Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report Summary
This week’s Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report brings updates from Capt. Branden Collier – Capt. Collier’s Charters, Capt. Tanner Deas – Dauphin Island Fishing Charters, and Capt. Spencer Kight – D.I. Reef Monster. Warm water temps ahead of the recent cold snap kept a wide variety of species active, from nearshore Wahoo to river trout, beach Whiting, and early-season Sheepshead.
The captains break down productive tactics, cold-weather adjustments, bait preferences, and new developments—such as Spencer’s upcoming second boat and a full-service blast-freeze fish processing program.
Conditions Recap
Unseasonably warm water in late November produced a very mixed bag of species, including Whiting, Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Trout, and even scattered Flounder along the beaches. Water temps in the low 70s kept Mangrove Snapper, Croaker, and even a few late-season Tripletail in the mix. The first significant cold front of the season dropped daytime air temps into the 40s and pushed water temps lower, tightening winter patterns for Trout, Sheepshead, and nearshore bottom species. Lower tides and brisk north winds also concentrated fish in deeper channels, canals, and bayous—especially for Sheepshead and winter Trout anglers.
CCA Alabama Silent Auction Update
Blakely Ellis of CCA Alabama joined the show with details on their upcoming “Last Cast” Online Silent Auction. This year’s auction features discounted gear from AFTCO, TFO, Engel, TurtleBox, Simms, Daiwa, Toadfish, and more—including travel rods, kitchen sets, Daiwa baitcasters, spinning reels, and specialty apparel. Several Baja sunglasses and a wide array of tackle items will be available, plus Buy-It-Now deals with free UPS shipping.
The auction opens Wednesday, December 10 at 6 p.m. and closes Thursday, December 11 at 8 p.m. Interested bidders can text LASTCAST to 76278 to register. Funds raised support conservation, research, and Alabama hatchery projects.
Offshore Report – Capt. Spencer Kight, D.I. Reef Monster
Recent weather windows allowed Spencer to slip offshore for a productive Wahoo run. After finding green “king green” water inside of 30 miles, he pushed out to clearer blue water around 55 miles—raising several kings but ultimately connecting with a big Wahoo within minutes of setting the spread.
He emphasized running high-speed skirts in dark colors—particularly black and purple—over traditional hard plugs to keep hookup ratios high. These skirts paired with weighted heads, 200-lb shock leaders, and bent-butt high-speed rods proved most effective. Spencer trolls around 18 mph and prefers calm seas and bright sun for best visibility in the wash.
As winter progresses, his micro-jigging trips kick back into gear. Anglers can expect Almaco Jack, Bigeye, Triggerfish, Scamp, and even late-season Cobia inside 150 feet.
New Service: Blast-Frozen Fish Processing
Spencer announced a major development—a commercial-grade blast chiller (-40°F) and industrial vacuum-seal system allowing charter clients and recreational anglers to have fillets properly trimmed, frozen, sealed, and labeled. This prevents waste, improves meat quality, and mirrors sushi-grade preparation used in Alaska and the Gulf’s premium tuna operations. Frozen packs can be picked up, stored, or shipped via dry ice.
New Boat Coming Soon
A new 27’ state-water boat will expand D.I. Reef Monster’s offerings, including affordable nearshore Snapper trips even after the federal season closes. This platform will focus on Sheephead, Snapper, and family-friendly offshore experiences.
Onshore & Beach Report – Capt. Tanner Deas
Tanner reports an excellent run of guide-for-hire and beach fishing trips prior to the cold front, including nine different species caught in a single outing. High water temps pushed a “springlike” bite into November with Whiting, Black Drum, Redfish, Sheephead, Flounder, and even a rogue Speckled Trout from the beach.
Beach tactics revolve around fresh shrimp, Fishbites (Sand Flea and Electric Chicken Shrimp), and 2–4 oz Sputnik surf weights. Whiting numbers have been exceptional, with frequent 15–18″ fish.
As tides dropped, the beach revealed key trough and bar structure Tanner uses to pattern spring Trout and Flounder later in the year—ideal scouting conditions for anglers looking ahead to warmer months.
Guide-for-Hire Trips
Tanner has been assisting visiting anglers and locals in navigating complex river systems safely while dialing in seasonal patterns for Trout, Sheepshead, and Redfish. Electronics use, drop-offs, old creek beds, and submerged structure have been the keys to locating winter fish. Slick Lures and paddle tails were top Trout producers, especially in mid-depth river bends holding bait.
Inshore Report – Capt. Branden Collier
Sheepshead season is officially underway, and Capt. Branden is already stacking strong catches. Most keeper fish range from 16–19″, with occasional 20″+ bruisers mixed in. Water temperatures in the upper 60s kept unusual bycatch in the mix—Mangrove Snapper, Croaker, and even late-season Tripletail.
Branden fishes heavily around pilings, bridge abutments, and deep canal structure using both split-shot rigs and Bird of Prey Sheepshead Jigs (⅜–½ oz). While fiddler crabs remain the classic bait, shrimp has dramatically outperformed recently, especially when water clarity dips.
He notes that Sheepshead often hold mid-column early in the season but shift deeper as temps fall below 64°F. Anglers should adjust accordingly and draw fish away from no-set zones to avoid break-offs.
Final Thoughts
This transitional weather pattern opened the door for one of the most eclectic late-fall bites in recent memory. With cold weather now settling in, Trout, Sheepshead, and nearshore bottom species will tighten into predictable winter patterns, while offshore anglers remain poised for premium Wahoo windows between fronts. Whether you’re targeting convicts on pilings, jigging reef edges, or scouting winter structure from the beach, now is an excellent time to fish Alabama’s saltwater.
