The Simple Pleasure of Wandering the Marsh
Nov 13
Fishing Louisiana’s coastal marsh is the highlight of my year and, for the past 13 years, I have been engaging annually in the simple pleasure of wandering the marsh in search of redfish. As past editor of Western Outdoors I’ve fished from Alaska to Baja, California to Florida—nothing compares to fishing this world-class destination.
Driving through miles of Rouseau Cane I am still stunned by the erupting flocks of spoonbill cranes and the burst of color that contrasts with the surrounding wetlands. Explosive redfish strikes, the movement of life throughout the marsh ecosystem and the activity of sportsmen on the water all combine to expose a rare gift in a world of rapidly depleting resources.
Each passing year generates new concern for a habitat in severe decline. Vast open water marks areas that were once land and as the marsh deteriorates ever northward, the dynamic process is easily seen by the naked eye.
Restoration Gaining Momentum
The Mississippi River Delta has not fully recovered since the largest accidental marine oil spill in history fouled its waters and shorelines. Vanishing Paradise supports using money from BP’s oil spill fines towards restoring the Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
Two recent developments have moved this idea a little closer to reality. A bipartisan group recently introduced a bill titled the “Restore Act” in the House dedicating money from these fines to restoration. Nine Gulf senators cosponsored a similar bill in the Senate, and it passed out of committee with strong support this past September.
The bill still faces a long road before it becomes law. To become active in the push to rebuild coastal wetlands and secure the hunting and fishing legacy of this Sportsmen’s Paradise, sign on with your support and enter to win a sportsmen’s trip for two to fish one of the greatest angling destinations on the planet.
The oil spill is still having an impact on the Gulf. For example, a recent study documented the effect of oil from the spill on a common minnow that is a critical part of the Gulf’s food web. The study found that oil exposure has altered the minnow’s cellular function in ways that are predictive of developmental abnormalities, decreased hatching success, and lowered survival rates.
This vote paves the way for Congress to do what voters expect: hold the companies responsible for the Gulf oil disaster accountable for restoring the region that was damaged. Using the Gulf oil spill penalties to restore the Gulf region’s communities, environment and economy is the fair and right thing to do.
“Passing the RESTORE Act out of the EPW Committee by a voice vote shows the bipartisan support this issue commands,” NWF’s Senior Manager for Sportsmen Leadership Land Tawney said. “The Mississippi River Delta is a national treasure that deserves to be made whole from the impacts of the largest oil spill this country has ever seen. We must carry the momentum out of the committee and take it to the full Senate and House in a timely fashion. The chorus of ducks quacking and redfish tailing has started, but we must follow through to ensure our children can enjoy this phenomenal resource into the future.”
Strong Support
Strong hunting and angling support exists to save the wetlands. At this latest incarnation of Marsh Madness, representatives from Top Brass (the organizer), Plano Molding, WileyX Sunglasses, RealTree Camoflauge, Seaguar fishing line, Underarmor clothing, Skeeter Boats and Zman lures all were in attendance at Venice, Louisiana in mid-October to once again take up their fishing rods and enjoy this incredible fishing destination.
Along for the ride were media representatives from across the country who care deeply about the future of the marsh and its ecosystem. Outdoor writers and editors from Louisiana Sportsmen’s Magazine, Outdoor Life, In Fisherman Magazine, Bassmaster Magazine, BassTimes, ESPN and a pile of freelancers engaged to take the message to their readers. Hosted by Top Brass tackle and dedicated boaters and anglers from Mississippi, this national crew swarms through the marsh’s backwaters in search of epic redfish adventure.
In addition, and with great pleasure during the event, I accepted on behalf of Vanishing Paradise an original watercolor by artist Chris Armstrong featuring the magnificent spoonbill crane.
Through three days on the marsh our wandering eyes took in the great gift this area has given all of us who spend time in the marsh. This precious resource has a savior in the sportsmen of America who value wild places and wild times to satisfy their need to both connect with the environment and recreate. We all know it’s a legacy to protect, and restoring Louisiana’s wetlands is something that can be done in our lifetime. Thanks for your support.
