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. |
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.
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.
View Badonsky Buccaneers in a larger map
WATCH US ON
| Please note! Some of our features may not be viewable on portable platforms (IPad, notebooks, etc) |
We are a Christian couple who enjoys our family and the outdoors (anything on the
water) very much.
water) very much.
| NOTICE! This is a reminder about the change to the "No Wake" zones in the Orange Beach, AL, area. Earlier in June of 2015, the area in Cotton Bayou near Zekes Marina was changed to No Wake / Idle Speed. Now, almost a year ago now, December 2015, 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. So, now ALL of Old River in Alabama waters to the state line is NO WAKE. |
| 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.
| It's Our Responsibility, And It's The Law! |
 |  |
| Bait and Tackle Shop Locations Several of you have asked "Hey Mike, where can I get some Live Bait? Well, 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). |
- 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
(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
| Alabama Releases Information on NEW Reef Deployments in 2018 ! |
| Changes Concerning the 2018 Red Snapper Season! |
| It's that time of year! Your Alabama Annual fishing license expired August 31, 2018 Get Your Alabama Fishing License Here by clicking the link on the right! |
| You can also get it on the Outdoor Alabama Website at: www.outdooralabama.com |
| The Fort Morgan Boat Launch is Open!! |
| Looking for some new fishing equipment or terminal tackle? How about sunglasses or apparel? Cold drinks or a hot lunch? Then stop by Sam's Stop & Shop |
| 27122 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-4245 |
Your methods of
reporting your red
snapper catch are
changing, with the
introduction of the new
Outdoor Alabama smart
phone app, available on
IOS and Android
platforms. Our
suggestion is to upload
the app and try it out
BEFORE you head out
on your trip, to make
sure it works properly on
your phone. As with
most new programs,
there may be some
"bugs" to work out of the
system. If you do
experience any issues,
contact the Alabama
Marine Resources
Division at (251)
861-2882, or message
them on their FaceBook
reporting your red
snapper catch are
changing, with the
introduction of the new
Outdoor Alabama smart
phone app, available on
IOS and Android
platforms. Our
suggestion is to upload
the app and try it out
BEFORE you head out
on your trip, to make
sure it works properly on
your phone. As with
most new programs,
there may be some
"bugs" to work out of the
system. If you do
experience any issues,
contact the Alabama
Marine Resources
Division at (251)
861-2882, or message
them on their FaceBook
page, so they can look in to it. You are required to report
your catch before you "land" your boat. However, if you
are experiencing issues with the app, you can also use the
paper forms available at most of the public launches.
Also, the AMRD has put out an advisory on fishing
neighboring state red snapper seasons. You cannot
possess any red snapper in Alabama waters during closed
days. To say- if you fish Florida Snapper Season on days
Alabama waters are closed to harvesting Red Snapper,
unlike previous years, you CAN NOT transit Alabama waters
with your Florida Red Snapper catch in possession. So, if
you want to fish another Gulf State Red Snapper Season,
you need to trailer your vessel to that state, or otherwise
arrange to fish out of that state.
your catch before you "land" your boat. However, if you
are experiencing issues with the app, you can also use the
paper forms available at most of the public launches.
Also, the AMRD has put out an advisory on fishing
neighboring state red snapper seasons. You cannot
possess any red snapper in Alabama waters during closed
days. To say- if you fish Florida Snapper Season on days
Alabama waters are closed to harvesting Red Snapper,
unlike previous years, you CAN NOT transit Alabama waters
with your Florida Red Snapper catch in possession. So, if
you want to fish another Gulf State Red Snapper Season,
you need to trailer your vessel to that state, or otherwise
arrange to fish out of that state.
For more information on the
Alabama Red Snapper Season or
use of Outdoor Alabama Snapper
Check reporting system, contact
the Alabama Marine Resources
Office at (251) 861-2882.
Remember, reporting your Red
Snapper harvest can only help
future seasons! And its the law!
Alabama Red Snapper Season or
use of Outdoor Alabama Snapper
Check reporting system, contact
the Alabama Marine Resources
Office at (251) 861-2882.
Remember, reporting your Red
Snapper harvest can only help
future seasons! And its the law!
| The Newest Addition to Alabama's Artificial Reefs!! |
The Fairfield New Venture has finally been put down! After several delays, including
transport problems, equipment, strong currents and gusty winds... the New Venture
was sunk Tuesday morning, June 26, 2018. This project has been quite a task for all
those involved- and its been a little frustrating. However, the end product has made it
all well worth the effort! This is going to be a great location for both diver and angler!
transport problems, equipment, strong currents and gusty winds... the New Venture
was sunk Tuesday morning, June 26, 2018. This project has been quite a task for all
those involved- and its been a little frustrating. However, the end product has made it
all well worth the effort! This is going to be a great location for both diver and angler!
It is located about 22 nm south of Perdido
Pass, Orange Beach, AL- thats just about
5.5 miles south of the LuLu, in the Don
Kelley North General Permit Zone of the
Alabama artificial reef system, the largest
artificial reef system in the US. The
coordinates are 29 54.052 North and
87 32.896 West.
This is an exciting addition to the already
massive artificial reef system the state has
invested in.
Pass, Orange Beach, AL- thats just about
5.5 miles south of the LuLu, in the Don
Kelley North General Permit Zone of the
Alabama artificial reef system, the largest
artificial reef system in the US. The
coordinates are 29 54.052 North and
87 32.896 West.
This is an exciting addition to the already
massive artificial reef system the state has
invested in.
However, plans are in the works for a
massive boat launch facility to be
constructed on the north bank of the ICW
on the west side of the Beach Express.
massive boat launch facility to be
constructed on the north bank of the ICW
on the west side of the Beach Express.
The Ft Morgan Boat
Launch facility is officially
open for your use!
Although, there is still
some work which still
needs to be completed,
which may require
temporary closure of
ramp(s). So this is still
considered an "active"
construction site, please
stay clear of / out of
"construction areas" and
off of the equipment for
your safety.
Launch facility is officially
open for your use!
Although, there is still
some work which still
needs to be completed,
which may require
temporary closure of
ramp(s). So this is still
considered an "active"
construction site, please
stay clear of / out of
"construction areas" and
off of the equipment for
your safety.
Elsewhere, as of the first of the year,
the privately owned Wolf Bay Lodge
Boat Launch has been permanently
closed by the property owner.
the privately owned Wolf Bay Lodge
Boat Launch has been permanently
closed by the property owner.
"The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces the
closure of Alabama state waters to the harvest of red snapper
by private anglers and state-licensed commercial party boats at
11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2018. The quota of 984,291 pounds
issued under NOAA Fisheries’ Alabama Recreational Red
Snapper Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) is expected to be met
by the closure date.
“Alabama anglers fished extremely hard on the good weather
days during the season,” said Marine Resources Director Scott
Bannon. “That level of effort, coupled with larger average-sized
fish harvested this year as compared to last year, resulted in a
daily harvest rate two times higher than 2017, which prompted
an earlier than anticipated closure.
“The purpose of the EFP was to demonstrate Alabama’s ability
to establish a season and monitor landings within a fixed quota
and I think we have shown we can do that,” said Bannon.
Now that the Alabama Red Snapper season is Closed- anglers
are reminded of the following:
-Possession of red snapper in Alabama waters while state
waters are closed is prohibited regardless of where the fish
were harvested.
-Alabama anglers may fish in federal waters off the coast of
Alabama (outside of 9 nm) and land in a state that is open to
the landing of red snapper, but they must adhere to the
open state’s rules and not transit in Alabama state waters with
red snapper on board.
-The season for federally-permitted charter for-hire vessels will
close at 12:01 a.m. July 22.
In-season landings estimates were calculated through the use
of Snapper Check, the program established in 2014 to collect
mandatory trip reports from anglers, and this monitoring tool
was a key component of the EFP.
Marine Resources Division staff will review the complete 2018
season effort and landings data to develop a plan for the 2019
season. Summary data from the season and information about
the EFP can been found at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-
fishing/exempted-fishing-permit.
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."
Resources, Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces the
closure of Alabama state waters to the harvest of red snapper
by private anglers and state-licensed commercial party boats at
11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2018. The quota of 984,291 pounds
issued under NOAA Fisheries’ Alabama Recreational Red
Snapper Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) is expected to be met
by the closure date.
“Alabama anglers fished extremely hard on the good weather
days during the season,” said Marine Resources Director Scott
Bannon. “That level of effort, coupled with larger average-sized
fish harvested this year as compared to last year, resulted in a
daily harvest rate two times higher than 2017, which prompted
an earlier than anticipated closure.
“The purpose of the EFP was to demonstrate Alabama’s ability
to establish a season and monitor landings within a fixed quota
and I think we have shown we can do that,” said Bannon.
Now that the Alabama Red Snapper season is Closed- anglers
are reminded of the following:
-Possession of red snapper in Alabama waters while state
waters are closed is prohibited regardless of where the fish
were harvested.
-Alabama anglers may fish in federal waters off the coast of
Alabama (outside of 9 nm) and land in a state that is open to
the landing of red snapper, but they must adhere to the
open state’s rules and not transit in Alabama state waters with
red snapper on board.
-The season for federally-permitted charter for-hire vessels will
close at 12:01 a.m. July 22.
In-season landings estimates were calculated through the use
of Snapper Check, the program established in 2014 to collect
mandatory trip reports from anglers, and this monitoring tool
was a key component of the EFP.
Marine Resources Division staff will review the complete 2018
season effort and landings data to develop a plan for the 2019
season. Summary data from the season and information about
the EFP can been found at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-
fishing/exempted-fishing-permit.
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."
| EARLY CLOSURE OF ALABAMA RED SNAPPER SEASON! |
| The New Snorkel Reefs Deployed in Alabama! |
| Review and link to the Gulf Fisheries Council October 2018 Meeting |
Just a quick review of the Gulf Of Mexico Fishery Management Council
meeting from October 22 thru 25, 2018, conducted in Mobile, AL. A link to a
complete summary of items discussed can be found on the link at the bottom
of this article.
The modification of size limits for Cobia on both the commercial and
recreational sector was approved by the council- increasing the minimum size
limit to 36 inches fork length after concerns about a decline in the Gulf Cobia
population. This change will be finalized and submitted to the Secretary of
Commerce for approval- however, it is unknown when this change will take
effect.
There was also discussion on an amendment of "Carryover" of unharvested
fish quotas- from one year to the next, if a species "season" closes before a
quota is met, and exclusions.
The council reviewed draft amendments for states to continue to manage their
own recreational red snapper seasons. Included in this was the new
alternative for allocating the "private" sector harvest limit, giving Florida a big
piece of the remaining percentage of the quota distributed to each state. They
also removed the requirement of release gear from the list of management
measures that may be delegated- but this could be an issue picked up by the
states themselves.
Also, the council took a first look at an amendment concerning the condition
of the Gray Snapper (Mangrove Snapper) stock brought about by concerns
that it may be experiencing overfishing. They will discuss this further in the
January meeting.
Other subjects discussed were Reef Fish Management, Historical Captain
Endorsements, Red Grouper, Shrimp, and a presentation from NOAA on new
Stock Assessment sampling methods by the Marine Recreational Information
Program (like the Alabama Snapper Check System).
You can attend any of the public hearings on the schedule as seen this link:
meeting from October 22 thru 25, 2018, conducted in Mobile, AL. A link to a
complete summary of items discussed can be found on the link at the bottom
of this article.
The modification of size limits for Cobia on both the commercial and
recreational sector was approved by the council- increasing the minimum size
limit to 36 inches fork length after concerns about a decline in the Gulf Cobia
population. This change will be finalized and submitted to the Secretary of
Commerce for approval- however, it is unknown when this change will take
effect.
There was also discussion on an amendment of "Carryover" of unharvested
fish quotas- from one year to the next, if a species "season" closes before a
quota is met, and exclusions.
The council reviewed draft amendments for states to continue to manage their
own recreational red snapper seasons. Included in this was the new
alternative for allocating the "private" sector harvest limit, giving Florida a big
piece of the remaining percentage of the quota distributed to each state. They
also removed the requirement of release gear from the list of management
measures that may be delegated- but this could be an issue picked up by the
states themselves.
Also, the council took a first look at an amendment concerning the condition
of the Gray Snapper (Mangrove Snapper) stock brought about by concerns
that it may be experiencing overfishing. They will discuss this further in the
January meeting.
Other subjects discussed were Reef Fish Management, Historical Captain
Endorsements, Red Grouper, Shrimp, and a presentation from NOAA on new
Stock Assessment sampling methods by the Marine Recreational Information
Program (like the Alabama Snapper Check System).
You can attend any of the public hearings on the schedule as seen this link:
| The Marine Resources Division recently completed the deployment of 600 pyramid reef modules within the State’s reef fish jurisdiction which extends 9 nautical miles offshore. The 262 new reef sites are constructed with 1, 2, or 4 concrete reef modules per site and each module provides 10’ of vertical relief. GPS coordinates for all of the new reef sites can be found at: https://www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater- fishing/artificial-reefs |
In a Public Advisory issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health
on November 21, 2018- It has been reported that water samples collected
from local Alabama Coastal waters- from between Perdido Pass in Orange
Beach, AL, to Little Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores, AL, tested positive for
"red tide cells", or dinoflagellates. The presence of the cells were in the
"low to medium" range according to the ADPH.
What does this mean for you?
If you have any respiratory complications, or medical issues with your
eyes, nose, or throat should avoid direct contact with gulf waters or any
"mist" generated by the gulf waters. The ADPH recommends anyone with
asthma or emphysema avoid the area. Leave the water immediately if you
experience any skin irritations while swimming or boating and rinse with
fresh water.
In addition, there is the possibility of fish kills as long as the "cells" are
present in local waters. Any anglers fishing local Alabama waters are
advised Not To eat fish from red tide affected areas that appear lethargic-
swims in circles, or otherwise appears unhealthy.
The ADPH will continue to monitor local gulf and bay waters for red tide
conditions and release advisories as the conditions change. Forecast
predictions of where and how strong the "red tide" will affect certain
areas is almost impossible because of the complicated variables in
weather, tides, water salinity, etc.
To view the Alabama Department of Public Health advisory, click on this
link: ADPH Red Tide Advisory, Nov 21, 2018
Or visit their website at www.alabamapublichealth.gov
on November 21, 2018- It has been reported that water samples collected
from local Alabama Coastal waters- from between Perdido Pass in Orange
Beach, AL, to Little Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores, AL, tested positive for
"red tide cells", or dinoflagellates. The presence of the cells were in the
"low to medium" range according to the ADPH.
What does this mean for you?
If you have any respiratory complications, or medical issues with your
eyes, nose, or throat should avoid direct contact with gulf waters or any
"mist" generated by the gulf waters. The ADPH recommends anyone with
asthma or emphysema avoid the area. Leave the water immediately if you
experience any skin irritations while swimming or boating and rinse with
fresh water.
In addition, there is the possibility of fish kills as long as the "cells" are
present in local waters. Any anglers fishing local Alabama waters are
advised Not To eat fish from red tide affected areas that appear lethargic-
swims in circles, or otherwise appears unhealthy.
The ADPH will continue to monitor local gulf and bay waters for red tide
conditions and release advisories as the conditions change. Forecast
predictions of where and how strong the "red tide" will affect certain
areas is almost impossible because of the complicated variables in
weather, tides, water salinity, etc.
To view the Alabama Department of Public Health advisory, click on this
link: ADPH Red Tide Advisory, Nov 21, 2018
Or visit their website at www.alabamapublichealth.gov