Bobby's Fish Camp

Bobby’s Fish Camp

(OK, three entries at one time should tell you that we have not been in good wifi or cell coverage zones.... it has been interesting if remote.)

 

Our intended stop at Kemp’s Landing was grounded when we zeroed the depth sounder and churned up mud on the entry.  Fortunately it was early enough to explore the less desirable options further downstream.  We cruised on and passed the small indentation called Barron’s Landing to check the bridge abutment at mile 164 but rejected it as too noisy. We turned around to head back to the Barron’s option and on the way decided to check Tuckabum Creek which was marked but not highly recommended.  We nosed in and found it plenty deep if slim. Since there was no forecast for rain or wind we (Captain Steve) reversed and backed in tying the stern to trees on both sides of the creek and dropping the bow anchor at the mouth.  Steve enjoyed the muddy bank as he tied us off but the resident turkey was not amused and let us know.  His antics entertained the cats although we did not release them to hunt turkey.  We called the locks above and below us to check if they planned to change the water levels, and let them alert any tow traffic that we were visible on the river.  The tow already between the locks finally passed by and assured us that we were visible but well out of their way. This is the first time we have not found exactly what was expected based on the Active Captain reviews, and since we were able to get a safe spot for the night, we can’t complain too much after over 150 nights on the hook this year.  (It is also another good reason to plan an early stop so there is plenty of time to scramble if complications develop!)

 

 

We extracted ourselves from the creek on another foggy morning and headed to the infamous Bobby’s Fish Camp.  While we skipped the very popular stop in Demopolis having stocked and rested up in Columbus thanks to Paul and Amanda, we could not miss Bobby’s. It also offers the only convenient stop for us on this stretch of the river. This camp is famous for authentic rustic river charm and outstanding fried catfish cooked by the owner Laura Jane – daughter of Bobby who passed away in 2011. The fish camp lived up to its rustic billing as well as the famous hospitality.  We enjoyed dinner at the restaurant, and although I did not go for the catfish, my crabcake sandwich was heavenly.  Steve managed to clean his plate of grilled catfish fillets and still had room to take home some pecan pie cake. We were joined at dinner by new loopers Ross and Barb who cruised in from Mobile with their boat’s former owner and plan to head back down with us in the morning. It was fun to hear their bubbly excitement as they plan to start their looping adventure for real after Christmas.  A wise choice since they hail from Michigan. It was also reassuring to hear they have attended several looper rendezvous meetings and have been planning this trip for more than two years.  We worry about the loopers who seem to buy a boat one week and leave the next for a year-long cruise. These two seem to have done their homework and are ready to go. If their experience is anything like ours, it will be a year to remember.