In a significant step forward in restoration of the Gulf of Mexico’s natural resources, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the five Gulf states and two federal agencies, recently announced over $100 million for restoration projects across the Gulf. A total of 22 projects will restore a number of Gulf habitats and species, ranging from coastal dunes in Texas, to oyster reefs in Alabama and shorebird nests in Mississippi.Alabama Gulf Coast EditionDec 1st, 2013
HO-HO-HO, is it really that time already? Where has the months gone by? Seems like just yesterday we discussing fishing the rigs and the wrecks. Well, the cold weather is finally moving in with consistency and the water temps have begun cooling down and the trout and reds are finally showing up in the rivers with some consistency. While the diving birds feeding on fleeing shrimp have not shown up like in the past, the trout and reds have. The deeper rivers are starting to hold hungry trout and reds. Throwing 3/8 oz jigheads bounced off the bottom with a grub is starting to reward anglers. As long as the water temps don't drop anymore, some trout have been caught on the flats under a popping cork with a live shrimp. Rig a popping cork with a 2-3 ft leader and a treble hook for some good nonstop action. The reds have been showing up along the banks of the Blakely and Tensaw rivers. There have been some showing up under some diving pelicans and seagulls in the rivers themselves. So, gear up and go catch some good fishing before jolly ole St. Nick comes to visit. Remember to put some new fishing gear down on Santa's list for that favorite angler. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!Alabama Gulf Coast EditionDec 1st, 2013
Winter and cold weather is quickly approaching but don’t let that keep you from getting out on the water. Fish have moved up the bay and you can find plenty of action up in the rivers. Speckled trout are in abundance and I am caching them on the MirrOdine 17mr in colors 21 and 808. As the water gets colder look for deeper holes that the fish will congregate in. Fish become lethargic as the water temperatures begin to drop. I will switch over to a Saltwater Assassin die dapper on a ¼ oz. jig head and fish slowly while deep bouncing your jig and bait off the bottom. During these the cold months look for Alabama Gulf Coast EditionDec 1st, 2013
Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year. The fishing is been really good and will continue as long as the high water stays away. The causeway has been good and should be on fire soon. The Mobile River will be getting better this month, as well as Dog River. The fishing on Fowl River has been really good as well to the industrial canal. The colder the water gets, the slower all baits should be worked. Flounder have been good and look for them to be steady as well in all areas with deep water. Plan your 2014 fishing trips now for the coming year. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionDec 1st, 2013
Battling horrible weather conditions with winds and rains driven by a front coming through the area, Team Ugly DOA won the final event of the four-tournament series, held Sept. 21, 2013 out of Tacky Jacks on the Mobile Causeway. The team, Adam Barker of Robertsdale, and Patric Garmeson of Spanish Fort, brought in a three-fish slam weighing 11.18 pounds. With the 3-point bonus, Team Ugly DOA won the event with 14.18 points.Alabama Gulf Coast EditionNov 1st, 2013
The second phase of the trial to determine how much more money BP owes for its Gulf spill wrapped up in late October. Here’s what you need to know:Alabama Gulf Coast EditionNov 1st, 2013
It is not an exaggeration to say that scuba lessons were the best gift I ever received. My parents gave me scuba lessons for Christmas in 1985, when I was fifteen years old. I was that kid that never missed a Jacques Cousteau television special and watched '"Flipper" every week dreaming of being able to live a life on and under the water.
Before I even finished my lessons I was working at the dive shop after school. Sweeping floors, hanging up dripping wetsuits and filling tanks doesn't sound like fun to most, but I was having a blast, just being around diving. Fast-forward 28 years and I am still working in a dive shop, enjoying my dream job. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionNov 1st, 2013
Water temperatures descend like stair steps throughout the month of November as successive cold fronts usher in cooler and cooler air. But fishing opportunities still abound for shore bound anglers who ignore other distractions and brace against the cold and wind in continued pursuit of the species available. The bull redfish run is THE quintessential autumn activity at spots like Fort Morgan Point, Alabama Point, Dauphin Island’s east and west end and points, Cedar Point Pier and at the end of the Gulf State Park Pier through the entire month. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionNov 1st, 2013
Cooler temperatures means cooler waters and fall fishing patterns should be closing in. Look for reds and flounder to start piling up. I will start using spoons to catch reds in the cooler months on the flats. I prefer the 1/4oz. to 3/8oz.Aqua Dream Living spoons in gold or black colors depending on the water clarity. I retrieve them slow across the bottom and wait for the hard hit. The bull reds should be gathering in passes and off the bar. I like using large spinner baits like Saltwater Assassins Mac daddy in line spinner in goldfish color. These large schools of bulls make it easy to sight cast when they are swimming through. Alabama Gulf Coast EditionNov 1st, 2013
The cold weather is here and the fishing is hot! This is the best time of year to fish. The fish are working the birds in just about every usual place and the fish will respond to just about anything you throw. It’s INCREDIBLE! Top water, grubs, live shrimp, etc. This is where knowing how to position yourself the right way to stay on top of the fish is IMPORTANT. Stay out of the middle of the fish, they are moving around. Many differentAlabama Gulf Coast EditionNov 1st, 2013
