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This week, host Nick Williams checks in with Lee Pitts for a timely, detail-packed freshwater update, and with Mobile–Tensaw Delta angler Darren Shirah, who’s fresh off boating a 15-pound blue and a 15-pound flathead. Lee breaks down that first cool snap that flips the fall topwater switch for spotted bass, while Darren highlights the health of the Delta’s catfish population and explains his brick-and-jug system that keeps baits positioned perfectly just off bottom. From explosive topwater action to big-bait strategies for trophy flatheads, both anglers share how they’re approaching Alabama’s waters right now—and how you can, too.
Conditions Recap
We’re in early September, and the first meaningful “nip in the air” is on deck. As water temps slide into the low 70s and eventually the 60s, shad push onto shallow flats and high spots, and bass (especially Coosa spots) follow. Several reservoirs will begin seasonal drawdowns; as levels drop, more wood cover, stumps, and old foundations become visible and concentrate fish. Expect the daytime topwater window to expand—this isn’t just dawn and dusk—especially with a light ripple or bright midday sun. For catfish, current remains king; creek and river edges with wood and gentle pull are producing, and live bait shines when you’re targeting flatheads.
Bass (Topwater) — Lee Pitts
Guide Lee Pitts (Lee Pitts Guide Service) says the classic fall bite is about to pop, and when it does, it can run through mid-November depending on fronts and bait presence. Focus on shallow, expansive flats dotted with wood, stumps, gravel, or old house pads—any “high spot” that tops out in 1–4 feet with quick access to 10–20 feet. Cover water and let the fish show themselves.
Topwater & moving baits: Quarter-ounce buzzbaits with a nickel blade are the hero this time of year. Downsize the profile by thinning the skirt or replacing it with a soft-plastic fluke. A “squeaky” arm and a visible bubble trail matter—many anglers pre-tune buzzbaits so they chirp. Walkers like a Heddon Spook, and spinnerbaits waked just under the surface, are excellent on windy flats. When fish slide off or the top bite lulls, have a squarebill or a compact jig ready to pick off aggressive followers along the same lanes.
Timing & cadence: Unlike summer, this is often an all-day deal. Lee notes plenty of strikes from late morning through mid-afternoon when sun and a light breeze stack bait. If a pod fires and then cools, leave it, rotate to the next flat, and circle back an hour later—“wolfpack” schools of spots routinely roll up, feed, and drop off.
Safety & boat control notes: With drawdowns exposing timber, run lanes carefully and use quiet positioning. A shallow-water anchor or manual stake helps you work small sweet spots methodically without washing them out with the trolling motor.
Catfish (Set Lines, Jugs & Limb Lines) — Darren Shirah
Working creeks with a gentle pull, Mobile–Tensaw Delta angler Darren Shirah are dialing in nearly identical systems—and the results speak for themselves: Darren just put a 15-pound blue and a 15-pound flathead in the boat, a great snapshot of how healthy the Delta’s catfish fishery is. Their go-to rig pairs a Powerade/Gatorade jug with 10–12 feet of main line, a loop 12–16 inches off bottom for the hook lead, and a half-brick clipped on a short wire for quiet, dependable anchoring. A short tag line with a hook and a three-way swivel cuts down on spin-offs; in current, the brick gives just enough resistance for fish to load the hook while keeping lively baits hovering about a foot off bottom—right in the strike zone.
Hooks & hardware: Heavy-duty (saltwater-rated) swivels and 8/0–10/0 hooks are the baseline when you’re targeting quality fish. Lee favors circle hooks on brick-anchored jugs and limb lines (the resistance helps them pin in the corner), and J-hooks on short, free-drifting noodles where there’s less resistance. Mustad circles are a reliable, cost-effective choice in big sizes.
Baits that get bit: Flatheads are Darren’s favorite and almost always prefer live bait—think hand-size bream or even croakers. Blues and channels are happy to eat fresh cut bait (bream or shad), and will also chew shrimp or mullet, especially up creeks where scent matters. Keep a cricket box or ultralight handy to “make” bait while you run your lines.
Trophy timing & targets: For a true big one, both anglers focus on fewer, higher-percentage sets with large baits. Prime windows are roughly March–June, then September–December. Stake outside bends, logjams, and current breaks adjacent to deep water. If a corner has produced before, trust it, rotate a tight milk-run of proven ambush spots, and resist spreading too thin.
Bycatch reality: Gar, bowfin, and turtles are part of the program. Keeping baits tight to bottom with the brick system reduces surface gar encounters. Expect blues and channels to spin—another reason to overbuild swivels and leaders.
Safety first: Fish with a partner when possible, wear your PFD, and keep a sharp, fixed-blade knife within reach. In current, stout limb lines can load fast—don’t hesitate to cut and retie on the next stop. Darren’s closing reminder: the Delta offers big-fish opportunities well into fall and early winter if you’re willing to put in the time and catch fresh bait.
