By Capt. Raymond Griffin

After all the news that you have seen on TV you might think that there is nothing left of South Louisiana after these two horrible storms. Well, the truth is that there are certain areas where there is NOTHING left, I mean NOTHING.

Mother nature has a way of destroying things and at the same time building things and leaving some things totally untouched! That's what happened in south Louisiana and I'm going to try to give you a real feel for what happened in all areas of south Louisiana.

It wouldn't be right if I didn't mention the Gulf Coast of South Mississippi. They got smacked hard, some small towns are just not there anymore, but I'm here to tell you about the fishing or what is left of it in South Louisiana.

Lets start with the East side of the Mississippi River, Chalmett, Hope Dale, Empire areas. These were the hardest hit areas, total destruction. ALL of the marinas are gone or so damaged that it will be months before they are ready to do business again, some of those areas still do not have power. I have visited each of these areas and have seen what is left.

If you decide to be adventurous, and go there, be prepared, there are no rooms, very little services and the marsh is DANGEROUS! When I say dangerous, what I mean is that it has all changed. All the places that you use to go and fish have changed. Whole chunks of land have been moved, whole lakes have been silted in, canals that you use to run down are now dry land. If you go, go slow, talk to as many locals as you possibly can

Further down, Port Sulfur, Myrtle Grove and Venice, again this was one of the hardest hit areas. ALL of lower Port Sulfur is gone! Homes, churches, business just gone. Further down, the Venice area was hit hard but they are rebuilding at a fast pace. Venice Marina and Cypress Cove Marina are open but do not have rooms yet. There is gas available and boat launches open. The main problem is the same as I mentioned before, the marsh in that area has changed dramatically. Besides Griffin Fishing Charters I also own a franchise called SEA TOW. Basically it's an on the water towing service (504-689-4Tow if you need us) and we have pulled countless people off of mud flats in areas that they have fished all of their lives and never had trouble. BE CAREFUL!! Go slow if you don't know!

Further West, the Grand Isle area, the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana was also hit hard, but is making a strong come back. There are a few rooms available and a few of the marinas are selling gas. The State Park is back open for camping and fishing. Grand Isle is known for their deep sea fishing and beach fishing. All of that is still good and by the spring there should be plenty of rooms ready.

I guess I saved what I believe is best for last or the area that was hit the least. Our area is Lafitte, We are 30 minutes south of New Orleans. Although we had over 200 thousand in damage at Griffin Fishing, we are back! I can't tell you how blessed we feel to have been spared the blunt of the storm. Our marsh did not sustain major damage, although we lost some of our barrier islands, our mash is pretty much intact. All of the guides in the area are back and ready to go. We lost all of our fall season rebuilding our lodge and docks, but we are here and ready to go.

If you have questions about other areas or any of the areas that I mentioned, you can call me at 1-800-741-1340 and I'll be glad to answer any questions that you have or try and get the info you want. Of course if you want to go "catchin" and enjoy some great Cajun cookin come on down! We'll take you on the "catchin" trip of a life time!

Let me take a moment to thank all of the folks that prayed, called, sent e mails and showed up to help us rebuld. With out your help we would not be here. THANK YOU!

That's all for now folks, next month I'll give y'all an up date and some tips on the best spots for spring time fishing in south Louisiana.

Capt. Raymond Griffin
Griffin Fishing Charters
griffinfishing.com
1-800-741-1340