Hunting & Fishing Enthusiast By Roger Wiltz

My daughters tell me that Gulf Shores, Alabama is one of thepremiervacationspotsinthe nation. I didn’t know that. The feature attraction must certainly be the gulf beach. Personally, when it comes to sitting in a beach chair and watching the surf, I grow restless after five minutes, but I’m pleased to say therestof thefamilythoroughly enjoyed it. Part of my attitude relates to my not being able to handle the surf. I was bounced around like a small boat in a hurricane as my balance was nonexistent.

The beach extended westward from the downtown city center that was jammed with tourists. This surprised me as the heat was somewhat uncomfortable and I’d guess that late winter would be primetime. This gulf beach ran for miles to thewest. Skyscraper-likehotels were stacked one after another beginninginthedowntownarea with patrons having access to hotel beachfront. After a few miles, the hotels gave way to individual beachfront homes with private beach access.

These were large, generally three-story buildings built on heavybeamsthatpermittedaccess beneath the living quarters for vehicles, tents, umbrellas, and tubes for beach use. We rented one of these beachfront homes for July 23rd though the 29th. Thirteen of us were comfortable in our home with a south-side deck facing the beach/gulf. Both deck and beach were extremely popular – especially for reading. A small sand duneseparatedourhomefromthe beach that was perhaps 70 yards from the dune.

Most of the meals were served from our well-equipped kitchen. Daughter Lisa did all of the driving to and from our homes in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, and during a brief departure from the Alabama Interstate highway, we stopped at a farm produce stand where we purchased peaches, tomatoes, watermelon,eggplant,andcucumbers that were picked that same morning and enjoyed by all. I for one, relished the juicy peaches.

I don’t know that it was dictated by law, but the Alabama and Tennessee Interstates were free of commercial advertising except for within city limits. They were also tastefully manicured. As the vine-covered pine forest grew almost to the shoulders on both sides, it was like driving through green tunnels. I believe I could say we enjoyed the drive. The cheapest gas we purchased was $3.39 a gallon. As daughter Laurie also drove from Kansas City, we had access to vehicles we would have otherwise rented.

The crew, minus Betsy and I, took in the local aquarium as well as the ferry. Reports on that were negative. For a taste of Alabama culture,I’drecommendLambert’s, arestaurantfeaturinglocalcuisine including catfish, frog legs, and ample okra.

Other than being with family, especially the Kansas crew I don’t seethatoften,myprimaryinterest was fishing. After seeing the number of people the Gulf Shores area drew,Iwasabitskepticalaboutthe quality of fishing the area offered. I shouldn’t have worried as the fish were abundant. We did suffer somedisappointment. IfeltIcould afford two charter outings, and Sam, my only grandson, booked two charters with his cell phone. Welearnedafterourfirstafternoon of fishing that our second charter was cancelled. I was devastated as my aspirations were high.

Our inshore fishing outing (not deep sea) included LuAnn, our youngest daughter, her children Sam and Gabby, and myself. As we were all susceptible to sea sickness, we chose the calmer waters of Bon Secour Bay. In spite of our success, enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the heat and excessive sun. Fortunately or unfortunately, I’m fanatical, and nothing affects me while I’m fishing. On route to the bay, we caught glimpses of Fort Morgan, sight of theCivilWarBattleof Mobile Bay. Fort Morgan was built by African-Americans. The oft quoted command, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” originated at Fort Morgan. I wished I had paid more attention.

Next Week’s column will feature a complete description of our Gulf Shores fishing including a shark feeding frenzy as well as Sam’s hour-and-a half struggle with a trophy jack crevalle.

See you next week.