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 ! |
| 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 |
| 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 New Snorkel Reefs Deployed in Alabama! |
| Review of the Gulf Fisheries October 2018 Council 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:
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:
| 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
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
| Here is our video from this years 34th Annual FloraBama Polar Bear Dip! See this and more of our videos on our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/aboutscubasteve |
Alabama Marine Resources to designate the remainder of Terry Cove a No Wake
Zone! We do not have information on when this will take effect, but an official
press release will be issued by the state- and we will pass this information on
out FaceBook and here on our website as soon as we have it.
Zone! We do not have information on when this will take effect, but an official
press release will be issued by the state- and we will pass this information on
out FaceBook and here on our website as soon as we have it.
| Dredging Work Beginning in Perdido Pass Orange Beach, Alabama, January 14, 2019 |
Last week we received word that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would begin
dredging Perdido Pass of excess sand that has built up over the last couple of
years.
Today heavy equipment began being moved out onto the east side of the pass
along with a barge and piping used in the process.
The City of Orange Beach has asked the public to stay clear of the work areas
and away from the piping and equipment for the duration of the project. Also,
that boaters maintain a safe distance while transiting the pass and not to stop,
anchor, or fish near the equipment, and obey requests of the tug operators.
This operation is expected to take up to several weeks and its completion date is
depended heavily on weather conditions.
Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
dredging Perdido Pass of excess sand that has built up over the last couple of
years.
Today heavy equipment began being moved out onto the east side of the pass
along with a barge and piping used in the process.
The City of Orange Beach has asked the public to stay clear of the work areas
and away from the piping and equipment for the duration of the project. Also,
that boaters maintain a safe distance while transiting the pass and not to stop,
anchor, or fish near the equipment, and obey requests of the tug operators.
This operation is expected to take up to several weeks and its completion date is
depended heavily on weather conditions.
Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.