LET'S "DO SOMETHING!"

Louisiana: Sportsman's Paradise

We were all in agreement we wanted to “do something” the following day. After all, there are not many days in the year when my wife, son, and I are together, without time restraints, for an entire day. So, with the vague idea of “doing something,” we first checked the weather forecast...windy with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

As I have written in the past, I once again promote the fact that on any given day in Southeastern Louisiana, there are usually several outdoor recreational activities from which to choose, particularly around New Orleans. We were intent upon taking full advantage of that fact. With summer now fully entrenched, we hoped the predicted breeze would “dry up “the infamous humidity that accompanies the season. If the rain held off long enough it would be a great day to be outdoors to take advantage of a few of the many reasons Louisiana is known as “Sportsman's Paradise.”

Water, Water, Everywhere

Living south of New Orleans, we are surrounded by water on every side. To our north and east the Mississippi River flows past, pushing around the “crescent” and on to the Gulf of Mexico. To the south and west are the estuaries, both large and small, that mark the beginning of the state's marshlands. The now-endangered marsh gradually thins into larger lakes and bays as it nears and merges with the Gulf.

On this particular day, we decided to take advantage of the area's natural resources and enjoy a combination fishing and crabbing trip. One small problem which limits the area available to us, though water surrounds us, we do not own a boat! However, with enough driving, snooping, and asking questions, we have found a few spots were we can enjoy these pursuits while standing on solid ground.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

The words, “Let's get there early,” were said, but by the time we drifted off into LA-LA Land, no plans had been fully laid out or preparations made for the following day. The next morning I was the first to acknowledge that my eyes were open. The sun was already well up when I asked my wife if she still wanted to head out. She said, “yes,” and in the next breath she resumed her cadence of not-so-delicate snores. Fifteen minutes later I asked the same question. Her answer was the same, but without the return of the snores.

I jumped on and squished my “soon to be” thirteen-year-old awake by laying on him as I sang some silly song at the top of my lungs. He feigned continued sleep for as long as he could go without a full breath. Once his eyes opened, he was full steam ahead as we packed fishing rods, bait, ice chests, water, snacks, and all the other things we thought we may need. During our vague “planning session” the previous evening my wife had nixed the idea of heading to Grand Isle, Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island. We packed without really deciding our destination. As we prepared to leave she volunteered to drive. She received absolutely no argument from me! She drove us southeast to Belle Chasse where we crossed the Mississippi River on a ferry. We drove east into the marsh, passing the highway leading to Hopedale, LA. It was there we had spent a wonderful day of the same activities two weeks before. On this trip we eventually pulled to the shoulder of the road alongside a wide, dark-water bayou in Delacroix, LA.

Still More Memories Made

Even with a late start we still had a full day's worth of fishing and crabbing fun. We remained in our original location for most of the day. Late in the afternoon we packed our gear and explored a bit more of the area. Most of the roads in these areas parallel the main bayou where the only bit of natural high ground in the area is located. On our drive we had no trouble spotting four alligators cruising in the dark water. Sea Gulls and many other aquatic fowl were our fishing partners throughout our day's adventures.

As the sun lowered the clouds began to pile up, but the rain stayed away until early the next morning. With some daylight remaining we revisited the spot near Hopedale where we had previously spent a leisurely day a couple of weeks before. We did not strike out for home until dark-thirty. It was then that the large horse flies and hardy marsh mosquitoes, having no trouble negotiating the stiff breeze, began to attack.

Our fortunes, measured in what the water yielded to us, were better than our previous trip to the area. Last evening, my son, who is also developing a love of cooking, boiled his first of crabs. Following my wife's recipe, he boiled three dozen crabs plus one, complete with all the Cajun spices. Corn on the cob, potatoes, and cuts of pork sausage were tossed in the pot as lagniappe! My wife summed it up as she cracked open one of the large, freshly-boiled crabs, “They taste much better when you catch them yourself!”

In addition to the crabs, my son and I managed to catch one catfish, a red fish, and a speckled trout. All were too small to keep, but loads of fun nonetheless. Another interesting snag I made began with getting my hook hung up on something deep beneath the surface of the “root beer” colored water. After much wrangling, I was unable to work the hook free. I finally gave up and began applying steady, increasing pressure on the line to break off the hook. Instead of popping the line, something else gave way and I began reeling in something of weight. Very much to my surprise, I reeled in two large oyster melded together. The sharp point of my hook had pierced and held onto a very then spot just on the edge of the shell. Can anyone guess what my afternoon snack was?

Above all, the biggest take and the biggest blessing of the day was the time well-spent with my family in the great outdoors. I was raised outdoors in the hot summer sun and mild winter days of South Louisiana. Anytime I can give one of those days to my son, no matter whether we are fishing, crabbing, hiking, camping or canoing, it is a very special time. My wife also spent much time in the outdoors during her youth. I believe trips like these transport both of us back to a simpler time in our lives. Now, can anyone find us some acreage with Whitetails for next hunting season? We have more memories to make!

Thanks for reading!

Robb