Depth Over Structure Around Dauphin Island

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, Butch Thierry kicks things off with Clifton Davis, who shares how a low-tide adjustment turned into a productive inshore bite. Instead of sticking tight to the bank for redfish, Clifton freelined live shrimp in a dead-end canal with a gradual drop into deeper water and found speckled trout popping on top, leading to a strong trout box along with quality white trout and slot reds. He also explains how lighter weights, smaller hooks, and even letting mangrove snapper run with the bait before engaging the reel helped increase keeper ratios around pilings and structure. Midway through the show, co-host Joe Baya joins Butch to talk with Jim Cox about the upcoming Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show. Jim breaks down what makes the Panama City event unique, how it differs from the Wharf show in Orange Beach, and why having hundreds of boats in one place—sometimes even in the water for sea trials—can completely change the buying process. They discuss early-spring boat show incentives, the wide range of boats on display from bay boats and center consoles to pontoons, and why getting your whole family physically on a boat matters more than anything you'll read in a brochure. The episode wraps up with Captain Tanner Deas, who talks through the grind of late-winter fishing around Dauphin Island. After high winds dirtied up the surf and slowed the whiting bite, Tanner shifted to the sound side, covering ground and keying in on fish holding in five to six feet of water around seawalls and wood structure. He explains why depth has been more important than structure alone lately, how downsizing to a small, stout hook has improved hook-up ratios on sheepshead and drum, and why a little chop on the water can make all the difference when slick conditions shut everything down. SPONSORS CCA Alabama  Dixie Supply and Baker Metalworks Killerdock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Slipski Coastal Connection Fiber Plastic Hilton's Realtime Nativator McCoy Outdoor Co. Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits