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. 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.
| It's Our Responsibility, And It's The Law! |
 |  |
| 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
(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 ! |
| You can also get it on the Outdoor Alabama Website at: www.outdooralabama.com |
| The Fort Morgan Boat Launch is Open!! |
| 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. GPS coordinates for all reef sites can be found at: https://www.outdooralabama.com/saltwater- fishing/artificial-reefs |
| As of 7AM March 18, 2019, The Boggy Point Boat Launch will be Closed for repair and renovations. Here is a Press Release from AMRD |
| New No-Wake Zone in Terry Cove, Orange Beach, AL. The Alabama Marine Resources has redesignated the remainder of Terry Cove a No Wake Zone! We do not have information on exactly when this will take effect, but we anticipate it to be before the 2019 Spring Break. An official press release will be issued by the state- and we will pass this information as soon as we have it. |
| Dredging Work Beginning in Perdido Pass Orange Beach, Alabama, February 4, 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.
| The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Announces the 2019 Alabama "Private Angler" Red Snapper Season |
February 6, 2019
Again this year Alabama is operating under the Exempt Fishing Permit which was
filed with NOAA fisheries early last year, with other gulf states, in order to get the
authority to manage their own "private angler" red snapper seasons for a trial
period. Just today the state announced its plan for the 2019 season:
- The 2019 Red Snapper Season will consist of about 27 days starting on
Saturday June 1, 2019, including all Friday-Saturday-Sundays thru Sunday July
28, 2019- and will include Thursday, July 4, 2019.
What is "Private Angler" referring to?? This includes all Alabama registered
recreational anglers, as well as Alabama state-licensed commercial party boats
that Do Not hold federal for-hire fishing permits.
The 2019 "Private Angler" season is based on data collected from the 2018
season, which went surprisingly well, and ended early due to having met the
allotted federal quota ahead of schedule. Alabama's federal quota for the 2019
"private angler" season is 1,079, 573 pounds.
The state will continue to monitor the harvest of Red Snapper using the Alabama
Snapper Check system- and its use is required by all recreational and state
licensed commercial party boats. It may be utilized on the smart phone app
available for both IOS and Android platforms, and paper forms are available at
select public boat launch facilities.
For more on the press release and other information, see the Outdoor Alabama
website: https://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/saltwater-fishing
Again this year Alabama is operating under the Exempt Fishing Permit which was
filed with NOAA fisheries early last year, with other gulf states, in order to get the
authority to manage their own "private angler" red snapper seasons for a trial
period. Just today the state announced its plan for the 2019 season:
- The 2019 Red Snapper Season will consist of about 27 days starting on
Saturday June 1, 2019, including all Friday-Saturday-Sundays thru Sunday July
28, 2019- and will include Thursday, July 4, 2019.
What is "Private Angler" referring to?? This includes all Alabama registered
recreational anglers, as well as Alabama state-licensed commercial party boats
that Do Not hold federal for-hire fishing permits.
The 2019 "Private Angler" season is based on data collected from the 2018
season, which went surprisingly well, and ended early due to having met the
allotted federal quota ahead of schedule. Alabama's federal quota for the 2019
"private angler" season is 1,079, 573 pounds.
The state will continue to monitor the harvest of Red Snapper using the Alabama
Snapper Check system- and its use is required by all recreational and state
licensed commercial party boats. It may be utilized on the smart phone app
available for both IOS and Android platforms, and paper forms are available at
select public boat launch facilities.
For more on the press release and other information, see the Outdoor Alabama
website: https://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/saltwater-fishing
| "***Temporary Closure of Boggy Point Boat Ramp for Renovations*** Feb 27, 2019 The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources / Marine Resources Division will be closing the Boggy Point Boat Ramp located at the end of Marina Road in Orange Beach at 7:00AM Monday, March 18, 2019 for renovations. Renovations will include the replacement of the existing finger piers and repairs to the parking area. Renovation activities are anticipated to take place for at least two months; however, weather conditions may impact the completion date. Access to the site by the public will not be permitted throughout the renovation process. During renovations, the Cotton Bayou Boat Ramp located at 25808 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach will remain open. For additional information regarding the boat ramp renovations, contact Marine Resources’ Director Scott Bannon at (251) 861-2882." |
The Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) has
provided an optional reporting tab in the Snapper
Check program for the reporting of gray triggerfish.
Although this is not a mandatory report as with red
snapper, there is a federal quota for this species.
Angler trip reporting helps the MRD collect timely
data that could assist with in-season access, if
allowed in the future. The Snapper Check program
may be accessed through the Outdoor Alabama
mobile app or online at www.outdooralabama.com.
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 Marine Resources Division Announces the Opening of Gray Trigger Fish in Alabama Waters, March 1, 2019 |
Alabama state
waters will
open to the
harvest of gray
triggerfish at
12:01 a.m.,
March 1, 2019,
to coincide
with the
opening of
federal waters.
Anglers are
reminded the
bag limit is one
per person with
a minimum
size of 15
inches fork
length.
waters will
open to the
harvest of gray
triggerfish at
12:01 a.m.,
March 1, 2019,
to coincide
with the
opening of
federal waters.
Anglers are
reminded the
bag limit is one
per person with
a minimum
size of 15
inches fork
length.
| Bait, Tackle, Fuel, Deli, and so much more 27122 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 |