Grand Fishing
G
rand Isle, Louisiana, is famous for endless backwaters and epic fishing for trout
and reds. To explore the deepest reaches of the bayou, load the kayaks on Calmwater, a converted pontoon boat that can go deep into the bayou through the skinniest water. Husband and wife Danny and Kristen Wray will treat you like family as they shuttle you and your kayak to great fishing and calm water.
www.calmwatercharters.net.
Mothership
Calmwater, a 28-foot, open-deck pontoon boat powered by a 90-horsepower Yamaha. Deck is customized to carry kayaks and anglers in comfort.
Captains
Kristen and Danny Wray have been featured in publications and television shows such as Field & Stream and Louisiana Sportsman. The couple hosts the Ride the Bull Kayak Fishing Tournament, the third largest kayak fishing tournament in the country.
Target species Speckled trout and redfish.
Plan of Attack Speckled trout trips start at dawn. Redfish trips can start later. Run six or seven miles, about 30 minutes. Fish tidal creeks, oyster bars, flats, marsh islands and ponds with live bait and light tackle. Typical trip runs six hours.
Best kayak
A 12- to 14-foot hybrid canoe/ kayak is light, easy to handle, stable and full of storage space. Calmwater is equipped with four Native Ultimates.
Tackle box
Medium action spinning or casting combo with 12-pound braided line and 10- to 30-pound fluorocarbon shock leader. Jigs, soft plastics, topwater plugs and small spoons.
Recommended gear
Leave at home
Polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and camera with waterproof case.
Crew provides live bait tackle and bait. Electronics, crates and extra gear make it harder to stack kayaks on the mothership.
Required skills Drift fishing and sight casting. 50…KAYAK ANGLER
PHOTOS: COURTESY CALMWATER CHARTERS
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