By Geoff, Matt, David and Michael.
We left Mark's at 11 o'clock on Saturday, May 4th and headed to the Birmingham Airport to catch our 2 o'clock flight to New Orleans. Excited to just be heading out of town for a couple of days, the four of us embarked on the best kind of fishing trip... a "work related" fishing trip and as usual with four guys it was anything but normal. It all got started with a leisurely stroll through airport security where we all were made aware that pliers and knives are not items that you want to try and take past security. David was taken through a head-to-toe search and made well aware of the consequences of trying such tricks. We boarded our flight already feeling relieved of the burdens of work and took our seat next to a couple who was completely unaware of what lie ahead for the next hour. After an uneventful take-off we began to get to know the people around us and found out that we were seated next to a newly wed couple and a four year old superhero from Kentucky. The flight seemed to go by in a flash, partly because we were so excited about the fishing and part because we didn't stop talking long enough to think about it.

We arrived in New Orleans without major incident and were met at the front door of the airport by our ride which was arranged by Mr.Griffin and were escorted toward the fishing town of Lafitte. We arrived at the fishing camp, after a few close calls in traffic on the way, to discover very comfortable accommodations and a host who was as excited to have us as we were to be there. Raymond was already wearing his proof of a hard days' fishing with his "coon eyes" glowing. He showed us to our rooms and made us aware of the schedule for the rest of the night and showed us to the pier. Raymond showed off his newest boat in the fleet, a 24 foot Bay Stalker powered by a 225 h.p. Yamaha. As if having us down for a weekend wasn't enough, Raymond turns around and offers up an afternoon on his private boat. Three hours with the four of us unattended on a boat didn't sound like a good idea to those of us who knew better, but he let us go anyway and thought we didn't catch any fish it was a great time. We arrived back at camp around six where showers and a delicious cajun-style dinner awaited us. Raymond's wife Belinda prepared a delicious dinner that would top off any trip.

At 5:30 the following morning we met for a home cooked breakfast courtesy of our host who not only can fish and entertain, but cook as well. We were introduced to Steve, our guide for the day and blasted off at 6. After a 30 minute run we arrived at the first stop known as "magic point". With topwater plugs tied on we got started just before sun-up and immediately found fish despite the fact that there was no water moving at the time. Several specks and a few reds were boated at the first stop giving us a little confidence going into the day. The topwater bite continued on throughout the morning until around 10:30 when the sun was high in the sky. It was a sunny day that was actually pretty hot for this time of year which should have told us to at least put on a little sunscreen, but who needs sunscreen when you're catching fish? Later in the morning we made our way into the ponds where Michael began to take over with his fly rod skills. Fishing a gold spoon fly on a 6 weight GLX, Michael landed a nice red after a fantastic fight. Steve was as excited as anyone just to see on landed on the fly which was an out of the ordinary experience. Time was running low as we headed back to camp for an afternoon cook-out and the blessing of the fleet celebration in town. We made one last stop on a sandy point to look for some specs with plastic. Shortly after stopping we boated one spec on a Cocahoe minnow... followed by another, then about thirty more.

Sometimes landing as many as three at one time. All five of us on the boat caught fish constantly for the next 45 minutes to finish out a great day of fishing. We arrived back at camp to a full house and a river full of boats awaiting the blessing from the priest on the town's bridge. What a party! Boats with bands, people everywhere... what a great time! We spent the whole afternoon meeting the town's people and getting ready for the flight home. Little did we know that nearby in New Orleans the annual Jazzfest was taking place which meant that our flight would be packed with parrot heads who flocked to see Buffet at the festival, but we had to get on the flight first. We arrived at the airport with tickets in hand ready to fly...except for one thing, I didn't have my ticket. I had left the ticket in the van and was left to buy a stand by ticket on an already overbooked flight. I was sure Mark would understand if I had to stay one more night due to a lost ticket, but saw it best to unashamedly beg for a seat on the flight. I got the seat and we made it home without any major incidents except some real bad sunburn and another run-in with security over those pliers.

The trip turned out to be fantastic from start to finish. Accommodations, food and the fishing was outstanding. I think we would all agree that Raymond Griffin turned us on to what will be an every year trip for us to the bayou.

To book a trip with Griffin Charters call: 1-800-741-1340.