Spring Patterns and a Surprise Snook: What's Happening on the Alabama Coast

Spring is starting to take hold along the Alabama Gulf Coast, and this week's report shows a fishery that's waking up but still shifting day to day. Capt. Jay O'Brien reports that the sheepshead bite is tapering after a strong run, with noticeable pressure on larger fish. At the same time, speckled trout are beginning their spring transition out of the rivers and onto the flats, but they're moving with the bait and changing preferences throughout the day. Matching profile and presentation has been more important than color, and staying mobile has been the difference between slow days and steady action. Off Dauphin Island, Capt. Spencer Knight is still putting together solid mixed bags by combining sheepshead limits with offshore runs for triggerfish and vermilion snapper. The bite has been consistent when conditions allow, though wind is starting to limit opportunities. His approach has been to avoid high-pressure structure, dial in depth carefully, and maximize efficiency with rigs that keep bait in the strike zone longer. From the beach and pier, Chris Vecsey reports that pompano season is underway with strong early tournament weights, but conditions are a factor. Algae has been a constant challenge in the surf, and timing has mattered, with morning bites producing the best results. East-end beaches and Perdido Pass have been leading the way, with fish holding close in the troughs and even in the wash. The episode closes with a local listener story that highlights just how much the fishery is changing. A rare snook catch along the Alabama coast underscores what more anglers have been noticing in recent years. Fish that were once considered outliers are starting to show up more often, adding another layer of intrigue to an already dynamic system. Across the board, the common thread is adjustment. Fish are feeding, but they're not locked into a single pattern yet. Anglers who are willing to move, experiment, and pay attention to bait, depth, and conditions are finding success, while those staying static are getting left behind. 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 ADCNR Marine Resources Division Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics Camper City Mobile