Starting the New Year with a Bang!!

Beachin’ Bob and friends will start the New Year on Pleasure Island will a full calendar. First it’s the “Noon Year” celebration for the kids at Lulu’s at Homeport. Then later we’re off to the Wharf for their annual New Year’s Eve street party. We’ll take advantage of something unique on the Gulf Coast, their ice skating rink (hopefully with a minimum of spills). Later on one of my favorite bands, The Molly Ringwalds will take the stage with their brand of classic 80’s music. In between we’ll take advantage of all the amenities at Brett Robinson’s newest addition, Phoenix 9. Phoenix 9 has an indoor pool on the sixth floor, overlooking the Gulf, as well as an indoor tennis court. It’s a beautiful building with magnificent units, and all are brand new.
As always, see you on the Beach!

December Fishing Report

At the rigs 70 nm to 100 nm offshore the yellow and black fin tunas are biting. The cooler waters have turned off the dolphin and Wahoo.

Closer to shore, the red snapper are great for catch and release. They are eating just about anything that hits the water. The vermillion snapper and big trigger fish are also starting show up.

The fist schools of red fish are showing up along the beach. Trolling with planers and spoons is a great way to catch these fish. The slot limit for these fish is 16” to 26” three per person aggregate. One fish of the aggregate can be over sized.

In the deep holes along the creek mouths and rivers, red fish are also being caught along with croakers.

For those who like to surf fish, you will find white trout and mullet.

The water temperature 60 nm offshore is 74.8° and 59.4° closer to shore.

Capt. Randy Boggs
Reel Surprise Charters

Magic Christmas in Lights

The Beachin’ clan made our semi-annual trip to see the annual Christmas lights display at Bellingrath Gardens . It’s an unbelievably well designed and displayed Christmas light show at the Bellingrath Gardens and Home. According to the staff at Bellingrath the show will include: 3.5 million lights, 605 set pieces, over 14,000 light strands, 7,700 extension chords; 377,000 replacement bulbs; over 100,000 twist ties and almost 5 miles of steel. Local musical groups provide entertainment nightly from the South Terrace and the Magnolia Café is a great spot to sample some fine food and take in the sights.
Remember…for those who have everything a vacation can make a great Christmas gift.
Enjoy the show and we’ll see at the Beach.

Fishing report for November

From my friend Capt. Randy Boggs:

Red snapper season closed on October 31st, but that did not stop Beachin’ Bob and some of the Brett/Robinson staff members from venturing out with Reel Surprise and Gulf Winds II.

Tom Davis from the maintenance department caught a nice amberjack, and Margie McCullough with our human resource department reeled a gem of a Pompano. The rest of the Brett/Robinson crew had a great time catching the vermillion snapper, lane snapper and trigger fish.

With the changing weather, the seas offshore have been rough. There has not been any big game action reported.

Mo Fishin’ Bait & Tackle reports the big red bull fish are biting hot right off the beach. Along the mouths of Fish River and Magnolia River the speckled trout are on fire. The flounder are being caught in the back bays.

Catch up with Capt. Randy at Reel Surprise Charters.

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

Every year we host one of the most unique events on the Coast. The Frank Brown Songwriters Festival will be hosted at multiple venues in our area, from the Tin Top Restaurant in Bon Secour to the world famous Flora-Bama to the Live Bait at the Wharf. The festival runs from Nov. 8th to Nov. 18th. It’s a unique perspective to hear the songwriters who wrote the hits you’ve heard many times on the radio. The venues are very fan friendly and frequently you’ll get insider information on exactly what the songwriter’s inspiration was at the time the song was crafted.
I’ll be perched at Phoenix X for the duration of the festival.
See you at the Beach!!

Shrimp Fest !!!

The annual Shrimp Fest is in full swing. We saw the amazing Tip Tops last night. While there’s something for every musical taste I’m leaning toward Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster tonight, and the incredible Texas Blues guitarist/singer/songwriter Wes Jeans tomorrow night. The festival has it’s legendary wide array of food, arts & crafts and unique products. And, of course, it’s right on the beach. The weather forecast is perfect, with highs near 80 and lows in the mid 60s. What more can you ask for?As always, see you at the beach!!

Monthly Fishing Report by Capt. Randy Boggs

A new feature for the blog, a monthly fishing report from my friend Capt. Randy Boggs.

Fall is here. As the first cold fronts roll through and the water temperatures start to cool, the fishing heats up.
Red snapper are being caught from the near shore reefs to well offshore in 250 plus depths. The trigger fish are making their fall appearance, along with the vermillion snapper who seem most eager to bite. Amberjack have shown up recently; some are keepers, but a lot of them are too short. The grouper have been scarce on all but the long trips.
The King mackerel and Spanish mackerel are on a feeding frenzy. In October and late November, we will be certain to seem some really big King and Spanish caught.
For those of you who enjoy offshore fishing, the yellow fin tuna have been slow. Off the rigs, some black fin tuna are being caught. Wahoo can be caught in the open waters in most areas over 15 miles offshore. We have not seen any dolphin fish being caught and the white marlin are showing up at the Nipple and the Edge with an occasional blue marlin and sail fish showing up as well.
The current water temperature is 81.9°F.
Report submitted by Capt. Randy Boggs
www.reelsurprisecharters.com

Having Too Much Fun to Blog, Enjoy the Pics

Another Beautiful Weekend in Paradise

I had another great weekend in paradise this week. I played a great round of golf at Craft Farms this weekend, followed by a delicious meal at their Clubhouse. If you ever need to fill up after a round and catch some football on the big screens I heartily recommend the Cotton Creek Club sandwich. It’s awesome!!
Sunday we met some friends for a leisurely boat ride in near perfect conditions. Just enough breeze to keep it cool and the water was perfect. We took a ride from the Bon Secour River, down the Intercoastal to Pirate’s Cove in Josephine, Alabama. The cheeseburgers are great there.
A quick note: it’s not too late to book a room for the Shrimp Festival. As always, courtesy of my good friends at Brett Robinson, I’ll be staying at the Phoenix All Suites. It’s right next door to the Festival and it’s a great place to stay. If you see me there, be sure to say hello!

Where I Live

Fall Concerts AT The Wharf

The line up for Fall concerts at The Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Live & Collective Soul - Sept.29th
Trace Adkins - Oct. 12th
Evanescence - Oct. 22nd
Fall Out Boy - November 22nd
Willie Nelson November 3rd

The End of Summer

It’s been a great summer on Pleasure Island. Concerts, fishing trips, golf, fine dining, boat races…the list goes on and on. We’re approaching the traditional end of summer this weekend with the Labor Day Weekend. And it’ll end with a bang with a pair of concerts at The Wharf. Saturday night country star Gretchen Wilson comes to town. On Sunday, Alabama’s own American Idol winner Taylor Hicks performs for what should be an enthusiastic crowd including his Grandmother who lives on the Island.
Allegedly, fall will soon begin, but truthfully it’s summer all year long here.

Thunder In The Forecast

This weekend is the 5th Annual Thunder on the Gulf Power Boat Races. The race is held just offshore in Orange Beach, providing great views from the beachfront condos and the beach. The course will also be ringed by literally hundreds of spectator boats. It’s a great spectacle and something everyone should see at least once. The power and speed of the boats is amazing, it’s truly NASCAR on the water. Look for me on the balcony at Phoenix V. See you at the races!!

The Wharf Lines ‘Em Up

The Wharf has the concerts all lined for August and early September. Here’s the lineup get your tickets and reservations now!!
Brad Paisley with Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift and Jack Ingram on August 11th.
The Doobie Brothers and Peter Frampton on August 17th.
The Black Crowes with the North Mississippi All Stars on August 28th.
Gretchen Wilson on September 1st.
The native Alabamian and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks hits town on September 2nd.

Charter Fishing on the Coast

I took a great charter fishing trip last week with the boys, Brett & Robinson. We departed from the Reel Surprise Charters dock in Orange Beach, located under the Alabama Point Bridge. We were fishing on the Gulf Winds II, a 65 foot fishing boat. It was a couple of minutes to drive to the dock from our temporary home at Phoenix X. We headed out to the Gulf of Mexico led by Capt. Gary, assisted by deckhands Blake and Mr. Bill. In short order we were fishing for, and pulling in, red snapper. The action was fast and furious, and when it did slow down Capt. Gary would immediately move us to another hot spot. We had a great time and I’d definitely recommend the fine folks at Reel Surprise Charters. As for the snapper, they were delicious. There’s something special about catching and eating fish all in one day.
And last but not least I was forced to make the following statement: (Much to my chagrin) Brett landed the biggest snapper.

Quick Notes

Another awesome Fourth of July Weekend on the Coast. There was the Montgomery Gentry concert, great fireworks in Gulf Shores and at the Wharf, and of course terrific food. Be here next year.

Don’t for get to book now for the Thunder on the Gulf races if you haven’t already. It’s a great weekend and a heckuva party. I’ll be at Phoenix V.

The Beachin’ Bob clan will be fishing on July 18th on the Reel Surprise with Captain Randy Boggs. I’ll give a detailed report after we reel ‘em in!! Stay with Brett Robinson, book a trip with Captain randy and be eligible for a $500 prize.

The Blue Angels show is July 21st. If you’ve never been it’s truly a once in a lifetime experience everyone should enjoy at least once.

See you on the beach.

Fishing with Beachin' Bob

Here’s the deal. Book your vacation with my friends at Brett Robinson. Set up a fishing trip with my friend Captain Randy of the Reel Surprise & Gulf Winds II and let him know you’re staying at a Brett Robinson property (he’ll need your confirmation number). Catch the biggest fish and be eligible for up to $500 in prize money. It’s that simple. For a very special trip book July 18th and take a fishing trip with Beachin’ Bob, and my sons Brett & Robinson.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

This weekend is the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley. It’s an event I had the pleasure of attending last year, and the sight of all the balloons landing at the festival during the competition flights is really something to see. Actually, last year Brett and I were able to secure a ride in one of the balloons, and it was unbelievable. It’s an experience I highly recommend, and I’d do it again in a second! Now Mrs. Beachin’ would have no part of the actual flight, but she really enjoyed the festival itself, especially the booths and the lighting of the balloons at dusk. It’s a really nice family event, you should give it a try.
We’ll be at Phoenix VII this weekend, I heard one the pilots was staying there and maybe we can hitch a ride!

Little Shop of Horrors

Make sure to take the time to visit the Meyer Theater this summer to take in the SummerTide Theatre of Little Shop of Horrors. The University of Alabama theater group has once again set up shop in Gulf Shores through out the month of June. There will be performances nightly at 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. I haven’t seen it yet but we thoroughly enjoyed the production of Grease last year. Mrs. Beachin’ and I will be taking in the show this weekend. It’s right down the road from our weekend home base of Phoenix All Suites. See you there.

Summer Begins With A Bang

The traditional start of summer begins on Pleasure Island this Memorial Day Weekend. The weather should be perfect, with highs in the low 80’s and lows in the upper 60’s.
My favorite activity on Memorial Day is a trip to Fort Morgan, where they fire a Civil War era cannon each Memorial day. Since 1834 Fort Morgan has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay. The military site and National Historic Landmark is located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores. During the Civil War on August 5, 1864, Fort Morgan played a key role during the Battle of Mobile Bay before surrendering to Union forces after a two-week siege. Alabama's largest permanent military post between 1900 and 1923, the fort served during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II. Fort Morgan became well known during the Civil War, when Union Admiral D.G. Farragut lead a fleet to close the bay. During the attack, the U.S.S. Tecumseh struck a mine, and in the confusion, the fleet hesitated under the guns of Fort Morgan, prompting Farragut to order "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!". The fort continued as a coast artillery post until after World War II. It’s a great place to visit while you’re in our area.
Don’t forget to take a moment Monday to remember our brave men and women in uniform that have fought to give us the freedom we enjoy.

Southern Breeze Coastal Wine Tour

Now admittedly I’m more of a beer guy than a wine connoisseur but I’m going to give the Southern Breeze Coastal Wine Tour a try this year. Beginning with the Winemaker’s Dinner on Friday and ending with the Bayside Walkabout Brunch on Sunday it’ll be a full weekend. I’m especially looking forward to the Walkabout Brunch on Sunday, with food from Ginny Lane’s, Lester’s and the Original Oyster House. How can you go wrong with shrimp and grits? And I’ll relax in the Lazy River at Phoenix on the Bay II in between

Pleasure Island scores a 100!

I was reading an article the other day about vacations and what people like to have on their vacations.
Here’s the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach scorecard.

82% Beautiful Scenery – Check! (Exhibit A – check the photos from Phoenix on the Bay II)
59% A Beach Experience – Check! (Exhibit B – check the web cam at Phoenix East II)
48% Casual Elegant Décor – Check! (Exhibit C – check the lobby at Phoenix East)
48% Unusual Cuisine – Check! (Exhibit D – Try Cosmo’s or Ginny Lane, read reviews of both here.)

Seems everything is here, we’re just waiting for you to arrive.
Book your summer vacation early and avoid the rush. And tell them Beachin’ Bob invited you.

Music & Mullets

It’s a busy weekend on Pleasure Island. This Friday & Saturday Widespread Panic hits the stage in the Amphitheater at The Wharf. It’s sure to bring a plethora of Widespread Panic fans to the area for the weekend. And while they’re here they should check out the annual Mullet Toss at the world famous Flora-Bama. The Mullet Toss is the annual event where contestants of all shapes and sizes try to toss a mullet from a spot in Alabama across the state line into Florida. It’s a huge weekend of partying, and of course Beachin’ Bob will be there. I’ll be staying at Phoenix X, which is a short walk from the Toss. And that’s a good thing, since the consumption of adult beverages runs rampant at the Mullet Toss.
See you at the Panic, the Toss and the ‘Bama.

Road Trip

After a brief one week sabbatical, Beachin’ Bob has returned.
I took a business trip last week to New York City. It’s a great place with many things to see and do. And great food, especially the Italian food in Little Italy.
However, as always, I couldn’t wait to get back home. Back home to the beaches, the golf courses, the great weather and the Southern hospitality. There’s really no place like home, especially when home is the Alabama Gulf Coast. Here’s what I think: make my home your home for a week (or more!). The weather is great, the golf courses are green and the time is right. Check with my friends at Brett Robinson and visit before Memorial Day to cash in on their free night specials.

Strawberry Festival

I’ll make the short drive to Loxley this weekend for the Strawberry Festival. The festival has arts & crafts, multiple food vendor booths, antique auto show, animal riding and petting exhibits and live music. Of course, strawberry shortcake is still king! The 2006 festival was a record breaker with over 80,000 people in attendance over the two day period. The festival raised approximately $50,000 for its two beneficiaries, . The festival has become one of the largest and is considered by many one of the best organized festivals in the area. In addition to the festival, the Little Miss Strawberry Beauty Pageant is held. Saturday's event hours have been extended to 7:30 PM for the extended celebration of the Town of Loxley's 50th Anniversary. Fireworks will be displayed at dusk that evening near the festival site.

Red Snapper World Championship

The Red Snapper World Championship is April 21 - May 20 2007 along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Test your fishing skills, and if they are sharp, you could win thousands of dollars in prize money. The big prizes are $500,000 for a world record and a new Ford truck for an Alabama state record. Register at Zeke’s Marina, just down the road from Phoenix East, and for $5 a day you’re eligible for prizes. Come on out and enjoy Spring on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Surf’s Up …All the Time

Cowabunga Dude!! The surf will be up all summer, day or night, in Gulf Shores.
As part of a $2 million off-season renovation, Waterville USA water park has added a Flowrider, a surf machine that produces a steady, thin sheet of water by forcing up to 40,000 gallons of heated water over a bouncy slope of vinyl each minute. The Flowrider is the main feature -- about $1.5 million worth -- of the 21-year-old park's winter makeover, Warrington said. In addition to the surf machine, the 20-acre facility is in the process of adding two water slides to an existing platform and has increased seating capacity, shaded areas and food offerings, operations manager Adam Stewart said Friday on AL.com.
Of course, you can also surf in the Gulf of Mexico, when the conditions are right. Check the surf and look at the surfers by viewing the Phoenix East webcam by clicking here.

Headed to the Top

The Beachin’ clan will be headed to the ZZ Top show at the Wharf March 14th to take in the “little ole band from Texas”. The opening act will be the Robert Fortune Band. A blues tinged rock band based out of New Orleans.

On Friday, March 16th we’ll take the boat from the dock at Phoenix on the Bay to Pirates Cove to catch Grayson Capps and the Stumpknockers, a band I stumbled (literally) into at Pirates Cove one night last summer. There well worth the trip. And the burgers at Pirates Cove are a greasy slice of heaven. Give ‘em a try.

Spring has sprung!!

68, 70, 71, 73 & 67. My golf scores? I wish. That’s the high temperatures expected for the week in beautiful and sunny Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Spring is here on the Gulf Coast. We’re preparing to welcome our Spring Breakers, and saying good bye to our Snowbird friends. Make sure you get your reservations made early for the Spring and Summer, the prime spots book early here.
For all you shutterbugs: send Beachin’ Bob your photos on Spring Break and Summer vacation for possible use this blog. I’ll be including a spring or summer snapshot from my readers when possible. Any subject is fine: Beachin’, concerts at the Wharf, fine dining, you name it. Look for your photo on the Beachin’Bob blog.
That’s it for now, the beach in front of Phoenix 5 is calling me. Look for me on the Phoenix 5 Webcam.

Gulf Coast Mardi Gras

From my home base at Phoenix 1 the Beachin’ crew will take in a bevy of parades this weekend. It’s a week long party through the weekend culminating on Fat Tuesday.
We haven’t finalized the itinerary but the tentative plans are:

Friday, Feb. 16
CREWE OF COLUMBUS parade, 6:30 p.m., Mobile or
MYSTICAL ORDER OF MIRAMS parade, 6:30 p.m., Orange Beach

Saturday, Feb. 17
LE BEAU GESTE parade, noon, Foley
MYSTICS OF PLEASURE parade, 6:30 p.m., Orange Beach.
Sunday, Feb. 18
BON SECOUR boat parade, 1 p.m.
LOYAL ORDER OF THE FIRE TRUCK, 2 p.m., Daphne or
JOE CAIN procession, 2:30 p.m. Mobile.

Monday, Feb. 19
MYSTIC MAGNOLIAS parade, 6:45 p.m., Fairhope

Tuesday, Feb. 20
Mardi Gras Day FAT TUESDAY!
ORDER OF ATHENA parade, 10:30 a.m., Mobile
KNIGHTS OF REVELRY parade, 12:30 p.m., Mobile, followed by the COMIC COWBOYS
KING FELIX parade, 1 p.m., Mobile or
ORANGE BEACH parade, 1:30 p.m.
LULU'S HOMEPORT MARINA boat parade, 3 p.m., Intracoastal Waterway, Bear Point Marina to Lulu's in Gulf Shores.

I hope to see you there!

Spring Concerts at The Wharf

The Wharf has announced a couple of spring concerts certain to fill the seats at the Amphitheater.

On March 14th, the Gulf Coast will host a concert by “that little ol’ band from Texas”, ZZ Top. ZZ Top is sure to light up the night playing their hits like “LaGrange”, “Legs”, “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Cheap Sunglasses” and many more. On March 15th, 2004 ZZ Top's contribution to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll was acknowledged when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After three and a half decades, the “little ol’ band from Texas” just keeps rolling. And they’ll roll into the Wharf on March 15th.

April 27th and 28th Widespread Panic will take the stage. According to Answers.com Widespread Panic is “One of the many neo-hippie jam bands inheriting the road-warrior mantle left behind by the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic established a devout grassroots following on the strength of constant touring and a loose, rootsy brand of Southern rock informed by jazz and blues textures.”
Widespread Panic extremely loyal fans are known to travel great distances to see their favorite act. Be sure to get your tickets, and make your reservations early.

Need some help with tickets and rooms? Visit Brett Robinson for a package deal including tickets and a great place to stay. My favorite for concerts is Phoenix on the Bay, located just down Canal Road from the Wharf.

My Favorite Blogs

When I am sitting around the pool or lounging under a beach umbrella one of my favorite pastimes is to read other blogs. If they made a water proof lap top, I could drift along in the lazy river at Phoenix on the Bay!

Here's a few of my favorites......
Fat Guy Blog – a humorous look at one man’s struggle to lose weight
Acral's Notes – a local amateur weather forecaster, with a pretty impressive track record
Mobile and the Gulf Coast – a blog from a local woman with emphasis on the local Mobile and Baldwin Conty Mardi Gras happenings
Lifehacker, the Productivity and Software Guide – a daily blog of the happenings in the tech and web world. Great tips on this site.
Google Weblog – about all things Google
A Whole Lotta Nothing – a whole lotta somethings

But of course, always return to Beachin’ Bob’s Beach Blog!!

Senior Bowl

Saturday we made the one hour drive to Mobile for the Under Armour Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl is an annual event featuring 100 or so of the top senior college football players in an all star game format. The game and practices are attended by over 700 coaches, general managers and scouts from NFL teams. It’s a rare treat to see the best of the best in college football compete in front of the fans and their future prospective employers. The game will featured both quarterback’s from the BCS National Championship game, Chris Leak of Florida & Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith of Ohio State. This year’s Senior Bowl South squad was coached for the second straight year is San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan and his staff, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden and his staff coached the Senior Bowl’s North team. Even a steady rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the sell out crowd. The North team won 27-0.
If you get the chance, do what I did and stop by Wintzell’s Oyster House after the game for the best oyster loaf anywhere.

It begins .....

Beachin’ Bob’s favorite time of the year is upon us. The Mardi Gras parades begin Saturday. The festivities will kick off with the annual Krewe De La Dauphine Mardi Gras Parade Saturday at 1:00 PM on Dauphin Island. We’ll leave our room at Phoenix All Suites West; grab a quick bite to eat at Bahama Bob's (no relation, as far as I know) and catch the ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. The Krewe is famous for their generosity on the short parade route.
Sunday will be a football day as we take in the Saints – Bears and Colts – Patriots games at the Rafters Sports Bar & Grill at the Wharf. I may even be convinced to try one of the latte’s at Starbucks (Beachin’ Brett’s favorite is the vanilla latte’).
Next on tap: Saturday January 27th - Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Random Thoughts

• 2007 is off and running on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. The New Year started with fireworks and the dropping of the anchor at The Wharf, with music provided by the Tip Tops. It was great family fun.
  There’s a great story on Alabama Live! about the resurgence of tourism in the Baldwin County area, which include the beaches of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. To the surprise of no one who lives here, the beaches in Alabama bring in more visitors than any location on the Northeast coast of the Gulf.
  Our winter guests have arrived. The “Snowbirds” are here in full force, fleeing the cold and snow of their winter homes to enjoy the beaches, activities and moderate weather of the Gulf Coast. As I write it’s a beautiful sunny day and 67 degrees in Gulf Shores.
  It’s time to make your reservations for Spring Break. Come enjoy the beach on Spring Break with your friends and family.
  
  See you soon.