| NOTICE! This is a reminder about the change to the "No Wake" zones in the Orange Beach, AL, area. In June of 2015, the area in Cotton Bayou near Zekes Marina was changed to No Wake / Idle Speed, then almost a year later, the last stretch of waterway from Jubilee Landing to the Florida state line on Old River has been included as a No Wake / Idle Speed Zone. Now, as of this spring, 2019, Terry Cove will be included in the NO WAKE zoned area. |
Buccaneers were privateers who attacked Spanish shipping in the Caribbean sea during the late 17th Century. The term buccaneer is now generally used as a synonym for pirate. Originally, buccaneer is
derived from the French word "boucanier", which loosely translates as "someone who smokes meat" and which in turn comes from the native American "bukan". The Caribbean Arawak used this word,
"bukan" or "buccan" to describe a sort of grill which they smoked meat on, preferably Manatee. It was a wooden framed device was also used by French hunters to smoke meat like feral (wild) cattle and
pigs- they were called "boucanier".
In the first quarter of the 1600s, some Frenchmen who were driven away from the island of Hispaniola fled to nearby Tortuga. The Spaniards tried to drive them out of Tortuga, but the buccaneers were
joined by many other French, Dutch and English and turned to piracy against Spanish shipping, generally using small craft to attack galleons (sailing ships) in the Caribbean. They would often attack at
night, and climb aboard before the alarm could be raised. Buccaneers were expert marksmen and would quickly kill the helmsman and any officers aboard. Buccaneers' reputation as cruel pirates grew
until most victims would surrender, hoping they would not be killed. Finally they became so strong that they even sailed to the mainland of Spanish America and attacked cities.
English settlers occupying Jamaica began to spread the name buccaneers and associated it with the meaning of pirates. Viewed from London, buccaneering was a low-budget way to wage war on
England's rival, Spain. So, the English crown empowered buccaneers with letters of marque, legalizing their operations in return for a share of their profits. The buccaneers were invited by Jamaica's
Governor Thomas Modyford to base ships at Port Royal, located on Palisadoes on the south of Jamaca. The buccaneers robbed Spanish shipping and colonies, and returned to Port Royal with their
plunder, making the city the most prosperous in the Caribbean. There were even English navy officers sent to lead the buccaneers, such as Christopher Myngs. Their activities went on irrespective of
whether England happened to be at war with Spain or France.
Although we don't conduct privateering operations, we do like taking small craft and harassing scaley marine life and local waterways (so to speak). Puns and joking aside, we are strong supporters of
conservation and maritime courtesy. We hope you enjoy our website and may have learned something in the process. Mike
derived from the French word "boucanier", which loosely translates as "someone who smokes meat" and which in turn comes from the native American "bukan". The Caribbean Arawak used this word,
"bukan" or "buccan" to describe a sort of grill which they smoked meat on, preferably Manatee. It was a wooden framed device was also used by French hunters to smoke meat like feral (wild) cattle and
pigs- they were called "boucanier".
In the first quarter of the 1600s, some Frenchmen who were driven away from the island of Hispaniola fled to nearby Tortuga. The Spaniards tried to drive them out of Tortuga, but the buccaneers were
joined by many other French, Dutch and English and turned to piracy against Spanish shipping, generally using small craft to attack galleons (sailing ships) in the Caribbean. They would often attack at
night, and climb aboard before the alarm could be raised. Buccaneers were expert marksmen and would quickly kill the helmsman and any officers aboard. Buccaneers' reputation as cruel pirates grew
until most victims would surrender, hoping they would not be killed. Finally they became so strong that they even sailed to the mainland of Spanish America and attacked cities.
English settlers occupying Jamaica began to spread the name buccaneers and associated it with the meaning of pirates. Viewed from London, buccaneering was a low-budget way to wage war on
England's rival, Spain. So, the English crown empowered buccaneers with letters of marque, legalizing their operations in return for a share of their profits. The buccaneers were invited by Jamaica's
Governor Thomas Modyford to base ships at Port Royal, located on Palisadoes on the south of Jamaca. The buccaneers robbed Spanish shipping and colonies, and returned to Port Royal with their
plunder, making the city the most prosperous in the Caribbean. There were even English navy officers sent to lead the buccaneers, such as Christopher Myngs. Their activities went on irrespective of
whether England happened to be at war with Spain or France.
Although we don't conduct privateering operations, we do like taking small craft and harassing scaley marine life and local waterways (so to speak). Puns and joking aside, we are strong supporters of
conservation and maritime courtesy. We hope you enjoy our website and may have learned something in the process. Mike
| Questions, comments, or just want to send us an email?? mike@badonskybuccaneers.com, or teresa@badonskybuccaneers.com. |
WATCH US ON
| Please note! Some of our features may not be viewable on portable platforms (IPad, notebooks, etc) |
| Planning a trip to our area?? Need to plan your accommodations? Then look no further. Complete your bookings right here! |
| Helpful Quick Links! |
| Covering the Alabama Gulf Coast from Ft Morgan to Perdido Key! Click on the OBAVR logo above, or go to www.obavr.com |
Welcome to the Coastal Alabama Anglers Website. Providing all kinds of useful information- it is a work in progress, so
keep coming back to see what's been added. We also share some of our video adventures here.
keep coming back to see what's been added. We also share some of our video adventures here.
| Bait and Tackle Shop Locations There are 3 places on the island that regularly sell live bait. But be sure to call ahead, because availability might vary. These bait and tackle shops are also on our interactive map (above). Here is a listing of local tackle shops in Baldwin County. |
- J&M Tackle, 25150 Canal Rd, Orange
Beach, AL, (251) 981-5460, typically open
5AM- 5PM. Large variety of live and frozen
baits
- Lost Bay Tackle, 25405 Perdido Beach
Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, (251) 981-3811
Winter Hrs- Open 6:00AM- 6:00PM 7 days a
week.
- Hooked Up Bait & Tackle, 100 E 20th
Street, Gulf Shores, AL (251) 955-5550
Open 6:00AM- 7:00PM 7 days a week
- Sam's Stop and Shop, 27122 Canal Rd,
Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-4245
5:00AM- 9:00PM - NO LIVE BAIT, but quite
an assortment of frozen baits and lots of tackle
Beach, AL, (251) 981-5460, typically open
5AM- 5PM. Large variety of live and frozen
baits
- Lost Bay Tackle, 25405 Perdido Beach
Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, (251) 981-3811
Winter Hrs- Open 6:00AM- 6:00PM 7 days a
week.
- Hooked Up Bait & Tackle, 100 E 20th
Street, Gulf Shores, AL (251) 955-5550
Open 6:00AM- 7:00PM 7 days a week
- Sam's Stop and Shop, 27122 Canal Rd,
Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-4245
5:00AM- 9:00PM - NO LIVE BAIT, but quite
an assortment of frozen baits and lots of tackle
| Work on Rebuilding the old Ft Morgan Fishing Wharf to begin Soon- Again! |
| You can also get it on the Outdoor Alabama Website at: www.outdooralabama.com |
| The New ICW Boat Launch Facility is in the Planning Stages |
| Closed in Sept 2014, just a few months after a terrible accident which claimed the life of a local Foley, AL, man (BJ Johnson) who fell off the structure and drown, March 28, 2014. Which brought attention to its unsafe condition and dire disrepair. The Ft Morgan fishing pier is part of the Ft Morgan/ Alabama Historical Commission, not the Department of Conservation, like the boat launch next to it. So, the funds from the historical commission required to make it safe enough to be used again- was understandably not on their "top priority" list. |
| Bait, Tackle, Fuel, Deli, and so much more 27122 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 |
| A Word of Caution When "Observing" Marine Mammals There seems to be some recently posted videos on social media of people attempting to interact with local dolphins in the Coastal Alabama Area. Even though there may seem to be a mutual curiosity between us and them- a word of caution. 1- They are wild animals. You may think it's a harmless interaction, but don't be confused to the fact they have the ability to hurt or attack for any unknown reasons. Even if just by mistake- They might think, for example, for some reason your finger is a minnow or piece of bait. You might inadvertently get too close to a juvenile or mate which could provoke an attack. 2- Attempting to interact only encourages them to approach vessels. This could cause repercussions when they approach vessels who don't want their interaction- like fishing boats. 3- It is illegal to interact, attempt to interact, or feed most marine mammals! Here is what NOAA says about it... Viewing marine animals in their natural habitat can be an exciting experience—watching a group of dolphins leaping across the water, seeing a sea turtle nesting on a beach, or encountering a colony of seals basking in the sun. Although it can be tempting to try to get close to these marine animals, it’s always best to view them from a safe and respectful distance for their safety—and yours. Learning how to interact with and observe ocean animals can help you make the right decisions when you encounter them by water, land, or air. Regulations and guidelines have been developed with specific recommendations and distances for viewing whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea turtles, and other marine animals. These guidelines and laws can vary by state and by species, so know the rules before you visit our coastal waters. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act do not provide for permits or other authorizations to view or interact with wild marine mammals and sea turtles, except for specific listed purposes such as scientific research. We maintain as policy that interacting with wild marine life outside of permitted research should not be attempted and viewing marine mammals and sea turtles must be conducted in a manner that does not harass the animals. We do not support, condone, approve, or authorize activities that involve closely approaching, interacting, or attempting to interact with whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and sea turtles in the wild. This includes attempting to swim with, pet, touch, or elicit a reaction from the animals. *Do not feed, or attempt to feed, any marine mammals. It’s harmful and illegal. *Do not swim with, ride, pet, touch, or attempt to interact with marine mammals or sea turtles in the wild. *Do not chase, encircle, or leapfrog animals with any watercraft. Do not "trap" animals between watercraft or the shore. Laws on interactions with marine life may vary from state to state, so if you are not sure, contact your local marine police or conservation and wildlife office before you get on the water. |
Latest news on the making of the largest boat
launch facility on the Alabama gulf coast! The
County now owns this property adjacent to the
Foley Beach Exoley Beach Express Bridge and
is proceeding with plans for the large public
boat launch thanks to state GOMESA funding.
Hopefully this project will be quick in
construction.
It appears this may be at least a 2 stage
project- with the construction of the ramps and
phase 1 parking, finger piers, picnic and car
parking to be completed first (no date given),
and the 2nd phase to provide additional
parking for both cars and vehicle/ trailers with
a secondary restroom facility and additional
picnic area.
We will share more details as they become
available.
launch facility on the Alabama gulf coast! The
County now owns this property adjacent to the
Foley Beach Exoley Beach Express Bridge and
is proceeding with plans for the large public
boat launch thanks to state GOMESA funding.
Hopefully this project will be quick in
construction.
It appears this may be at least a 2 stage
project- with the construction of the ramps and
phase 1 parking, finger piers, picnic and car
parking to be completed first (no date given),
and the 2nd phase to provide additional
parking for both cars and vehicle/ trailers with
a secondary restroom facility and additional
picnic area.
We will share more details as they become
available.
| Alabama Closes Recreational Red Snapper Season |
Press release, June 24, 2020
Contact: Marine Resources Division, (251) 861-2882
After completing a review of the first 20 days of the proposed 2020 private angler red
snapper season, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(ADCNR) anticipates the quota for the private angler red snapper season will be met on
Friday, July 3, 2020. Therefore, Alabama waters will close to private angler and state-
licensed charter red snapper fishing effective at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020.
As of June 22, 2020, landing estimates show that anglers from private and state-
licensed charter vessels have landed approximately 842,000 pounds of the 1.1 million-
pound Alabama red snapper quota.
“Other than the weekend of Tropical Storm Cristobal, we have had great weather in
coastal Alabama which provided almost ideal fishing conditions,” said Scott Bannon,
Director of ADCNR’s Marine Resources Division. “We develop the season dates based
on historical weather information and fishing effort, both of which can be unpredictable
once the season begins. The number of vessel trips during the past two seasons
averaged 527 trips per day. So far during the 2020 season, the average has been 822
vessel trips per day. When there are more people fishing we reach the quota sooner.”
Detailed red snapper landing information from the 2018 - 2020 seasons is available at
https://www.outdooralabama.com/2020-red-snapper-landings-summary.
“I have fished most weekends of the season and it has been good to see so many
people out enjoying this fishery,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “I am
disappointed that we will not be able to harvest red snapper during the full Fourth of July
weekend or during the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Like many, my family had
plans to do both. However, the red snapper management plan sets the red snapper
quota allocated to Alabama, as well as the other Gulf states. We are required under the
management plan to adjust to changes in the recreational fishery to ensure we do not
exceed our quota. We will continue to work to make improvements in the federal stock
assessment process for red snapper that we hope will increase the quota for future
years.”
Anglers are reminded that the federal charter season for red snapper is open seven
days a week until 12:01 a.m. on August 2, 2020. The federally permitted charter vessels
are not under state management, any season adjustments for charter vessels will be
made by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The federal waters off Alabama, outside
9 miles, will be open to anglers landing red snapper in other states that have open red
snapper seasons. The possession of red snapper, in Alabama waters, is prohibited
during the closed recreational season.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise
stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four
divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater
Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
Contact: Marine Resources Division, (251) 861-2882
After completing a review of the first 20 days of the proposed 2020 private angler red
snapper season, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(ADCNR) anticipates the quota for the private angler red snapper season will be met on
Friday, July 3, 2020. Therefore, Alabama waters will close to private angler and state-
licensed charter red snapper fishing effective at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020.
As of June 22, 2020, landing estimates show that anglers from private and state-
licensed charter vessels have landed approximately 842,000 pounds of the 1.1 million-
pound Alabama red snapper quota.
“Other than the weekend of Tropical Storm Cristobal, we have had great weather in
coastal Alabama which provided almost ideal fishing conditions,” said Scott Bannon,
Director of ADCNR’s Marine Resources Division. “We develop the season dates based
on historical weather information and fishing effort, both of which can be unpredictable
once the season begins. The number of vessel trips during the past two seasons
averaged 527 trips per day. So far during the 2020 season, the average has been 822
vessel trips per day. When there are more people fishing we reach the quota sooner.”
Detailed red snapper landing information from the 2018 - 2020 seasons is available at
https://www.outdooralabama.com/2020-red-snapper-landings-summary.
“I have fished most weekends of the season and it has been good to see so many
people out enjoying this fishery,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “I am
disappointed that we will not be able to harvest red snapper during the full Fourth of July
weekend or during the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Like many, my family had
plans to do both. However, the red snapper management plan sets the red snapper
quota allocated to Alabama, as well as the other Gulf states. We are required under the
management plan to adjust to changes in the recreational fishery to ensure we do not
exceed our quota. We will continue to work to make improvements in the federal stock
assessment process for red snapper that we hope will increase the quota for future
years.”
Anglers are reminded that the federal charter season for red snapper is open seven
days a week until 12:01 a.m. on August 2, 2020. The federally permitted charter vessels
are not under state management, any season adjustments for charter vessels will be
made by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The federal waters off Alabama, outside
9 miles, will be open to anglers landing red snapper in other states that have open red
snapper seasons. The possession of red snapper, in Alabama waters, is prohibited
during the closed recreational season.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise
stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four
divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater
Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
 |
| Alabama Gulf State Park Announces Closure of the Gulf Shores Pier May 10, 2020, for renovations & Repairs! |
April 14, 2020
Gulf State Park has announced that the Gulf Shores fishing pier will
undergo a major 2 million dollar renovation project that includes
replacing the 10 year old wooden decking and handrails, creating a new
850 sq ft handicapped accessible observation deck over the main
octagon, renovation of the office, store, and restroom's, and installing
new turtle-friendly lighting! This renovation is being funded by a federal
grant through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment program of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The pier will
close on May 10, 2020, at 10:00PM and is targeted to reopen in mid-July.
The work was originally scheduled for earlier in the off-season,
however, appropriation of funds had not become available as expected,
pushing back the start date. But the management guarantees once
completed, the results of this work will make everyone's visit to the Gulf
Shores Pier a much more enjoyable experience. During the closure, the
state will provide progress updates on our website and social media
channels: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Gulf State Park has announced that the Gulf Shores fishing pier will
undergo a major 2 million dollar renovation project that includes
replacing the 10 year old wooden decking and handrails, creating a new
850 sq ft handicapped accessible observation deck over the main
octagon, renovation of the office, store, and restroom's, and installing
new turtle-friendly lighting! This renovation is being funded by a federal
grant through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment program of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The pier will
close on May 10, 2020, at 10:00PM and is targeted to reopen in mid-July.
The work was originally scheduled for earlier in the off-season,
however, appropriation of funds had not become available as expected,
pushing back the start date. But the management guarantees once
completed, the results of this work will make everyone's visit to the Gulf
Shores Pier a much more enjoyable experience. During the closure, the
state will provide progress updates on our website and social media
channels: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
View Badonsky Buccaneers in a larger map
You can also view this map in a new "tab" in full screen for easier viewing and exploring the area- by clicking on the "box" over the
upper right hand corner of the map. This map not only includes boat launches, but also good kayak / canoe parks, beach access
points, some bait and tackle shops, and a few stores which sell marine grade fuels. This is an interactive map, and a work in progress.
Please contact me at mike@badonskybuccaneers.com with any comments, or concerning any discrepancies.
upper right hand corner of the map. This map not only includes boat launches, but also good kayak / canoe parks, beach access
points, some bait and tackle shops, and a few stores which sell marine grade fuels. This is an interactive map, and a work in progress.
Please contact me at mike@badonskybuccaneers.com with any comments, or concerning any discrepancies.
| Ask for Chris Vecsey at the tackle counter in back! |
| Update the Outdoor Alabama Smartphone App Before Snapper Season Begins Improvments and updates include: • Improvements in the way the app responds in low or no connectivity settings - like when offshore. *The option to select powered vessel, un-powered vessel, shore or pier. • Optimized for more device screen sizes Don't delay- Do it today! |
Even Though the Gulf Shores Pier is
Closed- You must still Follow the "Rules".
Closed- You must still Follow the "Rules".
Did you know?- There is a 100
yd minimum distance any
vessel must keep from a
public fishing pier. Some
states may require more!
And even though the
Gulf Shores fishing pier is
closed for renovation, this law
is being enforced!
Photos courtesy of Ellis Cattan. Follow him
on his FaceBook group “Cajun at GS Pier”
yd minimum distance any
vessel must keep from a
public fishing pier. Some
states may require more!
And even though the
Gulf Shores fishing pier is
closed for renovation, this law
is being enforced!
Photos courtesy of Ellis Cattan. Follow him
on his FaceBook group “Cajun at GS Pier”
| Later, in 2018, again we were told that it was getting much needed repairs in order to re-open using BP Oil funds- which never came to pass. At that time, research into making the structure (which was built on/ around old wooden barges on the site more than 40 years prior) estimated the cost between $350,000 to $800,000. Now, word that the project is back underway- still said to be using funds left over from the BP oil spill, currently about 5 years behind - with a price tag of about 2,000,000. In any case, lets hope the "rubber meets the road" this time and this project will see the Ft Morgan fishing wharf re-open. |