America's Wetland Foundation

By Lynn Guidry 5/31/07

A fish with dignity, a fish with pride.
No fear of man, no need to hide.
He prowls the marsh, stalking his favorite prey.
No crab or shrimp better get in this creature's way.

King of the bayou, master of the marsh.
Devourer of mullet, predator of larsh
His dark tail spots tell the story of this creature's initial birth.
Marked with God's finger and thumb prints when placed upon this earth.

A fighting fish, an angler's delight.
Could pull a bass backwards were they in a fight.
A fish with shoulders, will pull like an ox.
Will wear you out before you get him in the box.

Oh great warrior of the big salt water pond.
Oh great admiral of the barrier islands and beyond.
You have witnessed the coastline and salt water marsh retreat,
As you continue to push northward not willing to accept defeat.

For you are the game fish that rises above all the rest.
You put the anglers knowledge, skills, and strength to the test.
And when you finally give in as do all other fish,
You sacrifice your body into a very delightful dish.

So here's to the Redfish, fish king of the coast.
Let's raise our glasses and offer to him a final toast.
For he has been here for ages, the years he continues to exhaust.
And will finally reside in Baton Rouge when all our coast is lost.