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Random Quote: Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split R.E. Howard
I am taking a family trip to Orange Beach and was wondering if anybody had information on:
Boat launches—hopefully one that has a covered slip for rent
In-Shore fishing—I have a 22 ft bay boat and not comfortable off-shore
Bay recreation---Is the bay suitable for pulling kids on tubes etc….
I will be staying about a mile from State Park Road and was looking for something on that side of the town.
I would appreciate any other information you might be able to tell me about the area.
Not aware of any covered slips for rent down this way, but you can launch at a couple of places. Head east on the beach road a couple of miles and their will be a public launch on your left at Cotton Bayou. It is just past the turn onto 161 which takes you over to the back bay areas of Orange Beach. There is another launch off of 161 (Boggy Point). Do a map search for the road name that turns off of 161. You will pass Tacky Jacks, a good place to eat. Have fun down here and be safe.
There's a nice launch in Gulf Shores on inland waterway which could be a gate to Bay Fishing, it's close to State Park esp if you're on west side of it. If Going into Gulf, we prefer Cotton Bayou because of nice ramps, parking space(do not park where no parking signs, you'll sleep in your boat) San Roc Marina on way to pass for whatever supplies needed.
I've seen skiing & lots of recreational boating along inland waterway which opens into the bays, but there's big barge traffic ... when you arrive, drive in auto along Canal road and size up the situation from what you see and ask at J&M or locals for advice.
Great vacation site, just takes awhile to learn the territory
Tcruse,
Take the family to LuLu's - a restaurant on the north side of the intracoastal canal next to the Highway 59 bridge. LuLu is Jimmy Buffet's sister, usually has a live band, has good food and is real kid-friendly. Go early as the wait is long if you get there too late.
All the best,
Tom Hilton
If in-shore is your aim, the Ft. Morgan side might be better. They have slip rental at Ft. Morgan Marina ( covered is possible, but scarce). Several gas rigs, wrecks, and oyster beds to fish. I have several GPS numbers within 10 miles of the launch.
When you get to the beach, you may want to pick up a copy of Gulf Coast Outdoors magazine. It is a locally produced mag that has several good inshore fishing articles this month. You might enjoy pulling your boat to Fort Morgan and fishing the rigs in Mobile Bay. Good luck and have fun.
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all of your information! I did a little researching on the web and found a list of artificial reefs in Mobile Bay. I think this might provide me with a couple of good spots.
KBS...Would you be willing to email some GPS numbers on the reefs close to Ft. Morgan Marina?
Not sure if it's happened yet, but LuLu's has to close it's doors. They have a place picked out in Gulf Shores.
The state is taking over the place. It's a shame, cause we launch there and my buddies place is on Weeks Bay.
Lulus is up and running under the Intercoastal bridge in Gulf Shores. It has been open a few months now and is bigger and has an area where boats can tie up. (Though the area is not very big) Seems to be doing well. Always a crowd there. Have fun.
all of the orange beach tackle shops I have dealt with.. such as
J&M Tackle ....Sams... and Top Gun Tackle... have always given me
good advice and decent prices.....
When I heard 1 1/2 hr wait at Lulu's and no A/C inside, i said no way I was going to wait!! Went to Jakes and they had some decent seafood there. The best place to eat but a little pricey is Zeke's in Orange Beach.
Tackle and info will be the best at Top Gun Tackle in Orange Beach. Talk to Brian when you go in there. Great guy.
You can get a covered transient slip at Orange Beach Marina. They also have a locked area you can leave your trailer. This is a first class place. The launch ramp in Cotton Bayou is probably the closest one and is a good ramp.
Orange Beach AL Information
