The thermometer is still showing as a long red stripe! It is still very hot and the water is warm and gets warmer as the sun rises, so you will need to fish early in the morning and late in the afternoon to get the best bite for trout. I will continue to use live shrimp under a popping cork in the shallow waters early. In the deeper areas you can float one under a slip cork to find the fish. Once you locate fish, a plastic shrimp imitation or finfish imitation will also produce quality fish. I prefer the Vudu shrimp in several colors, natural, brown and the Cajun pepper. I also like using the Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Shrimp in natural or hot pink. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
This was discussed over many toddy’s at River’s End Lodge dock on the River, after a great day offshore. Anglers and storytellers included the three Childress brothers, Bill, Al and Joe, also Lea Perez, General Ray Hufft, Clyde Hawk, Harley Howcott, Capt. Bob and old (young then) me!Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
Talking about fishing is always a pleasure. So much can be learned about what works and what doesn’t work just by listening to coastal anglers. Thank you for the stories and the pictures.
Right now, the St. Andrews/Graveline Bayou is producing a lot of fish. Most of the fishermen who I talked with have had the best success with shrimp and cut bait. Be sure to bring an umbrella for some shade if you have one!Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
In June, a partnership of Gulf state and federal agencies announced they are approving $627 million in early restoration projects for Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Texas, as part of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. This is another milestone in the process to restore the Gulf of Mexico. But the news isn’t all positive.Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
Fishing out of one of Hobie’s Pro Angler 12- or 14’s is so much fun that Hobie is now making it possible for two anglers to share the experience in the same boat. Introducing the Pro Angler 17T. Three different configurations include traditional in-line tandem seating, face-to-face social tandem or solo, all with enough room for man’s best four-legged friend...and with plenty of space for standing, casting and fly fishing in comfort.Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
All this rain we got this year is finally working it's way out of Mobile Bay. The water is starting to clear and the water temperature is in the mid 80's. Summertime water temps are heading into the 90's and that means the trout fishing slows down. If you are fishing in the lower half of the bay, conditions are saltier than the northern half. Down south, top water plugs, suspending baits like Mirrolure Catch Jr., soft plastics on the bottom, and live bait under popping corks or carolina rigs are all good bets. The rigs at the south end of the bay and the shoals around Dauphin Island are holding specs. Live shrimp under a slip cork is a good way to catch trout in the deeper water like these rigs as well as Middle Bay Lighthouse. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
Saltwater fishing off the Alabama Gulf Coast has been good. The best fishing trip for half day or less is trolling for king mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bonita and Jack Crevalle. Trolling spoons with #2 and #3 planers are good options. I like to try a variety of sizes with the spoons. This fishing should continue into August and beyond. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionAug 1st, 2014
The largest Chaparral, Robalo, and Cape Horn dealer in the world, Sunrise Marine, just opened a new location in Daphne, AL, just south of I10 at the Bass Pro Shops exit. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionJul 13th, 2014
July is here that means RODEO TIME! The Alabama Deep Sea Rodeo is upon us, and that means hot weather and hot fishing. The fishing will continue to be hot while dodging pop up showers. The speckled trout should start moving to the north more than they have so far this summer and will continue to be more abundant. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionJul 1st, 2014
Our annual rainfall is 15 inches above normal. The effect of all this rain is starting to work its way out of Mobile Bay. The water is starting to clear and the water temperature is heading for the mid 80's. Take advantage of the last month of fishing before the summertime water temps head into the 90's and everything slows down. Choose your bait to match the water conditions and depth where you are fishing. Top water plugs, suspending baits like Mirrolure Catch Jr., soft plastics on the bottom, and live bait under popping corks or carolina rigs are all good bets if the water looks good. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionJul 1st, 2014
