Mothership to the marsh

A great way to fish Pointe-aux-Chenes

Point-aux-Chenes has long been a popular fishing destination for kayak anglers because there are plenty of areas easily accessible from several launch spots and the fishing can be incredible.

However, there’s always a yearning to go farther than you can travel solely by human power. Well, Eddie Mullen has solved that problem.

Mullen and his wife Lisa recently opened Point-aux-Chenes (PAC) Kayak Rentals. Yes, you can rent a fishing kayak, launch and be fishing in less than five minutes.

However, their operation is so much more than a simple ’yak rental business.

With the growth of kayak fishing, several marinas have begun accommodating the needs of kayakers. Some have designated sandy launch spots that allow kayakers to put in without using the regular concrete ramps that gouge the plastic kayaks.

While some marinas are accommodating, it’s no secret amongst the kayak community that others simply detest kayakers.

Mullen has created the first “kayak marina in Louisiana.”

With no facilities to launch powerboats or sell fuel, PAC Kayak Rental’s marina is simply for kayakers. It has a specially designed floating dock that Mullen made just for launching kayaks.

“We have a floating dock with two kayak launch bays,” he said. “Since the dock rises and falls with the tide, the distance to the water never changes and there are no slippery ramps.

“Safe and easy, in and out.”

To make things even easier, kayakers can back their trucks or trailers within several feet of the launch.

Mullen installed a permanent wooden deck and PVC bumpers that allow sliding kayaks to the launch without causing any damage to the bottom of the hull.

“We’re still working on improving the launch, and installed large rollers in front of each bay to make it easier to launch and pick up the loaded kayaks,” Mullen said. “I’m working on designing a grab bar that will give the anglers a solid grip point to make it easier to get in and out of their kayaks.

“We’re open to any suggestions for improvements. We built this for them. There’s no rush, no glaring stares, and it’s safe and secure.”

In addition to the launch, there is sufficient parking so anglers don’t have any safety concerns for their vehicle while out fishing.

Want live bait? Mullen has two large live-bait pens that were filled with shrimp and cocahoes on our visit.

Want to stay the night? A large houseboat sits a few yards away and can comfortably sleep eight. Kayak anglers can relax onboard and spend the night fishing off of the back deck.

The most unique feature of PAC Kayak Rentals has to be the mothership. Mullen has a 24-foot Carolina Skiff he modified to carry several kayaks; the boat can easily carry four kayaks, anglers and all the related gear.

The interior rack is easy to load and provides a secure ride to places far beyond normal kayak range.

“I’m really excited about the mothership trips,” Mullen said. “I can take the kayakers to places they otherwise can’t get to, and they’ll have virtually unlimited areas to fish. On many trips, they will likely be the only ones fishing an area.

“It opens up a whole new world to them.”

The trips are reasonably priced and based on a per-angler charge.

Mullen drops the kayakers off at a chosen location, and picks them up at a pre-arranged time.

Most of the area has sufficient telephone service, so Mullen can be reached if a problem arises or if the anglers want to end (or extend) the fishing time.

“I’m not that far away by boat and can quickly get there if the weather blows up or some other need arises,” he said.

On a recent trip to check out the operation, three anglers loaded their Hobie kayaks onto Mullen’s skiff. On the ride out, he gave details about the area and gladly answered any questions.

After a brief, comfortable boat ride, the skiff was grounded on a small, grassy island near Bay Billiot. Mullen stuck a brightly colored pole at the entrance to the marsh to mark the launch spot.

Although the wind was howling, it was quite easy to launch the kayaks on the lee side of the boat. Within a few minutes, all the kayaks were launched and the anglers pedaled into the interior marsh as Mullen motored back to the marina.

The expansive broken marsh provided some protection from the wind, and the first redfish was landed within 10 minutes.

The conditions were tough, but the water in the marsh was reasonably clear and the fishing picked up. The best action proved to be against the windy shorelines.

Steve Savoye found one particular stretch where he tangled with red after red throwing a weedless gold spoon.

“The only way I could fish was to let the kayak blow against the shoreline and then cast parallel to the bank,” Savoye said.

“I’d catch a fish and then pull myself along the grass to move forward a bit.”

He would then circle back and fish the same shoreline again.

Savoye ended the day catching nine reds, including one that had a tag from the Tag Louisiana program. He lost several more.

“It was tough, but I found where they were and how to catch them,” he explained. “I made so many casts that landed in the grass, I’m surprised I didn’t catch a nutria.”

You will not find two nicer folks than Eddie and Lisa Mullen, and they are doing everything they can to cater specifically to the kayak community.

Whether it is a rental kayak, kayak launch, live bait, overnight accommodations or a fantastic mothership trip, they will take care of you.

“We want the kayakers to feel at home,” Eddie Mullen said. “We’re here 24/7, and there is no clock.“

You can find more information on Facebook by searching for Point-aux-Chenes kayak rentals or by calling Eddie Mullen at 225-573-4085.

About Chris Holmes 252 Articles
Chris Holmes has kayak fished in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and many places in between.