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Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report for July 10 – 16, 2026

July 10, 2026

On this week’s Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, Capt. Tanner Deas of Dauphin Island Fishing fills in as host for a full summertime report covering inshore fishing around Mobile Bay and Dauphin Island, offshore action from Orange Beach, and beach fishing along Dauphin Island. This episode features Capt. Derek Rogers of Southside Fishing Company, Capt. Kendall Annan of Gulf Rebel Charters, and Riley Ludlam of Dauphin Island Fishing Charters.

The biggest themes this week are shrinking early-morning trout windows, dirty water after repeated rain, strong summer heat, dependable flounder action, improving triple tail opportunities, excellent red snapper fishing, and the importance of keeping bait and tackle in top condition. Anglers are still putting together strong trips, but success increasingly depends on moving water, fresh bait, adjusting presentation depth, and changing species when the first plan slows down.

Conditions Recap

Full summertime conditions have arrived across the Alabama Gulf Coast. Heat is now a major factor, especially during calm midday periods, and anglers should carry plenty of water, stay hydrated, and avoid relying only on soft drinks or alcohol while spending long hours in the sun.

Recent thunderstorms and heavy rain have pushed dirty and hazy water through portions of Mobile Bay, the Dauphin Island beachfront, and nearshore waters. Water clarity changed dramatically from one day to the next during the beach report, including one morning when the surf looked like chocolate milk with only a few inches of visibility. Even when trout slicks showed that fish were present, the poor clarity made it difficult to generate bites.

Moving water remains one of the most important pieces of the inshore and beach pattern. Trout are feeding best during short windows, while flounder action has improved immediately when the tide begins moving with more force. Offshore, calm and hot conditions have made some vermilion snapper stops more demanding, particularly during the middle of the day, but red snapper fishing remains excellent.

Bait is abundant in many areas. Finger mullet have become more noticeable, and fresh croakers, shrimp, pogies, cigar minnows, pinfish, squid, and cut bonito are all producing in the right situations. Sharks, hardhead catfish, and gafftops are also becoming more common on the beach, making it necessary to work through unwanted fish or make a significant move when they become overwhelming.

Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Redfish, and Triple Tail Report With Capt. Derek Rogers of Southside Fishing Company

Capt. Derek Rogers of Southside Fishing Company reported strong inshore fishing from the North Shore and Mobile Bay to the islands and surrounding beachfront. Speckled trout have been the primary target early, followed by redfish, flounder, and triple tail once the trout window slows down.

The trout bite has been excellent on many trips, but the productive window is becoming shorter as the summer heat builds. Derek prefers artificial lures when conditions allow because they create a more active style of fishing, but live bait remains important when clients have difficulty working a lure or when trout become less aggressive.

Live shrimp and croakers have both produced on free lines and slip corks. Derek generally uses slip corks later in the morning or around midday after the first artificial and free-line bite begins to fade. His better slip-cork depth range has been approximately eight to 14 feet, with the bait positioned around two feet above bottom. In eight feet of water, that means setting the bait around six feet deep; in 14 feet, he will generally fish around 12 feet.

A moderate current around three-tenths to four-tenths of a knot is ideal for this presentation. Derek commonly uses a three-eighths-ounce weight, opens the bail, and allows the cork and bait to drift naturally through the zone. The weight keeps a croaker or shrimp down while still allowing enough freedom of movement to attract fish.

His preferred slip-cork hook is a number-two kahle hook. The hook has performed well with charter clients because it can work whether an angler makes a firm hookset or simply applies pressure. Derek also believes the visual indication of the cork improves hookup percentages for customers who might otherwise strike too quickly or allow a free-lined fish to run too long.

Along beachfront sandbars, he positions the boat or anglers in two to three feet of water and drifts the cork along a nearby drop into approximately eight feet. Fishing the bait five to six feet below the cork keeps it close to the ledge where trout are holding.

Free-lined croakers continue to catch fish, but a small amount of added weight has often made a major difference. Derek uses one-eighth- to one-quarter-ounce jig heads when trout want the croaker lower in the water column. A small one-sixteenth- or one-eighth-ounce split shot can also change the bait’s swimming action enough to trigger a bite.

A Carolina rig has been another major producer. During one slow afternoon trip with very little tide movement, Derek tried plastics, free lines, and slip corks with limited success. After switching to Carolina-rigged finger mullet, the crew immediately caught a healthy 21-inch trout and then put together a fast run of roughly nine or 10 trout and two flounder.

Fresh finger mullet and bull minnows are valuable alternatives when croakers and shrimp are not producing. The growing number of finger mullet in the bay system has made them a particularly useful bait for both trout and flounder.

Redfish are holding in many of the same general zones as trout. Derek keeps what he calls his “trout brain” engaged, then looks for nearby grass, small points, ledges, and other subtle structure. The northern portion of Mobile Bay and North Shore areas can be especially productive for redfish, with dead bait sometimes outperforming live offerings.

Flounder fishing has been one of the season’s most dependable patterns. Docks, rocks, grass lines, ledges, and other hard or soft structure are all producing. Derek likes soft plastics and Carolina-rigged finger mullet or bull minnows around those areas. On a recent targeted flounder trip, his clients caught six fish with only one undersized fish, and the action came together in less than an hour.

The overall number of flounder has been encouraging. Derek said legal fish were difficult to find roughly a decade ago, but the fishery has improved substantially in recent seasons. Increased hatchery work, research, tagging, habitat awareness, and angler involvement have all contributed to greater attention on the resource.

Triple tail have also arrived in better numbers. Most of Derek’s fish have come through sight fishing, although one was caught by blind casting around structure. His standout fish of the week weighed approximately 21 pounds and measured 28.5 inches. It was free-swimming several feet away from a log and immediately ate a live pogie.

A live pogie is Derek’s preferred bait for a large triple tail, particularly fish in the 15-pound class or larger. Live shrimp, small finger mullet, and bull minnows are better suited to smaller fish. Dead shrimp, squid, and strips cut from croakers can also work. Hungry triple tail are often opportunistic, although pressure and late-summer conditions can make larger fish increasingly difficult to fool.

Triple tail have already started showing more caution around baits. Some fish will remain near a buoy or floating object and refuse pogies, shrimp, strip bait, and other offerings. This finicky behavior often becomes more common from the middle of July into August, September, and October, even though some of the largest fish of the season are found during that period.

Products and gear discussed in this report included number-two kahle hooks, three-eighths-ounce slip-cork weights, one-eighth- and one-quarter-ounce jig heads, small split shots, Carolina rigs, live croakers, live shrimp, finger mullet, bull minnows, pogies, squid, strip bait, and soft plastics for trout, redfish, flounder, and triple tail.

Orange Beach Offshore, Red Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, and Spanish Mackerel Report With Capt. Kendall Annan of Gulf Rebel Charters

Capt. Kendall Annan of Gulf Rebel Charters reported excellent red snapper fishing, steady mixed-bag offshore action, and continued opportunities for vermilion snapper, mahi, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, amberjack, wahoo, and other bonus fish.

One recent trip produced a red snapper weighing approximately 28 pounds, along with trolling action and a 40-pound amberjack that was photographed and released. The snapper bite has remained consistent despite hazier water created by recent thunderstorms and freshwater runoff.

Fresh live bait is the preferred option for drawing strikes from larger snapper. Pinfish, cigar minnows, and croakers can all work, and Kendall is less concerned with the exact species than he is with the bait being healthy and lively. A larger offering can help, but freshness and movement are often more important than size alone.

A lighter and longer leader can help when large snapper become cautious. Kendall will stretch leaders to approximately six feet and adjust line strength according to water clarity. Dirtier water has allowed him to fish heavier tackle at times, while calm, clear, hot conditions may require a more subtle presentation.

The large snapper was caught on a cigar minnow. The crew pulled the fish away from the wreck before it could return to structure, then fought it to the surface and secured it with a gaff.

Vermilion snapper, commonly called beeliners, have required more patience than they did earlier in the season. Chicken rigs remain productive, but Kendall will switch to a single hook and longer, lighter leader when the fish become pressured or finicky during hot midday conditions. His preferred hook is around a 3/0.

Small pieces of squid and bonito are the primary baits. Kendall emphasized using only enough bait to cover the hook and avoiding oversized pieces that attract triggerfish or unwanted red snapper. Once vermilion snapper begin coming over the rail, he often removes other bait choices and concentrates on fresh squid.

Bait care is one of the most important parts of his offshore program. Rather than placing a large amount of squid on the bait board, the crew puts out a small supply and refills it as needed. The remainder stays heavily iced. Squid that begins turning pink or sitting in the sun can quickly lose effectiveness and contaminate other pieces in the container.

The same principle applies to live bait. Bait that has been held too long, is badly beaten up, or no longer swims properly should be replaced. Kendall would rather discard questionable bait than lose valuable fishing time trying to make it work.

Tackle inspection is equally important. After catching multiple undersized snapper, triggerfish, or other reef fish, leaders may be nicked or frayed near the hook or knot. Cutting off only two or three inches and retying can prevent the loss of a trophy fish. Kendall has his crew inspect rigs between stops rather than discovering a weak point after a 20-pound fish eats.

Drift lines are a major part of every trip. Kendall wants the drift line deployed early because a busy bottom-fishing crew can make it difficult to add later. A free-lined bait can produce king mackerel, mahi, wahoo, cobia, amberjack, large snapper, or another trip-changing bonus fish while customers are fishing the reef below.

Mahi have appeared around grass, blue-water bait, and offshore structure. Many have been caught on free lines while bottom fishing. Kendall also trolls four- to five-inch Christmas-tree dusters, with pink and white producing well for mahi, king mackerel, and other pelagic species.

When water conditions justify a larger trolling spread, he combines small dusters with larger wahoo lures. The small baits keep the spread attractive to chicken dolphin and other modest-size mahi, while the larger lures target wahoo and bigger predators.

For wahoo, Kendall uses custom lures approximately nine to 12 inches long on 130-pound monofilament shock leader. A strip of bonito can be added when available. Depending on clarity, depth, and available fishing time, he may pull the lures behind trolling weights, on large planers, or across the surface.

The important part is having multiple systems rigged and ready. Water conditions can require a quick change from surface trolling to planers, heavier weights, or lighter leaders, and a charter crew cannot afford to spend a large portion of the trip rebuilding equipment.

Spanish mackerel fishing has been particularly good along the beach during the morning. The fast action and light tackle make Spanish a good option for trips with children. Kendall trolls small Clarkspoons behind size-one planers with approximately 30-pound leader and six- to seven-foot leader lengths.

King mackerel have been more scattered near the beach, with some of the better action farther offshore around open-water bait balls and structure. Kendall uses larger spoons, including Drone-style and Gator-type spoons, behind size-two planers. Leaders around 50- to 60-pound test and approximately 12 feet long have worked well. He pulls the spread around six-and-a-half to seven knots and places the lures 40 to 50 feet behind the boat.

Cobia remain much less common than in past years. The crew keeps spinning tackle and live bait ready in case a fish appears around a wreck, rig, larger structure, or floating object. Most recent cobia have been undersized, and the better chances have generally been farther offshore and west around deeper structure.

Floating debris created by recent rain is also worth checking for triple tail and mahi. Even small items such as buckets, lily pads, or isolated debris can hold bait and fish.

Products and gear discussed in this offshore report included six-foot snapper leaders, live cigar minnows, croakers, pinfish, 3/0 hooks, chicken rigs, single-hook vermilion snapper rigs, iced squid, bonito chunks, drift lines, pink-and-white Christmas-tree dusters, nine- to 12-inch wahoo lures, 130-pound monofilament shock leader, bonito strips, trolling weights, planers, Clarkspoons, Drone-style spoons, Gator-type spoons, 30-pound Spanish mackerel leaders, and 50- to 60-pound king mackerel leaders.

Dauphin Island Beach, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sharks, Catfish, and Surf Fishing Report With Riley Ludlam

Riley Ludlam of Dauphin Island Fishing Charters reported a challenging but productive week on the Dauphin Island beaches. Water quality changed rapidly from day to day, and the most reliable success came from switching between trout and flounder rather than depending on one species for the entire trip.

Tuesday began with a modest trout bite in cleaner water. By Wednesday, the beachfront had turned extremely muddy, with visibility reduced to only a few inches. Slicks were still visible in several locations, proving trout were present, but the fish struggled to find or commit to the baits.

The traditional summertime beach mix of whiting, ground mullet, puppy drum, and other bottom fish has been inconsistent. That has forced the crew to focus primarily on trout before moving to dedicated flounder areas. Flounder were the trip-saving species on all three reported days, with double-digit opportunities and several fish longer than 18 inches.

Many flounder bites were extremely aggressive. Fish often struck and immediately moved back toward docks, rocks, or nearby cover, forcing anglers to react sooner than they normally would. Even with several missed fish and breakoffs, the group landed enough flounder each day to put together a quality trip.

Small blacktip-type sharks and other small sharks have become common along the beachfront. They ate live shrimp, croakers, topwater plugs, and other baits, sometimes taking over areas that also held quality speckled trout. When anglers know trout are present, Riley does not always recommend leaving immediately. Instead, he may continue free-lining croakers and work through the sharks because upper-slot trout can still be mixed into the same zone.

Topwater plugs may reduce some shark bites compared with live bait, although sharks will still strike them. Hard twitch baits can also be an effective alternative when plastics are ignored or soft-plastic tails are being damaged.

Hardhead catfish and gafftops are another sign that the full summer beach pattern has arrived. When anglers catch an occasional catfish among other activity, it may be worth continuing. When small catfish consume two dozen baits in only a few minutes, making a large move is usually more efficient.

For whiting, ground mullet, and puppy drum, Riley believes fishing beyond the first sandbar could improve the odds. Traditional set rigs with live shrimp or Fishbites may reach fish holding outside the close trough. Flounder, however, are still more likely to remain inside protected pockets, along close ledges, and around structure.

Artificial-lure success has depended heavily on presentation. Soft plastics can work, but beachfront trout sometimes completely ignore them while immediately eating a live croaker cast into the same spot. When live bait is unavailable, Riley prefers a hard twitch bait or topwater plug over a conventional soft plastic.

A MirrOlure MirrOdine is one of his preferred subsurface hard baits. Capt. Tanner also recommended the Rapala Twitchin’ Minnow and Twitchin’ Mullet, which have produced quality surf trout in the past. These lures create flash, vibration, sound, and abrupt movement that can trigger a reaction strike from fish that will not commit to a more subtle plastic.

Large spoons are another underused option. Surf anglers in Texas regularly catch trout on large, flashy spoons, and the same approach can produce on the Alabama coast. A spoon also creates opportunities for Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, redfish, sharks, and other predators roaming the beachfront.

Moving water was the key to the flounder bite. On the first two days, the crew arrived after the falling tide had already begun moving, and the fish were active immediately. On the third day, the water was initially slower and lower, and the bite started poorly. As soon as the current increased, flounder began feeding.

The fish were not merely near current; they were holding directly in moving water and around current breaks. Productive areas included the back side of structure, points, docks, rocks, and places where current was redirected or interrupted.

White soft plastics were the most consistent color through changing water conditions. Riley used the same white four-inch Z-Man BallerZ across multiple trips without destroying it or pulling it off the hook. Other productive colors included black and blue, Atomic Sunrise, and Bloody Mary Sunday.

The four-inch Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ remains one of Riley’s favorite flounder baits. Its buoyant material allows the tail to rise and move naturally while the jig head stays near bottom. The lure can produce even with a basic retrieve because the tail continues working without aggressive rod movement.

The preferred weedless setup is an Eye Strike Texas Eye jig head, commonly in a quarter-ounce size, paired with a Z-Man plastic and Pro-Cure scent. This rig is especially useful around docks, rocks, and other cover because it can be worked through areas where an open-hook jig head would frequently snag.

An open quarter-ounce Death Grip-style jig head can still be effective around cleaner docks or marsh edges, but the Texas Eye remains the most versatile client setup. Riley does not believe the weedless hook significantly reduces the overall hookup ratio, while its ability to avoid snags keeps anglers fishing longer.

When using the flounder rig, the most important instruction is to keep it on bottom. The exact number of twitches is less important than maintaining bottom contact and allowing the bait to remain in the strike zone. Anglers should also drag the fish or confirm steady weight before making a hard hookset.

Products and gear discussed in the beach report included live croakers, live shrimp, popping corks, free lines, Carolina rigs, topwater plugs, MirrOlure MirrOdines, Rapala Twitchin’ Minnows and Twitchin’ Mullets, large spoons, Fishbites, Z-Man BallerZ and DieZel MinnowZ, Eye Strike Texas Eye jig heads, Death Grip-style jig heads, and Pro-Cure scent.