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.
Sportsman’s Lodge – 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
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 groups, families, corporate outings, and 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 lodge supports a full range of activities: inshore and nearshore light-tackle or fly fishing, high-speed offshore runs for tuna and other pelagics, plus seasonal duck and hog hunting. The atmosphere is social and energetic, with open common areas that encourage mixing after a day on the water.
Compared with the more intimate Dogwood Lodge in Hopedale, Sportsman’s Lodge is the clear choice when capacity, flexibility, and multi-species or multi-activity options matter most. Guests enjoy the same signature Southern hospitality, Cajun cuisine, and seamless logistics that define the experience, all while staying right in the heart of one of America’s most productive fishing destinations.
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. Crawfish or shrimp boils can be arranged for an additional charge. 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.
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), while conventional/light-tackle trips accommodate up to three or four anglers. Note that high Mississippi River water can affect inshore clarity and conditions, particularly March–June; July through March is generally excellent.
The standout advantage is offshore access. High-speed boats run roughly one hour to productive grounds for yellowfin tuna (a year-round fishery, with the largest fish typically December–March), mahi, wahoo, snapper, and other pelagics.
Boats pick up and drop off directly at the lodge dock. Guides provide necessary gear for most trips; guests may bring personal equipment if preferred. Seasonal duck hunting and hog hunting (airboat) expand the options for mixed-activity or “cast-and-blast” groups. Anglers can also arrange their own guides or dock a personal boat alongside the lodge. The combination of inshore productivity and true offshore capability makes Sportsman’s Lodge ideal for groups seeking variety.
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
- All-inclusive lodging at the 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
- 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)
2026 Rates
Lodging
- Double Occupancy – $300/person per night
- Single Occupancy – $375/person per night
Inshore Guided Fly Fishing $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 dead bait. (Live bait is available for an additional cost of ~$100 per day.) Note: +$150 fuel surcharge for wade fishing trips to Breton or Chandeleur Islands.
Offshore Fishing $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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