Historic Mary Walker Marina in Gautier under new ownership

The iconic Mary Walker Marina on the Pascagoula River is now under new ownership.

Last week, the Bolewares packed their bags and moved, trading their life in Ellisville for a life of fishing and boating on the Mary Walker Bayou.

Jimmy and Laura Boleware are the newest owners of the Mary Walker Marina, the oldest continuously operating business in the City of Gautier. “Well, it was in the middle of COVID and I work in health care and I said ‘sure, let’s do it.’ It’s like being on a vacation 365 days of the year. It’s pretty good.”

Having grown up fishing at Mary Walker Marina with his grandfather, Jimmy Boleware jumped at the opportunity to buy the business that means so much to him and many others all over the Gulf Coast. “Everybody here’s more like family than customers. It’s the same people generation after generation. Same families.”

“A lot of people are from other areas, usually South Mississippi, sometimes Alabama. It’s just like a big family when everybody comes down here. Everybody knows everybody. We’re kinda the new kids on the block, still meeting people. And everyone has been fabulous.”

Boleware says it is a dream come true to have his daughter Landry grow up at the marina that shaped his childhood and his love for fishing. “It’s definitely a dream. I really wanted her to get to experience this lifestyle, for sure.”

While Boleware hopes to keep the same family atmosphere the marina has been known for for the past 75 years, he’s also looking to improve and expand its services.

Recently, the marina has become an official weight station for the Mongo Offshore Challenge which means Mary Walker can now certify state records. “We have a lot of updating to do. A lot of the docks and we have a lot of fishing tournaments planned.”

Mary Walker Marina also features a fully stocked bait and tackle shop, fuel dock, boat storage, and two boat launches.