Field trippin’ along Scenic 98 is one of my favorite things to do. I like seeing what crops are ready to harvest, cows in beautiful pastures, and crossing bridges to check on rivers and bays along the way. Linda and I will run down to Bon Secour whenever we get a chance and stop by Billy’s Seafood. Situated at the end of the road on the west side of Bon Secour River, past Tin Top Restaurant, Billy’s is an authentic boat-to-market place.

The Bon Secour  River is located on the coastline of Bon Secour Bay and empties into Mobile Bay just north of the entrance to the Intercoastal Waterway. The river also joins Oyster Bay, a wildlife preserve protected by the Nature Conservancy. It’s a stunning area of coastal marsh and wetlands that teams with wildlife. Pelicans, Herons, and Seagulls feast on the abundance of fish in the waters and compete with the American Alligators lurking in the salt marsh.

This area has long been a productive fishing village, as it is today, with several seafood processing plants along its banks. Evidence of old fishing trawlers tossed ashore by hurricanes stand as monuments to the resilience of the people that call Bon Secour home. Bon Secour Bay is a popular fishing destination for redfish, speckled trout, and black drum and requires a saltwater fishing license.

On a recent visit, Linda and I took an out-of-town friend with her camera to Billy’s Seafood to capture the essence of the area. As we walked around, there were baskets of off-the-boat freshly caught shrimp on ice. Inside, we surveyed the catch and purchased filets of triggerfish, lump crabmeat, and a few pounds of large shrimp - heads off. Our eyes are typically larger than our stomachs, but we seem to manage.

While we were there, Billy Parks, himself, emerged to see what we were doing. I think the camera got his attention. We talked about how good business has been, where he sourced his catch, and how there were lines out the door during Covid. He had been loading a  shrimp boat that was at the dock getting ready for that evening's run. As we talked, another boat passed the dock heading out to the Bay. I hope I never take for granted the rich bounty of seafood at our doorstep. As the seasons change, so do my taste buds. 

In addition to fresh seafood and oysters, Billy’s also has frozen items like gumbo stock. We like to add shrimp and crabmeat to ours. There are many great recipes for preparing shrimp, crab, and fish. He also has an array of seasonings for pretty much anything you want to do in the kitchen. He has delicious fresh smoked tuna dip and shrimp salad at the ready. His crabmeat is priced well, and, in the spring, he boils perfectly seasoned crawfish on the weekends, but call ahead to place your order. Be sure to get Billy’s hat and t-shirt to round out your experience.

On our way out the door, Billy came out to say goodbye. We took his picture next to Billy’s Seafood sign that says ‘If it swims… We have it!” Then he lifted his leg to show off his Bon Secour Reeboks.