Paddling Anglers

(i.e. Canoe, kayak, or whatever suits your fancy)

Contents:  Reasons for Paddle Fishing; What type of gear you will need; Where to buy; and a List of the Top Spots

The Reasons:

For those of us who prefer the reliability and sound of human power over outboard motors, this page is for you.  It is a top ten list of the best places within southeast Louisiana to fish from your canoe or sea-kayak.   The rankings are not in any special order, and this is only meant to be a general guide for beginners.   If you have additional information about any of these locations, I would greatly appreciate your input.   

Without exception the most common question I get from other anglers is why would anyone want to fish from a canoe.  My answer (the long version) is always the same.   "Over the past ten years I have owned at least three different power boats, and during that same ten years, if I had set aside the same dollars in retirement funds that I placed in those boats  I would be retiring a minimum of thirty years earlier.  Each fish I caught from these fine machines had a net book value per pound higher than that of the finest filet mignon in the most expensive restaurant.  Truth be told I could have purchased cheaper caviar."

This is not say that I didn't enjoy my boats.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  But without question, I didn't enjoy the expense or the maintenance headaches. 

However, since purchasing my canoe and sea kayak, I have finally beaten the system --cheap to operate, easy to clean up, and absolutely just as much fun as anything bigger.   If you buy one, you will never look back.

Gear -- "Just the Basics"

Boat -- Anything that floats and is somewhat stable.  I prefer my canoe to anything on the market, but I have some serious limitations -- no open water.  The best all around boats are the sit on top kayaks.  There are lots of models, but for this area unless you are going great distances or  in serious open water, shorter is better.   Think light weight in whatever you buy.  If it weighs a ton, trust me you will not use it. 

Paddles -- Spend money here!!!!  The more you spend here the happier you will be.  My boat is so old and in such bad shape, people laugh at me at the launch.  But because I use excellent quality kayak blades,  I quickly pass them.  My arms last all day, while theirs give out an hour after sun rise.   Never use a single blade paddle no matter what kind of boat you own. 

If you are lucky, you just will not go anywhere because they are two slow for Louisiana waters.  If you are unlucky, you can be pinned by the wind against a bank or even blown out into the middle of open water.  Also, buy a paddle leash.   Loosing a paddle could cost your life.  (I even bring a spare set.  Saved my life while fishing in Lake Ponchartrain.)

Anchor -- Always bring two.   With a single anchor, strong winds will tend to spin you in circles.  Weight isn't an issue here, but the best anchors will dig into the mud.

Lifejacket -- Always wear it, no matter where you are!!!!  Paddle fishing is fun, but there is more risk here than in a bigger boat.  Running over a stump can flip you when you least expect it.   And worst yet, power boats just do not see you at high speeds.  Try to buy a life vest with large arm holes.  Life jackets that fit tight around the arm, will rub you raw. 

Everything else is just extras.   Fight temptation and keep the gear simple.  When you add depth finders, motors, etc., you add weight, trouble, and expense. 

Places to Buy Gear

For paddlers in New Orleans, it is hard to beat the two Split bamboo stores in town for both boats and advice.  They have a great selection of sit on top boats and a tremendous selection of fly fishing equipment.  Their staff is extremely knowledgeable.  These people really know how to fish from a paddle craft!  You can reach the Sporting Life at 504-529-3597 or email them at bcarter@splitbamboo.com. 

If you are looking for a canoe or cockpit style kayak another great place is Adventure Sport's in Metairie.  They have a great selection of both boats and paddles.   They have just started carrying a new line of Harmony kayak paddles that are some of the best on the market for the lowest price ($100.00) I have ever seen. The staff is extremely knowledgeable of paddling opportunities in the area.  Ask for Joey when you go in and tell them I sent you.  Their phone number is 504-835-1932. 

For the paddling crabber, the only place to buy nets is from Adams Fruit Market in Lockport, Louisiana.  It is a forty minute  ride from New Orleans, but it is well worth the trip.  He has perfected crabbing to an art form.   Don't be fooled by the cheap crab nets on the market.  A good crab net is something that is pasted from one generation to the next.  It isn't something you use for a season. Their phone number is 504-532-3165.

  A Good Crab Net has two rings and is made from plastic netting.  Don't buy nylon or cotton -- you will regret it later!