BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Public and private boat launches are packed with anglers in the spring and summer in the northern area of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, who take advantage of easy water access and a smorgasbord of fish varieties.

There are 126 species of fish in the Delta, which draws fishermen from surrounding counties and other states, according to Nick Warren, an outdoorsman and director of Bicentennial Park near Stockton.

Another attraction is the $16-per-year license which opens up 100,000 acres of state land for hunting and fishing.

“Although exact numbers are not readily available, I can safely say that the delta system of North Baldwin is a top destination for anglers from several states,” Warren said. “When you consider the quality of fishing opportunities available, the variety of species and the relative ease of access, it is no wonder that we see a substantial usage of both private and public launches.”

For many North Baldwin residents, the delta has become a way of life.

More than 60 years ago, Buddy Steele’s father began taking him fishing and hunting on weekends. In high school, Steele was spending all his free time in the delta, and making spending money with a trotline.

“When I was in high school, I said I was going to marry and move to Stockton,” Steele said. “I wound up marrying a Stockton girl.”

That was 48 years ago. Now Steele has six grandchildren who enjoy weekends at Steele’s fish camp on the Tensaw River, about a mile from his house.

“I’m teaching them to enjoy the delta and take care of the environment,” Steele said. “This is the capital of the world.”

Steele, 70, said he puts in his boat about five days a week, and spends three nights a week at the camp.

“It will sleep 20 people and they love to bring their friends,” he said.

Alan Peak, 25, of Bay Minette, also said his father introduced him to delta bass fishing at a young age.

“I have been fishing as long as I can remember,” Peak said. “I grew up in the swamp. It takes $16 a year to open paradise. People in Baldwin County don’t realize what they have got. The upper delta is the gateway to everything.

“When we have kids, I will teach them to fish,” he said. “It’s a way of life for us.”

Peak said he takes his wife squirrel hunting in the winter, but fishing is exceptional throughout the year.

“You just have to fish deeper,” he said.

Warren said anglers enjoy a variety of fish throughout the seasons.

“Fishing opportunities range from saltwater species such as flounder, speckled trout and red fish that enter the delta following shrimp, to some very fine fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, bream and crappie,” Warren said. Naturally, there are some other species, but these are the real bread and butter for delta anglers.

“These are gold medal waters for fishing.”

There are several private boat launches north of Interstate 65 in the upper delta, which charge from $3 to $5 to launch. Cliff’s Landing and Byrne’s Lake are county-owned launches.

The Baldwin County Commission is attempting to put a local, state and federal funding package together to acquire Live Oak Landing on State Highway 225.

“The county has a deep commitment for citizens to have water access,” Warren said. “If the county acquires Live Oak, you can expect it to be packed. It’s one of the best launches in the delta as far as accessibility.”