Advertise on podcast: Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report

Spring is hitting its stride on the Mobile-Tensaw, and this week’s report is packed with real-time insight from anglers who’ve been on the water. Justin Dunnam breaks down a near-win kayak tournament on Bay Minette Creek, where a rising tide, backwater ponds, and missed frog strikes made the difference between first and third. He shares exactly how he approached pressured water and why timing the tide mattered more than location. Matthew Frazier gives a major update on Big Creek Lake, which just reopened after a long and controversial closure. He walks through what access looks like right now, what’s still being fought over, and what anglers can expect if they plan to fish it this weekend. Dip McMillian rounds things out with a strong crappie report from the Tensaw side, where post-spawn fish are stacking tight to structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. He explains how he’s finding them, why he’s ignoring suspended fish, and the exact jig setup that’s producing right now. If you’re trying to figure out where the bite is, how spring patterns are shifting, or what changing conditions mean for your next trip, this one’s worth your time. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This episode of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report captures a spring pattern that’s right on the edge of breaking wide open across the Delta. Host Nick Williams is joined first by Darren Shirah, who paints a clear picture of what’s happening on the freshwater side. Crappie are mostly wrapping up their spawn, while bluegill and other bream species are staging for the next full moon push. Goggle-eye fishing is already strong—especially around wood—and within the next couple weeks, everything should start firing at once. Darren gets into the practical side too, from how to locate beds to why covering water is often more effective than overthinking it, along with a reminder that pressure and overharvest can quietly erase even the best spots over time. The conversation then shifts gears with Jimmy Styles, who brings a broader perspective on what makes the Delta so unique. From turtle diversity to snake safety, Jimmy connects the dots between fishing and the bigger ecological picture, making the case that understanding the place you fish—its wildlife, habitats, and seasonal rhythms—ultimately makes you a better outdoorsman. It’s a reminder that the Delta isn’t just productive water, it’s one of the most biologically rich systems in the country. To round things out, Brenton Grace with Hooked Up By The Bay checks in from the causeway with a mixed-bag report that highlights one of the Delta’s biggest advantages. Flounder are just starting to show, with a few solid keepers hinting that the main push is close, while anglers are still able to bounce into crappie and even early speckled trout and redfish. It’s that classic Mobile-Tensaw scenario—one trip, multiple fisheries, and a cooler that can end up looking pretty diverse if you play it right. Across all three conversations, the theme is the same: stable conditions, warming water, and a fishery that’s about to hit its stride. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to lean in, it’s getting close. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This week’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report centers on a fishery in transition, with spring patterns opening the door to more aggressive bites and a wider range of techniques. Host Nick Williams checks in with Justin Dunham, who’s leaning into the bass spawn and taking advantage of more active fish by throwing faster-moving baits like topwaters, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. The key, he explains, is balancing that aggression with the ability to slow down when needed, and being willing to adjust based on what the fish are telling you. With warming water, fish are feeding up, but conditions like tide, wind, and time of day still dictate how long to stay in a spot and how to approach it . The conversation then shifts to crappie with Dip McMillian, who shares a standout tournament performance driven almost entirely by years of detailed note-taking. His system—tracking tide, moon phase, location, and timing—allowed him to find fish without pre-fishing, reinforcing how predictable the Delta can be if you pay attention over time. He also highlights the importance of moving water, noting that the bite turned on as soon as the tide started flowing, with fish pushing out to feed more aggressively . Across both segments, the takeaway is simple but powerful: this is a high-opportunity window in the Delta. Fish are active, patterns are forming, and success comes down to staying flexible, covering water, and learning from each trip so you can stack the odds in your favor the next time out. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

Spring is settling into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and this week’s report paints a clear picture of a fishery in transition. Nick sits down with Josh Gunter, Shannon Woods, and John Michael Chappelle to break down what’s happening across the system right now, from Mount Vernon down to the lower marsh. Water levels have finally stabilized after a manageable high-water pulse, setting the stage for improving conditions, but not every bite has caught up yet. Crappie are scattered and stubborn in a classic post-spawn funk, forcing anglers to cover water and stay mobile rather than camping on known structure. Catfish, on the other hand, are carrying the load, with strong reports coming from limb lines, bank poles, and set lines across the Delta. Bass anglers are finding success shallow with swim jigs and chatterbaits, while bluegill are just beginning to show signs of life, though the big bulls haven’t committed to the beds yet. Shannon Woods looks ahead to the upcoming panfish tournament season, including a new Mount Vernon event and expanded rules that open the door to heavier mixed-species bags. It’s shaping up to be a strong year if water conditions hold. The conversation shifts as John Michael Chappelle with Chappelle Excursions brings a different lens to the Delta, highlighting the unmatched biodiversity that surrounds the fishery. From bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites to alligators and migrating waterfowl, the Delta is as much a wildlife experience as it is a fishing destination. His perspective is a reminder that even on slow fishing days, there’s no shortage of reasons to be out there. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This week on the Mobile Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick Williams sits down with Meagan Fowler to talk about a fast-moving issue that could have lasting impacts on the Delta. Meagan shares the latest on proposed utility-scale solar developments in the Stockton area and what they could mean for the rivers, creeks, and wetlands that make this system so unique. The conversation also marks the launch of Friends of the Tensaw River, a newly formed nonprofit that’s grown out of a grassroots effort to respond to these projects. The name isn’t new, though. It’s a revival of the original group led by the late Davida Hastie, who spent decades fighting to protect these same wetlands. In many ways, this moment feels like history repeating itself, with a new generation picking up the torch. Nick and Meagan dig into what’s changed on the ground, from the scale of these projects to the lack of local oversight in unzoned areas, and why so many people who live, fish, and hunt in the Delta feel blindsided. They also touch on the broader forces driving this push, the confusion around messaging and media coverage, and what residents can actually do right now if they want to have a voice in what happens next. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick sits down with Wade Perry of Mobile Baykeeper and Justin Dunnam, the Eight Mile Drifter, for a conversation that covers both the health of the Delta and how to catch fish in it right now. Wade gives a boots-on-the-ground look at what’s happening in Mobile Bay, from the ongoing coal ash threat to the push to restore oyster reefs and improve water quality. It’s a reminder that the future of fishing in the Delta depends just as much on conservation work as it does on tactics and timing. Wade also shares a detailed look at fishing dock lights on Dog River, including setup, timing, and the small adjustments that make a big difference when targeting speckled trout and redfish at night. Then Justin breaks down a strong early spring bite, with bass pushing shallow, crappie staging around structure, and backwater oxbows heating up fast. The guys talk through how to approach these areas, what baits are producing, and how to adjust as fish move between shallow feeding zones and deeper structure. If you want to understand not just where the fish are, but what’s shaping the fishery itself, this is a can’t-miss episode. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

Fishing is heating up across the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and this week’s report checks in with three anglers who spend a lot of time on the water across the system. First up, Brenton Grace from Hooked Up by the Bay shares what he’s seeing around the Causeway bait shop and along the marshes of Mobile Bay. With shrimp starting to show back up after a slow stretch, anglers are looking forward to better conditions and improving redfish opportunities heading into the weekend. Next, Darren Shirah from Reel Time Outdoors with Darren talks about exploring different parts of the Delta, including bass fishing trips around the Boatyard area and the endless maze of creeks, lakes, and backwaters on the Tensaw side of the river system. The conversation also dives into how anglers can find productive water in a place as vast and complex as the Delta. Finally, Dip McMillian from Dippie Outdoors joins the show with a crappie update, reporting that some of the better fish are coming from shallow grass and shoreline areas, with many fish running over a pound. Minnows and simple presentations around cover and grass lines are producing steady action. If you’re fishing the Delta this week, this episode covers everything from Causeway redfish to Delta bass and crappie patterns so you can plan your next trip with confidence. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

In this episode of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams welcomes legendary angler and lunar fishing chart expert Don Green, long-time contributor to Great Days Outdoors Magazine. Don shares proven moon phase fishing tactics and explains how solar and lunar cycles, barometric pressure, and tides can impact bass fishing success on Alabama's lakes, rivers, and the Mobile Delta. Dive into the fascinating world of lunar fishing charts, learn how environmental changes and conservation efforts affect local fisheries, and get Don's top tips for seasonal fishing, lure selection, and making your own custom fishing baits. This episode is packed with practical advice for anglers of all skill levels, covering everything from boat choice and tackle evolution to bass fishing strategies and ethical outdoor traditions. Whether you're interested in striper fishing, tournament tips, or improving your success in private ponds, this show is a must-listen for anyone passionate about Alabama freshwater fishing. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This week on the Mobile Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, things are heating up from the upper Delta all the way down to Dog River, and it sounds like spring is knocking on the door. Nick kicks things off with Justin “The Eight Mile Drifter” Dunnam, who put his Mardi Gras break to good use covering water from Majors Creek to the Escambia River. Justin breaks down a strong pre-spawn bass pattern, including how a seven-inch glide bait fooled multiple solid fish and nearly landed a four-and-a-half-pound Delta bass. He also shares what he’s seeing with crappie stacked tight in tree tops, how current affects fish positioning in swift rivers like the Escambia, and why this late-winter window might be your best shot at the biggest bass of the year. If you’ve been curious about throwing big baits in the Delta, this conversation will give you a real-world look at when and how to do it. In the second segment, Darren Shirah of Real Time Outdoors joins the show to talk bream, crappie, and the early signs of bedding activity. He and Nick dig into how unpredictable Delta fish can be this time of year, why water temperature charts from other parts of the country don’t always apply here, and what they’re seeing on the water right now. From live crickets for staging bluegill to reading subtle tide and temperature shifts, Darren shares what’s working — and what’s still a mystery. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start chasing pre-spawn bass, hunting for shallow crappie, or easing back into bluegill fishing, this episode gives you a grounded, boots-on-the-water look at what’s happening right now across the Delta. Spring is close, and the fish are starting to move.

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick sits down with Peter Jordan to talk about one of the most overlooked opportunities in lower Alabama—wade fishing small, sand-bottom blackwater creeks. With water temps still cool but warming trends on the way, Peter explains why now is the perfect time to throw crawfish patterns, small crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits, and simple fly setups in these nutrient-poor systems where even a two- or three-pound bass is a true creek trophy. They break down basic access rules, simple gear recommendations, and why covering water instead of overworking one spot is the key to success. The conversation also digs into why creek fishing hits different. It’s quiet, personal, and often untouched, offering a break from high-tech bass boats and pressured water. But Peter and Nick also warn that these fragile headwaters can be permanently damaged by runoff and careless development, wiping out entire year classes of fish in a single season. The message is simple: enjoy these hidden gems, share them wisely, and protect them while you still can. In the second half of the show, Nick talks with Stockton native Megan Fowler about the proposed 4,500-acre solar development planned for historic wetlands just outside town. Megan shares how a late-night Facebook scroll sparked a grassroots movement that quickly turned into a packed town hall and thousands of concerned residents. Together, they explore what’s at stake—from headwater creeks that feed the Delta to historic tourism, hunting, and fishing—and why so many locals believe this fight is about more than just one project. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick Williams checks in with two longtime Delta voices to talk crappie season, conservation concerns, and a youth deer story that’s going to be told for decades. The episode opens with Josh Gunter of Steele Creek Bait & Tackle, who breaks down why this year could finally give anglers a true, fishable crappie spawn after nearly a decade of high water disrupting access to traditional spawning areas. Josh dives into crappie spawn fundamentals for the Delta, including the key water temperature range of roughly 58 to 62 degrees that triggers movement. He explains the behavioral differences between black and white crappie, noting that black crappie typically move shallower first and relate to hard bottom, cypress trees, and visible structure, while white crappie may spawn slightly deeper as long as sunlight can reach the eggs. The segment wraps with a strong endorsement of supporting local bait shops and a look at Steele Creek’s new location in the historic Northside Tackle building, plus details about their upcoming grand reopening and raffle fundraiser to help rebuild their Mount Vernon store. In the second half of the show, Nick checks in with Dip McMillan of Dippi Outdoors for both a fishing report and a feel-good youth hunting story. Dip shares details about a remarkable 136-inch buck harvested in Baldwin County by one of the youth hunters in his program, calling it one of the most impressive deer he’s seen taken locally. He reflects on a strong youth season overall and the importance of creating meaningful outdoor experiences for kids. Switching back to fishing, Dip reports that crappie are still suspended in roughly 20 feet of water, holding 10 to 13 feet down in creek channels. Many of the fish he’s targeting are roamers rather than tightly relating to structure, and he explains how forward-facing sonar allows him to quickly identify active fish and avoid wasting time. He notes that while he caught plenty of solid 10- to 12-inch fish, the larger females may be beginning to shift positions as water temperatures gradually climb. The episode closes with details about Dippy Outdoors’ upcoming youth rabbit hunt in Loxley and a reminder that spring in the Delta means opportunity in every direction, from crappie to catfish to turkeys in the hardwoods. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo Gulf Coast Shows SlipSki Solutions

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams checks in with three trusted Delta voices to break down late-winter conditions, seasonal transitions, and what anglers and outdoorsmen should be paying attention to right now across the system. The episode opens with Darren Shirah of Real Time Outdoors, who shares a detailed look at winter panfish behavior and how warming trends are starting to trigger early movement from crappie and bream. Darren explains how he targets suspended fish during cold weather using long cane poles and handmade porcupine quill floats, why subtle bites demand ultra-sensitive presentations, and how constant depth adjustments help locate fish that aren’t locked to the bottom.  Nick then checks in with Justin Dunnam of Eight Mile Drifter to talk about what’s ahead for kayak anglers as winter begins to loosen its grip. Justin breaks down the local kayak tournament scene in both saltwater and freshwater, including how Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association and Mob Town Kayak Bass Fishing operate, what new anglers should expect, and why catch-photo-release formats have become so popular. He walks through the basics of proper fish measurement, board setup, and photo submission, while also emphasizing the low barrier to entry, strong camaraderie, and learning opportunities these tournaments provide.  The episode wraps up with Captain Patric Garmeson of Ugly Fishing delivering an important conservation update for Mobile Bay. Patric explains the recent legislative victory banning open-water dredge disposal in the bay, outlining how community involvement, town hall meetings, and unified voices across the fishing community helped push the bill through the House and Senate. He discusses what the change means for oysters, water clarity, and habitat health, as well as why continued restoration work and public engagement will be critical moving forward. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams breaks down winter fishing conditions across the Delta with three local voices who know these waters inside and out. Captain Patric Garmeson of Ugly Fishing opens the show with a deep dive into river levels and hydrographs, explaining how rainfall in North and Central Alabama impacts water clarity, current speed, and fish behavior days later in the Delta. Patric shares practical advice on reading the Coffeeville and Claiborne gauges, adjusting expectations during rising water, and finding cleaner, fishable water when the main rivers are muddy and moving fast. Next, Nick checks in with Justin Dunnam of Eight Mile Drifter to talk about targeting redfish in shallow tidal creeks during winter low-water conditions. Justin explains why bait and redfish stack up in narrow ditches and back creeks after strong north winds, how to locate those hidden pockets of deeper water, and why kayaks and small boats shine this time of year. He also shares lure choices, cold-weather presentation tips, and simple gear strategies for staying comfortable on frigid mornings. The episode wraps up with Matthew Frazier providing an update on the ongoing access issues at Big Creek Lake. Matthew outlines where things currently stand, what anglers should know, and why the situation matters for public access and the local fishing community. From reading river gauges to chasing winter redfish and staying informed on access issues, this episode delivers timely, boots-on-the-ground insight for anyone fishing the Mobile-Tensaw Delta right now.

This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick Williams opens a new chapter for the show, officially shifting the focus from a statewide format to a deeper, more place-based look at fishing in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Nick explains why the change makes sense after years of the show naturally drifting south, and why zeroing in on the Delta allows for more consistent, higher-quality reports from anglers who truly know this water. It’s a nod to the show’s roots, the local voices that built it, and the sense of place that has always defined Great Days Outdoors, even as the media network continues to grow and evolve. The episode kicks off with Dip McMillan of Dippi Outdoors, who checks in with an outstanding crappie report from the upper Delta. Dip says the bite has been nothing short of unreal, with crappie stacked up in creek channels and suspended over shad in 14 to 20 feet of water. He and his crew have been catching thick, healthy fish in the 12- to 15-inch range, to the point that 10- and 11-inchers are getting tossed back. Dip breaks down how forward-facing sonar has helped him stay on roaming schools, why natural-colored jigs are getting crushed right now, and how cold water temperatures in the low-50s are keeping fish suspended instead of pushing shallow. He also touches on recent water level swings, explaining how strong north winds quickly flushed floodwater out of the system and reset conditions across much of the Delta. Next, Nick is joined by Darren Shirah of Reel Time Outdoors with Darren for a wide-ranging conversation that blends bass fishing, panfish tactics, catfishing, and even hog hunting. Darren says winter fishing has been excellent across the board, especially during low water, when fish are forced out of shallow backwaters and concentrate along creek mouths, cuts, and subtle depth changes. He shares how he’s been catching bass, bream, and crappie on simple, confidence baits like Beetle Spins and spinnerbaits, adjusting colors based on water clarity and focusing on incoming tide windows. Darren also talks about running limb lines for blue catfish, and explains why he prefers staking big blues into thick steaks for cleaner flavor. The conversation rounds out with insights on hog populations in the Delta, how cold weather and water levels affect them, and why time on the water often turns into time chasing pigs when opportunity knocks. It’s all brought to you by Great Days Outdoors. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text the word “fishing” to (646) 495-9867 or click the link in the show notes to join our email list. Every Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report subscriber gets a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase. Sponsors AFTCODixie SupplyBlack BuffaloStayputSlipski

This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re kicking things off with Peter Jordan of The Lost Angler Fly Shop for a wide-ranging conversation that blends fishing, seasonal patterns, and what’s happening right now on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Peter recaps a recent press conference at the Blind Tiger in Fairhope, where state leaders announced movement toward a ban on mud dumping in Mobile Bay, and he explains why this matters so much for anglers, hunters, coastal communities, and the long-term health of the bay. From there, the conversation turns to fishing, with Peter breaking down current winter conditions in the Delta, how cooler water and shifting tides are spreading fish throughout the water column, and why steady retrieves, subsurface presentations, and vibration-heavy baits are shining right now. He shares practical advice on bass behavior leading into the pre-spawn window, how rising and falling winter water affects fish positioning, and why paddle craft like kayaks and canoes can be a huge advantage for getting into shallow, overlooked areas that are holding fish. In the second half of the show, Nick is joined by Justin Dunham of Eight Mile Drifter for a laid-back but information-packed discussion on fishing the Delta and nearby waters during a highly variable winter. Justin talks about navigating high and muddy water, when to focus on lower Delta creeks closer to the bay, and why places like Fly Creek, Fowl River, and even Lake Shelby can be reliable options when the rivers are blown out. He also dives into tackle talk, sharing his go-to, general-purpose lure lineup for Gulf Coast anglers who want to keep things simple while still covering bass, redfish, and speckled trout. From topwater plugs and fluke-style baits to spinner arms, soft plastics, and scent-based lures, Justin lays out a practical system that works across species and seasons. The conversation wraps with thoughts on seasonal transitions, rebuilding confidence during tough bites, and why slowing down, simplifying your gear, and paying attention to water temperature and forage can make all the difference this time of year.  Sponsors Dixie Supply Bucks Island Hiltons Realtime Nav Visit Mississippi Fishbites Killerdock L&M Marine SE Pond Mobile Boat