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. |
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| 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. |
| 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
| Keep up with New Alabama Reef Deployments! |
| 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 |
| The Alabama Marine Resources Division is constantly improving and "enriching" reef sites within the State’s reef fish jurisdiction inshore and offshore. GPS coordinates for all reef sites can be found at: www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/artificial-reefs |
| 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 Waters Opened for Red Snapper Fishing May 22, 2020 |
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Marine
Resources Division (MRD) announces Alabama state waters and federal waters will
open for red snapper fishing for private anglers on Friday, May 22, 2020. The season
will consist of four-day weekends, Friday through Monday.
The season is anticipated to last for 35 days and is scheduled to close on Sunday, July
19, 2020.
The season dates only apply to anglers fishing from recreational vessels and state-
licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing
permits. Anglers fishing from federally-permitted for-hire vessels have their own season
that will be announced at a later date by NOAA Fisheries.
Alabama’s 2020 private angler red snapper season is based on a federal quota of
1,122,662 pounds. The season dates may be adjusted based on harvest.
Anglers are reminded of the following:
-Weekends are defined as 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday.
-The daily bag limit is two red snapper per person, per day with a minimum size limit of 16
inches total length.
-Anglers over the age of 16 must have an Alabama saltwater fishing license (resident or
nonresident, annual or trip), or any Alabama resident angler 65 or older or lifetime saltwater
license holder must have a current saltwater angler registration. The saltwater angler
registration is free and available at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/saltwater-
angler-registration.
-All anglers; including residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older, including
lifetime license holders, disability license holders and those 65 and older, must have a Gulf
Reef Fish Endorsement to fish for or possess any reef fish. The Gulf Reef Fish
Endorsement can be purchased online at www.outdooralabama.com/license-information.
Each vessel landing red snapper is required by law to complete one landing report per
vessel trip of their harvested red snapper through Snapper Check prior to removing the fish
from the boat or the boat with the fish being removed from the water. All red snapper landed
in Alabama are required to be reported regardless of the jurisdiction in which they were
caught.
Possession of red snapper in state waters while the Alabama season is closed is
prohibited. Anglers fishing under another state’s season must abide by that state’s
rules and land fish in that state. Individuals on vessels with red snapper may not transit
Alabama state waters while the Alabama season is closed.
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, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
Resources Division (MRD) announces Alabama state waters and federal waters will
open for red snapper fishing for private anglers on Friday, May 22, 2020. The season
will consist of four-day weekends, Friday through Monday.
The season is anticipated to last for 35 days and is scheduled to close on Sunday, July
19, 2020.
The season dates only apply to anglers fishing from recreational vessels and state-
licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing
permits. Anglers fishing from federally-permitted for-hire vessels have their own season
that will be announced at a later date by NOAA Fisheries.
Alabama’s 2020 private angler red snapper season is based on a federal quota of
1,122,662 pounds. The season dates may be adjusted based on harvest.
Anglers are reminded of the following:
-Weekends are defined as 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday.
-The daily bag limit is two red snapper per person, per day with a minimum size limit of 16
inches total length.
-Anglers over the age of 16 must have an Alabama saltwater fishing license (resident or
nonresident, annual or trip), or any Alabama resident angler 65 or older or lifetime saltwater
license holder must have a current saltwater angler registration. The saltwater angler
registration is free and available at www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/saltwater-
angler-registration.
-All anglers; including residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older, including
lifetime license holders, disability license holders and those 65 and older, must have a Gulf
Reef Fish Endorsement to fish for or possess any reef fish. The Gulf Reef Fish
Endorsement can be purchased online at www.outdooralabama.com/license-information.
Each vessel landing red snapper is required by law to complete one landing report per
vessel trip of their harvested red snapper through Snapper Check prior to removing the fish
from the boat or the boat with the fish being removed from the water. All red snapper landed
in Alabama are required to be reported regardless of the jurisdiction in which they were
caught.
Possession of red snapper in state waters while the Alabama season is closed is
prohibited. Anglers fishing under another state’s season must abide by that state’s
rules and land fish in that state. Individuals on vessels with red snapper may not transit
Alabama state waters while the Alabama season is closed.
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, 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! |