by Nelva Toups Maxey
Curtis and I were looking for property in Crystal Beach just so he could dock his shrimp boat. We found six lots on Gator point which already had a small dock. We bought the property. Two months later, the Chapmans Point property came up for sale. Our realtor knew we were looking for property with a dock and this property happened to be a run down bait camp, just across the Canal from the Gator Point property. She asked Curtis if he was interested in that property. Without even asking the price, Curtis answered “YES” I want it!
There we were with two properties not knowing what to do with too much property. Then Curtis had an idea. He said let’s try opening a bait camp. Let’s see if we can keep the shrimp alive. We opened our doors Memorial weekend 2004. No one knew we had bait and no one stopped in to see what kind of business we opened. I literally had to stand on the dock and ask boaters as they motored by, if they were looking for bait! We stayed with it learning about live bait as we went along and it turned out we were pretty good at it. Curtis shrimps everyday in the summer time and if he can’t catch shrimp, NO ONE CAN! It’s actually part of our motto. “If we don’t have it, no one does”! In 2012, we’re considered the largest and best bait camp on the Bolivar Peninsula. Our customers tell us they stop at our place first because they know “if we don’t have it, no one does.”
Chapmans Point property in 2004. What a mess...there were three abandoned cars, barrels of old oil, three sunken boats in the canal and 36 old tires.
Curtis had a great vision! He knew what he could do with this property!
Bluewater Bait Camp in September 2008, a few days before Hurricane Ike
After Ike, this is what Nelva and Curtis came back to. They lost a newly purchased shrimp boat, but BIG CHANGE was still there!!!
Bluewater Bait Camp today...Happy Anniversary
Nelva and Curtis Maxey
Bluewater Bait Camp
409-684-2248
bluewaterbaitcamp.com
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We bought 25 pounds of shrimp last year from you! It was fresh and wonderful! Curtis was so nice to my son and his friend. The flounder was great, too. Love your little place! Hope to be back soon.
You and Curtis have done a great job.. We love you being there. Your blue neighbors….
Glad to see what some hard work and sweat will do. I have lived in and around the galveston and port bolivar area most of my life, right now i’m living in fl, but plan to visit galveston and bolivar next year. You guys did a great job with the bait camp!!!.
Hey Nelva Dee!!!
I was the postmaster in Gilchrist when Ike paid his visit. Several customers that we grew up with had told me that you were down there, but no one could tell me exactly where. I thought of you often in those days following Ike, and finally one night saw Michelle’s name on Facebook. I wrote her a note and she let me know that you had survived and come back even stronger. What a wonderful life you must have! Congratulations on your success. Next time we come through, I’ll definitely stop for some fresh shrimp!
We’ve been looking for fresh shrimp on the peninsula and didn’t know where to go. Now we do. Congrats on your success!
Well you defnitely have our support and business. You guys are the best and we couldn’t be happier knowing that we are your new neighbors,friends and customers. Thank you Curtis and Nelva for hanging in there. May God continue to Bless your family and business.
WE ARE SO HONORED TO BE YOUR NEIGHBOR, CUSTOMER, AND GREAT FRIENDS. YOU TOOK A HARD HIT ON THE CHIN AND CAME BACK STRONGER AND BETTER THEN EVER. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK HAVING THE BEST BAIT AND EATING SHRIMP YOU CAN FIND IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS! Curtis shrimping, and Nelva marketing with her great personality is a winnig team. They always make you smile and feel welcome.
AWESOME!!!!! I can’t believe the progress you guys have made. Congratulations.