Fall redfish schools move in along the Gulf coast

What's biting

What's next

Tides set the schedule this weekend. At station 8735180 the next high comes at about 2:24 AM local and the next low near 3:05 PM. At station 8736897 the high lands near 3:34 AM and the low near 4:07 PM. That means a falling tide through the morning and into the afternoon, then an incoming push toward evening. Falling water tends to pull bait and redfish off the flats toward channel edges and cuts, so work the mouths of drains and points as the current picks up.

Salt Strong's Insider weekend game plans for the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend go live for October 16 through 18, a useful cross-check for anglers fishing just east of Mobile. A First Quarter moon means moderate tide swings rather than the strongest of the month, so expect steady current that is not ripping. If the water stays near 80, redfish should keep feeding through the day, with the best bites around the tide change. Check the local forecast before heading out, since wind direction drives how clear the bay water runs.

Context

Mid-October along the Alabama coast is the heart of the fall transition. Water has not yet cooled the way it will by November, so inshore fishing still feels like late summer in the afternoons while mornings turn more comfortable. Redfish typically gather in larger groups this time of year and roam shallow bays, marsh edges and passes, which fits what Salt Strong describes. The season looks on schedule rather than early or late for this region. The cooling trend that pushes fish into winter patterns usually builds through November and December. Check current state regulations for size and bag limits before keeping any fish.