Big redfish schools move in as fall settles over the Gulf
Per Salt Strong, fall is one of the best times of year to fish, and massive schools of big redfish are moving into certain areas right now. That is the headline for anglers working Mobile Bay & Gulf this week. Our two NOAA CO-OPS stations (8735180 and 8736897) both logged water temperatures in the low 70s on the afternoon of October 18, at 70.3°F and 73°F. That is comfortable for redfish, which tend to stay active and feed well as the water eases down from summer highs. Salt Strong also notes that popping corks remain one of the most effective rigs for redfish. A little preparation before the trip lets you swap leader lengths and baits without re-rigging on the water. Check state regulations on size and bag limits before keeping any fish.
New to these readings? What water temp, tide, and moon phase mean for fishing →
What's biting
What's next
If the cooling trend continues, expect the redfish bite to hold and possibly strengthen over the next several days. Fall fish gather in schools as they feed up, so once you find one group of fish, stay patient and work the area thoroughly before moving. Salt Strong's advanced inshore advice applies well here: the small details, such as presentation, timing and leader choice, often separate a slow day from a great one, even when you are on the right spot with the right lure.
The moon is at First Quarter, which means moderate tidal movement rather than the extremes of a new or full moon. Moving water usually helps the bite, so plan your outing around whichever tide phase is running while you are on the water. Tide times were not available from our stations this run, so check a local tide table before you launch.
Dawn and dusk are the usual prime windows. Salt Strong also published its regional weekend game plans for the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, which sit just east of the Alabama coast, for those who want a closer look at regional trends.
Context
Mid-October falls squarely in the fall transition for the northern Gulf Coast. Summer heat gives way to cooler nights, and the water begins its gradual slide toward winter. This is typically one of the more productive stretches of the year for inshore anglers, with redfish moving in larger groups and feeding aggressively ahead of the colder months. Readings of 70 to 73°F are on schedule for this point in the season, neither early nor late.
Fall is also a time when fishing pressure on the water tends to rise as the summer heat breaks and the weather becomes more pleasant, so arriving early and having a plan for your spots pays off. Over the coming weeks, expect the water to keep cooling, and expect fish to shift with it. Pay attention to where the bait is holding, since the fish usually follow it. Approach your trips with flexibility, and be ready to change locations or presentations if the first stop is quiet.
Synthesized from real-time NOAA buoy data, USGS stream gauges, and current reports across regional fishing blogs, captain updates, and angler forums. Check local regulations before keeping fish. Never trust a single source for a trip decision.
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