What a big change in weather between August and October. This month is the month to really enjoy the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Its cooler and the fish are getting ready for the winter. That means they are eating anything they can catch.

 Flounder should be on their way south in a big way. Fish all the lower end of Mobile Bay around any structure near the beach. The flounder are moving off shore this month and will feed when ever they get the chance. On the eastern side of the bay fish any slip or marina around condos, any pier, any bulk head, and jetty, and especially the boat ramp area at Fort Morgan. This little spot will produce some big flounder. It acts like a fish trap for the flounder moving down the beach to the Gulf. They hit the ramp’s bulk head and have a hard time moving back out of that little maria like area. Flip finger mullet, jigs and plastics, with or with out fish bellies added., and shrimp all slowly moved along the bottom. The southern bay rigs will hold some flounder as well.

 White trout will be around all of the south end rigs as well as all the close in rigs off of Fort Morgan. Any cut bait will work well as well as plastics and shrimp. Salted shrimp work well with white trout too. Keep a small live white trout on some heavier tackle in case a returning cobia swims by. You never know.

  Also, the light house off Fort Morgan should hold some great Red Fish this time of the year. They will be feeding on the white trout there as well as any whitting around the light house. Specks should be feeding like crazy getting ready for winter. Watch for the diving gulls. There’s shrimp under the gulls and most likely, specks under the shrimp. All of the lower end creek and river channels will hold some specks and white trout too. Slot Red Fish should be in the stump fields as well as flounder. Specks will be there early. St Andrews Bay will have some great white trout action going on. They will range from too small to 15 inch and make some great fried fish fingers. Slot reds will also be in St Andrews Bay along the shore line, the oyster bars, and all the piers and jetties. Lots of home made reefs around there so go slow when shallow.

 This time of the year I use a lot of 3 inch Berkley Gulp Baits in Natural and white color. I use a red head with them and have even cut them in half to fish like cut bait both with and without a cork.. The scent drives the white trout crazy, as well as any red fish hanging around.

 Been a great year on the Bay so far and I expect it to continue. Call any time if I can help. Also remember that it never hurts to throw a few hands full of dead shrimp in the area that you are fishing. Chop it up in smaller bits and enjoy the action. Keep what you will clean and release the rest the best way you can. Know the game and fish laws as well as the marine rules of the road. Please always know the laws and comply with them. Watch your wake too. Have a great day. backbayfishingwithdon.com 550-5418.

~Capt Don.