| Saltwater fishing off Alabama's Atlantic | | | | ones can be found farther out. The best |
| coast is some of the sweetest and most | | | | way to locate Dolphin is to first locate |
| productive on the East coast. Part of | | | | a driftline (otherwise known as a |
| the reason for this is the diversity of | | | | "rip"). The driftline serves as |
| species commonly caught. Another bonus | | | | structure for smaller bait fish and this |
| for the locals or anglers who choose | | | | is what the Dolphin prey on. |
| Alabama as an angling vacation | | | | Once you've found one, look for action |
| destination is the fact that the | | | | in the water and cast into it. This is |
| southern climes allow for a long and | | | | where the real fishing begins. The trick |
| comfortable warm season. | | | | is to leave that first fish on a |
| Alabama has long been known for its | | | | stringer in the water. This will attract |
| Southern charm and hospitality so rest | | | | more of them and you can cast at your |
| assured that you will find plenty of | | | | leisure. |
| people to help you and point you in the | | | | More Shallow Water Angling |
| right direction for any questions you | | | | Do you like to fish shallow water? |
| might have, whether fishing or other | | | | Alabama flats offer ample opportunity to |
| activities you might be involved in | | | | land Redfish. These Reds like going |
| while there. | | | | shallow where they can feast on some of |
| A Diversity of Species to be Found | | | | their favorite treats - small |
| Are you an aficionado of night angling? | | | | crustaceans. |
| Be prepared for some serious Flounder | | | | To get up front and personal with this |
| action. The tasty "flatfish" are | | | | tasty fish wading is a good option, and |
| bountiful on the sandbars of Mobile Bay. | | | | the best way to get to the hot spots are |
| You can wade or approach quietly in a | | | | by kayak or Florida flats-boats. Either |
| shallow draft vessel. The only other | | | | way once you get there you'll have to |
| things you need are a lighting system | | | | find the fish. |
| and a gig. These rascals are experts | | | | Look for Reds that are "tailing", that |
| atcamouflaging themselves with the sand, | | | | is, swimming in water that is so shallow |
| so look for the telltale hump with an | | | | that their dorsal fins are out of the |
| eye. | | | | water waving around. This is a sure sign |
| There aren't too many fishing sights as | | | | that they are feeding on small crabs and |
| exhilarating as watching a well-hooked | | | | the like. |
| Dolphin (also known in the restaurant as | | | | If you like a spinning reel, a gold |
| Mahi-Mahi or Dorado because exotic names | | | | spoon works well. If the flats are |
| warrant higher prices) leaping from the | | | | weedy, use a weedless rig or bait a hook |
| water displaying a rainbow of colors. | | | | with a live shrimp and toss it into the |
| You can land the smaller ones, up to | | | | weeds. The Reds can find it by scent. |
| about ten pounds, close to shore from | | | | But since Reds can be skittish, fly |
| early May through October. The larger | | | | fishing is very effective. |