Cold Snaps, Hot Bites: Winter Inshore Fishing Across Alabama

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, Captain Tanner Deas with Dauphin Island Fishing Charters steps in as host to break down a strong inshore and onshore bite across the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Alabama’s beaches. With offshore opportunities limited by weather, the focus turns to what’s been some of the most consistent winter fishing anglers have seen in years.

We start in the Delta with Captain Richard Rutland of Cold Blooded Fishing, who says this season is shaping up to be one of the best he can remember. After a recent cold snap, speckled trout have piled into deeper river bends and channels, creating incredible numbers and quality fish for anglers willing to slow down and fish methodically. Richard explains how drifting with the current and reading a traditional bottom machine has been the key to finding fish, even without obvious surface activity or diving birds. Quarter- to three-eighth-ounce jig heads, paired with Slick Juniors and Down South Lures Supermodels, have been producing nonstop action, with presentation mattering far more than color.

Richard also breaks down how recent freshwater runoff has affected the system, explaining why local rain impacts tidal rivers differently than upstate rainfall feeding the Delta. With saltier water holding deep and freshwater skimming the surface, the Delta has remained remarkably stable. As temperatures warm, he expects trout and redfish to slide back onto nearby flats and points, opening the door for shallower patterns—and even some surprising winter topwater opportunities.

Next, we head to the beaches and backwaters with Tony Emmons of South Alabama Surf Fishing. Tony reports a much-improved December compared to last year, with whiting, redfish, and even the occasional flounder showing up along sandbars, points, and nearshore structure. He emphasizes mobility this time of year, often covering miles of beach to find productive water. While he prefers artificials, Tony explains why bait has been the best tool for client trips lately, with single-drop rattle rigs producing steady action right up close to the beach.

Sam Sumlin with Community Fly Shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama gives us a great saltwater fly fishing segment. Sam has been dialing in the Speckled Trout on the fly. Pompano has been a welcome "bycatch" while targeting trout. Listen in for tips and techniques to catch these fins on the fly! 

The Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report is brought to you by Great Days Outdoors. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text ALSFR to [phone] to join our email list and receive a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase.

SPONSORS

• The Coastal Connection

• Sea Tow

• Test Calibration

• Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Works

•  Foster Contracting

•  Pure Flats

• KillerDock

• BOW Blue Water Marine Service

• Black Buffalo

• Stayput Anchor

• AFTCO
• SlipSki Solutions
• Saltwater Marketing