From Dauphin Island Sheepshead to Backwater Stripers: This Week's Report

This week on the Alabama Saltwater Fishing Report, we're digging into early spring patterns across the Gulf Coast, and there's a lot starting to take shape if you're paying attention. Butch Thierry and Dylan Kiene kick things off with Captain Tanner Deas of Dauphin Island Fishing Charters, who's been dialed in on a strong sheepshead bite around nearshore structure. Tanner breaks down how small differences in docks, rocks, and current seams are holding fish right now, why crabs are dramatically outfishing shrimp, and how anglers can still put together big numbers even from shore when conditions keep them off the rigs. From there, they talk with Sam Sumlin of Community Fly Shop in Gulf Shores, who's been exploring the backwaters and finding one of the most unique bites we've heard in a while. From big river trout to a 20-plus pound striped bass and even snook showing up in the same systems, Sam walks through how he's approaching these mixed-bag fisheries on fly, what he's seeing with bait movement, and how to fish structure and bank lines when you truly don't know what might eat next. They wrap things up with Captain King Marchand of Capt. Mike's Fishing, where the offshore action has been just as strong. Swordfish success, yellowfin tuna, and solid bottom fishing closer to shore all point to a wide-open spring if the weather lines up. Between delayed trout movement, aggressive sheepshead spawning behavior, and some wild multi-species opportunities popping up inshore, this is one of those weeks where staying flexible might be the difference between a slow trip and one you won't forget. SPONSORS AFTCO Deep South Cranes Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Dixie Building Supply KillerDock Foster Contracting Gulf Coast Shows Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Slip Ski Solutions Coastal Connection Fiber Plastics Inc Hilton's Offshore Charts McCoy Outdoors Ricciardone Dentistry Coastal Brew Baits Pure Flats The Wharf Boat Show ADCNR Marine Resources Division Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics