When Jim and Dana Maloney found their historic B&B with 200' of beachfront on Mobile Bay, they instantly fell in love with it. They decided to continue operating it as a bed and breakfast inn and opened Jubilee Suites Boutique B&B in April 2018. They settled on the name, Jubilee Suites because of the very special Jubilees that were seclusive to the Eastern Shore. Actually, Jubilees are so rare, they occur in only two places in the entire world — Tokyo Bay in Japan and our own Mobile Bay. Jubilees can range anywhere from 500 feet in length to 15 miles and traditionally are found on the Eastern Shore from Daphne to south of Point Clear.
Imagine waking up before the rooster crows and heading to the the Jubilee Suites Beach, only to find fish, crabs, flounder, shrimp, and even eels practically jumping into your bucket. That’s a Jubilee.
These underwater marvels, usually hiding out in deeper waters, swarm the shoreline in shallow water, almost begging to be scooped up. No nets, no boats- just good timing and maybe a trusty bucket or crab net.
Now, don’t get us wrong- we love a little mystery. But if you’re wondering what’s behind the magic, here’s the lowdown:
Jubilees happen when conditions are just so– usually in the early morning hours of a hot summer day, typically between June and September. A perfect storm of calm winds, rising sun, and a gentle east wind sets the stage. Add in a drop in oxygen levels in deeper waters and voilà! Fish and crustaceans head for the hills (or rather, the shallows) to catch their breath.
It’s a little science, a little serendipity, and a whole lot of Southern charm.
One of the golden rules of spotting a Jubilee? You must be an early bird. These events often unfold just before sunrise and can be over faster than you can say “pass me a crab net.”
Locals in the know keep a close eye on the weather and tides, and some even sleep with one ear open, just in case a neighbor yells, “Jubilee’s on!” It’s the kind of call that’ll have people grabbing their shoes and heading out the door in a flash.
Locals treat Jubilee mornings like a neighborhood potluck. They come together, buckets in hand, ready to gather what the Gulf offers up. There is no doubt Jim Maloney would not be ready and able to steam up your catch right on the grounds of Jubilee Suites!
Southerners are known for two things: good manners and sharing knowledge. Most locals are more than happy to point out what’s what or lend a hand (or a bucket).
For generations, Jubilees have been part of summer lore around Mobile Bay and the surrounding Gulf Coast. Grandparents tell stories of the “big one” in ’72, kids recall their first catch, and everyone agrees- there’s nothing else quite like it.
Even scientists, poets, and journalists have marveled at the event, calling it one of nature’s few “reverse tides,” where instead of casting out for dinner, dinner comes running to you.
It’s quirky. It’s rare. And it’s downright delightful.
Whether you’re an old salt or a first-time visitor, experiencing a Jubilee is a coastal rite of passage. It’s a glimpse into the heartbeat of the Gulf, a time when neighbors gather, stories are swapped, and the water itself seems to join the celebration.
And if you’re wondering where to stay while chasing this coastal unicorn, we’ve got you covered. Jubilee Suites lies right in the heart of the Mobile area that is best known for these Jubilee’s. Check out the times of year that a Jubilee tends to appear and plan your stay at www.jubileesuites.com
So grab your flip-flops, set your alarm clock, and come on down to the Mobile Bay in Fairhope, Alabama. You just might get front-row seats to one of the South’s best-kept secrets.