Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Tips to Net a Successful Charter Trip

Planning a charter trip for you and your family or friends involves a lot more than just stepping onboard a boat. And when you take time to do a little research, the reward will be a more enjoyable trip for everyone involved.

Probably the most important decision is what type of charter you will take. If you are new to charter fishing trips, it might be best to begin with a shorter four-hour trip instead of a full-day adventure. If you get hooked on the thrill of fishing, then on your next visit you can book a longer trip.

When you call to ask questions, be sure to discuss this with the captain. He or she can offer some good advice about the length of the trip. After all, the captain wants to ensure that you have a fun trip.

Learn more about trip tips. www.gulffishing.net/triptips.html

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

Orange Beach Fishing Association wishes everyone a very happy new year. It's been quite a journey this year and we are looking forward to amazing things in 2011. We especially want to thank everyone who came down this year, supported the local economy and had a terrific time fishing the beautiful waters of Orange Beach. When you are ready to come back down for another thrilling day of charter fishing, we will be here to show you around our little corner of paradise.

So we raise a glass to our old friends and another to the friends we haven't met yet. We hope you have a fun and safe celebration because we look forward to seeing you soon.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Fish River Christmas Boat Parade, December 18

Hundreds of boats will make a procession across the water on December 18 at the Fish River Christmas Boat Parade in Fairhope. Public viewing is available at Big Daddy's Grill, 16542 Ferry Road in Fairhope. Whether you are a charter fisherman or a recreational sportsman, if you have a boat and would like to participate, you can get a permit at the restaurant.

For those of you who don't live on the Gulf coast, these parades have been going on for years and take place up and down the coast from Texas to Florida. Most of the boats are proudly decorated with many lights. It's a chance to cruise with friends, show off and enjoy the water a few more times. We may not have snow but we have light dancing across the water and for the holidays, that's just as good.

So bring the kids and enjoy the show.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Nautical Night of Lights - December 11th

The late Redfish season was an incredible success with lots of great fish and great fish stories for the folks who came out, chartered boats and reeled 'em in. Now that the Redfish season has ended and the holiday season has begun, kick it off right on board one of the many boats parading across the bay.

The 25th Annual Nautical Night of Lights is December 11, at 5:00 pm and is free to the public. The parade boats meet up at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, and make a colorful procession east down the Intracoastal Canal Waterway. The procession ends at Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach. Whether you are a sports fisherman or not, this is a great way to check out the fleet of charter boats and get aquainted with the local captains. So come on out and stop by the docks once the parade ends to get a closer look and meet the crew.

For more information about the parade, call 251-968-6091, or visit
alagulfcoastchamber.com

Monday, November 8, 2010

Certified Fisher Invested in Sustainable Harvests (CFISH) Program

“After a summer of great uncertainty due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which caused the closure of more than 88,000 square miles of federal waters and more in-state waters to fishing, charter fishing professionals are experiencing a sea change that requires an expansion of their services beyond solely catching fish” said Joanne McDonough, a nature tourism specialist with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. “Today’s anglers must provide quality opportunities to engage the public with natural resources in ways that lead to greater understanding and appreciation, while protecting, preserving and sustaining Gulf of Mexico marine
resources and stimulating local economies.”

This dynamic program will encourage charter fishing professionals to lead by example and encourage sustainable fishing practices. The 8-hour certification process includes hands on training aboard a Dauphin Island Sea Lab research vessel, during which participants will:

- gain a vast knowledge of the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay
- participate in sustainable fishing practices
- discuss applicable resource laws and regulations
- review and follow a code of ethics
- learn how to promote good stewardship practices
- become familiar with responsible advertising
- learn how to conduct an educational briefing before the start of the fishing charter

After implementing these practices in their business, the captains or deckhands will request an evaluation of their business, which will include the observation of a fishing charter and the review of websites, brochures, a current business license and fishing license. Once the program director finds the fishing charter to be in
compliance with the program’s standards and rules, the captain or deckhand will receive the certification and a flag with the program’s logo and current calendar year to display on charters and in advertising.

The first CFISH training will take place in Orange Beach, Ala., at Caribe Resort on Feb. 15, 2011. The cost to participate in the first certification program is $75. A limited number of scholarships are available from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.
Annual recertification includes submitting a charter fishing reporting form, completing a refresher course and an evaluation.

The founding program sponsors of the program are the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/Marine Resources Division Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the Orange Beach Fishing Association This vision is shared not only by the program sponsors, but is supported by local
partners who assist the program sponsors in the regional growth and implementation of the program.

Charter captains and deckhands that would like to register for this certification program or would like more information may contact Joanne McDonough at 251-974-4634 or jmcdonough@gulfshores.com.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Angler Fishing Tournament October 16

The Gulf Coast will be reeling in a crowd when the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission welcomes approximately 80 anglers for the IFA Redfish Tour Fishing Tournament on October 16.

The tournament begins at safe light when 40 boats take-off from LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. After a full day of fishing, the captains will return with their prize catches for a 3 p.m. weigh-in at LuLu’s. On Friday evening, LuLu’s will host registration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. The winners advance to the IFA Championship, which will take place in Orange Beach on November 4-6.

Also, the area will host a new one-man kayak division. A captain’s meeting is set for October 16 at LuLu’s following the weigh-ins of the previously mentioned IFA tournament. Then the kayakers will fish on Sunday and weigh-in with their catches that afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at LuLu’s. The winners from this competition will also advance to the IFA Kayak Championship on November 11-13, which will also be held in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.

For information on this or other athletic events on Alabama’s Gulf Coast or to see a complete list of the sports commission’s generous annual sponsors, please visit www.alabamagulfcoastsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

Friday, October 8, 2010

This is the Place to Be!

Welcome shrimp lovers and boat fanatics! With the National Shrimp Festival in full swing through the weekend, it’s a great time to book a charter. Fishing restrictions over the summer mean that it’s not just Red Snapper that are biting. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for even beginners to catch their limit. As experienced charter fishermen, we make sure you have an experience you won’t forget.

Thunder on the Gulf starts next weekend – October 12 – 17th and charters will be out in force to accommodate visitors. Come out and see the excitement of offshore powerboat racing and then let us get you revved up reeling in snapper, mackerel, wahoo, and even sailfish.

As charter fishermen, we know what the fish are biting on, and where to find them. We know every inlet, bay, bayou and backwater area. We will also make sure you take in the sites, enjoy the wildlife and birds as well as sunrises and sunsets.

So take advantage of the special snapper season between October 1st and November 22nd this year. Call now to book your accommodations and charters, Orange Beach Fishing Association 251-981-2300, obfa@centurytel.net