Orange Beach police rape investigation goes forward

Chief expresses confidence in officers
Thursday, May 29, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Baldwin County authorities continue to investigate a woman's claims that she was raped by a trio of Orange Beach policemen, though neither District Attorney Judy Newcomb nor Sheriff's Department spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery would discuss details Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Orange Beach Police Chief Billy Wilkins said that he is "confident" that none of the six officers on duty that night had any contact with the woman.

Mobile Press-Register

Orange Beach Fishing Reports

Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle
Weekly Fishing Report May 28, 2008

Inshore Fishing Report
The inshore fishing throughout the last week has proven to be a little tougher than most residents would care for. However, anglers still ventured out and managed to have some nice catches! With Memorial Day and the enormous number of boaters now gone, look for the fishing to pick back up and return to normal summer fishing! Look for drastic improvements beginning Saturday once the neap tides have ended.

Click here for the complete report.

Offshore Fishing Report
The blue water bite was thoroughly investigated this past weekend during the Memorial Day tournament. 109 boats blasted offshore last Friday night with high hopes of catching that winning fish! Unfortunately their can only be a handful of winners, but this didn't stop anglers from fishing every last second to the fullest of their ability. Mike Rowell aboard the Annie Girl took the tuna division with a 700.8 pound bluefin tuna!

Click here for the complete report.

THANKS AND GOOD FISHIN,
Captain Mo Shaver
Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle, Inc.

Talk about old school! From left to right- Tucker, Brent (Captain Bligh), and Me (Captain Mo Shaver) with a nice catch from Orange Beach dating back about 20 years ago!!

On behalf of Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle I would personally like to thank to all of our valued customers. We would not be here without your loyal support. Please feel free to email any ideas or suggestions that you would like to add to our newsletters. Thanks and Good Fishin!

Captain Mo Shaver
Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle
25637 Canal Road Unit F
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251.974.FISH (3474)
info@mofishin.biz

Local Beaches Packed

By GUY BUSBY
Staff Reporter

GULF SHORES — Crowds filled local beaches Sunday as the Memorial Day weekend continued.

Surf conditions were calmer than earlier in the weekend, but yellow flags, warning of moderate surf conditions, still flew at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. At the Alabama Gulf State Park, where George Burnett of Orange Beach drowned Saturday, red flags warned swimmers of hazardous conditions. On Friday, Michael Evans of Mississippi drowned at Orange Beach.

While some visitors said rising gas prices hadn't affected their holiday plans, others said they had chosen a more local getaway to save money.

Mobile Press-Register

700.9 lb Tuna landed on the Annie Girl

May 25, 2009-- Capt. Mike Rowell (left) with his former 1st mate and current angler, Truitt (right), bring home the sushi.

This huge 700.9 lb bluefin tuna was caught in a secret location about 130 miles south of Orange Beach.

Truitt fought the monster for more than 7 hours.

More photos, detail & video coming soon...


Click image for larger view.

Ethridge to run for Orange Beach mayor

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Staff Report

Former Orange Beach City Councilwoman Iris Gay Ethridge has announced her candidacy for mayor in the Aug. 26 municipal elections.

Ethridge, 71, was first elected to the Place 5 council seat in 1996 and retained it in 2000. She was defeated by Joni Blalock in her 2004 re-election bid.

The mayor's position is now held by Pete Blalock, who has not said whether he will run again. Former Councilman Tony Kennon has said he will also seek the part-time job, which carries a yearly salary of $27,562.63 plus 5 percent annual raises.

Mobile Press-Register

New Recreational Gill Net License Sales to End

May 23, 2008

Contact: Vernon Minton 251-968-7576

Effective June 1, 2008, no new recreational gill net licenses will be issued under legislation passed during the 2008 Legislative session and signed by Gov. Bob Riley.

Act 2008-467 limits recreational gill net licenses to those persons who hold or purchase current recreational licenses by midnight May 31, 2008.

Also included in the legislation is a provision that if a license holder fails to renew the recreational gill net license each year, the license will be retired. In other words, this means that if you don’t have a valid recreational gill net license as of midnight May 31, 2008 and you do not renew it each year, you will never be able to buy one again.

The legislation also included a restriction on deployment of a recreational gill net. The new provision stipulates that a recreational gill net may be a maximum of 300 feet in length and shall be set only by wading, which is defined as walking on the bottom, swimming, or treading water.

Also, by current regulation, the net may not be set more than 300 feet from the natural shoreline.

The legislation also created a surcharge of up to $8 in addition to the normal charge for annual resident and nonresident saltwater recreational hook and line licenses. The surcharge will be zero from June 1 to Aug. 31, 2008 and the surcharge for the 2008-2009 license year will be $8 per license. The legislation stipulates these monies will be collected for five years and placed into a Marine Resources Restoration Fund to administer a voluntary program to acquire and retire commercial gill net permits of commercial gill net fishermen.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Experts recommend Alabama add lifeguards

Lifesaving Association recommends Alabama add lifeguards
Friday, May 23, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Last Wednesday, a late-morning call went out about a swimmer in distress off a private beach behind an Orange Beach condo complex.

As it happened some lifeguards from Destin, Fla., were at a nearby state-owned beach giving lessons to a group of local lifeguards and firemen on how to pull swimmers from the water while riding personal watercrafts.

"He was lucky they were there," said Orange Beach Aquatic Coordinator Melvin Shepard. "If they hadn't have been there doing training that gentleman would have had to rely only on the people there. There's only certain points firefighters can access the beach.

Mobile Press-Register

Concerns with Proposed Idle Speed Zones to be Addressed

May 22, 2008

CONTACT: Bob Huffaker
334-242-3673

Due to concerns expressed by anglers in Alabama with the idle speed zone provision passed by the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board, Conservation Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley said the proposed regulation will not be enacted until those concerns are addressed.

“In no way was this proposal by the Board designed to penalize or encumber the fishermen of Alabama in any way,” Lawley said. “It’s was strictly a safety measure designed to keep boat wakes from harming boaters, anglers and property owners along our abundant waterways.”

The proposed regulation would establish idle speed-only zones within 100 feet of any vessel which is moored, anchored, or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or any wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure or abutment, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.

Lawley said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials are meeting with anglers to determine how to address the safety issues without causing hardships to the fishermen and boaters.

“If we cannot amend it to their satisfaction, then it will go no further,” Lawley said.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Beach Rape Investigation Expands

WKRG.com Video

Forecast tools used at WKRG-TV5

Here's an interesting story about the high-tech tools used by WKRG-TV5 in Mobile to forecast weather in our area.

WKRG.com Video

Alleged Rape in Orange Beach

WKRG.com Video

2008 Miller Lite Mack Attack

The first King Mackerel event of the season is just a few short hours away and getting closer by the minute. The 2008 Miller Lite Mack Attack is set for May 23 and 24 in Perdido Key, Fl. The mandatory Captain’s Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 at Hub Stacey’s at the Point — 5851 Galvez Rd. Pensacola FL 32507 — and registration closes at 9 p.m. The scales will be open at Lost Key Marina and Yacht Club — host site for the event — from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 and the awards will be presented at Hub’s at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 25.

The Mack Attack not only signals the beginning of what promises to be a stellar season of fishing along the Gulf Coast, it also provides several unique features to set it apart from the crowd. King Mackerel, Cobia and Amberjack will be the target pecies and all boats registered before May 19 will be eligible for a free artificial reef courtesy of Pensacola Reef Builders.

Set at Perdido’s Lost Key Marina — 10045 Sinton Dr. Pensacola FL 32507 — the Mack Attack is unique in location alone. Add kayak and pier divisions as well as bonus awards for the top lady and junior anglers as well as a target weight bonus and categories for single-engine boats and vessels 23 feet and under in length, and you have one of the most entertaining events on the water. The public is invited to attend the weigh-in and get a chance at great prizes and giveaways as well.

Entry forms and tournament brochures are available throughout the Pensacola area
at most bait and tackle stores. For more information, contact tournament director Brad Sauers at (850) 723-8834 or e-mail him at bradsauers@bellsouth.net.

Click here for more information.

Wrapup from the Conservation board meeting

EUFAULA -- Members of the Conservation Advisory Board wrapped up a tight, tidy and efficient 2 1/2 hour meeting Saturday with a flurry of proposals including tightening of shark fishing regulations at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

A previous regulation issued last week included vague wording that has been clarified and tightened. Blood bait and chumming for sharks is prohibited within 300 feet of the shoreline, either from the beach or from a boat, and that includes bow fishing (from shore or boat).

"We don't want to put anyone in harm's way or negatively impact (legal) fishing," said Vernon Minton, chief of the Alabama Marine Resources Division. He and Maj. John Jenkins have met or talked with other Gulf of Mexico state agencies about trying to establish some kind of regulation to tighten shark fishing -- which can be a problem if people don't use common sense -- and said Florida's officials are interested in Alabama's regulation.

"We will be the first state with a workable solution that does not negatively impact legal fishing," Jenkins said.

Mobile Press-Register

Editor's Note: We have not seen the new regulation as it has been rewritten, but will publish it here as soon as it is availabe.

Former Cop Found Dead

WKRG.com Video

Shelby Supporting Fishing Industry

Shelby Announces $75 Million for Commercial Fisheries Industry

WASHINGTON, DC Thursday, May 15, 2008—U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, today announced that $75 million will be included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill to aid the struggling fishing industry around the nation.

“As a result of the volatile 2005 hurricane season and the drought that continues to plague the southeastern United States, Alabama fisheries have taken a significant economic and ecological hit,” said Shelby. “These recent events, compounded with high fuel prices and increased restrictions on the fisheries, have created a cumulative effect that has shrimpers and fishermen struggling to stay in business. This funding will provide much needed assistance to an industry that is a vital part of the Alabama economy.”

These funds may be used to alleviate expenses related to fishery failures, fishery resource disasters and regulations on the fishing industry.

ST. PETER'S FISH FRY/SANDSPUR CONCERT

WHEN : Tuursday, JUNE 5, 2008 5-7pm

WHERE: St Peter's Episcopal Church
6270 Bon Secour Hwy
Bon Secour, AL

CONTACT: 251-949-6254
www.stpetersofbonsecour.com
email: stpeters@gulftel.com

Come on out to Bon Secour for the St. Peter's of Bon Secour Episcopal Church Fish Fry! Take the night off from cooking and enjoy delicious food as well as some bluegrass gospel music from the Sandspur Band coming to us special from the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church!

These ladies and gentlemen really know how to fry up some great fish and it'll make you want to come back for more. And what's better than not having to cook, eating some great food and some good old bluegrass gospel music? No cleanup!
The St. Peter's Of Bon Secour Episcopal Church's Fish Fry's are held the first Thursday of the month May through September at St. Peters of Bon Secour Episcopal Church starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m.

A donation of $8.00 per plate is requested. Each plate includes fried mullet, baked beans, potato salad, slaw, bread, tea and a delicious homemade dessert. The donations provide for the church's various outreach programs, such as Ecumenical Ministries, Camp Beckwith, Habitat for Humanity and many others. So come on out for a night off from cooking and help us support these worthy causes. For more information please contact:

St Peter's Episcopal Church
6270 Bon Secour Hwy
Bon Secour, AL
251-949-6254
www.StPetersOfBonSecour.com
email: StPeters@gulftel.com

Orange Beach police investigating death

Orange Beach police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man who they found collapsed in his apartment early Monday morning.

An autopsy performed earlier this week by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Mobile came back inconclusive as to how Donald Matthew Moody died, Orange Beach Police Chief Billy Wilkins said Thursday. And investigators now must wait on the results of toxicology reports, Wilkins said.

Mobile Press-Register

Perfecting the art of steaks and oysters at Nix at The Wharf

Finding a good steak and baked oyster is fairly easy to do in Pleasure Island. But to find outstanding food staples like those is a bit more challenging. It's like the martini — any bartender can sling one, but it takes that special touch to stand out. Such is the case at Nix Steaks and Oysters, the new eatery and premier live entertainment venue on Main Street at The Wharf, and they're quickly earning a solid reputation for their superb steaks and baked oysters and other menu items.

The menu was the collaborative vision of Sherry Odom, director of operations at Nix, restaurant designer Karen Hameroff and Nix owner Nick Dorich. The menu is also reflective of Dorich's Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast background where he was in the nightclub and food business. Something Dorich wanted to do with Nix was successfully cater to the locals.

Pensacola News Journal

News Five Investigates: Cost Vs. Benefit

WKRG.com Video

Regata al Sol

The Regata al Sol is a sailboat race from the Gulf Coast to Isla Mujeres Mexico. Twenty-three boats are participating in this year's race.

You can watch the progress of the race online by clicking here. This website lets you view various data received from each of the participating boats.

News 5 Investigates: Insurance Questions

WKRG.com Video

Orange Beach's McKinney seeks re-election to Alabama school board

Thursday, May 15, 2008
By RENA HAVNER
Staff Reporter

Republican Randy McKinney announced that he is seeking re-election to the State Board of Education, District 1 seat, which includes Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties.

He is running against Paul Christopher in the June 3 Republican primary. The winner will face Democrat Kenyon Berry in the Nov. 4 general election.

Board members serve four-year terms and are paid $18,000 annually. The nine-member state school board oversees K-12 education and Alabama's two-year college system.

Mobile Press-Register

Shawn Mullins returns to Silver Moon May 16

Shawn Mullins wrote one of his hits, “The Gulf of Mexico,’’ behind the Flora-Bama. His best known song, "Lullaby," hit number one on the Adult Top 40 in 1998 and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Mullet Wrapper

Pictured right: Shawn Mullins on stage at the Silver Moon with Senior Frog. (Click on picture for larger view.)


Click on the video below to watch the Shawn Mullins video Lullaby.




or click here to watch the official version of Lullaby on YouTube.

Beach cities search for administrators

Orange Beach expects to interview next week, Gulf Shores' consultant culling candidates
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

More than 50 people have applied to become Orange Beach's next city administrator, and Mayor Pete Blalock said elected officials hope to begin interviewing the top applicants as early as next week.

Meanwhile, in Gulf Shores, Mayor G.W. "Billy" Duke III said city officials are waiting on a consultant they've hired to bring them a docket of qualified candidates to vet for that city's administrator job.

On Monday evening, the Orange Beach City Council met in executive session to discuss some of the more promising prospects to replace Jeff Moon, who left last month to take a city manager's position in the Atlanta suburb of Woodstock.

Moon was hired by Orange Beach in 2001 after holding ad ministrative posts in Riverdale, Ga., and Daleville, which is near Dothan.

Blalock said the council was still whittling down the field of applicants and would probably choose five or six to interview.

The Orange Beach mayor said the City Council may hire someone before the Aug. 26 municipal elections, if the right person is available. But, Blalock said, if elected officials complete the interview process and no one stands out, they may turn to a headhunting firm, as neighboring Gulf Shores has, to cull candidates.

Mobile Press-Register

Beach bookings exceed records

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

GULF SHORES Some 4.7 million people vacationed on Baldwin County's beaches and spent $2.3 billion last year, and the area's top tourism officials have forecast better returns this year despite a slumping economy and record high gas prices.

Speaking to a few hundred local business leaders Tuesday at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau President Herb Malone said that in addition to this winter's lodgings income being up 4.5 percent over last year's, a survey of five of south Baldwin County's top accommodations providers found that summer reservations are up from last year between 6.2 percent and 8.5 percent for May, June and July.

Notwithstanding data that show Baldwin's tourism trade is as strong as it's ever been, Malone said he still gets questions about the progress of the area's recovery from Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, which struck successively in 2004 and 2005.

Mobile Press-Register

News Five Investigates: Insurance Crisis

WKRG.com Video

Gulf Coast Tourism

WKRG.com Video

New Conservation Regulation Addresses Shark Fishing

CONTACT: David Dean
334-242-3165

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has implemented a new regulation regarding shark fishing. The regulation, signed by Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley, prohibits “chumming” or “bloodbaiting” for sharks within 300 feet of the shoreline or on a pier.

Chumming is defined as the throwing of bait or fish parts into the water to attract fish, while bloodbaiting is defined as the use of blood, chemical or synthetic attractants, fish parts, chicken parts or other animal parts to attract fish or sharks.

The regulation also makes it unlawful for any person to surf fish, bow fish or fish by any other means from any pier or beach in a manner that presents an unsafe condition to any beach goers, sunbathers, swimmers or any other person.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.OutdoorAlabama.com.

Editor's Note: We contacted Mr. David Dean with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a clarification of the above press release. Mr. Dean told us that the new regulation were in no way intended to prevent people from Surf, or Pier Fishing for any species other than sharks.

Beach leasing agents expect strong rentals

Although high gas prices are a concern, leasing agents foresee a repeat of last year's banner summer season at beach

Sunday, May 11, 2008
By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor

Got a tank of gas? Head to the beach.

Rental agents are hoping high gas prices won't stop vacationers from driving to vacation at Gulf beach condominiums, especially travelers within a 350- to 500-mile radius.

"The price of gas is a big thing this season, and we are watching it," said Marie Curren of Brett Robinson Real Estate & Development Co. in Orange Beach. "The condo owners are trusting us to generate some revenue, and it's something we balance one day at a time. The majority of our business on the Gulf comes from within the state, and we've not seen that decline, which is great."

Mobile Press-Register

The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo

For the past 37 years, Grand Lagoon Yacht Club has been home to The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo. Held every year on Father’s Day Weekend, this event offers families an opportunity to spend quality time together. Named for the man who made it possible, Bill Hargreaves, this fishing rodeo is Pensacola’s VERY FIRST children’s fishing tournament, and has grown from 12 anglers to over 300.

Featuring 32 species of fish for the kids alone, and special gift certificates for bicycles, no child goes unrecognized for his/her efforts. Grand Lagoon Yacht Club is proud to have presented over $40,000 in savings bonds to our junior anglers, thanks to our past sponsors and advertisers of this event. This is truly a family event, offering fish categories for adults also, so that Mom and Dad may include their entire family for this special weekend, June 13-15 at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club on Gulf Beach Hwy.
The Captain’s Meeting is Thursday, June 12th at GLYC at 7:00PM. All anglers MUST be registered by close of this meeting to compete. Registration is $35 and includes a fish fry ticket.

The 38th Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo Sponsorship Committee has established a goal for 2008 to raise enough funds to make a special donation to The Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola.

Click here for more info.

'Living shoreline' aims to stop harmful bathtub effect of Mobile Bay bulkheads

Sunday, May 11, 2008
By BEN RAINES
Staff Reporter

Mobile Bay is slowly being turned into a bathtub.

More and more, the gentle hiss of waves rolling ashore is being replaced by the slap and pop of water rocking against vertical walls known as bulkheads.

The bay's natural shoreline a mix of sandy beaches, muddy flats and marshy fringes is being lost behind an ever-growing number of these bulkheads, which are designed to stop waves from eating away at private waterfront property.

The problem is that bulkheads are barren, at least in terms of providing habitat for marine creatures. As natural shorelines give way to a growing wall of bulkheads, the bay begins to lose the shrimp, crabs, fish and other creatures that are part of its incredible fecundity, according to biologists.

Alarmed that more than a third of Mobile Bay's shoreline is now armored with bulkheads, several local groups have come together to create a property-protecting alternative they call "the living shoreline."

Built last week just offshore of Helen Wood Park near Dog River, the shoreline stabilization experiment was created through a partnership with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Alabama State Lands Division and The Nature Conservancy.

Mobile Press-Register

Orange Beach rethinks spending in troubled economy

Sunday, May 11, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH Over the past decade, it seemed that this resort city, flush with the spoils of a booming real estate market and a lucrative tourism trade, could buy just about anything it wanted.

In 2004, Orange Beach paid

$4.3 million for Robinson Island, an oblong 12cm HALF acres in Terry Cove that is populated by great blue herons. The next fall, the city shelled out $6 million for a nine-hole golf course and driving range, partly to relieve nearby residents of flooding they thought would worsen if the property were developed, partly to add discount golfing to Orange Beach's recreational offerings.

The city bought a warehouse on 2 acres, miles north of the city limits, for almost $343,000 in August. And in March, the City Council agreed to pay $380,000 for two small lots near the Community Center.

But last week, with a deal on the table to land a relatively Lilliputian parcel that would link the two lots it bought in March and enable the city to build a new office for its Parks and Recreation Department, the council balked. The asking price: $120,400.

Mobile Press-Register

Officer: Gillnet violators nabbed

Incident comes at bad time for the industry, now fighting for its life in Legislature

Tuesday, May 06, 2008
By BEN RAINES, Staff Reporter

Two commercial gillnetters were caught red-handed Saturday night while using a 1,200-foot net in the closed waters of Daphne's D'Olive Creek, according to state officials.

A tip phoned in to the state's Operation Gamewatch hot line led an officer from the Marine Resources Division to the creek. Once there, he cut his motor and used a push pole to ease his boat through the shallow creek mouth and silently approach the netters.

"They went in and made a set starting at the mouth (of the creek) and going up to the turn," said Officer Trey Pose, explaining that the net was placed in the stretch of D'Olive Creek adjacent to the Daphne exit ramp off the Bayway. "I watched them while they picked the net up, boated it and headed back out."

Mobile Press Register

Gulf Shores real estate

By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor

GULF SHORES, Ala. A driving rainstorm didn't stop bidders from buying 44 condominium units for more than $13 million at an absolute auction that attracted more than 1,000 people to the Crystal Tower condo complex Saturday afternoon.

Amid wall-to-wall umbrellas, more than 500 registered bidders from 20 states came to look for a deal or at least catch a glimpse of the condo-buying fever evident on West Beach in Baldwin County.

The lowest unit sale prices were $275,000 and the highest purchase price was $350,000, which included the 10 percent buyer's premium added to the bid amount, according to the National Auction Co. based in Gadsden.

Mobile Press-Register

Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle Weekly Fishing Report

Inshore Fishing Report
The inshore fishery has showed some good signs of improvement over the past week. More reports of good fishing have been coming in from a much broader area. The tides neaped last weekend; causing the bite to be a little tougher to pin point compared to the remainder of last week. Fear not, with strong tides this week and the new moon fishing should be great!

Heavy winds last week kept anglers out of the pass and forced them to fish the interior bays of Orange Beach. This resulted in some nice speckled trout being caught throughout the area! Bayou St. John and the Intracoastal Waterway both proved to be holding specs and the occasional redfish! Live shrimp, Berkley Gulps, and an assortment of MirrOlures all put fish in the boat this past week! Free lining live shrimp or fishing slip corks proved to be the best methods for catching Orange Beach's picky speckled trout! As May rolls on, start looking for pogies at day break around Cotton Bayou for an additional source of live bait. Having a variety of bait this time of the year can make or break you when it comes to fishing for trout and reds!

Perdido Pass has once again accounted for some good fishing over the last week. Anglers reported catching a big variety of fish! Live shrimp produced nice catches of redfish, black drum, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and more! Flounders were caught on Gulps as well as bull minnows! Look for the flounder bite to pick up the pace over the next few weeks. Concentrate your flounder fishing efforts around high tide when the current isn't super swift! Slowly dragging or bouncing a Berkley Gulp rigged on a ¼ to 3/8 ounce jig head is a deadly combo around the rock jetties and surrounding areas!

Also look for the night fishing to be strong during the next few weeks! The dark moon is in and should have the fish eating heavy on the lights. Use a stealth-like approach to the light you are fishing and bring a variety of baits to help entice picky speckled trout. The lights are typically teaming with small glass minnows and a variety of extremely small bait fish. Be sure to have baits on board that match the size of the baits seen under the lights. Fin-S 2.5" soft plastics and Yo-Zuri's Pins Minnows are a local favorite for night fishing! Just remember, "Match the hatch"!

Offshore Fishing Report
The offshore report is always getting better this time of the year. More boats are blasting offshore each and every day. Local tournaments are producing some big fish in a number of categories. The weather has still been a little unpredictable, but should continue to improve as the month moves by. Paying close attention to the area's weather and extended forecast can play a vital role in a successful offshore trip! Local weather for Orange Beach can be viewed on line by clicking HERE.

The near shore bite is still doing well for anglers in smaller center consoles. Light tackle snapper fishing in Florida water has been producing some quality limits of fish. The Spanish and King mackerel are still moving through the area. Trolling spoons or slow-trolling live and dead baits are great for targeting mackerel. Cobias are being caught on their annual migration as well as to the west around rigs and platforms. Live eels are still readily available. Look for the cobia fishing to last a few more weeks and the mackerel fishing to get better and better from here on out!

Offshore bottom fishing has been improving as well. Snapper are abundant almost everywhere you go! The offshore public pyramids are holding quality snappers for those looking to do some serious catch and release fishing! Deeper natural bottom to the southeast has been producing some nice catches of scamp as well as beeliners and amberjack. Offshore amberjack fishing on rigs and natural bottom has been HOT! Deep dropping produced snowy and yellow-edge grouper last week as well. For more information on deep drop fishing, please contact us at info@mofishin.biz.

The Mars rig provided three blue marlin shots last week from what we hear. That's pretty typical considering what time of the year it is. The blue water fishing has been steadily improving as May presses on! More reports of Yellowfins on the big rigs are coming in. Blackfins apparently are stacked up on these rigs too! Wahoo fishing hasn't picked up too much but should in the next few weeks. Tournaments start at the end of the month, so get ready to head offshore and have some fun!

Thanks and Good Fishin,
Captain Mo Shaver
Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle, Inc.
www.MoFishin.biz

Holk makes bid for return to Orange Beach City Council

Former Orange Beach City Councilman Brett Holk said he will seek a return to the panel in this summer's municipal elections.

Holk, 48, was first elected to the Place 4 seat in 2000. After four years in that spot he ran for mayor, eventually losing to then-incumbent Steve Russo in August 2004.

Holk said he is running for Place 2 on the council, members of which are elected at large. The job pays $11,576.30 a year with annual 5-percent cost-of-living raises.

"My vision for Orange Beach is for the city to be recognized for its commitment to shaping growth," Holk wrote in a news release. "It should be a place of natural beauty that values the quality of life for its families.

"Maintaining the character of the Orange Beach community can only be achieved through careful planning with public input from local resi dents. Orange Beach isn't just a destination, it's our home," Holk said. "If we make it a great place to live, it will be a great place to visit for the long term."

Holk said he would make diversifying the local economy a top priority if elected.

Mobile Press-Register

Carranza tosses hat in ring for Orange Beach council

Pattisue Carranza, a pharmacist and small-business owner, has announced her candidacy for the Orange Beach City Council.

Carranza, 45, will vie for Place 3. The incumbent in that spot is Larry Alexander, who was appointed to the place in February when Pete Blalock gave up the position to take over for then-Mayor Steve Russo, who resigned. Carranza is the first to declare intentions to run for the position.

Mobile Press-Register

State: No chumming for sharks near beach

Law would prohibit bloodbaiting within 300 feet of shoreline
Saturday, May 03, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Aiming to protect beachgoers, state regulators say they expect by the middle of this month to enact a ban on chumming for sharks and other within 300 feet of the beach.

The law, which was drafted by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural resources with input from Orange Beach officials, generally prohibits anyone from targeting sharks by chumming or bloodbaiting, whether it's with fish parts or synthetic attractant.

Doing so would be a misdemeanor game violation that could carry a fine of up to $500, said Conservation Department Commissioner Barnett Lawley.

Mobile Press-Register

Allstate to cut wind coverage from many area policies

Decision could affect more than 5 percent of homeowners in Mobile and Baldwin counties
Saturday, May 03, 2008
By JEFF AMY
Business Reporter

Allstate Insurance Group will cut wind coverage from the policies of up to 9,150 homeowners in Mobile and Baldwin counties by September 2009, the company has told state regulators.

The move marks a further deterioration in the traditional homeowners insurance market, as the state's top companies began retreats from the coast following 2004's Hurricane Ivan and continued the cutbacks after Hurricane Katrina the following year. More than 17,500 policies have been dropped or had wind coverage eliminated during that time, according to Press-Register counts.

The latest move could affect almost 5 percent of all homeowners in the two counties, which Census Bureau estimates indicate have about 200,000 owner-occupied homes. Those people will likely face higher prices, and some could end up in the Beach Pool, the common name for the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association, the state's insurer of last resort.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Insureance Reform: All Eyes on Montgomery

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Pick the right wine for the right event

This weekend The Wharf welcomes the Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival. It's a cultural event that blends unique wines and Southern-inspired cuisine with stunning Orange Beach as a backdrop. Sure, many of the wines festivalgoers will be boutique wines, while others will be more available. But, what if you don't know a chardonnay from a zinfandel from cabernet sauvignon? What's all the wine jargon mean? Well, Pelican talked with Janna Simon, owner of Janna's Market on Canal Road just down the road from this weekend's festival. Simon gives us the skinny on what's hot, what's trendy and makes some sense of the crushed grape.

Click here to read the full article from the Pensacola News Journal.

Click here for more information about Janna's Market.

L.D.W.F. AGENTS CATCH FISHERMEN WITH 909 RED SNAPPER

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents wrote over 100 fishing citations to 20 men on Bayou Fourchon located in Lafourche Parish on Monday, April 28.

Agents stopped the charter boat, "The Captain Charlie", which was occupied by 18 paid fishermen, the captain and one deck hand. Agents boarded the vessel to conduct a creel and license check of the fish and persons aboard. Upon receiving consent from the captain of the vessel, agents allegedly found 27 ice chests holding 909 red snapper.

Agents counted and measured every fish aboard the vessel and found that of the 909 red snapper aboard the vessel, 287 of them were under the minimum 16-inch size requirement.

The recreational limit for red snapper is two per fisherman, and the captain and deckhands are not allowed to possess a limit. Agents also discovered that none of the 18 fishermen were Louisiana residents nor did they possess valid Louisiana non-resident basic and saltwater fishing licenses.

The 18 subjects that chartered the vessel, along with the captain and deckhand of the vessel were cited for 106 alleged violations. The citations included angling without a non-resident basic and saltwater fishing license, federal charges for possessing undersized and over the limit of red snapper, and taking red snapper during a closed season. The red snapper season is closed until June 1, 2008.

The following fishermen were charged:

David Harrelson, 52, Lockport, La., (Captain)
Donald R. Humphrey, 45, Golden Meadow, La., (Deckhand)
Artesza Portee, 35, Autell, Ga.
Glover Jefferson Jr., 69, Atlanta, Ga.
Walter Bailey Jr., 61, Atlanta, Ga.
Robert Kemp, 72, Atlanta, Ga.
James E. Williams, 65, Callaway, Fla.
Clyde E. Raiford, 68, Fayetteville, Ga.
Baxter R. Maddox, 67, Atlanta, Ga.
Leslie H. Durham, 45, Douglasville, Ga.
Cleveland B. Kemp Jr., 56, Conyers, Ga.
Harry Crosland, 67, Decatur, Ga.
Willie T. Epps, 72, College Park, Ga.
Lawrence Kendrick, 60, Atlanta, Ga.
Walter L. Gibson Jr., 38, Union City, Ga.
Warren R. Brownlee, 36, Palmetto, Ga.
Andrew R. Smith, 70, Decatur, Ga.
Kym D. Haywood, 44, Hapeville, Ga.
Charlie W. Patrick 68, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Earnest Sessoms, 79, Atlanta, Ga.

Agents seized the 909 red snapper, which weighed 2459 pounds, and were sold for a total of $9221.25.

For more information, contact Capt. Sammy Martin at 985-447-0822 or smartin@wlf.louisiana.gov.

Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle Weekly Fishing Report

by Capt. Mo Shaver

Inshore Fishing Report
The past week proved to be a good one for anglers throughout the area. With the Mullet Toss taking place over the weekend, the waterways and streets of Orange Beach were packed. Strong tides and decent weather offered fishermen a variety of choices to pursue while on the water. Tides will begin to neap by the end of this week, possibly making the fishing a little tougher over the weekend. With slower tides, concentrate your efforts in areas were water will move well.

May is directly around the corner and typically continues to improve the fishery just as the month of April has done. Flounder begin migrating inland through our passes during the upcoming month. Reports of nice flounder poured in over the weekend from the beach area. Double digit catches of these tasty flat fish were proof that the flounder have began to move! Berkley Gulp 3" Swimming Mullet in pink and smoke were the two most effective baits for anglers. As tides slow towards the end of the week, fish Perdido Pass and nearby structure for flounder. Neaping tides will allow you fish areas that normally have to swift of current to fish for flounder. A 3/8 ounce jig head rigged with Gulp is a great combo for fishing the pass.

The inland areas of Orange Beach proved to be getting better and better day by day. Bayou St. John and the north side of Ono are both showing signs of improvement. Night fishing these areas has proven to be worth the effort. Nice trout and redfish are being caught throughout the night on a variety of baits. The Intracoastal Waterway in both Alabama and Florida has proven to be quite fishy at times over the past few weeks during daylight hours! Slip cork fishing and free lining live shrimp have been the ticket for angler's trout fishing these areas. Please stop by and see us for any rigging suggestions or advice on artificial baits.

Cobias are still migrating through our area and some nice fish are being seen and caught. Multiple fish were caught last week that weighed in at over 70 pounds! Live eels are still available. Look for the rigs to the West to begin holding fish over the next few weeks! The weather should get right for cobia fishing on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Another front is expected to pass through the area on Friday and Saturday. Bring your BIG boat for Thursday and Friday as winds are expected to reach 15 to 20 miles per hour.


Offshore Fishing Report
More and more anglers are blasting offshore week by week. Red Snapper season is open in Florida state waters and many are taking advantage of this. Be sure to check all rules and regulations before you venture into Florida water!

As mentioned above, snapper fishing is pretty hot! Reefs within 20 to 30 miles offshore are stacked with Red Snapper. Amberjack are beginning to show in shallower water! The rigs are still holding jacks as well! Natural bottom to the southeast has been responsible for some nice catches of scamp. The Trysler Grounds are still producing vermilion snapper, white snapper, the occasional scamp, and triggerfish! It may take venturing off into deeper water to avoid getting eaten up by red snapper!

The blue water fishing is steadily improving around the big rigs offshore! Two Wahoo were weighed in last week over 90 pounds! Get your high-speed trolling gear ready! Tuna fishing is still good around the deep offshore rigs. Diamond jigging at night has been producing big numbers of blackfins and the occasional yellowfin. Look for the rigs to heat up over the next few weeks leading into the tournament season!

Captain Marty Starling of Mo Fishin Guide Service with Tammy Guess and her daughter, Macayla. The women had a blast catching slot sized redfish on a 4 hour charter! For more information on chartering with Captain Marty, please email us at info@mofishin.biz.

OB Saltwater Series is Good for Alabama Coast Economy

by Kimberly Shumack

The Alabama Gulf Coast recreational fishing industry is offering the first Saltwater Series World Championship, from now until May 26, and thousands of fishermen are angling for their part of the $150,000 purse.

"We are really pleased with the turnout and ex citement surrounding the Saltwater Series World Championship," tournament director Tony Kennon said. "In response to the ever-changing red snapper regulations, we decided to move our fall fishing rodeo to the spring, and this tournament is the end result."

Offshore anglers are competing in the king mackerel, tuna, Wahoo, grouper, vermillion snapper, amberjack, triggerfish and cobia categories while speckled trout, redfish and sheepshead are the inshore categories.

Anglers may weigh in their fish at the following locations: Zeke's Landing Marina, Dauphin Island Marina, Dog River Marina, Fisherman's Discount, Gulf Shores Yacht Club and Marina, Orange Beach Marina, Outcast Marina, SanRoc Cay, Reel Surprise Charters and Scott's Landing.

To compete in this tournament, participants purchase a $10 daily ticket or a $250 full tournament ticket online at www.orangebeachsnapper.com. Tickets are also available at the following locations: Dauphin Island Marina, Dog River Marina, Fisherman's Discount, Gulf Shores Yacht Club and Marina, J & M Tackle, Orange Beach Marina, Outcast Marina, Reel Surprise Charters, Sam's Stop & Shop, Scott's Landing, Sportsman Marina, Top Gun Tackle, Zeke's Landing Marina, Mo Fish'n Bait & Tackle and Bluewater Ships Store.

"This tournament is an excellent opportunity for anglers to discover our extensive reef system," Kennon said. "Thanks to this tournament and the Red Snapper World Championship, proceeds generated over the years have given Alabama the world's largest artificial reef program. With three-to-one matching funds, these tournaments have raised almost $1 million."

Alabama has about 1,200 square miles of Gulf waters occupied by this artificial reef program.

Click here for Tournament Photos.

Click here for a map of the ticket outlets.

Click here to visit the Orange Beach Saltwater Series Tournament web site.

Coastal insurance bill killed in senate

Midfield senator blocks coastal insurance proposal
Friday, May 02, 2008
By BRIAN LYMAN
Capital Bureau

MONTGOMERY The state Senate killed a bill Thursday that supporters said would help address a coastal insurance crisis in Alabama by expanding the beach pool, but did revive and pass a ban on commercial gill nets.

The Senate's actions leave both issues in the hands of the House of Representatives.

The insurance bill that died Thursday was one of two Senate bills dealing with the topic sponsored by Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile. The Senate on Wednesday approved the other bill, which would allow so-called captive insurers to sell homeowners policies.

Brooks said that expanding the number of people eligible for the Alabama Underwriting Insurance Association often called the beach pool, the coastal insurer of last resort would provide relief to homeowners in Mobile and Baldwin counties, which have been battered by recent hurricanes.

The bill, Brooks said, would help the beach pool survive a catastrophic storm.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Progress For Insurance Reform

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