Spring is settling into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and this week’s report paints a clear picture of a fishery in transition.

Nick sits down with Josh Gunter, Shannon Woods, and John Michael Chappelle to break down what’s happening across the system right now, from Mount Vernon down to the lower marsh. Water levels have finally stabilized after a manageable high-water pulse, setting the stage for improving conditions, but not every bite has caught up yet.

Crappie are scattered and stubborn in a classic post-spawn funk, forcing anglers to cover water and stay mobile rather than camping on known structure. Catfish, on the other hand, are carrying the load, with strong reports coming from limb lines, bank poles, and set lines across the Delta. Bass anglers are finding success shallow with swim jigs and chatterbaits, while bluegill are just beginning to show signs of life, though the big bulls haven’t committed to the beds yet.

Shannon Woods looks ahead to the upcoming panfish tournament season, including a new Mount Vernon event and expanded rules that open the door to heavier mixed-species bags. It’s shaping up to be a strong year if water conditions hold.

The conversation shifts as John Michael Chappelle with Chappelle Excursions brings a different lens to the Delta, highlighting the unmatched biodiversity that surrounds the fishery. From bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites to alligators and migrating waterfowl, the Delta is as much a wildlife experience as it is a fishing destination. His perspective is a reminder that even on slow fishing days, there’s no shortage of reasons to be out there.

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