Kayak Angling in New Orleans

Fellow Anglers,

When I was a little kid, I couldn't wait to get home from school to watch the Mickey Mouse Club on TV.  Now, I can't wait to get home from work to log on to NCKA.  Things haven't changed much, really.  This is a very intimate community for the internet and while I've met only a few members personally I feel as thought I know many of you and would feel comfortable saying hello if I saw you anywhere.

Many of us know Brendan Crahan.  We first met when my kids gave me a guided trip with him for my birthday last year.  What an introduction to kayak fishing, that day set the hook so deep I don't think it will ever come out!  I'm taking this weekend off but all I can think about is my friends who are out there today, wishing I was there to watch them catch more and bigger fish.

I know we are all aware of the tragedy in New Orleans and the South but I don't think any of us can imagine the true magnitude of human suffering that will continue there for a very long time.  I've been working with Brendan for a trip to Big Sur next month but he informed me that the trip would have to wait as he is taking the month of October off from work to go to New Orleans and volunteer for the Red Cross.

Brendan has always been willing to help others here on this site and out there on the ocean and now his generosity is extending to a place of unimaginable need.  I'll be hooking up with him before he leaves and I plan to offer him a contribution for use in his effort as he sees fit.  I see this as an opportunity for me to offer help as best I can and keep the awareness of this suffering alive.

I hope that other members of our community can offer Brendan the encouragement, recognition and support they can.  What a guy!

Thank you for reading this,
Pete

Props to Brendan for helping those in need. Thanks for letting us know what he's been up to.
Btw, I thought this thread was going to be a photoshopped "kayak angling" pic in N.O., but this was a better surprise.

I appreciate what Brendan is doing, as I am a RC volunteer myself.

I hope that everyone can volunteer what time they have.

These people need help.

MolBasser

I know the subject is a bit misleading but I needed a hook!

Pete,
Were you the one who stopped by the Tackle Warehouse in San Luis Obispo a few weeks ago on your way up to Big Sur? I recall meeting someone there under very similar circumstances (father's day gift).

It wasn't me but I pass through SLO town frequently and would like to know more about the shop (toy store) you mentioned.  Also would like to hear about kayak angling in your area.

Pete

The "Toy Store" is located on South Higuera Street which runs parallel to and along the east edge of the 101 with an exit from the 101 at Madonna Rd to the north or Los Osos Valley Rd to the south. They're in a commercial warehouse type center one block south of Prado road on the west side. They are huge online at tacklewarehouse.com but their online sales focus on high dollar Bass gear presently but inside their storefront they do sell lots of saltwater gear though. My friend started the business almost 10 years ago and more recently merged with a large company that specialized in online sales for Golf, Tennis, and who knows what other kind of gear. His location and facility is fishing only. Since our local season is coming to its predicted close they are a bit shy on terminal tackle but I've been talking with them about kayak fishing and I'm confident things will get going on the supply side soon.

Our area is prime for fishing! Numerous launch locations out of Morro Bay area and south near my backyard, the Port San Luis, Shell Beach area.