Experience premier redfish fly fishing and more with Southern Way Charters in Louisiana. Enjoy all-inclusive lodging, expert guides, inshore, offshore, and fly fishing adventures in the productive Louisiana marshes.
Southern Way Charters – Louisiana
EQUIPMENT
Gear Available or Bring Your Own
LODGING
Single & Double Occupancy Guest Rooms
SPECIES
Redfish, Speckled Trout, Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Marlin (Seasonal)
SEASON
Year-Round
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Adventure-Seekers, Families, Couples, Groups
Southern Way Charters offers a full-service, all-inclusive fishing and lodging experience in two prime Louisiana locations: the Dogwood Lodge in Hopedale and the Sportsman’s Lodge in Venice. With a strong focus on fly fishing, they provide access to one of the most extensive marsh systems in the world – an exceptional breeding ground for redfish and other species. Guests enjoy personalized service, experienced independent guides, and flexible options ranging from sight fishing reds on the flats to offshore tuna trips.
The operation stands out for its hospitality, family-style Cajun meals, open bar at the lodges, and seamless on-the-water pickups. Whether you’re a dedicated fly angler or looking for variety with inshore conventional or offshore adventures, Southern Way delivers a reliable, high-quality Louisiana experience suitable for individuals, couples, and small groups. Their two-lodge setup allows for year-round fishing opportunities!
SWC operates two distinct, all-inclusive lodges that offer different experiences and strengths. Both properties sit directly on the water for seamless guide pickups and drop-offs, feature comfortable accommodations, family-style or buffet Cajun meals (fresh seafood, gumbos, crawfish, shrimp, salads, and desserts), appetizers, packed lunches, and a self-serve open bar with liquor, wine, and beer at the lodge. Wi-Fi, TVs, washer/dryer facilities, and a welcoming vibe for mixed groups (fly anglers, conventional anglers, and hunters) are standard at both locations.
Dogwood Lodge – Hopedale
This charming lodge is a converted 1941 riverboat located east of Venice and away from the Mississippi River’s influence. It offers a more intimate setting with just 6 rooms (each with two twin beds and a private bathroom), accommodating up to 12 guests. The Dogwood is ideal for dedicated fly fishermen and smaller groups seeking a relaxed, focused experience.
Because it is unaffected by river runoff, it provides consistent clear-water sight fishing year-round – one of its biggest advantages. Most guests here are fly anglers targeting redfish on the flats and marshes. The smaller size creates a cozier, more personal atmosphere while still delivering full Southern hospitality and excellent service.
Sportsman’s Lodge – Venice
Located on a spacious 110-foot luxury barge in Venice Marina on the Mississippi River, this lodge is significantly larger and more versatile. It features 8 rooms and sleeps up to 20 guests (some rooms include upper bunks for added flexibility). The Sportsman’s Lodge is perfect for larger groups, families, corporate outings, or anglers who want maximum variety in their trip.
It offers easy access to inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing, plus additional activities like duck hunting and hog hunting. The great room, open kitchen/dining area, and outdoor seating make it highly social.
Which Lodge Should You Choose?
- Hopedale (Dogwood) if you want reliable sight fishing, a fly-focused trip, and a quieter, more intimate lodge atmosphere.
- Venice (Sportsman’s) if you prefer offshore opportunities (tuna, etc.), larger group capacity, or a mix of fishing styles and hunting activities.
Southern Way Charters specializes in fly fishing but offers diverse options across both locations. Most clientele are fly anglers, and the majority of trips use poling skiffs with one guide per two anglers. Guides provide all necessary fly gear and flies. Boats pick guests up directly from the lodge docks.
Redfish Focused
Hopedale (Dogwood Lodge) offers outstanding sight fishing year-round because it is unaffected by the Mississippi River’s high muddy water. Prime targets include redfish (the star of the trip), jack crevalle, speckled trout, and sheepshead in the marshes and flats. This location is ideal for technical sight casting and is currently productive even in May.
Looking for variety?
Venice (Sportsman’s Lodge) provides a wider range of activities, including inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing. Note that inshore fishing conditions can be challenging from March through June due to high river water; the period from July through March is typically excellent. Inshore options include catch-and-keep trips for speckled trout and other species alongside fly fishing for reds.
For the Offshore Anglers
(Venice only): High-speed console boats run approximately one hour to the grounds for yellowfin tuna (year-round fishery, with the biggest fish in December–March), mahi, wahoo, snapper, and more.
Getting to these lodges is easy and straightforward. Venice is about 1.5 hours south of New Orleans; Hopedale is roughly 1 hour. Most guests fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), where they’ll take a shuttle. Our team works with SWC to coordinate shuttle vans: $175 each way to Hopedale and $285 each way to Venice (up to 6 passengers). Drivers able to stop en route for last-minute grabs like preferred beverages and snacks.
Plan travel buffers of at least 3–4 hours before flights for the return.
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:
- 8-weight or 9-weight fly rod (9 ft is ideal)
- 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
- All-inclusive lodging at either Dogwood Lodge (Hopedale) or Sportsman’s Lodge (Venice)
- 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
- Daily housekeeping
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Airfare to/from New Orleans (MSY)
- Ground transportation / shuttle service ($175 each way to Hopedale or $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 (for Venice offshore trips)
- Fish packing and shipping (available at additional cost)
- Personal gear (optional — guests may bring favorite fly rods/tackle)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
2026 Rates
Lodging
- Double Occupancy – $300 per night
- Single Occupancy – $375 per night
Inshore Guided Fly Fishing (Hopedale or Venice) $950 per day – up to 2 anglers per skiff. Includes: Fuel, ice, and gear.
Inshore Guided Conventional / Light Tackle $1,050 per day – up to 3 anglers. $1,250 per day – for 4 anglers. Includes: Fuel, ice, tackle, fish cleaning, and live bait (when available). Note: +$150 fuel surcharge for wade fishing trips to Breton or Chandeleur Islands.
Offshore Fishing (Venice Sportsman’s Lodge only) $2,500 per day + fuel – up to 6 anglers. Includes: Ice, bait, tackle, and fish cleaning. (Fuel cost varies depending on distance and conditions – expect a notable additional charge for full offshore runs.)
ADVENTURE AWAITS
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