Mobile Bay / Eastern Shore – October 2019

Capt. Dan Kolenich

The water looks good and water temps are still in the 90’s on the causeway. It won’t take long for the temp to drop into the 80’s. The good news is we have finally had a normal year in the Delta. The salt water is the way it should be and bait is everywhere. Shrimpers are working the north end of the bay and Mobile Ship Channel. Trout fishing is still very tough due to the water temps but reds are on the causeway.

If you are looking for specs, you are in for a tough time. A few are being caught at Middle Bay Light and the Rigs at the south end of the bay. October should bring some relief from the warm water Live shrimp are a good choice on a slip cork or carolina rig. Soft plastics on jig heads in the usual colors will work for the artificial bait guys. Once the water cools into the 70’s the trout should get more active. As the water cools, try a Mirrolure Glad Shad or top water plug for some fast action.

If you’re looking for reds on the causeway, my favorite is a Hildebrandt spinner bait. Try the grass flats and along the edges of the rivers and cuts like North Pass and Turtle Ditch. As for colors, I try clear jigs with glitter or dark colors in clear water and bright colors in cloudy water. Live shrimp on a carolina rig will make a good meal for a hungry red. A live shrimp on a popping cork will work in shallower water.

Flounder are also on the causeway. Soft plastics are a good choice worked slowly across the points like Tensaw Point. The bigger fish are being caught with a bull minnow on a carolina rig.

One thing about the weather is that October will bring cooler temperatures and that will put water temps into the lower 80’s and headed for the 70’s. So go and enjoy the nice dry days and get ready for the frenzy known as November. It’s on it’s way.

Capt. Dan Kolenich
info@captdankolenich.com
251-422-3474