Creel survey data collected from the marine recreational fishery in Alabama revealed that there were differences in harvest per unit of effort (HPUE) between the eastern and western sides of Mobile Bay. The total recreational landings from Alabama marine waters and adjacent offshore waters was 1,300,000 fish weighing 772,700 kilograms. Of the 2,250,000 angler-hours exerted on the fishery, 1,245,000 angler-hours (55%) were directed at particular species of fish, primarily flounders, red drum, speckled seatrout, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel. HPUE of Spanish mackerel and king mackerel was found to be significantly different (P ≤ 0.10) between the 2 sides of the bay and comparisons also revealed spatial differences across specific fisheries. The seasonal pattern of HPUE of flounders and red drum significantly (P ≤ 0.10) shifted from one side of the bay to the other.
