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 January 2018, the
privately owned Wolf Bay Lodge Boat
Launch has been permanently closed
by the property owner.
privately owned Wolf Bay Lodge Boat
Launch has been permanently closed
by the property owner.
| 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 |
| The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met the first week in April in Biloxi, Mississippi. Here is a brief overview of what was accomplished: The Council took final action on Reef Fish Amendment 50: State Management for Recreational Red Snapper. The Council chose to delegate management authority of the private angling component for recreational red snapper fishing to each state. Each state will be allocated the portion of the recreational quota it initially requested in the 2018-2019 exempted fishing permit application, with the remaining 3.78% distributed between Florida and Alabama. The Council chose to set the red grouper annual catch limits and annual catch targets based on landings from the 2017 fishing season. Last fall, the Council was presented with results from an interim analysis that could be used to provide harvest recommendations for red grouper while awaiting the results of the stock assessment that is currently underway. Landings in recent years have been significantly below the annual catch limits, indicating that the stock may not be large enough to sustain current harvest levels. The Council took final action on Shrimp Amendment 18, which considers increasing the amount of shrimp effort allowed in the special area that is monitored for juvenile red snapper bycatch. The Council decided to reduce the allowable shrimp effort to 60% below the baseline years and revise the framework procedure to allow future changes to shrimp effort thresholds to be accomplished through the standard open framework documentation process. The amendment will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. The Council also reviewed a draft Framework Action that considers reducing the commercial greater amberjack trip limit. The Council directed staff to begin work on a document that would consider reducing the buffer between the red snapper annual catch limit and annual catch target for the for-hire component of the recreational sector. In a previous amendment, the Council reduced the buffer between the annual catch limit and annual catch target from 20% to 9% for the 2019 fishing year. This document would consider modifying the buffer on a more permanent basis. The Council will be presented with a draft document at its next meeting in June. For more information, see the press release: http://gulfcouncil.org/press/2019/april-council-update |
| 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
red snapper, angler trip reporting helps the MRD
collect data that could assist with future seasons.
On March 20, 2019, NOAA announced their intention
to close Gray Triggerfish harvesting in federal
waters of the Gulf of Mexico on May 11, 2019. Also,
there will be no "spring" season for Greater
Amberjack (May 1-31), the "Fishing Year" for
Amberjack set up by NOAA being August to July.
So recreational harvesting will reopen with the
"new harvest year" August 1, 2019, which typically
lasts August 1, through October 31.
According to NOAA, fisheries must close when the
annual catch target has been met- or is projected to
be met. These closures are needed to prevent
overfishing of a given species - when the annual
catch rate is too high.
This information was obtained from the NOAA
Fisheries Bulletin FB19-016. For more information
from Lauren Waters at 727 824-5305, or email
lauren.waters@noaa.gov
| NOAA Announces the Closure of Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish! |
On March 1,
2019, Alabama
state waters
opened to the
harvest of gray
triggerfish,
to coincide with
the opening of
federal waters.
The AMRD has
provided
reporting tab in
the Snapper
Check program
for the reporting
of gray trigger-
fish harvest.
Although its not
mandatory to
report as with
2019, Alabama
state waters
opened to the
harvest of gray
triggerfish,
to coincide with
the opening of
federal waters.
The AMRD has
provided
reporting tab in
the Snapper
Check program
for the reporting
of gray trigger-
fish harvest.
Although its not
mandatory to
report as with
| Bait, Tackle, Fuel, Deli, and so much more 27122 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 |
| Press Release, April 4, 2019 Alabama Receives Approval to Manage Recreational Red Snapper Fishery |
Recreational Season Begins June 1
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met this week in Biloxi, Mississippi, to take final action on
Reef Fish Amendment 50: State Management for Recreational Red Snapper. The Council voted
unanimously to delegate management authority of the private angling component for recreational red
snapper fishing to each Gulf state, beginning with the 2020 fishing year. Under this amendment each state
is allocated a portion of the recreational quota. Alabama was allocated just over 26% of the total
recreational red snapper quota.
The quota will be allocated as follows:
•Alabama: 26.298% •Florida: 44.822% •Louisiana: 19.120% •Mississippi: 3.550% •Texas: 6.210%
The Council also will allow a state to close areas of federal waters adjacent to the state by requesting that
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement the closure.
Alabama Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon is pleased with the Council’s decision. “We are very
excited about the opportunity to manage the private angler red snapper season at the state level,” he said.
“The exempted fishing permits (EFPs) that the states have used for the 2018 and 2019 seasons have
shown that the states can be responsive to the desires of the anglers and manage the fishery in a
responsible manner.
“The process to develop a fair and equitable amendment has been a very challenging one, and I am very
pleased with the efforts of all five Gulf States Fisheries Directors and the Gulf Council. This is good for the
private anglers and the fish stock,” Bannon said.
Beginning in 2020, the states will have the authority to establish bag limits, minimum size limits (within the
designated range) and a maximum size. “These are all tools that resource managers use to ensure stability
of a stock and maximize opportunities for anglers,” Bannon said.
The Alabama 2019 red snapper fishing season for anglers fishing from a private vessel or state-
licensed guide boat will be three-day weekends (Friday-Sunday) from June 1 through July 28, 2019,
including Thursday, July 4. Except for the opening weekend, which begins on a Saturday, weekends are
defined as 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. This season only applies to private anglers and
state-licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing permits. Federal
for-hire charter boats will still be under federal management with seasons set by the NMFS. The federally
permitted charter season runs from June 1-August 2.
For the 2019 private angling red snapper season in Alabama, the size limit will be 16 inches total length
and the bag/possession limit will be two per person per day.
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.
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met this week in Biloxi, Mississippi, to take final action on
Reef Fish Amendment 50: State Management for Recreational Red Snapper. The Council voted
unanimously to delegate management authority of the private angling component for recreational red
snapper fishing to each Gulf state, beginning with the 2020 fishing year. Under this amendment each state
is allocated a portion of the recreational quota. Alabama was allocated just over 26% of the total
recreational red snapper quota.
The quota will be allocated as follows:
•Alabama: 26.298% •Florida: 44.822% •Louisiana: 19.120% •Mississippi: 3.550% •Texas: 6.210%
The Council also will allow a state to close areas of federal waters adjacent to the state by requesting that
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement the closure.
Alabama Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon is pleased with the Council’s decision. “We are very
excited about the opportunity to manage the private angler red snapper season at the state level,” he said.
“The exempted fishing permits (EFPs) that the states have used for the 2018 and 2019 seasons have
shown that the states can be responsive to the desires of the anglers and manage the fishery in a
responsible manner.
“The process to develop a fair and equitable amendment has been a very challenging one, and I am very
pleased with the efforts of all five Gulf States Fisheries Directors and the Gulf Council. This is good for the
private anglers and the fish stock,” Bannon said.
Beginning in 2020, the states will have the authority to establish bag limits, minimum size limits (within the
designated range) and a maximum size. “These are all tools that resource managers use to ensure stability
of a stock and maximize opportunities for anglers,” Bannon said.
The Alabama 2019 red snapper fishing season for anglers fishing from a private vessel or state-
licensed guide boat will be three-day weekends (Friday-Sunday) from June 1 through July 28, 2019,
including Thursday, July 4. Except for the opening weekend, which begins on a Saturday, weekends are
defined as 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. This season only applies to private anglers and
state-licensed Alabama commercial party boats that do not hold federal for-hire fishing permits. Federal
for-hire charter boats will still be under federal management with seasons set by the NMFS. The federally
permitted charter season runs from June 1-August 2.
For the 2019 private angling red snapper season in Alabama, the size limit will be 16 inches total length
and the bag/possession limit will be two per person per day.
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.
| AMRD Announces Temporary Closure of "Bay Watch" Boat Launch for Repairs |
The Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) will temporarily close the Bay Watch Boat
Ramp for repairs on Monday, May 13, 2019, at 7 a.m. The boat ramp is located adjacent to the
U.S. Highway 98 bridge at the mouth of the Fish River in Baldwin County, Ala. During the
closure, the existing finger pier for the launch ramps will be replaced. Construction activities
are expected to be completed in approximately two weeks after the project begins, weather
Ramp for repairs on Monday, May 13, 2019, at 7 a.m. The boat ramp is located adjacent to the
U.S. Highway 98 bridge at the mouth of the Fish River in Baldwin County, Ala. During the
closure, the existing finger pier for the launch ramps will be replaced. Construction activities
are expected to be completed in approximately two weeks after the project begins, weather
permitting.
Public access to the
site will not be
permitted
throughout the
repair process.
During these
repairs, the
Viewpoint Boat
Ramp at the
southern end of
Baldwin County
Road 1 will remain
open for local
access to the Fish
River area. For more
information on the
location of public
boat launches, see
the map below.
Public access to the
site will not be
permitted
throughout the
repair process.
During these
repairs, the
Viewpoint Boat
Ramp at the
southern end of
Baldwin County
Road 1 will remain
open for local
access to the Fish
River area. For more
information on the
location of public
boat launches, see
the map below.
| Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is Considering extending the 2019 Recreational Red Snapper Season |
| According to the Alabama Marine Resources Director, Scott Bannon, there may be some days added to the current 27 day recreational red snapper season. This is due mainly to some early low number coming in on the Alabama Snapper Check System and the dockside surveys. This may be the result of some less than desireable weather on the designated fishing weekends since the seasons opening on June 1, 2019. As of June 25, 2019, the numbers are down about 30% from this time last year. The quota for Alabama this season is just over one million pounds. Which means anglers have reeled in roughly only about 300,000 pounds of fish. Director Scott Bannon says a final determination on extending the season won't be made until mid-July. |