Fishing Tips: The Mobile Bay Redfish of Mobile, Alabama and How to Catch Them

The fondest memories I have from my childhood are those of weekend fishing trips with my dad and grandpa. There was only saltwater where I grew up so speckled trout and redfish usually ended up on the menu. From a young age I found a love for the fight of a bull redfish. I remember days when we were pulling them in two at a time from the Padre Island surf. In the 1970s not much thought was being given to the conservation of our resources yet, so just as we kept all we could catch, so would the commercial netters. Soon a chef named Paul Purdon would introduce consumers to a dish named Blackened Redfish and we almost ate them to the point of being on the endangered species list. Luckily, today the Red Drum is thriving better than ever, but... the only way you'll be able to blacken and eat one is to catch it yourself.

So that you to may enjoy the thrill of the fight and taste the reward at the end, I'm going to tell you how to catch redfish in, and around Mobile Bay.

It's important first, to know what kind of tackle or fishing equipment to have. Next, you'll find out the best places to go, whether you have access to a boat, or not. Then you'll find out the best kind of bait to have along, even a favorite lure or two. And finally, I'll tell you what the fishing regulations are so that you and the game warden can remain friends. Even if you know where to go, if you don't have the right tackle for the

job, the trip will be pointless.

A. The choice of rod and real is important.

1. A 6.5' to 8' rod with a good backbone and a medium heavy tip is preferable.

2. A high speed reel with a strong gear system is important to stand up to the abuse that a redfish can dish out.

B. Bait also plays a key role though not as important as the rod and reel.

1. According to Captain Jeff Dute, executive editor, Great Days Outdoors,

dead shrimp is always good. They hunt by smell primarily.

2. Captain Dute also said that, "If you prefer artificial, a chartreuse grub with a jig head or a gold spoon are hard to beat.

Where to fish is the next key ingredient.

A. There are a couple good spots those without access to a boat can go.

1. According to Captain Dute, the Dauphin Island Pier is a great place to go.