No one person is totally responsible for writing a book like this. Without the help, encouragement and willingness to consider this idea by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, we never would have been able to accomplish getting these photos, interviews and videos, or have been able to tell the stories of these fishermen, what they catch, and how they catch it. Kim Chapman, Public Relations Manager for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, has been a guiding light to help all of us tell the story of the fantastic fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Herb Malone, the president and CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, has the heart of a fisherman and loves to get out on the water at any opportunity. He’s also been very instrumental in helping grow the fishing resources on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Alabama’s Marine Resources Division has helped to dramatically increase the number of artificial reefs that anglers can fish and has made Alabama’s Gulf Coast the leading artificial-reef fishery in the nation. Too, the late Vernon Minton, who was the head of the Marine Resources Division during much of the early reef-building program, was not only a tremendous help in creating this book, but also a valued friend and a fisherman who will be missed in our community. This book is also dedicated to the captains and guides who’ve given their time, knowledge and experience to make this book possible. Thank you all for your help, and most of all for your friendship.