Meet Your Host: Justin Karnopp

Justin is a lifelong angler, former outdoor TV producer, longtime fishing guide, and the driving force behind bringing ALLROD to the U.S.

Based in Missoula, Montana, he’s also the host of the popular fly-fishing podcast The February Room and an Adventure Consultant with Got Fishing, making him the perfect guide for this Redfish Bonanza + Offshore Bash.

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Get ready for five straight days of authentic Louisiana fishing. This hosted Redfish Bonanza + Offshore Bash pairs hard-charging offshore fly fishing with nonstop inshore action for reds – all from the comfort of Sportsmans Lodge and under the guidance of Justin Karnopp. You’ll spend two full days pushing offshore on two charter boats, then shift into high-gear inshore mode with four boats covering the best reds water.

The First ALLROD-Sponsored Experience

This trip comes with a built-in gear advantage. Justin Karnopp and ALLROD are putting an ALLFLY in every angler’s hands for the inshore days so you can fish the reds with a purpose-built rod and see exactly what it can do. It’s hands-on time with the gear in the exact conditions it was made for. Come curious, leave with a clear opinion (and probably a new favorite stick).

Why We Chose This Program

Sportsman’s Lodge is a versatile all-inclusive lodge in Venice, Louisiana – widely known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” This 110-foot luxury barge sits in the Venice Marina on the edge of the Mississippi River Delta, offering more than 5,000 square feet of comfortable living space and direct dockside access for guide pickups. It is designed for anglers who want maximum variety in a single trip.

Venice’s location at the southern tip of Louisiana puts guests within easy reach of vast coastal marshes, nearby barrier islands, and some of the closest deep-water access to the continental shelf in the continental United States. The atmosphere is social and energetic, with open common areas that encourage mixing after a day on the water.

General Itinerary

  • November 29 – Arrive and check in at Sportsmans Lodge. Settle in, meet the group, and get ready for the week ahead.
  • November 30 – Full day of offshore fly fishing in the Gulf.
  • December 1 – Another full day offshore chasing bluewater opportunities.
  • December 2 – Switch to inshore mode targeting redfish on the fly in the marshes, flats, and bayous.
  • December 3 – Second full day of inshore fly fishing for reds.
  • December 4 – Morning inshore session, then checkout and depart after fishing.

The lodge features eight individual staterooms upstairs with a variety of bedding configurations: twin beds, bunks, and a suite option (up to 20 guests). Some rooms have private bathrooms; others share. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with DirectTV in the rooms, central air conditioning, and select rooms with private balconies. The main deck centers on a spacious great room with comfortable seating and a large flat-screen TV, an open kitchen/dining area where guests can watch the chef prepare meals, a self-serve complimentary bar, and outdoor seating (including a deck TV) perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

All stays are all-inclusive and include hot breakfast, packed boat lunches with soft drinks and water, appetizers, and family-style or buffet dinners highlighting Southern and Cajun cuisine with fresh local seafood. A well-stocked open bar (liquor, wine, and beer) is available at the lodge. Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a welcoming social vibe complete the experience.

Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Guests fishing on departure day may pack in the morning; bags will be held until return.

This trip is built for fly anglers who want both bluewater adrenaline and classic redfish battles.

Days 1–2 put you offshore with two dedicated charter boats chasing whatever the Gulf is serving up: tuna, mahi, kings, or whatever else decides to eat. You’ll be casting flies in open water, covering ground, and looking for those explosive surface eats that only the Gulf can deliver.

Days 3–5 switch the focus inshore. Four charter boats spread out across the marshes, flats, and bayous targeting redfish on the fly. Expect sight-fishing opportunities, tailing reds in skinny water, and the kind of close-range shots that make Louisiana famous. The final morning still includes fishing before checkout, so you get every possible hour on the water.

Whether you’re stripping streamers for reds in the grass or launching big flies into bluewater, the pace stays high and the fishing stays focused.

Sportsman’s Lodge offers a broad fishing menu. Inshore and nearshore options target redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, jack crevalle, and more in the surrounding marshes and barrier-island waters. Fly fishing is available on poling skiffs (typically one guide and up to two anglers).

The standout advantage is offshore access. High-speed boats run roughly one hour to productive grounds for yellowfin tuna.

Boats pick up and drop off directly at the lodge dock. Guides provide necessary gear; guests may bring personal equipment if preferred.

Sportsman’s Lodge is located in the Venice Marina, about 90 miles (roughly 1.5–2 hours) south of New Orleans / Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) at the end of the road on the Mississippi River Delta.

Most guests fly into MSY. Options include renting a car for the scenic drive or arranging a shared shuttle (historically around $285 each way for up to six passengers; confirm current rates). Drivers can often stop for supplies. Allow generous buffer time on departure day (especially if fishing that morning) and plan at least 3–4 hours before evening flights. Check-in is 3:00 p.m.; bags can be held if fishing on checkout day.

Good News: All necessary fly fishing gear is provided at no extra charge. This includes quality fly rods, reels, lines, leaders, and a full selection of flies tailored to Louisiana marshes. Conventional/light tackle and offshore gear are also supplied for those trips.

Recommended Personal Gear List

For those who prefer using their own equipment, we suggest bringing:

Fly Fishing:

  • 9wt and 10wt fly rods
  • Matching reel with strong drag
  • Floating and intermediate sink tip lines
  • Leader/tippet material (16–30 lb)
  • Your favorite redfish flies (Clousers, crab patterns, spoon flies, etc.)
  • Polarized sunglasses (extra important for sight fishing)
  • Nippers, pliers, and small tackle tools

Clothing & Essentials:

  • Quick-dry fishing shirts and pants (long sleeves for sun protection)
  • Sun hat with neck flap + buff or face shield
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Comfortable fishing shoes or boots (wadable options if desired)
  • Polarized sunglasses (backup pair recommended)
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent
  • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Personal medications, motion sickness remedies (if going offshore)

Other Helpful Items:

  • Small dry bag or waterproof backpack for the boat
  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Favorite snacks
  • Cooler or soft-sided bag for transporting fillets home (optional)

The lodges have washers and dryers, so you don’t need excessive clothing. Pack light and focus on comfort and sun protection – Louisiana’s weather can be warm and humid!

TRIP INCLUDES

  • 5 Nights all-inclusive lodging at the Sportsman’s Lodge
  • 5 Days guided fishing: 2 days offshore, 3 days fly-fishing for reds
  • All meals: full breakfast, packed lunches for the boat, appetizers, and family-style or buffet dinners featuring Cajun cuisine and fresh local seafood
  • Self-serve open bar at the lodge (liquor, wine, and beer)
  • Professional guide service with lodge dock pickup and drop-off
  • Fly fishing gear, rods, reels, and flies provided for skiff trips
  • Bait and tackle for inshore and offshore trips
  • Housekeeping as needed or upon request

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Airfare to/from New Orleans (MSY)
  • Ground transportation / shuttle service ($285 each way to Venice for up to 6 people)
  • Louisiana non-resident fishing license
  • Alcohol for the boats (BYO – lodge cannot provide due to regulations)
  • Gratuities (suggested: $100–$150 per day per guide; ~$25 per day per person for lodge staff)
  • Offshore fuel surcharge
  • Personal gear (optional — guests may bring favorite fly rods/tackle)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)

$4,359 per person

Based on double occupancy lodging.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

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