Reel Time
CCA Fishin' Report
By Grey Cane III
Coastal Conservation Association
We’re proud to report that fishing has been really good in lower Alabama and only getting better.
For the past two weeks the inshore fishing in Mobile Bay has been outstanding for speckled trout. The availability of live bait is good with shrimp being more plentiful than croakers. The rigs all over the lower bay are holding really nice 3-pound+ trout with limits being caught quite frequently.
At night, around some mystery rig, the word is that some 7-pound trout have been caught. The early morning top water and fly rod action has been great when you can find an area holding bait and no noisy boats or people around.
The flounder bite is definitely off with very few catches reported. There is good trout activity in the Mobile River this week with live shrimp and green grubs the favorites.
A few blackfish are showing up with each day. Several free swimmers have been seen but they are real spooky. Light line free fished with a live shrimp will work, or a bright clouser fly.
We hear the redfish bite is still on at Dixey Bar.
However, Spanish mackeral have been taking a beating from constant gill net activity. All saltwater anglers should be in favor of CCA's recent petition to the Conservation Advisory Board to have Spanish mackeral and pompano declared gamefish.
Very few tarpon have shown up, but a sneak trip to Carrabelle this week resulted in several tarpon being released or jumped on fly.
Offshore fishing has been slow. The most recent billfish tournament was the Biloxi Isle of Capri. One boat took top honors with only one marlin weighed in.
The snapper season is in full swing and everyone needs to remember to obey the law. The enforcement agencies are enforcing sea checks - venting tools and dehookers need to be in your tool bag. They are required by law.
Good fishing and remember, courtesy, it's contagious.
For a report of fishing conditions in the Orange Beach area, please visit Mo Shaver’s website.
Also, consider visiting the Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama's website.
Charters
- Dan Kolenich, captdankolenich@att.net;
- Paul Smith, southernsol@mindspring.com;
- Chris Calloway, callabama@yahoo.com;
- Jeff Chambliss, jsodwc@bellsouth.net;
- Mo Shaver, www.mofishin.biz;
- Lyons Bousson, lyons@jenkinsbrick.com;
- Capt. Bobby Abruscato, 454-9867.
Live Bait Dealers
Mobile County:
- Dauphin Island Marina, 861-2201;
Baldwin County:
- Scott's Landing, 626-5323;
- Fisherman’s Discount, 928-4887;
- Frith's Bait & Supply, 968-6484.
