Marsh Arab, his father, and I made a trip across the state to Grand Isle, LA for a guided kayak trip with Capt. Danny Wray of Calmwater Charters. We had met him at a fly fishing expo in Lake Charles a while back and have heard nothing but good things about him and his service. We love to fish new places so we found some time to make a trip. As detailed below, we very much enjoyed ourselves and found all aspects of Capt Danny and his wife's (Kristen) services to be nothing short of excellent.

We booked our trip to sleep at their place on Friday night and fish the following Saturday. We arrived around 6ish Friday evening to the smell of burning charcoal and were greeted by Capt Danny, who showed us around. Let me say that I was very impressed with their "camp", which provided first class accommodations. Included in your stay are meals, which are excellant, and selection of wine, liquor, and beer. Its easy to enjoy the conversation with Capt Danny and Kristen. While doing so and waiting for the food to finish up, we sat at water's edge and enjoyed a nice sunset.





The next morning, we were off.





Here is Capt Danny and his Ultimate 14.5 hot on the trail of some fish.


A popping cork was the first choice of the day.


We first tried for some speckled trout near some rock piles.


After little success there, we moved to some grass islands.


The fishing picked up and we caught a few fish.


While waiting on the tide to start moving, Capt Danny suggested we head into some nearby marsh and try for some reds. Marsh Arab and I were itching to try our Ultimate 12s out, as we have heard lots of good things about them. In particular, we were dying to try standing and making our way through the marsh looking for reds. In my opinion, they did not disappoint, as I found it relatively easy to do. I hooked into a nice red while standing, which was exciting, but he came off after stripping some drag.

Marsh Arab in action.


The tides were extremely high, which made the fishing tougher than normal. Because of that, Capt Danny kept us on the move in search of fish, and we managed to pick up fish here and there.

A pic of Marsh Arab's dad hooked into one.


Right next to where that pic was taken, I caught the biggest trout of the day. She went about 20 inches and was prob just over 3 lbs. Capt Danny got some pics with his camera, but not mine, so I dont have any to post.

While moving away from that spot, Marsh Arab hung into the biggest red of the day.




I think Capt Danny got some video of that catch and mentioned he might make a video to post to youtube.

As the day was winding down, Capt Danny decided to break out the secret weapon. Some DOA Shrimp style artificial shrimp that were not only "realistic", but also "shrimp scented", as demonstrated right on the package they came in. With those under a popping cork, we were able to load the ice chest a lil more with some specks.

I should also add that despite the high tide and the fact that Capt Danny was not too hopeful we would see any taling reds, he was still able to put me on one that I was able to sucker into biting a Top Dog. Thats always fun stuff.

After a very good trip, we return to the camp.


It was about 2 or 3 in the afternoon and I had not had anything to eat since the biscuits, fruit and bacon Kristen had prepared for us early that morning. Before we got back to camp, Capt Danny mentioned Kristen would have a lil something to eat. That was an understatement. She had homemade cookies, a homemade avocado did for tortilla chips, a mango salsa salad, and started making chicken quesadillas on the spot, stuffed with fresh ingredients. That was some killer food. I had to make myself quit eating it. By the way, Capt Danny immediatly began cleaning our fish for us, while we ate.


Like I stated earlier, Capt Danny and Kristen provided us with excellant services in every aspect of our trip. I would highly reccomend them to any one wanting to make a trip to Grand Isle. In my opinion, their rates are really reasonable and you could not ask for more in terms of services that they provide you. Their webiste is www.calmwatercharters.net if you want to check them out.

It should also be noted that years ago when Capt Danny was thinking of getting into the business, he drove to Aransas Pass and talked to Capt Dean Thomas (slowride) about the business. He had nothing but good to say about the help slowride gave him.

Benji

Love the pics, looked like a blast. What camera did you use, they turned out really good.

you boys in south la. got it goin on for sure. i'm glad to hear that capt. danny and kristen are doing well and it looks like they got a nice camp. one of these days i am going to pack my stuff and make the trip to fish with you guys.

and benji, you certainly are getting creative with your photography. i am thoroughly impressed.

Danny and Kristen Wray are a class act from the word go.

They've been a huge supporter of this sport, and of my club in Louisiana, BCKFC.

If any of you guys want a fishing adventure in Louisiana...you really need to check out Danny and Kristen...you will have a GREAT time.

My family and I rented their camp for a weekend, and had an absolute BLAST. It's a great location, has some excellent fishing around the area, and REALLY close to the camp.

If you can get down there...GO! I can't say enough good things about the Wrays.

Bighead

Those photos are amazing-what kind of camera are you using?

I really enjoyed the different perspectives.

Cool, neat place on the water. can you stay overnight there?

Yes. I believe the Wrays rent out their camp, and you can also rent camps by looking at http://www.grandislerentals.com

OR you could stay at Boudreaux's Motel or the Kajun Sportsman as they have rooms available.

There is EXCELLENT fishing all along Hwy 1 from Galliano all the way to Da Gulf.

Bighead

Thanks for the compliments on the pics. The camera I have now is a Canon Powershot G9. I just got it and I am still getting used to it, but I really like it so far. Because I ruined my last camera on the water, I got a scuba diving case that Canon makes for this one to give it some protection, and it seems to work really well. It allows me to take those low angle water shots, where half my camera is usually in the water, and you can still take all the non-water pics with the case on it and they come out well.

Dean,
I'm no slowride, but I try. Because I get bored sometimes and want to try to come up with an interesting pic, I just start trying to take all kinds of different pics. I have no idea what I am doing, so most of the pics turn out like crap. However, every so often I am lucky enough to get one or two thats not too bad.

What a trip.

As we traveled down to Grand Isle along HWY 1 Friday afternoon, it was clear from the water on the edge of the road that the tide was extremely high. When we arrived, Capt. Danny told us that the extremely high tides had the water muddy and the fish scattered. Well, if that's a trip on a bad day - I can't imagine a trip on a good day. Danny did a great job putting us on the fish under difficult conditions.

Yet even if you didn't catch a fish, the first class accommodations and the meals that Kristen puts together are worth the trip!

sounds like a awesome trip, thanks for sharing. i also enjoyed your photos

Sounds like a great place to visit. Nice shots.

Very nice photos! I too was curious what camera you used. I wasn't surprised when you said Canon. Even their low end cameras make great pictures. I have an old A85 that I'm reluctant to get rid of. I also just got an A570IS and was considering getting the Canon waterproof case for it. Your water level point of view shots are especially good and convinced me I'm gonna have to spring for a waterproof case now! Again...GREAT photos!

Looks like fun! Beautiful pictures!

great pics. really enjoyed them!

One more thing....they've got a nice lighted dock that makes a great place to sip after dinner drinks and share in casual conversation while picking off the specks.

Awsome pics. Awesome report. I've got to paddle one of those ultimates.

I have/had a lot fo family in Grand Isle. My aunt has a street named after her where she lived for many years...Rush Lane.
I remember spending several summers with her as a kid and fishing Bayou LaFourche (La-foosh). She had her walls inside the house covered with newpaper articles written about her. She lived in the same house for 40 years and fished EVERYDAY except when a hurricane was blowing. She had 10 freezers below her house that were literally full of fish. Anyone at anytime, if you knew her or not, could stop by at night and she'd be more than happy to have you sit to have dinner with her. She'd tell her fishing stories to everyone who'd listen.

Hurricane Katrina was knocking on her door and I was the last person to speak to her. She said, "I've been in this house for 40 years Bill. My husband couldn't get me to move and I'll be damn if some woman named Katrina is gonna get me to leave."

The storm blew her house into the bayou board by board. Aunt Ruby was never found and I'd like to think she died in the same bayou she fished in everyday.

Thats horrible. I am sorry to hear about your loss.

Great trip, pics and post guys!

It sounds like you guys may have been watched over by a pretty neat /sweet spirit.

YaknAustin, Souls like Ruby are a true treasure that keep many smiling years after they have departed, including many that never even met her. I would have very much liked to. You are lucky to have the memories to call on.

Thanks for sharing her story with us.

Really Great Photos! I really like how those Native Ultimates look, very flats fishing compatible, very nice!

great sunrise pic