Orange Beach, AL USA

2008 Alabama Deep Dear Fishing Rodeo

I have just had time to reflect back on a very good fishing trip this past  Friday and Saturday. We left Mess About Marina in Orange Beach on the 45 Hatteras “Low Bidder” with the boat owner Charles Renfroe, my son Tom Pace and Chris Hood. The “Low Bidder” is a older Hatteras that  Charles has pretty much totally restored including a new pair of very fuel efficient C-9 Cat engines. Chris had 4 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Tickets that he had from his job in sales and marketing for the Outdoor Magazine “Great Day Outdoors”. I had been watching from my sea surface temperature reports,  the coffee brown Mississippi river water that has been pushing the blue water way offshore for about the past month. Last Wednesday the pretty water made a push north and the conditions looked favorable for a trip to the deep oil rigs for some tuna action. Leaving Orange Beach about 1.00 in the afternoon our first stop was a rig to make bait and catch some good blue runners. The next stop was a wreck I know and catch some of those elusive and endangered red snapper that we have just been crushing this year. Then I pointed the “Low Bidder” south for the deep, floating oil rigs south of Mobile AL. We arrived at the “Beer Can”  about a hour before dark when the gulf usually comes alive and that unforgiving ocean food chain usually happens. To me the Gulf of Mexico is like a big lake. Dusk and dawn are the best fishing times (for tuna) and  100% of the fish live in 10%  or less of the lake.  When you find the fish it is usually associated with finding the smaller fish or bait. When you find the bait the bigger fish will not be far behind. The food chain out here is a vary cruel fact of life. Unless you are a top predator like a big marlin or shark, there is always a bigger fish that can and will eat you.
We tried trolling at the Beer Can and the Marlin Rig. Although we saw saw some nice tunas busting to me there were just not a lot of  tuna action going on. Then we tried chunking with no action. After enjoying a beautiful sunset we moved away from the rig and set out some swordfish baits and get some rest. The drift of the boat was going to take us north and over some uneven bottom and a decent area for catch swordfish. When offshore I always sleep (if you want to call it sleep)  in the helm of the boat. I try to always be on the lookout for other boats and rigs and like to be near the throttles and shifters just in case. About 4 a.m. I heard a guy talking on the vhf radio that he had seen a lot of tunas at the Petronius rig. The Petronius is the tallest freestanding structure in the world. She sits in 1754 feet of water and produces over 60,000 barrels of oil and over a million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Some of you may have seen the documentary on the Petronius on the Discovery channel. During construction the crane company was making the heaviest lift ever and the top side (including production, crew quarters) was dropped and sank to the ocean floor. So they built another top of the rig and the crane company came back and set the rig top on the legs, which is still the heaviest lift ever by a crane.  She is one of the top producing oil rigs in the gulf, not only for oil but for fish.
We got to the rig at about 5.00 a.m. and Chris put out some ballyhoo. There were at least ten other boats at the rig.  At about 6.00 the tunas really started showing. Watching tunas busting and eating small fish still excites me similar to about stepping on a covey of quail. I do think I will ever get over the feeling of watching those fish crashing and jumping and I knew that we would soon have a fish on. The first ones hit a trolled ballyhoo. Then Chris went to the bow with a Tuna Popper on a spinning rod and reel with braided line. There are several tricks with fishing a popper. The presentation of the lure to the tuna is very important, similar to cobia fishing. When you see a tuna or a scared flying fish or blue runner throw the popper where you think the flying fish or hardtail is going to hit the water. When the tunas come up usually all smaller fish in the water are airborne. A well placed cast will usually produce a yellowfin. Chris expertly put three yellowfin in the boat with this tactic on light tackle and a spinning reel. The last tuna Tom caught was a trolled ballyhoo. It was about 10.00 and we had filled up two 270 quart Icy Tech chest with  seven nice yellowfin. Charles and I really enjoyed Chris and Tom catching those fish on what Charles called a oversized bass popper. We properly iced the tunas and headed the “Low Bidder” for Mobile, encountering an big waterspout on the way.
Getting to the weigh dock on Dauphin Island we had the first tunas brought to the dock. Chris’s fish weighed 56.11, Toms was a little smaller. We discussed that we thought they would not hold till the scales closed on Sunday but Chris’s tuna did and would up getting third place. Not too bad for a tournament that had over 3000 anglers this year.  Chris won a lot of nice prizes with his tuna.
Life has been good since then. We have been eating fresh yellowfin about every day since and so have a lot of our friends and neighbors. It is nice when a plan happens and works like you wanted it. Also way to go to one of my old deck hands, Lee Norris on the “Bluewater Cowboy” for making a great finish in the King division.
Tight Lines,
Max

Thursday, July 24, 2008 @ 1:58:09 PM

mobile, AL USA

26TH Annual Conde Cavalier
Mardi Gras Fishing Rodeo
Aug. 9th and 10th 2008
Dauphin Island, Al
Weigh In Location
Dauphin Island Marina!!


What makes a Good Rodeo? well, for us Conde's it's a Great Kick Off Party!!!!!

When? Friday Night Aug 8th
Where? Look for us at the Oar House!! (across from pier)

(This is not a Conde event)

A Special Thanks goes out to the Oar House!!!!

Make sure you got plenty of Beer!!!!! (they dont think we can empty thier cooler)

You may just run out???

and as always, Tight Lines and Calm waters!!!!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roule!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, July 24, 2008 @ 11:53:13 AM

Orange Beach, AL USA

In Response to Brian:
Although it could change by lunch time today, there have been reports of almost blue-blue water around the spur along with areas of blue-green and blended blue throughout that area as well as inshore of there towards the nipple and elbow. Cloud cover associated with the storm off of texas have kinda blocked the view of "eye in the sky" so I'm going soley off of reports from boats that were out there yesterday. Its a gamble to be honest though...it pretty much always is. Good luck!

Thursday, July 24, 2008 @ 9:05:42 AM

Atlanta, GA USA

Looking for a little help on where the blue water might be?  We are headed down from Atlanta but we hate to waste the trip only to find blue water 120+ miles out.  We are trying to prevent having to buy a report just to stay in Atlanta.  Any help would be appreciated!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 @ 7:50:43 PM

Mobile, AL USA

Has anyone tried or had any success with the new Shimano Lucanus jigs??  

I've bought into the butterfly jigging system, and personally, I've had success with Shimano, Williamson, and some knock-off no-names I got off of Ebay.  I will say on 1 trip that we've landed a box full of snapper, one being around 18 pounds, lost 2 or 3 heavy bottom fish, & 1/2 a dozen nice AJ's - all on butterfly jigs.  If you don't have time for or can't find live bait - have a few of these on standby - you won't be disappointed.  I was just curious if some of you had reports on the Lucanus jigs, which I have not had the opportunity to use...  

Take a look at my (1st) mate's Rodeo picture.  She was excited about weighing her 1st fish!

Thanks to Chris H. for the awesome report, pics, and tuna talk.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 @ 7:06:40 PM

Mobile, AL USA

I had a few request for our prize list for this year, hope it comes out legible!!

2008 conde cavalier mardi gras fishing rodeo prize list


amberjack
sponsored by cockrell’s paint & body
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo,150 qt. Cooler
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,filet kit,gaff
4. 60 Qt. Cooler,gimble belt
5. 48 Qt. Cooler,rechargeable spot light
beeliner (vermillion snapper)
sponsored by boaters world
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo,hand rechargeable radio
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo,mini mag light
3. $25.00 Cash, 48 qt.Cooler,filet knife & glove
4. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
5. Boaters first aid kit
blackfish
sponsored by southern link
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, diawa rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,bait bucket,60 qt. Cooler
4.  Playmate cooler,mini mag light
5. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
bluefish
sponsored by budweiser of mobile
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 4000 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, 60 qt. Cooler,tackle box
3. $25.00 Cash, 48 qt. Cooler,mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
4. Rechargeable spot light,1 bag chair
5. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knie & glove
bonita
sponsored by wade distributors, inc.
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
4. Hand rechargeable radio,boaters first aid kit
5. Rechargeable spot light,filet knife & glove
croaker
sponsored by data capture
1. $75.00 Cash, berkly rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, fish fry set
3. $25.00 Cash, 60 qt. Cooler,filet knife & glove
4. Playmate cooler,mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
5. Mini fish cleaning top, filet knife & glove
flounder
sponsored by char-co general contractors
1. $75.00 Cash, diawa rod & reel combo,tackle box
2. $50.00 Cash, airiation system,filet knife & glove
3. $25.00 Cash, flounder gig,rechargeable spot light
4. Boaters first aid kit,mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
5. 60 Qt. Cooler,mini mag light
6. Filet kit,mini fish cleaning top
7. 2 Folding bag chairs
8. Rechargeable  spot light
gafftopsail
sponsored by beltone audiology
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, tackle box,filet knife & glove
3. $25.00 Cash, 48 qt. Cooler,filet knife & glove
4. 2 Folding bag chairs,filet knife & glove
5. Rechargeable spot light
ground mullet
sponsored by american fleet services
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, 60 qt. Cooler,filet knife & glove
3. $25.00 Cash, 48 qt. Cooler,filet knife kit
4. 2 Folding bag chairs,filet knife & glove
5. Filet knife & glove
grouper
sponsored by blackbeard fishing adventures
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo,100 qt. Cooler
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo,60 qt. Cooler
3. $25.00 Cash 60 qt. Cooler,boater’s first aid kit
4. Filet knife & glove,hand rechargeable radio
5. 48 Qt.Cooler



hard head catfish
sponsored by backyard paradise
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, fish fry set
3. $25.00 Cash, tackle box
4. Playmate cooler,filet knife & glove
5. Filet knife & glove,1 folding bag chair
jack crevalle
sponsored by souther-n-bama bait & tackle
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,60 qt. Cooler,boaters first aid kit,rechargeable spot light
4. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & filet glove
5. Filet knife & glove,1 folding bag chair
king mackerel
sponsored by bob & lydia craft remax partners
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo,100 qt. Cooler
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo,waterproof marine map,gimble belt
3. $25.00 Cash,60 qt.Cooler,tackle box,electric filet knife
4. 48 Qt. Cooler,filet kit,rechargeable spot light
5. King mackerel tackle assortment  
6. Gaff,rechargeable spot light,filet knife & glove
7. 2 Folding bag chairs,mini mag light
8. Playmate cooler,filet knife & glove
ling
sponsored by tiff & e’s (formally adams adjustments)
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,gaff,48 qt. Cooler
4. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
5. Filet knife kit
red snapper
sponsored by
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
4. 50 Qt. Max cold cooler
5. 48 Qt. Cooler,2 folding bag chairs
redfish (red drum)
sponsored by total electronics
1. $75.00 Cash,penn 330 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash,penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,fish fry set
4. 60 Qt. Cooler,2 folding bag chairs
5. 48 Qt. Cooler,weather proof marine map
                                                                                                    
sheepshead
sponsored by metro bonding company
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, tackle box,60 qt. Cooler
3. $25.00 Cash, landing net,mini mag light
4. Mini fish cleaning top, filet knife & glove
5. Rechargeable spot light
spanish mackerel
sponsored by tackle this
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, tackle box, 48 qt. Cooler
3. $25.00 Cash, boaters first aid kit, tackle box
4. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
5. 2 Folding bag chairs
speckled trout
sponsored by azalea discount mart
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, tackle box, mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
3. $25.00 Cash, 48 qt. Cooler,mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
4. Mini fish cleaning top, filet knife & glove
5. Filet knife & glove,2 folding bag chairs
triggerfish
sponsored by painting by david rodgers
1. $75.00 Cash, penn 330 rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, penn 6000 rod & reel combo
3. $25.00 Cash,60 qt. Cooler,boaters first aid kit,filet knife & glove
4. 48 Qt. Cooler,mini fish cleaning top
5. 48 Qt.Cooler,filet knife & glove
white trout
sponsored by the oar house
1. $75.00 Cash, berkley rod & reel combo
2. $50.00 Cash, 60 qt. Cooler,filet knife & glove
3. $25.00 Cash, tackle box,rechargeable spot light
4. Mini fish cleaning top,filet knife & glove
5. Filet knife & glove,landing net

Dont forget the $1000.00 cash prize for Master Angler!!! and Lady Angler Prizes Sponsored by Lud-Stud Custom Fishing Rods!!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 5:40:09 PM

Mobile, AL USA

26th Annual Conde Cavalier
Mardi Gras Fishing Rodeo TN
August 9 & 10, 2008

The 26th Annual Conde Cavalier Mardi Gras Fishing Rodeo has been set for August 9 & 10, 2008 at Dauphin Island Marina. Fishing will begin at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning and end at 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon.  The rodeo weigh-in station will open at 10:00 AM on Saturday and close at 6:00 PM Saturday evening, re-opening at 10:00 AM on Sunday and close at 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon.  Prizes will be awarded as soon after the weigh-in station closes as possible.

The categories this year include:  Amberjack, Blackfish, Bluefish, Bonita, Croaker, Flounder, Gafftopsail, Ground Mullet, Grouper, Hard-head Catfish, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Ling, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Triggerfish, Vermillion Snapper (Beeliner), and White Trout. Redfish (slot length) has been added originaly this year in place of the traditional Red Snapper due to the closure of the fishery just before the rodeo, but with the State waters being open at the time of the Rodeo, the Category is back on the board!!! That's Right!!! 21 total categories!!!

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place in all categories with the exception of King Mackerel and Flounder, which will have 6th, 7th and 8th places, as well.  Additionally, a $100 Bonus Prize will be awarded to the first Alabama state record broken in Rodeo categories.

The 11th Annual “Mystery Fish” Award of $500 will be given to the First Place winner in the category drawn from our 20 categories.

Additionally, the Rodeo offers the “Jack Crevalle Jackpot” and new this year is the “King Mackerel Jackpot”. Both of these jackpots will be one winner takes all.  The entry fees for the Jackpots are $25 per boat with a 2-person minimum per boat.

In addition to the above jackpots, the Cavaliers will again sponsor a “Speckled Trout/Multi-fish Jackpot”.  Entry fee is $25 per boat with a 2-person minimum per boat.  Five fish per boat on Saturday and five per boat on Sunday will be weighed.  Total weight for ten fish per boat for the weekend wins the Jackpot.  The “Master Angler” award also features a $1,000 cash prize and the “Lady Angler” award features cash and prizes.

Rodeo tickets are $20 per person for the entire weekend.  Tickets are available at the following locations:
Souther-N-Bama Bait & Tackle
Ship & Shore Supplies
Greer’s Food Store (DIP at Fowl River)
West Marine (Hwy 90 and Airport Blvd locations)
Tackle This! Shoot That! Outfitters (West Mobile and Tillman’s Corner locations)
Quint’s Hardware & Sporting Goods (Saraland)
Boater’s World (Mobile and Daphne locations)
Dauphin Island Marina
Riverpark Grocery (Fairhope)

And other fine sporting goods, bait & tackle, and boat accessory shops in our area. All tickets must be purchased before 6:00 AM on August 9th.  Last minute tickets will be available at Ship 'n' Shore until 6:00 AM on Saturday the 9th.

Get ready for great prizes, great fun and great fishing!!

For questions/information contact: Mike Stewart
251 – 452 – 4803 (h)
251 – 422 – 7366 (c)

Chris Smith
251-423-8330 (c)
gravinebound@aol.com

George Yurcisin
251-422-2607 (w)
gyurc@aol.com  

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 3:48:52 PM

Orange Beach, AL USA

In Response to Steven and Sling Shot:

The water was a decent blue-green to clean green. In my experience, yellowfin aren't detered by green water in fact I think they might prefer blue-green/blended blue over true cobalt blue. I'm sure you both know this already but if your planning a trip offshore, it definately pays to look at a water condition report such as hilton's, roffers, rip charts, etc. and base your decision of where to fish on that report. Hope this helps and good luck in August!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 12:23:47 PM

mobile, AL USA

Chris:
Congrats on the Tuna, How did the water look?

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 11:06:25 AM

Spanish Fort, AL USA

Chris,

How was the water color out there where the tuna were?  I've heard it's not too pretty and was wondering if it was getting better.  We may try to go first weekend in August.  Thanks

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 11:03:47 AM

Orange Beach, AL USA

I got a call from Max Pace last Wednesday night asking me if I wanted to go make a meat run to the rigs aboard a 46' Hatteras called "Low Bidder" with his son Tom Pace and the owner of the boat, Charles Winfro(sorry if I mispelled your last name Charles). I had four comped rodeo tickets so we decided we might as well enter and weigh any good fish we caught. We left Orange Beach around noon on Friday the 18th and pointed towards the Beer Can. We stopped and loaded up with hard tails and hit a snapper spot on the way. We arrived at the beer can right at that magical time of day when the tunas usually come up and slow trolled a few naked ballyhoo for about an hour....although we saw a few fish busting here and there we werent successful. The tunas seemed spread out so we decided to switch tactics and chunked for about an hour and a half with no luck. After that we put out a couple of swordi baits(nothing all night there either) and went to sleep for a few hours. Woke up around 4am with a very kind fellow angler reporting seeing alot of yellowfins in the 50-100 lb range at the Petronious the evening before so we decided to blast northeast to the Petronious. The fish were there for sure! We caught 7 yellowfin in the 40-60 lb range slow trolling naked ballyhoo and throwing poppers. The fish were up from 6am until we left around 10:30 because we had hardly any fishbox room left. We got to the ADSFR weigh in and were the first boat to bring in a yellowfin. My fish weighed 56.11....we all felt it was a long shot to stay on the board but held first place up until 10 minutes before the scales closed on the last day and ended up getting 3rd place yellowfin tuna. Not too shabby! I'll post some pictures of the trip including a really wicked looking water spout we came across on the way in Saturday.

 Wicked WaterspoutTom Pace's YellowfinTuna Man Handlin' Bowed up on a yellowfin

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 10:06:14 AM

mobile, AL USA

Does anyone know if the conde cavalier rodeo will allow you to weigh ten trout on the first day?  Gas is a little steep to be trying for just 5 per day.  Or, can I catch 10 and weigh 5 on each day?
Thanks,
joe

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 @ 7:36:16 AM

DI, AL USA

I was wondering if anybody could tell me what the prizes are going to be for the Conde Cavaliers rodeo.

Monday, July 21, 2008 @ 11:03:53 PM

mobile, AL USA

Capt. Dud and I fished hard for 3 days during the rodeo.  We wound up catching tons of nice trout.  We caught over 100 and the smallest was 18 inches.  We just didnt have any monsters over 5.  see pics

 justin with the haulsunday's pilescene of the crimejustinlots of troutthe horn island slamjoe

Monday, July 21, 2008 @ 8:44:33 AM

semmes, AL USA

Great rodeo guys, thanks to all of the JC's, well we fish friday and saturday, after 1200.00 of gas and oil we had the following fish, 20 red snapper the best one's 23 & 19 lbs, 9 aj's 30 to 50 lbs, 10 scamp best one 11 lbs, 5 grouper, 10 trigger fish, 15 blinners, we were around 70 to 90 miles south of BG hole, had a great time, great weather and one great God that allow's us all to enjoy, God bless you all tucker out.,

Monday, July 21, 2008 @ 8:25:50 AM

Venice, LA USA

2008 FISHING TO HEAR RODEO

*Update= we have 2750 more tickets to sell to make our goal!  10 more days to go...Get your tickets now! (www.fishingtohear.org)

Want to give kids the gift of hearing while fishing?

Win 1 of 35 charters for you and 3 of your friends to participate in our 2nd Annual FISHING TO HEAR Rodeo.

Purchase your $20 raffle tickets now until July 27th.  Get as many tickets as you want and know that it will be tax-deductible.  Tickets can be purchased at www.fishingtohear.org

You will be directly helping deaf children to afford implant surgery denied by insurance and the New Orleans Oral School,501c3, to give tuition scholarships for these special children!  We hope to see you there!

Go to our website at www.fishingtohear.org to see what we do NOW!

Thank you rodnreel for letting us get the word out on this great site!

Saturday, July 19, 2008 @ 9:09:21 AM

Gulfport, MS USA

Taking my 8 yr old Son fishing on our 17' Whaler out of Fort Morgan for 10 days starting 7-20. Can anyone tell me what baits/colors have been working to catch redfish/trout? Are some areas good for trout/redfish down near the Fort or close within boating distance for a boat that size? Anything anyone can add would be greatly appreciated. I want this to be the summer he hauls in his first Redfish. He had a chance two years ago at Mobile Bay but the redfish snapped his line. He has been dreaming of catching him ever since! We will be vacationing in the Navy Cove Harbor condo area and can run out or can stay in, whatever will work. Again, thanks for any help. I don't know what's working in your area at this time.

Saturday, July 19, 2008 @ 4:35:55 AM

mobile, AL USA

i just bought a used traditions 50 cal. yukon black power rifel i want to hunt with it i need to know where to get the specs on where and how to load it and would like to know a good bullet to use  thanks

Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 2:24:51 PM

venice, LA USA

2008 FISHING TO HEAR RODEO

*Update= we have 2800 more tickets to sell to make our goal!  10 more days to go...Get your tickets now! (www.fishingtohear.org)

Want to give kids the gift of hearing while fishing?

Win 1 of 35 charters for you and 3 of your friends to participate in our 2nd Annual FISHING TO HEAR Rodeo.

Purchase your $20 raffle tickets now until July 27th.  Get as many tickets as you want and know that it will be tax-deductible.  Tickets can be purchased at www.fishingtohear.org

You will be directly helping deaf children to afford implant surgery denied by insurance and the New Orleans Oral School,501c3, to give tuition scholarships for these special children!  We hope to see you there!

Go to our website at www.fishingtohear.org to see what we do NOW!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 7:23:38 PM

ocean springs, MS USA

manuel and max-

we're headin out for a 48 hr this weekend..... want to fish ram powell horn mountain area since its closer than having to  run around the mouth of da river.... all the reports ive gotten up until this point have been chocolate milk!!!!  my hiltons hasnt been real convincing either.

so your sayin that the blue water has creeped back in in the ram/marlin area? would sure hate to run out there and waste 2 grand worth of diesel...
thanks in advance
will post report and pics when we return!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 7:13:16 PM

Orange Beach, AL United States

In response to Kyle Turnage

My advice is to call one of the two following inshore guides:  Captain Dave Brown (251) 981-6246 or (251) 942-4037, or Captain Jeffrey Chambliss (251) 981-2463 or (251) 979-1209.  There are a lot of great guides in town, but these are two of the best.  Their boats cannot individually handle 12, obviously, but they will split you up on some quality boats and put you on some fish...good luck!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 8:47:17 AM

Baton Rouge , LA USA

Wanted to see if anyone had a recomendation for an inshore and offshore charter service in Orange Beach? Have about 12 going but can be split up.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 @ 5:04:13 PM

Orange Beach, AL USA

Thanks for the Info Manuel,
I just got my SST chart for today and it looks like we my finally get some good water in close. It never ceases to amaze me just how fast the current, rips and conditions can change from brown river water to the blended blue that is happening now. Should be some fish caught in the next couple of days and hope that brown water stays away from us.
Have a safe hitch and please keep me posted. Bobby Williams from Mississippi) on the "Refuge" said to tell you hello.
Please keep me posted. Ready for some fresh sushi.
Way to go Tucker, your daughter and the amberjack. Always fun to watch a young angler reel one in.
Tight Lines,
Max

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 @ 4:55:50 PM

Vancleave , MS United States

In response to Max Pace

Max At VK 915 just south of Marlin pulling suction piles. Blue water started showing up last night. There is big rip one mile south of us seems to be moveing NNW.  

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 @ 2:39:11 PM

Spanish Fort, AL USA

Jeff,  I talked to a buddy who went out there this past Thursday--caught 6 yellowfin in the green water--no blue water in sight.  No blackfins either.  

We fished this past Saturday (not for tuna) and kept 4 nice snapper (only fishing 2 people) and released about 10 undersize AJ's and 2 sharks.  The water's ugly out there.  Even at Gulf Shores beach Sunday it looked like lake water.

Monday, July 14, 2008 @ 8:25:32 PM

Pass Christian, MS USA

We're planning a tuna overnighter next Friday night... wondering if anyone else may have tenative plans to be around Ram Powell as there is safety in numbers.  Of course, this all depends on the weather and clean water.  Last I heard it was over 120 miles south of Horn Island - any updates, or is it moving any further north?   Thanks and tight lines!

Monday, July 14, 2008 @ 6:00:46 PM

semmes, AL USA

got late start for the ROY MARTIN RODEO, left b/g hole around 6am, ran 65 miles in ruff seas, got started on a good hole that we had found a few weeks back, but the fish wasnt there, the sharks were, ran another 15 miles, try again no luck, pick up and ran another 10 miles, bingo the fish were there, we hung 4 good ajs but they came unbutton before hitting the desk, only able to land 1 30 lbs aj, it was good enough to place 2nd for my little girl, Tiffany Rachel 2nd place in the AJ division, we put some nice snapper in the boat, but nothing like what i seen at the dock, it was a bless day to spend with my daughter, remember God Love you all tucker out..

Monday, July 14, 2008 @ 7:20:08 AM

Dauphin, AL USA

We took the Girls out on the ADSFR Jr. Angler Tournament this weekend.

The weather was not friendly so we caught our limit of Red Snapper in close using Pogies and came in by Noon. The kids hooked and reeled in their own fish even when they were not feeling good in the 3 foot seas. The Contender Ride back rejuvinated their spirits at 45 mph.

The ADSFR people did a great job with the kids and the USA Biologists talked to the Girls about the age and biology of their Fish... They loved the experience.

See pic of their average fish.

 ADSFR Jr Rodeo 08

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 7:25:57 PM

Cantonment, FL USA

Results from the Team Trails Redfish Delacroix Tournament

1 Paul Smith/Danny Smith 15.40
2 Mac McElroy/Andy Rodriguez 15.32
3 Raymond Reiser 15.31
4 Jason Leblanc/Jeremy Leblanc 14.72
5 Scott Ritter/Bobby Abruscato 14.69
6 Jason McCrossen/Matthew Harding 13.75
7 Pat Reichley/Nelda Reichley 13.35
8 Barnie White/Jason Miller 13.32
9 Chris Babin/Ted Tassin 13.05
10 Charlie Murray/Jeff Roberts 12.31
11 Gary Wilson/Brent Gros 11.92
12 Skip Floyd/Brian Mamer 11.79
13 Brig Booth 11.41
14 Chris Schieble/Mike Bushman 11.39
15 Brian Metcalf/Dwayne Mills 10.70
16 Brandon Parker/Bruce Howle 8.92
17 Joe Vanhooser/Jimmy Bowden 7.27
18 Brad Seal/Ric Guccione 5.35
19 Erik Nelson/Brian Steinried 5.25

The next Team Trails Redfish event on 26 July will be out of Hwy 90 Pearlington launch site.

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 5:03:45 PM

Mobile, AL USA

With regard to bdl's (good-old-days) flounder haul-in:  
Even when I was a kid and was lucky enough to catch a jubilee, I understood the ethics and character associated with game limits.  Whenever I see these things, I always wonder if it is due to bad upbringing or not having grown up in a legitimate hunting/fishing culture at all.  Education on basic conservation principals is sure to be key (plus a dash of common sense).  Either way it's irresponsible and criminal behavior.  Sorry for the sermon but this kind of macho exhibitionism has got to be exposed for what it is. JJ

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 4:32:26 PM

Biloxi, MS USA

I

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 12:05:24 PM

Mobile, AL USA

JR

you will be to find them out of DI, you can get them pretty regular out of Perdido Pass though

Sunday, July 13, 2008 @ 10:17:53 AM

enterprise, AL USA

does anyone know how and where to catch live cigar minnows around fort morgan/dauphin isle area??  any tips would be appreciated  

Saturday, July 12, 2008 @ 8:41:56 PM

OS, MS USA

That is totally ridiculus someone should send this picture to Alabama Marine Patrol OR CCA. Some of the Flounder in the picture even look undersize. I see this a lot on the Gulf Coast and it is very disturbing as bad as the SHRIMP boats dicarding all the 3 to 5 in RED SNAPPER JUST DISGUSTING. We have to clean up our own act and hold each other accountable for actions such as these.

Saturday, July 12, 2008 @ 7:35:50 AM

Foley, AL USA

Sorry guys. I posted it this morning and it apparently is still waiting to be reviewed. Please check back as the picture is amazing/disturbing you decide.

Friday, July 11, 2008 @ 4:34:24 PM

daphne, AL USA

Look back in the pictures submi