and Nick dig into how unpredictable Delta fish can be this time of year, why water temperature charts from other parts of the country don’t always apply here, and what they’re seeing on the water right now. From live crickets for staging bluegill to reading subtle tide and temperature shifts, Darren shares what’s working — and what’s still a mystery.If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start chasing pre-spawn bass, hunting for shallow crappie, or easing back into bluegill fishing, this episode gives you a grounded, boots-on-the-water look at what’s happening right now across the Delta. Spring is close, and the fish are starting to move.

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick Williams checks in with two longtime Delta voices to talk crappie season, conservation concerns, and a youth deer story that’s going to be told for decades.The episode opens with Josh Gunter of Steele Creek Bait & Tackle, who breaks down why this year could finally give anglers a true, fishable crappie spawn after nearly a decade of high water disrupting access to traditional spawning areas. Josh dives into crappie spawn fundamentals for the Delta, including the key water temperature range of roughly 58 to 62 degrees that triggers movement. He explains the behavioral differences between black and white crappie, noting that black crappie typically move shallower first and relate to hard bottom, cypress trees, and visible structure, while white crappie may spawn slightly deeper as long as sunlight can reach the eggs. The segment wraps with a strong endorsement of supporting local bait shops and a look at Steele Creek’s new location in the historic Northside Tackle building, plus details about their upcoming grand reopening and raffle fundraiser to help rebuild their Mount Vernon store.In the second half of the show, Nick checks in with Dip McMillan of Dippi Outdoors for both a fishing report and a feel-good youth hunting story. Dip shares details about a remarkable 136-inch buck harvested in Baldwin County by one of the youth hunters in his program, calling it one of the most impressive deer he’s seen taken locally. He reflects on a strong youth season overall and the importance of creating meaningful outdoor experiences for kids.Switching back to fishing, Dip reports that crappie are still suspended in roughly 20 feet of water, holding 10 to 13 feet down in creek channels. Many of the fish he’s targeting are roamers rather than tightly relating to structure, and he explains how forward-facing sonar allows him to quickly identify active fish and avoid wasting time. He notes that while he caught plenty of solid 10- to 12-inch fish, the larger females may be beginning to shift positions as water temperatures gradually climb. The episode closes with details about Dippy Outdoors’ upcoming youth rabbit hunt in Loxley and a reminder that spring in the Delta means opportunity in every direction, from crappie to catfish to turkeys in the hardwoods.SPONSORSDixie Building SupplyBlack BuffaloGulf Coast ShowsSlipSki Solutions

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams breaks down winter fishing conditions across the Delta with three local voices who know these waters inside and out. Captain Patric Garmeson of Ugly Fishing opens the show with a deep dive into river levels and hydrographs, explaining how rainfall in North and Central Alabama impacts water clarity, current speed, and fish behavior days later in the Delta. Patric shares practical advice on reading the Coffeeville and Claiborne gauges, adjusting expectations during rising water, and finding cleaner, fishable water when the main rivers are muddy and moving fast.Next, Nick checks in with Justin Dunnam of Eight Mile Drifter to talk about targeting redfish in shallow tidal creeks during winter low-water conditions. Justin explains why bait and redfish stack up in narrow ditches and back creeks after strong north winds, how to locate those hidden pockets of deeper water, and why kayaks and small boats shine this time of year. He also shares lure choices, cold-weather presentation tips, and simple gear strategies for staying comfortable on frigid mornings.The episode wraps up with Matthew Frazier providing an update on the ongoing access issues at Big Creek Lake. Matthew outlines where things currently stand, what anglers should know, and why the situation matters for public access and the local fishing community.From reading river gauges to chasing winter redfish and staying informed on access issues, this episode delivers timely, boots-on-the-ground insight for anyone fishing the Mobile-Tensaw Delta right now.

This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re kicking things off with Peter Jordan of The Lost Angler Fly Shop for a wide-ranging conversation that blends fishing, seasonal patterns, and what’s happening right now on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Peter recaps a recent press conference at the Blind Tiger in Fairhope, where state leaders announced movement toward a ban on mud dumping in Mobile Bay, and he explains why this matters so much for anglers, hunters, coastal communities, and the long-term health of the bay. From there, the conversation turns to fishing, with Peter breaking down current winter conditions in the Delta, how cooler water and shifting tides are spreading fish throughout the water column, and why steady retrieves, subsurface presentations, and vibration-heavy baits are shining right now. He shares practical advice on bass behavior leading into the pre-spawn window, how rising and falling winter water affects fish positioning, and why paddle craft like kayaks and canoes can be a huge advantage for getting into shallow, overlooked areas that are holding fish.In the second half of the show, Nick is joined by Justin Dunham of Eight Mile Drifter for a laid-back but information-packed discussion on fishing the Delta and nearby waters during a highly variable winter. Justin talks about navigating high and muddy water, when to focus on lower Delta creeks closer to the bay, and why places like Fly Creek, Fowl River, and even Lake Shelby can be reliable options when the rivers are blown out. He also dives into tackle talk, sharing his go-to, general-purpose lure lineup for Gulf Coast anglers who want to keep things simple while still covering bass, redfish, and speckled trout. From topwater plugs and fluke-style baits to spinner arms, soft plastics, and scent-based lures, Justin lays out a practical system that works across species and seasons. The conversation wraps with thoughts on seasonal transitions, rebuilding confidence during tough bites, and why slowing down, simplifying your gear, and paying attention to water temperature and forage can make all the difference this time of year. SponsorsDixie SupplyBucks IslandHiltons Realtime NavVisit MississippiFishbitesKillerdockL&M MarineSE PondMobile Boat

Join hosts Joe Baya, Butch Theory, and Nick Williams for a special holiday episode of the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, presented by Great Days Outdoors Magazine. In this Christmas Special, the captains discuss the best fishing gift ideas and must-have angling gear for 2025, covering both freshwater and saltwater essentials. Listeners will discover expert recommendations on waders, filet knives, vacuum sealers, rain gear, polarized sunglasses, portable sonar, safety equipment, and more. The episode is packed with angler safety tips, reviews of top fishing products and brands like AFTCO and Stayput Anchor, with practical advice for both beginner and veteran anglers. Whether you’re looking for last-minute Christmas gifts for fishermen or want to upgrade your outdoor equipment, this fishing podcast has everything you need for a successful year on Alabama’s lakes and rivers.SponsorsDixie SupplyBucks IslandHiltons Realtime NavKillerdockSE PondSlip Ski SolutionsStayput AnchorsBlack BuffaloAFTCO