Ezell’s Fish Camp was established on a historical cabin once used as a trading post during the Civil War, supplying packet boats up and down Tombigee River from Mobile. Later on, the cabin was turned into a hunting club where signature Southern dishes such as catfish and hushpuppies were served. Over the years, the Ezell family fully turned the fish camp to a fully eating establishment, with seating now available for up to 300 people.
Using the cabin as his home and base of operations, son C. A. Ezell became a very successful commercial fisherman, employing other fisherman throughout the river region. At the same time, the prolific hunting and fishing in Choctaw County made the cabin a perfect spot for a hunting club, attracting members from all over the state. Large fish fries were held, and the original cook, Pauline, set up a huge pot in the yard, where catfish and hushpuppies were sold for fifty cents per plate. C. A. and his wife Mary continued to live in the camp but as their bursting family grew through the fifties, it became time to move out of the cabin, and soon Ezell’s Fish Camp became a flourishing full-time eating establishment.
The Ezell family soon included children Charles, Mary Ann, and Joe. As her brothers moved away and started their own restaurants, Mary Ann remained in Lavaca, and upon her father’s retirement became owner and operator of the Fish Camp for over 35 years, where ownership has remained in the family to this day.
Over the years, the original two-room cabin has grown to the point that seating is now available for upwards of 300 people. The walls and décor include fish, foul, wild hogs, and what seems to be hundred mounted deer, and has become a favorite spot for corporate events, private parties, and celebrations.
