Early Spring Fishing Report!

We have had a recent warming trend and it is looking like spring is moving in early here on the Alabama Gulf Coast! This past week we have been able to consistently catch large whiting in the surf zone. Many of the whiting are in the 14-16” range! We have found the most success with single drop rigs using 10lb fluorocarbon and no beads or floats and a size 4 or size 6 circle hook on the single drop with just a tiny piece of dead shrimp. 

We are also seeing some pompano moving into the surf zone! This is exciting to see so early in the year! They have been hanging a bit closer to the beach. Most have been caught with a short cast, maybe 20-30 yards off the sand. Ghost shrimp is definitely the best option to get a bite, but if you can’t find any a piece of shrimp paired with Fishgum or Fishbites has also produced some legal fish. 

There are still some of the large black drum cruising the beaches and they seem to be favoring the backside of the sand bar. If you can find a point on the beach that allows you to cast to the back of the bar, that’s where I’d recommend focusing your efforts. They aren’t too picky with baits. A piece of dead shrimp, fishbones, fishgum, or ghost shrimp have all been productive! 

We are getting reports that sheepshead and spanish mackerel have been caught the past few days from the Gulf State Park Pier! This is a really good sign and encouraging for the start of spring fishing! The water has been pretty clear at the pier so very light leader (10lb) has been the needed to get more bites from the sheepshead. 

Stay Bummy!
Bama Beach Bum