Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report

Nick Williams
  • 4.8 (24)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Nick Williams brings you the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report; a local, no-nonsense fishing report built for anglers who fish one of the most unique river systems in the country. Covering everything from the marshes along the Causeway to the quiet backwaters around Miller’s Ferry, the show breaks down what’s biting, where it’s happening, and how people are catching fish right now. From bass, crappie, and bream in muddy backwaters to specks and reds pushing upriver with the tides, this podcast delivers honest, on-the-water insight for anglers who know the line between salt and freshwater is always moving.

  1. The Best Time to Fish Isn’t Random: Inside Don Green’s Legendary Lunar Charts

    6D AGO

    The Best Time to Fish Isn’t Random: Inside Don Green’s Legendary Lunar Charts

    In this episode of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams welcomes legendary angler and lunar fishing chart expert Don Green, long-time contributor to Great Days Outdoors Magazine. Don shares proven moon phase fishing tactics and explains how solar and lunar cycles, barometric pressure, and tides can impact bass fishing success on Alabama's lakes, rivers, and the Mobile Delta. Dive into the fascinating world of lunar fishing charts, learn how environmental changes and conservation efforts affect local fisheries, and get Don's top tips for seasonal fishing, lure selection, and making your own custom fishing baits. This episode is packed with practical advice for anglers of all skill levels, covering everything from boat choice and tackle evolution to bass fishing strategies and ethical outdoor traditions. Whether you're interested in striper fishing, tournament tips, or improving your success in private ponds, this show is a must-listen for anyone passionate about Alabama freshwater fishing. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

    1h 43m

  2. FEB 28

    Are the Delta Bass Already Spawning?

    This week on the Mobile Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, things are heating up from the upper Delta all the way down to Dog River, and it sounds like spring is knocking on the door. Nick kicks things off with Justin “The Eight Mile Drifter” Dunnam, who put his Mardi Gras break to good use covering water from Majors Creek to the Escambia River. Justin breaks down a strong pre-spawn bass pattern, including how a seven-inch glide bait fooled multiple solid fish and nearly landed a four-and-a-half-pound Delta bass. He also shares what he’s seeing with crappie stacked tight in tree tops, how current affects fish positioning in swift rivers like the Escambia, and why this late-winter window might be your best shot at the biggest bass of the year. If you’ve been curious about throwing big baits in the Delta, this conversation will give you a real-world look at when and how to do it. In the second segment, Darren Shirah of Real Time Outdoors joins the show to talk bream, crappie, and the early signs of bedding activity. He and Nick dig into how unpredictable Delta fish can be this time of year, why water temperature charts from other parts of the country don’t always apply here, and what they’re seeing on the water right now. From live crickets for staging bluegill to reading subtle tide and temperature shifts, Darren shares what’s working — and what’s still a mystery. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start chasing pre-spawn bass, hunting for shallow crappie, or easing back into bluegill fishing, this episode gives you a grounded, boots-on-the-water look at what’s happening right now across the Delta. Spring is close, and the fish are starting to move.

    45 min

  3. FEB 19

    The Creeks We Grew Up On

    This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick sits down with Peter Jordan to talk about one of the most overlooked opportunities in lower Alabama—wade fishing small, sand-bottom blackwater creeks. With water temps still cool but warming trends on the way, Peter explains why now is the perfect time to throw crawfish patterns, small crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits, and simple fly setups in these nutrient-poor systems where even a two- or three-pound bass is a true creek trophy. They break down basic access rules, simple gear recommendations, and why covering water instead of overworking one spot is the key to success. The conversation also digs into why creek fishing hits different. It’s quiet, personal, and often untouched, offering a break from high-tech bass boats and pressured water. But Peter and Nick also warn that these fragile headwaters can be permanently damaged by runoff and careless development, wiping out entire year classes of fish in a single season. The message is simple: enjoy these hidden gems, share them wisely, and protect them while you still can. In the second half of the show, Nick talks with Stockton native Megan Fowler about the proposed 4,500-acre solar development planned for historic wetlands just outside town. Megan shares how a late-night Facebook scroll sparked a grassroots movement that quickly turned into a packed town hall and thousands of concerned residents. Together, they explore what’s at stake—from headwater creeks that feed the Delta to historic tourism, hunting, and fishing—and why so many locals believe this fight is about more than just one project. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

    1h 17m

  4. FEB 13

    Are We Finally Getting a Real Crappie Spawn in the Mobile-Tensaw?

    This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick Williams checks in with two longtime Delta voices to talk crappie season, conservation concerns, and a youth deer story that’s going to be told for decades. The episode opens with Josh Gunter of Steele Creek Bait & Tackle, who breaks down why this year could finally give anglers a true, fishable crappie spawn after nearly a decade of high water disrupting access to traditional spawning areas. Josh dives into crappie spawn fundamentals for the Delta, including the key water temperature range of roughly 58 to 62 degrees that triggers movement. He explains the behavioral differences between black and white crappie, noting that black crappie typically move shallower first and relate to hard bottom, cypress trees, and visible structure, while white crappie may spawn slightly deeper as long as sunlight can reach the eggs. The segment wraps with a strong endorsement of supporting local bait shops and a look at Steele Creek’s new location in the historic Northside Tackle building, plus details about their upcoming grand reopening and raffle fundraiser to help rebuild their Mount Vernon store. In the second half of the show, Nick checks in with Dip McMillan of Dippi Outdoors for both a fishing report and a feel-good youth hunting story. Dip shares details about a remarkable 136-inch buck harvested in Baldwin County by one of the youth hunters in his program, calling it one of the most impressive deer he’s seen taken locally. He reflects on a strong youth season overall and the importance of creating meaningful outdoor experiences for kids. Switching back to fishing, Dip reports that crappie are still suspended in roughly 20 feet of water, holding 10 to 13 feet down in creek channels. Many of the fish he’s targeting are roamers rather than tightly relating to structure, and he explains how forward-facing sonar allows him to quickly identify active fish and avoid wasting time. He notes that while he caught plenty of solid 10- to 12-inch fish, the larger females may be beginning to shift positions as water temperatures gradually climb. The episode closes with details about Dippy Outdoors’ upcoming youth rabbit hunt in Loxley and a reminder that spring in the Delta means opportunity in every direction, from crappie to catfish to turkeys in the hardwoods. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo Gulf Coast Shows SlipSki Solutions

    1h 1m
  5. Winter Panfish and Cane Poles: Reading the Delta with Darren Shirah

    FEB 6

    Winter Panfish and Cane Poles: Reading the Delta with Darren Shirah

    This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams checks in with three trusted Delta voices to break down late-winter conditions, seasonal transitions, and what anglers and outdoorsmen should be paying attention to right now across the system. The episode opens with Darren Shirah of Real Time Outdoors, who shares a detailed look at winter panfish behavior and how warming trends are starting to trigger early movement from crappie and bream. Darren explains how he targets suspended fish during cold weather using long cane poles and handmade porcupine quill floats, why subtle bites demand ultra-sensitive presentations, and how constant depth adjustments help locate fish that aren’t locked to the bottom.  Nick then checks in with Justin Dunnam of Eight Mile Drifter to talk about what’s ahead for kayak anglers as winter begins to loosen its grip. Justin breaks down the local kayak tournament scene in both saltwater and freshwater, including how Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association and Mob Town Kayak Bass Fishing operate, what new anglers should expect, and why catch-photo-release formats have become so popular. He walks through the basics of proper fish measurement, board setup, and photo submission, while also emphasizing the low barrier to entry, strong camaraderie, and learning opportunities these tournaments provide.  The episode wraps up with Captain Patric Garmeson of Ugly Fishing delivering an important conservation update for Mobile Bay. Patric explains the recent legislative victory banning open-water dredge disposal in the bay, outlining how community involvement, town hall meetings, and unified voices across the fishing community helped push the bill through the House and Senate. He discusses what the change means for oysters, water clarity, and habitat health, as well as why continued restoration work and public engagement will be critical moving forward. SPONSORS Dixie Building Supply Black Buffalo SlipSki

    1h 18m
  6. Winter Water Levels, Redfish Creeks, and the State of Big Creek Lake

    JAN 29

    Winter Water Levels, Redfish Creeks, and the State of Big Creek Lake

    This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, host Nick Williams breaks down winter fishing conditions across the Delta with three local voices who know these waters inside and out. Captain Patric Garmeson of Ugly Fishing opens the show with a deep dive into river levels and hydrographs, explaining how rainfall in North and Central Alabama impacts water clarity, current speed, and fish behavior days later in the Delta. Patric shares practical advice on reading the Coffeeville and Claiborne gauges, adjusting expectations during rising water, and finding cleaner, fishable water when the main rivers are muddy and moving fast. Next, Nick checks in with Justin Dunnam of Eight Mile Drifter to talk about targeting redfish in shallow tidal creeks during winter low-water conditions. Justin explains why bait and redfish stack up in narrow ditches and back creeks after strong north winds, how to locate those hidden pockets of deeper water, and why kayaks and small boats shine this time of year. He also shares lure choices, cold-weather presentation tips, and simple gear strategies for staying comfortable on frigid mornings. The episode wraps up with Matthew Frazier providing an update on the ongoing access issues at Big Creek Lake. Matthew outlines where things currently stand, what anglers should know, and why the situation matters for public access and the local fishing community. From reading river gauges to chasing winter redfish and staying informed on access issues, this episode delivers timely, boots-on-the-ground insight for anyone fishing the Mobile-Tensaw Delta right now.

    1h 28m
  7. Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report January 22-29: New Beginnings, Local Legends, and Winter Bites

    JAN 22

    Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report January 22-29: New Beginnings, Local Legends, and Winter Bites

    This week on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, Nick Williams opens a new chapter for the show, officially shifting the focus from a statewide format to a deeper, more place-based look at fishing in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Nick explains why the change makes sense after years of the show naturally drifting south, and why zeroing in on the Delta allows for more consistent, higher-quality reports from anglers who truly know this water. It’s a nod to the show’s roots, the local voices that built it, and the sense of place that has always defined Great Days Outdoors, even as the media network continues to grow and evolve. The episode kicks off with Dip McMillan of Dippi Outdoors, who checks in with an outstanding crappie report from the upper Delta. Dip says the bite has been nothing short of unreal, with crappie stacked up in creek channels and suspended over shad in 14 to 20 feet of water. He and his crew have been catching thick, healthy fish in the 12- to 15-inch range, to the point that 10- and 11-inchers are getting tossed back. Dip breaks down how forward-facing sonar has helped him stay on roaming schools, why natural-colored jigs are getting crushed right now, and how cold water temperatures in the low-50s are keeping fish suspended instead of pushing shallow. He also touches on recent water level swings, explaining how strong north winds quickly flushed floodwater out of the system and reset conditions across much of the Delta. Next, Nick is joined by Darren Shirah of Reel Time Outdoors with Darren for a wide-ranging conversation that blends bass fishing, panfish tactics, catfishing, and even hog hunting. Darren says winter fishing has been excellent across the board, especially during low water, when fish are forced out of shallow backwaters and concentrate along creek mouths, cuts, and subtle depth changes. He shares how he’s been catching bass, bream, and crappie on simple, confidence baits like Beetle Spins and spinnerbaits, adjusting colors based on water clarity and focusing on incoming tide windows. Darren also talks about running limb lines for blue catfish, and explains why he prefers staking big blues into thick steaks for cleaner flavor. The conversation rounds out with insights on hog populations in the Delta, how cold weather and water levels affect them, and why time on the water often turns into time chasing pigs when opportunity knocks. It’s all brought to you by Great Days Outdoors. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text the word “fishing” to (646) 495-9867 or click the link in the show notes to join our email list. Every Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report subscriber gets a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase. Sponsors AFTCODixie SupplyBlack BuffaloStayputSlipski

    1h 4m
  8. Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report January 15 - 21

    JAN 15

    Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report January 15 - 21

    This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re kicking things off with Peter Jordan of The Lost Angler Fly Shop for a wide-ranging conversation that blends fishing, seasonal patterns, and what’s happening right now on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Peter recaps a recent press conference at the Blind Tiger in Fairhope, where state leaders announced movement toward a ban on mud dumping in Mobile Bay, and he explains why this matters so much for anglers, hunters, coastal communities, and the long-term health of the bay. From there, the conversation turns to fishing, with Peter breaking down current winter conditions in the Delta, how cooler water and shifting tides are spreading fish throughout the water column, and why steady retrieves, subsurface presentations, and vibration-heavy baits are shining right now. He shares practical advice on bass behavior leading into the pre-spawn window, how rising and falling winter water affects fish positioning, and why paddle craft like kayaks and canoes can be a huge advantage for getting into shallow, overlooked areas that are holding fish. In the second half of the show, Nick is joined by Justin Dunham of Eight Mile Drifter for a laid-back but information-packed discussion on fishing the Delta and nearby waters during a highly variable winter. Justin talks about navigating high and muddy water, when to focus on lower Delta creeks closer to the bay, and why places like Fly Creek, Fowl River, and even Lake Shelby can be reliable options when the rivers are blown out. He also dives into tackle talk, sharing his go-to, general-purpose lure lineup for Gulf Coast anglers who want to keep things simple while still covering bass, redfish, and speckled trout. From topwater plugs and fluke-style baits to spinner arms, soft plastics, and scent-based lures, Justin lays out a practical system that works across species and seasons. The conversation wraps with thoughts on seasonal transitions, rebuilding confidence during tough bites, and why slowing down, simplifying your gear, and paying attention to water temperature and forage can make all the difference this time of year.  Sponsors Dixie Supply Bucks Island Hiltons Realtime Nav Visit Mississippi Fishbites Killerdock L&M Marine SE Pond Mobile Boat

    53 min
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4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Nick Williams brings you the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report; a local, no-nonsense fishing report built for anglers who fish one of the most unique river systems in the country. Covering everything from the marshes along the Causeway to the quiet backwaters around Miller’s Ferry, the show breaks down what’s biting, where it’s happening, and how people are catching fish right now. From bass, crappie, and bream in muddy backwaters to specks and reds pushing upriver with the tides, this podcast delivers honest, on-the-water insight for anglers who know the line between salt and freshwater is always moving.

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