For Immediate Release
September 5, 2005
Contact: Stacy Atkins, Director of Marketing, The Wharf
(251) 974-8604
Fourth Generation Chater Boat Captain, Robby Walker, Joins The Wharf
Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf, located at the foot of the Foley Beach Express on the island in Orange Beach, is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Captain Robby Walker as its Director of Fishing. Captain Walker, a fourth-generation fisherman from Orange Beach, brings with him an incredible amount of enthusiasm, passion and knowledge about fishing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. “It is great to bring someone like Captain Walker on board at this stage of our development” says Beason Wilkes, Director of Development for AIG Baker, Gulf Coast Division. “Robby’s reputation precedes him and we are delighted that he has joined the team.”
Fishing is in Robby’s blood. His great-great grandfather served in the Civil War, then settled in what is now know as the Bear Point area in Orange Beach. He took charge of the post office there in 1894, delivering mail by boat to area residents, and began offering charter fishing trips on Sundays when he wasn’t delivering the mail. His son Rufus took over both the mail route and the fishing charters around the turn of the century. All eight of Rufus’s sons operated charter boats out of Orange Beach, and six of his grandsons have continued the family tradition, including Robby Walker’s father, Captain Bobby Walker.
At only seven years old, Robby began off-shore fishing along side his dad during the summers. By the time he was in his late teens, he began working full time for his father, earning his captain’s license at age 21 in 1992. He continued to work with his father, as well as other great captains in the area for several years. In 1998, Robby decided to venture out on his own to open his back-bay fishing charter company, Walker Inshore Fishing. Concentrating on the Ono Island, Wolf Bay, Bayou St. John, Terry Cove and Alabama Point areas for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, pompano and other native species, Robby has built a stellar reputation as one of the best and most professional captains in the area.
In the early part of 2005, The Wharf decided that someone like Robby Walker was exactly the type of person they needed to help form what will eventually become one of the most comprehensive, educational and entertaining fishing programs anywhere along the Gulf Coast. An amenity offered exclusively to homeowners, resort guests and boat slip renters at The Wharf, the fishing program will be overseen by Captain Walker and operated out of the Outfitter’s Center. Plans are to offer back bay and near-coastal charter trips as well as to organize tournaments and to provide instructional programming such as ‘A School of Fish’, (a kids’-only fishing class) and adult-oriented fishing instruction programs. “To have the opportunity to be here at the beginning and to have a hand in developing such a program was the main reason why I decided to join The Wharf team.” says Walker. “I’m looking forward to introducing the sport of fishing to a new audience, as well as a new generation.’
About The Wharf
The Wharf will be a place to connect, and re-connect, with family and friends. National retailers, as well as locally-owned stores and restaurants, including a Rave Motion Picture Theater, will be located in an airy, upscale village atmosphere along Main Street, located on first and second floor levels. The south’s largest Ferris wheel will be the centerpiece of this festive atmosphere, offering visitors a lingering glimpse of The Wharf and its surroundings. Colorful shops, restaurants and café’s will also line the lively Boardwalk, which will run the length of the world-class marina – nearly a half mile long.
The Amphitheater at the Wharf will host concerts, celebrations and special events of all kinds. An internationally acclaimed destination spa will offer first-class services, while complementing the stylish and upscale residential and resort accommodations found throughout the 220 acre development. Developed by AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, L.L.C., out of Birmingham, Alabama, The Wharf is slated to open its first phase of retail and entertainment in the late spring/early summer of 2006.
About AIG Baker
AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, L.L.C., is a privately held entrepreneurial-driven company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that specializes in ground-up development, acquisition, leasing and management of retail centers nationwide. Backed by American International Group (AIG), one of the world’s largest insurance companies, AIG Baker has developed more than 20 million square feet in 17 states since 1993. Subsidiaries of AIG Baker include AIG Baker Real Estate, L.L.C., AIG Baker Management, L.L.C., AIG Baker Development, L.L.C., and Pinnacle Communities L.L.C.
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