Fall redfish and snook patterns set up along the Alabama Gulf

What's biting

What's next

Expect the fall redfish movement to keep building as the season advances. Salt Strong (articles) describes big schools shifting into certain areas, so if a spot has been quiet, keep moving until you find the school rather than soaking bait in one place. Once you find them, they are often grouped tightly, so work the immediate area thoroughly.

The warmer station reading of 75°F suggests snook and redfish can still be active in the warmest water, while the 71.4°F station points to slightly cooler conditions. Compare both when choosing where to start, and favor the warmer side for snook.

For the next few days, a popping cork over shallow cover is a sound starting point. Salt Strong (articles) highlights that rig for redfish and snook, and suggests rigging a few variations before you launch so you can adjust without losing fishing time.

The moon is at First Quarter, which brings moderate tidal movement. Plan around the stronger moving-water periods in the morning and late afternoon, and check a local tide table for exact times before heading out. Fish are typically more willing to feed during moving water.

Context

Mid-October on the Alabama Gulf coast is usually the start of the fall transition. Water has come down from the summer peak, baitfish are moving out of the bays and estuaries, and redfish tend to school up and feed more aggressively. Per Saltwater Sportsman, the fall mullet run is under way along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from September into November, and predators typically follow that bait.

This timing is on schedule for the region. Anglers who adapt to the fall pattern, working the edges where bait is concentrated, typically find the best action of the year. Check state regulations for current size and bag limits before harvesting any fish.