It was a little over two years ago when we reported on Louisiana’s first and only kayak-specific marina. When Eddie and Lisa Mullen opened Pointe-aux-Chenes (PAC) Kayak Rentals, it was something special. It’s even better now. They wanted to make a place that was specifically designed for the needs of kayak anglers. With no fuel sales and no powerboat launch facilities, they started with a unique floating kayak launch equipped with two launching bays. It has now been expanded to six.
“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,” Eddie told us back then.
The tripling of the launch bays is far from the only changes the Mullens’ have implemented since opening. PAC Kayak Rentals has absolutely become a full-service kayak fishing marina. They’ve increased their fleet of rental kayaks, opened a tackle store and sell ice. Live and dead bait is still available, and for those wanting to stay on site, they have RV and tent camping sites available as well as a stationary houseboat that is great for small groups. All of the accommodations are available for nightly, weekly or monthly rentals, and the RV spots can also be rented yearly. A large lighted fishing pier was constructed for use by overnight guests, and provides a lot of after-hours action just steps away from the houseboat.
Need more? Many marinas have storage buildings where anglers can leave their boats to avoid towing them for every fishing trip. So they constructed secure wooden storage boxes that kayak anglers can rent to keep their kayak on-site. Eerily resembling a small mausoleum, the four-slot storage has proven popular and will soon be expanded. For those wanting to experience kayak fishing via a guided trip, PAC has an experienced guide that can take care of everything. Of course, the mothership trip that has been offered since the beginning is still one of the most popular options. Either renting a kayak from PAC or bringing your own, Eddie will load it up on his Carolina skiff and bring the anglers to secluded areas that are too far to reach by paddling alone.
A long day of kayak fishing can make an angler hungry. They’ll soon be able to take care of that, too. On my recent visit, a large prefabricated building sat in the parking lot. Lisa pointed out some new pilings and a superstructure, and advised that the building would soon be lifted up top to become the new on-site restaurant. It will have a large covered patio for dining with great views of the Point-aux-Chenes marsh.
I’m sure Eddie and Lisa still have additional plans for their remarkable kayak fishing marina, and who knows what they will dream up next? They have truly created a kayak-friendly operation located in the heart of a great kayak fishing area. If you have never been, you don’t know what you are missing.
Check out www.packayakrental.com.
