Coastal Fishing Connections - Alabama Report - 8/13/2018
- Captain Billy Howell
- Aug 13, 2018
- 14 min read
Essentials of Yak Fishing!
It is our goal to bring you a variety of topics that are both interesting and beneficial. If you haven't seen an increase in the number of kayaks on the bay and the gulf over the past few years, you've probably not been on the water very much. This week Scott Kennedy talks about the growing popularity of kayak fishing, it's benefits and some things to consider when choosing a kayak and paddle. In a future edition we will follow with recommended gear to stack on your yak. This week, we caught up with Scott Kennedy of Whistlin' Waters Kayak Fishing.com to talk about how to get yakking. If you follow Scott on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube or all 3, his passion for the kayak fishing is on full display. Whether it's "Duck Hunting From A Kayak" or "Catching Big Fish On Big Baits," there is something for everyone on his Youtube channel.
"Growing up in a family of hardcore Speckled Trout fisherman and living within eyesight of Mobile Bay, fishing was entrenched in my life from the beginning. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of fishing off my grandparents’ dock on Dauphin Island, watching the sunrise over the bow of a Cedar Point Special on the grass flats of Orange Beach, and slimy hands.
Around the time I started driving myself, I was introduced to kayak fishing and from there my obsession was turned into a full-blown addiction. Some of my most memorable catches from my kayak are a Cobia near forty pounds, a 100 lb class tarpon and my personal best thirty-inch Speckled Trout. Fishing from a kayak has the changed the way I fish completely and introduced me to people I’m proud to call my closest friends.
With the popularity of Kayak Fishing growing rapidly, a lot of people are getting curious about the sport. Fishing from a kayak is a great way to access waters that are otherwise unreachable by motorized vessels. Fishing from a kayak is also a great way to target heavily pressured or spooky fish. With that being said, there are a few things needed to get you started.
The first, and most important thing needed to get you started is your kayak. Having a kayak that you feel comfortable in will make or break your first experience with the tiny boats. When I’m looking for a good kayak to use, I like to look for a nice elevated seat, a wide beam, and a deck with plenty of storage for gear and tools.
The next thing you’ll need to get you going is a good paddle. Having a light paddle that is the correct length is key to being able to cover water without wearing yourself early in the trip. Any local kayak shop can help you find the paddle that best suites you and your boat’s needs. A good place to search is at Fairhope Boat Company on Section Street.
One final thing that will help you get started enjoying your time in a kayak is having a good group of friends to share the experience with. Having a buddy to lend an extra set of hands if needed will also make the day way easier.
With kayak fishing exploding in popularity, there are plenty of kayak groups always looking for new member with plenty of people wanting to get out and fish. A few groups that I’m apart of and are full of information are Yak-Tribe, Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Club and South Mississippi Kayak Fishing Club.
Whistlin' Waters offers guided kayking trips, including all things saltwater kayaking. Specializing in inshore and nearshore fishing trips, we also offer eco tours, dolphin tours, and specialty trips such as fly fishing."
Thank you Scott for sharing with us. Please email follow up questions for Scott to Coastalfishingconnections@gmail.com
News, Notes and More!
Over the weekend, the Conde Cavaliers had outstanding participation in their annual 2 day event. Pictured below was a 21 pound plus blackfish aka tripletail caught by Blake Stringer.
Tickets are on sale for the Saltwater Finaddicts Inshore tournament that will be held August 24-25. Information for where to get tickets is listed in the flyer below. In addition to the regular categories, in partnership with CCA Alabama to collect live undersized flounder to help with the flounder rebuilding breeding stock.
This week, forecast highs are in the upper 80's with occasional summer poppers and seas less than 2 feet for the majority of the week. That should make it easy to go get those Triggerfish this week, especially since NOAA announced the season will close at Midnight on August 17, 2018 at midnight.
For information on what's biting, what to use and other tips to catch more fish, check out the guide reports in each weeks report. We cover Orange Beach to the Mississippi Sound. Up next we will visit the kitchen of Melinda Ellis for MeMe's Coastal Delights.
Until next time, Get out there, keep those lines tight and rods bent!
These reports require a collaborative effort from all the contributors, so please click their link and follow their social media accounts. Look for the column header that says weekly drawing, email your answer to coastalfishingconnections@gmail.com to get in the drawing held on Facebook live on Sunday nights @coastalfishingconnections.
Also, subscribe on our website at www.bentoutfittersfishing.com to receive these reports as they come out. Please leave comments at the bottom of the blog after reading and let us know if you find the information interesting and helpful.
MeMe's Coastal Delights by Melinda Ellis
This week MeMe shares with us her grilled blue crab recipe and pictures. From harvesting to preparation, Meme is sure to have you great coastal eats each week!
Garlic Grilled Blue Crabs
Cleaning/Preparing the Crabs 1. Remove the outer shell 2. Remove the grey gills also known as dead mans fingers 3. Rinse out all the other guts and gunk 4. Prep your grill and/or charcoal to around medium heat.
Prepare your Garlic Butter. 2 sticks of real butter (melted) 1/4 cup of Olive oil A tablespoon of minced garlic Salt/pepper/Mrs. Dash/Tony’s seasoning. (As much or little to your liking) Mix all together Once grill is ready, place crabs back side down. Generously fill each Crab’s cavity with a spoon full of garlic butter. And drizzle over the top. Butter will stay inside of the crabs body cavity and bubble up. When they are done, crabs will be red and most of the butter will be soaked into the meat. I like to drizzle a little more butter over them about 5 minutes before I pull them off the grill.
Cook time should be around 20 minutes depending on your grill.
They will smell amazing and taste even better! Grab some pickers, a beer and eat up!
Until Next week!
Sponsor Spotlight
In our infancy we are still working to find sponsors for each weeks drawing. This week we will be giving away a hat and a t-shirt courtesy of Bent Outfitters Fishing. Read below and submit your answer to get in the drawing.
Weekly Giveaway
Read below and get in the drawing for this weeks' giveaway!
What is the name of Kayaking_Kennedy's guide service?
Congratulations to Chris Hood, winner of this past weeks' $ 25 Academy gift card.
Submit your answer via email to coastalfishingconnections@gmail.com
Like and Follow the 2 new social media accounts set up for the weekly report and share our report to get an extra entry into the drawing.
Facebook: @coastalfishingconnections
Instagram: @coastal_fishing_connections
And NOW to the Reports
Mobile Delta
Dippi Outdoors - Dip McMillian
Email: alkeenmcmillan87@gmail.com
Phone: 251-747-9261
Coastal waters include more than just saltwater and each week, Dip McMillian of Dippi Outdoors shares his Mobile Delta report. This week, Dip said, "The crappie are still in their summer mode, but the big ones are finally starting to bite. They are holding to structure tight in all depths, and they don't want anything to do with a jig. Minnows are their main priority right now for sure.
Saturday morning the lower Tensaw bite was slow, but the ones I caught was some quality fish.
This morning I went north to Tensaw Lake, and fished a new area around Upper Bryant landing first thing. I found some quality fish in 9 foot of water.
The bite was consistent all morning and before I knew it, I was out of minnows. I am glad to see that they are back feeding! After that, I went north of Hubbards Landing and found some willow flies and the breams was feeding on them like crazy. I ended the day throwing the popping bug and catching a few breams as well.
Thank you Dip for that outstanding report! If you like to freshwater fish and want to to the where and how, contact Dip to go have some fun in the delta catching some crappies!
Surfside
Orange Beach - Gulf Shores – Fort Morgan
Bama Beach Bum Fishing - Matthew Isbell
Facebook: @bamabeachbumfishing
Instagram: @bamabeachbum_fishing
Cell: 334-391-5913
We are still in a similar pattern as last week. One of the best opportunities right now is black drum. The ones we are catching are in the 1-3 pound range and are perfect for the table. A tip to landing these smaller drum is to loosen your drag more than usual. I noticed early last week that we were losing some of them close to the beach because the hook would pull.
The smaller drum aren’t quite strong enough to pull a heavier drag but they still think they are a big fish, especially when you are fighting them against the waves in the surf. They have strong head shakes and will try to run out and if the drag is too tight and they are unable to pull line out it will only create a larger hole in their mouth and they hook will fall out with any slack.
This time of year is when we see multiple random species in the surf. If you are curious what species are swimming around our waters, this is a great time to hit the beach with just some shrimp and or Fishbites. On one of my trips this past week we caught 14 different species!
It is really cool to see all the different fish. Here is list of what I’ve seen in just the past couple days: pompano, whiting, black drum, redfish, bluefish, flounder, ladyfish, blue runner, jack crevalle, bluntnose jack, remora, hardhead catfish, spadefish, pinfish, atlantic bumper, and puffer fish.
Matthew Isbell is the one and only, Bama Beach bum and has been guiding visitors to fish catching experiences in the surf. Not only does he offer guided surf fishing trips, but he also does a lot of instructional videos to help people catch more fish in the surf. His Youtube channel currently has over 2800 subscribers. Click on his link above for more information on how to book a trip with him.
The Pier Review
Captain David Collins
Captain Collins says, "They are straggling back in. King mackerel have shown back up across the Gulf Coast, from Gulf Shores to Panama City. It will only get better. Gulf Shores Pier is producing spanish pretty good early in the morning. The king mackerel are random but can be caught if you hold your mouth right. The sharks haven't caught on yet, but it won't take long. Red runs are happening right before our very eyes! It's ust going to get better y'all, so get out there and get on the rail! Keep it wiggling!
Keep up with the latest Gulf State Pier information at GSPierfishing.com. or on Alabama Pier Rats.
Offshore Report
Orange Beach, Alabama
Bent Outfitters Fishing - Captain Billy Howell
Facebook: @bentoutfittersfishing
Instagram: @bent_outfitters_fishing
Website: www.bentoutfittersfishing.com
Cell: 601-938-7161
We had a week off the water, but it gave us a great opportunity to do much needed maintenance on the boat to prepare for the busy weeks leading up to Labor Day. Once Labor Day passes, most of the vacationers will be back home with kids in school and planning their next summer adventure.
Our focus this week will be on amberjack and triggerfish, since triggerfish definitely closes on Friday, August 17th at midnight. Word is, an amberjack closure won't be far behind. We will primarily be using squid for the triggerfish on 2 hook chicken rigs. For the amberjack, we plan to use live hard tails and vertical jigs.
While rain is likely to happen almost every day, it won't be the whole day. With 2 foot or less seas forecast, we will definitely be taking advantage of that. Check back next week for our report on the weeks catches.
Captain Billy has been fishing the coastal waters of Alabama for several years now and provides a fun-filled, family fishing experience for your family. Captain Billy runs his offshore trips from Caribe Marina in Orange Beach and inshore trips pretty much any where from the eastern shore of Mobile Bay to Orange Beach.
Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island, Alabama
Southern Drawl Charters - Captain Michael Pittman
Facebook: @southerndrawlcharters
Website: www.southerndrawlcharters.com
Cell: 251-599-8610
Captain Michael Pittman took the week off the water to do some much needed off season beautification of his 26 foot Robalo. They removed the engine painted the bottom, re-linexed the interior installed all new upholdstery and will be taking the boat to the shop for some additional scheduled service.
He said she will be looking like a new girl pretty soon!
Captain Michael Pittman has been running guided trips out of Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan for 3 years. He targets nearly every species and has a motto of "We kill fish." His goal is for every group of people that walk off his boats not only remember a great fishing trip. but to make lifelong friendships.
INSHORE REPORT
Orange Beach / Perdido Key / Gulf Shores - Wolf Bay - ICW
Liquid Force Charters - Captain Dusty Hayes
Facebook: @liquidforceinshorecharters
Instagram: @capt.dustin
Cell: 678-897-0167
Captain Dusty said the fishing is solid inshore in Orange Beach and Offshore. "Lots of big mangrove snapper inshore around all the big structures from 4-40 foot of water. Bull reds are showing up as well chasing bait! I went offshore for a few days this past week and we hammered nice triggerfish and huge beeliners. Also, we got a nice handful of lane snapper each trip."
Captain Dusty offers guided fishing trips in Coastal Alabama out of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores and is sure to offer a great time on the water and catch fish!
Mobile Bay - Dauphin Island – Fort Morgan
Irish Wake Fishing - Captain Jay O’Brien
Facebook: @ IrishWake Fishing
Instagram: @Irish Wake Fishing
Website: www.irishwakefishing.com
Phone: 251-272-4285
Captain JayO has been busy on the west side and had this to say this week. "The trout bite continues to be spotty. The wind continues to be unseasonably ferocious as well for August, adding to the degree of difficulty. Ironically enough, we have been having better midday bites then early morning bites this past week. Capitalizing on the bites you get continues to be important. Live shrimp and Vudu's under popping corks as well as slip corks continue to be the ticket in most areas.
We have still been concentrating on the wrecks, artificial reefs and rigs from the middle part of the bay all the way to the lower end of the Bay on through the Mississippi Sound. These fish were caught with Vudu shrimp and live shrimp under popping corks, Slick Lures, Rapala Skitter Walkers, Yum Mud Minnows, live shrimp on slip corks and free lined croakers.
The Tripletail bite improved this past week when the weather cooperated.
Captain JayO is very mobile running trips from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan. Captain JayO has years of experience fishing our local waters and is sure to provide you and your family with a fun-filled, fish catching experience on the water. Irish Wake Fishing’s motto is Trophies, Groceries and Good Times!
Irish Wake Fishing would also like to thank their sponsors Islamorada Boatworks, Cajun Custom Rods and Smith Optics.
Eastern Shore - Mobile Bay - Dauphin Island
Ugly Fishing - Captain Patric Garmeson
Facebook: @ugly.fishing
Instagram: @ugly_fishing
Website: www.uglyfishing.com
Cell: 251-747-1554
This week, Captain Patric Garmeson talks about "Fishing with a plan."
"I think a big mistake anglers make when they are going fishing is they only plan to go fishing. Instead, they should be planning the fishing trip. This past week like most weeks I have different pick up locations and different customer expectations nearly everyday. Which each day requires it’s own plan. Last week we targeted fish from the Mobile-Tensaw delta out to the rigs scattered along coastal Alabama.
Sunday, we planned to fish the middle section of Mobile Bay. New client, Hal and his family planned to fish with me because he thought I could provide the wow factor for his family. The day began with the wow factor! Landing two bull reds within the first hour of the morning. Both fish were caught on slip cork rigged live shrimp so I can’t technically take credit for having targeted these fish, but I can certainly take credit for having helped my clients land them. Our day was filled with catching slot reds, rat reds, puppy drum and speckled trout. Our last stop had more wow factor when a Jack Crevalle decided to eat a freelined shrimp and nearly spooled the reel the young angler was holding. After a 30 minute plus battle and a broken rod the fish was landed. Both the fish and angler were relieved that the 12 round heavyweight bout had come to an end. My planning and tackle prep allowed or us to have the wow factor trip that Hal and his family had hoped to experience.
My next fishing trip was organized and planned by fellow Captain Joe Deer. The plan was to pick up our guests at Fort Morgan boat ramp and explore the gulf side of Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island looking for anything big. My plan was to have my larger rods and reels setup with a variety tackle options. Straight freeline with 60# fluorocarbon and a circle hook, other freeline rigs with about 12” of steelwire to reduce break offs by toothy critters, and the final rig was a simple Carolina rig with 1oz egg sinker, 60# leader and a circle hook.
I have found my favorite plan for Fort Morgan pick ups is to launch at Weeks Bay and travel by boat to pick up my guests. This plan works for me in many ways. First, I can usually catch plenty of bait near Weeks Bay. Second, I would rather ride in the Blue Wave 2400 Pure Bay any distance instead of my truck. Last, you never know when you may run across a triple tail on the way back to the launch.
The nearshore fishing trip was a hit. I had a young man who was in awe of every fish he caught. Red snapper, giant pilot fish, sharks and jacks. We had minimal current movement which in my opinion had many fish species a bit lethargic but we landed some great fish despite the minimal movement.
The boat ride back to weeks bay turned out to be as smooth as anyone could imagine. Mobile Bay looked like a mirror. I slowed the boat way down and scanned the horizon for floating debris. I had found myself in the perfect triple tail sight casting situation. Within a few miles of driving I began to find items floating in the water. Some items were literally floating with the wind and tide and others were anchored in place. None of the anchored items had any fish near them where-as the floating debris seemed to be the preferred structure on this day. The first log I found had an undersized fish which I caught tagged and released. The next log had a perfect 18.25” keeper and the next log was home to my personal best 31” 22.53# Triple Tail. All fish were caught with a 7’6” wild wild green Carrot Stix paired with the soon to be released Lews Custom CI-400 spinning reel which is laced up with 20# nano-x braided line by American Tackle company.
The next three fishing trips were all planned around fishing near the causeway area. Two trips with adults and kids and the last trip with two adults. The tackle plan was the same each day but the exact float plan would vary each day based on weather and expectations. Locating hungry redfish and or speckled trout on each outing was the plan. Plan to line up good live bait like the kind of shrimp you will find at Shirley’s Bait and tackle which is located across the street from the USS Alabama. We targeted most fish with the use of popping corks and live and or vudu shrimp. We also threw live shrimp and pogies on freeline set ups. My guests landed over 50 redfish but only a handful of speckled trout. The speckled trout my guests caught were far and few between but all were very nice quality!
Thanks for taking the time to read this report and any others you have read. Also be sure to check out the Alabama’s Saltwater Fishing podcast that I am now one of the featured inshore fishing guides on. It’s an honor to share my information with you the reader and hope you will subscribe to the podcast.
If you plan to fish this upcoming week please take the time to plan out your trip to make the most out of your efforts. If you would like to schedule a fishing trip with me this summer, fall or winter then go ahead and give me a call 251-747-1554
Have a great week and best of luck on your next fishing trip. Remember, if it’s good bad or ugly it’s better than cleaning the garage."
Captain Patric Garmeson is very mobile running trips from Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores. Captain Patric has years of experience fishing our local waters and is sure to provide you and your family with a fun-filled, fish catching experience on the water.
Summary
Regardless of the forecasts, the avid anglers and boating enthusiasts will find a way to get their fix. Just a friendly reminder; have all your safety gear up to date, be safe and courteous and but most of all keep those rods bent!
If you are planning a vacation to the area and want to take advantage of great fishing, cruise the bay or islands, there are plenty of options for you. Special thanks to all the contributors for this report. We look forward to keeping you informed each week of what's happening on the water.
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