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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Red Snapper Season Starts Tomorrow!

You probably know by now that we have an additional Red Snapper season this year, now that NOAA has declared the waters safe for fishing. Every weekend from October 1 – November 21 we will be out in force with charters ready to go. And the fish should be biting like crazy. The early season only yielded about a third of the normal Red Snapper catch. That means the fish are bigger, bolder and more abundant.

If you are not familiar with Red Snapper you should know that they are prolific throughout the Gulf of Mexico but love the artificial reefs of Alabama. They generally stay in waters from 30 to 200 feet, but with so many this season, they are sure to be found at all depths. They tend to travel in large schools so charters are great for putting you right in the middle of the action. Snappers are great fighters, making them a lot of fun to catch and they have a lot of flavor to enjoy after the battle.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to head down to Orange Beach to catch your limit.

Coastal Clean Up September 18

Well it has been a crazy summer, but we still love our life in paradise. Fishing has been open everywhere for catch and release for almost a month. The charters are out and the fish are biting. As the summer comes to a close, it’s time to care for the great beaches we call home.

Saturday, September 18 is the 23rd Annual Coastal Clean Up. It may have more meaning this year, but we have always taken pride in the amazing beauty of our beaches and the strength and diversity of our wildlife. Taking this day to protect that beauty is the least we can do to preserve the way of life we all love.

So come on out - catch your fill of trash and debris. Over the years the Clean-up has had 48,446 volunteers remove 902,242 pounds of waste along 2,847 miles of coastline. This year with all the media attention this area has received, we expect record numbers of visiting volunteers. Let’s make sure they are welcomed and well-received.

For more information about the 23rd Annual Coastal Clean Up, visit www.alcoastalcleanup.org or call 251-621-1216.

It’s Almost Snapper Season (and Yes We’re Open!)

I’ve been hearing good things about the fishing out of Orange Beach lately. Though it’s true that fishing isn’t possible in certain areas of the Gulf, fishing is still open 25 to 30 miles out of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan, inshore fishing is unaffected, and lots of fish are being caught.

And snapper season opens Tuesday, June 1st, so if you’re in the market for some red snapper, come on down—enjoy the fishing and the still-beautiful beaches.

Visit www.obfishingassociation.com for more information about area fishing and the oils spill.

Lots of Fish along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

I missed out on the Cobia Tournament in Gulf Shores, which ends today, but I hear it’s been a huge success, and the cobia are still going strong along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Can’t wait to hear the results of the tournament!

I’ve also heard that the red snapper are plentiful right now, even though snapper season hasn’t officially started (not that that matters much to the snapper). This year the season will run from June 1st until late July—so I now have a good idea of when my big Gulf fishing trip will be this year.

Check out the Orange Beach Fishing Association website for more information about what’s biting this month.

A Little Etiquette

Fishing is always a fun adventure, especially that first-ever outing. I remember how excited I was during my first deep-sea fishing trip out on the Gulf as a kid, how I was in awe of the boat and the captain and the size of the fish.

I also remember how no one in my family really knew what exactly to expect going into our little escursion (we were such amateurs back then), and other than bringing sunscreen, we weren't as prepared as we could've been. No one thought about the possibility of sea sickness. I was lucky enough not to be affected, but my parents, sister, and aunt all discovered that they could've benefited from a little motion sickness medication.

Not thinking of every little detail is part of being human, so it's helpful to have a web page that thinks of these things for you. The Orange Beach Fishing Association's new website has a "Trip Tips" page with "Charter Trip Passenger Suggestions & Etiquette." These tips give you things to consider for yourself and your group as well as etiquette guidelines to help show your gratitude to your charter captain and crew.

You can check out the tips page (and the rest of the site) at http://www.obfishingassociation.com/triptips.html.

Fishing Rut

Can you get into a fishing rut? I think so. Maybe you developed a favorite location and haven't bothered trying a different spot in a while, or maybe you always fish offshore and want to try inshore fishing. A couple summers ago, I spent a week fishing along the Gulf Coast, and it seemed like all I was catching was grouper.

This is why I love Orange Beach: it's a great place for avoiding a fishing rut. Inshore fishing, offshore fishing, deep-sea fishing--they have it all down there. And if you're tired of catching grouper, mackerel, and red snapper, a growing trend along Alabama's Gulf Coast is to fish for more unusual fish like snowy grouper, tilefish, and scorpionfish, among others.

Until recently, I'd never heard of some of these odd fish--scorpionfish? The name of that one in particular was startling to me. But from what I've heard, these species of fish are very sought-after, and very tasty--even the scorpionfish. I'm going to have to try that one for myself.

Go to http://www.orangebeach.com/fishing/ to learn more about Orange Beach fishing.

Reeling in the New Year

It's a new year--time for a fresh start filled with New Year's resolutions. The typical resolutions abound in my home: lose weight, exercise more, spend less, etc. But being the fishing addict that I am, I feel the need to include a fishing-related resolution.

But what would make a good fishing resolution? Making a point to take more frequent fishing trips, maybe. But as awesome as it would be to fulfill this resolution, that's not always practical.

Someone suggested I "branch out" and try some vacation/fishing destinations other than Orange Beach. Trust me, I've done this--and still do on occasion. I don't frequent Alabama's Gulf Coast out of ignorance of what else is around, I go there because I love Gulf fishing and I love the Orange Beach/Gulf Shores area. If the point of a New Year's resolution is to improve your life in some way, why would I make an effort to avoid my favorite vacation spot? Next, please.

Spending more time with family is another popular resolution. And given that my major fishing excursions last year were with friends, I think I'll strive for at least one major fishing trip with family this year (at my beloved Orange Beach, no less).

What's your New Year's resolution, fishing or otherwise?

Big Fish

I know a lot of people who think fishing is exclusively a summer activity, something you try for an hour at a nearby pier during your beach vacation so you can take some pictures and say you went fishing--and maybe actually catch something. These same people were baffled when I told them I'd be fishing along the Alabama Gulf Coast this month.

But the truth is, if you want to catch big fish, this is a good month for it. I'll be going inshore fishing in the Orange Beach/Gulf Shores area, and I'm counting on finding some bull reds, which on average weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. I went on this same fishing trip this time last year, and in four hours the group I was with managed to catch more than 30 bull reds. It was the first time I was able to tell an "I caught a fish this big" story and actually had pictures to prove I was not exaggerating.

Read more about the bull reds and other fish that can be found along the Alabama Gulf Coast here: http://www.orangebeach.com/fishing/biting/.

Fishing Tournaments

There have been a couple fishing tournaments off the Alabama Gulf Coast recently, the most recent being the Inshore Fishing Association Redfish Tournament in Orange Beach. Next up is the IFA Redfish Tour Championship, where anglers will compete for the 2009 Tour Championship title. You can learn more about it at www.redfishtour.com.

I've never actually competed in a fishing tournament. But I'd like to think I have what it takes. A passion for fishing is obviously a requirement, and one that I meet hands down. A drive for competition is probably important, too. I think back to a fishing trip I took with some friends a few years back, and how some good-natured ribbing escalated into a bet on who would catch the most/biggest fish. I was into this bet--there was a good amount of cash behind it--and a couple of us went so far as to sabotage each other's fishing equipment. Not my finest moment, but it certainly demonstrates a drive for competition.

But I doubt that games of sabotage and pranks take place during serious fishing tournaments. The thrill of the chase and putting your skill to good use--not to mention the actual act of reeling in those fish--is probably enough to keep the competitive fisherman occupied.

You can check for any upcoming Orange Beach tournaments by going to www.orangebeach.com, going to "Calendar of Events" under "Things to Do" and selecting "Sports" in the dropdown box.

Fishing for Fun

I took my nephew deep sea fishing out of Orange Beach last week. He was really excited about it—it was his first fishing trip on a “big boat” with a “real captain.” But I didn’t realize he was set on catching dinner. I found this out when we caught the first fish: an eight-pound red snapper. Unfortunately, red snapper have to be released back into the water in September, and when I told my nephew this he cried, “But it’s no fun if you don’t get to eat them!” Luckily, we caught other fish that were okay to keep (and eat).

I realized that I’d have to educate this young boy on the sport of fishing. No way can I let someone who shares my blood grow up thinking that the only purpose of fishing is to catch a meal. He has to learn about the excitement of finding and catching fish and the adventure of just being out on the Gulf. I guess I’ll just have to take him out again, maybe even a few times. I feel I owe it to him.

And Orange Beach is a great place for all kinds of fishing, so it will be easy (and fun) to teach him the ropes.

You can learn more about Orange Beach fishing at http://www.orangebeach.com/fishing/.

That First Deep Sea Fishing Experience

I remember the first time I went deep sea fishing. I was twelve, and my family booked a fishing charter while we were vacationing at Orange Beach, Alabama. We arrived at the boat early in the morning and spent hours out on the water. The fishing was good—we caught mackerel and red snapper, and as I remember, everyone managed to snag something that day. It was a fun day and a great childhood memory.

It also inspired my life-long love for fishing. Ever since that day, I knew fishing would forever be part of my life.

I still love Gulf Fishing, and the Alabama Gulf Coast is the best place for it. There are so many excellent charters and captains, so many options for putting together a fun and exciting fishing trip. Whether you want inshore or offshore fishing, a four-hour trip or a fourteen-hour trip, you’ll find it at Orange Beach/Gulf Shores.

Visit www.gulffishing.net for information about specific captains and charters.

Third-Generation Charter Boat Captain Shares Insider's Tips for Orange Beach Fishing

Editor’s Note: Captain Bobby Walker, a third-generation charter-boat captain based out of Orange Beach, Alabama, along with his family, helped pioneer the charter-boat business in Orange Beach. His grandfather, Rufus Walker, was a mailman who started taking parties on weekends to troll for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel. His uncle, Roland Walker, was one of the first charter-boat fishermen to discover red snapper holding on underwater airplane wrecks and shipwrecks. Roland later carried tires and all types of old metal junk to drop in the Gulf of Mexico to create artificial reefs. He also convinced state politicians to deploy 300 wrecked-car bodies in the Gulf of Mexico, which became the first step in Alabama’s intensive artificial-reef-building program that’s today one of the largest artificial-reef programs in the world.

Read full article here.

August Offers Red Hot Bay Fishing on AL Gulf Coast

Editor’s Note: Captain Gary Davis of Tidewater Fishing Service in Foley, Alabama, has fished and guided in Mobile Bay for 35 years. As Davis explains, “This month, the bay’s red-hot around Fort Morgan. August is a very-good month for catching a wide variety of fish in Mobile Bay. Because the water’s so clear, we’ve had an influx of Spanish mackerel and small cobia that will weigh 3-5-pounds each. You can’t keep cobia this size, but they’re fun to catch and release.”

Read full article here: http://orangebeach.com/fishing/biting/