It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to getting on the water. Spring is the season for those clamoring to see what’s new in the boating world, to shop for a boat, or perhaps trade up or down. A while back, Linda and I were looking for a center console to putter around in. My hardcore fishing days are behind me, but nothing beats cruising around exploring the waters in the Scenic 98 Coastal area.

Summer fishing trips are a favorite pastime for locals and visitors to the Scenic 98 Coastal area. The Orange Beach Billfish Classic kicks off the Gulf Coast Tournament Fishing season every year in May, and the Zeke’s Landing Charter Boat Billfish Tournament closes the season in early September. 

Joe LaBue played running back at the University of Alabama from 1970 through 1973. This was during the vaunted Wishbone attack era that Coach Paul Bryant perfected. You may remember his more famous teammate and fellow running back, Johnny Musso, The Italian Stallion. 

Are you fortunate enough to have a job you love so much that you never want to stop doing it? David Rainer does. His situation brings to mind the old joke about wondering what professional golfers do on vacation.‍

The search for a cheap, easy summer getaway led to the Blackwater River State Park and an overnight canoe trip with a friend who visits often. After a hectic work week, and hitting the road without even Googling the Blackwater River, what awaited was far different than expected.

Andy MacDonald has a particular vision for his guitar shop in Stapleton, the iconic Picker’s Paradise. It should have a warm and welcoming vibe, for sure, and a strong focus on vintage instruments and traditional music.

Sometimes, we meet people who’ll rescue us from that earthly purgatory of sameness. 

Who remembers the story we did called Fish Christmas? Probably not many, I’d guess… It was early in our life as a newsletter. Ever since, I’ve wanted to catch up with Dr. Sean Powers, Director of the University of South Alabama's Stokes School of Marine & Environmental Sciences to learn more about their impact on the Scenic 98 Coastal area.