The Sportsmans Lodge
THE FISHING
Inshore- Venice is surrounded by vast network marshes and is close to several barrier islands offering some of the best spring, summer and fall coastal fishing for redfish, speckled trout and several other species of fish. The coastal wetlands that surround Venice have a number of diverse landscapes that connect a variety of habitats to both the land and water. These wetlands are one of the nation’s most productive and important natural assets. Consisting of natural levees, barrier islands, forests, swamps, and fresh, brackish and saline marshes, the region is home to complex ecosystems and habitats that are necessary for sustaining an exceptionally healthy redfish population.
The level of bait in the water around Venice is nothing short of astonishing. Everywhere you go, from the bays and estuaries you fish, to crossing open water to get to the outer islands, the amount of baitfish you’ll see during the course of a day goes a long way to explaining why there are so many redfish in the area and why they grow to such a large size.
Venice’s inshore fishery is completely dominated by the Mississippi River. The fresh sediment rich waters that pour in to the gulf from the Mississippi color the waters around Venice with a dark tea stain not that different from some of Central America’s best tarpon rivers. Starting in the fall, the Mississippi starts to deposit substantially less sediment in to the gulf, meaning the waters begin to clear up as the air temperatures start to drop. The cooler air brings cooler water temperatures and this in turn brings the large bull reds in from offshore to feed in the shallow waters of Venice’s expansive marshland.
Offshore – This location offers easy access to the finest off shore fishing just off the mouth of the Mississippi River, where the continental shelf is closer off the mouth of the river than anywhere else in the continental United States. Depths of over 1000 ft. are as close as 15 miles offshore. In addition, the off shore and coastal waters are dotted by hundreds of natural gas platforms and dozens of tethered semi-submersible platforms. The off shore fishery near Venice is one of the most diverse in the world with opportunities to catch Blue & White Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Grouper, Cobia, Amberjack and Snapper.
Sportsmen’s Lodge can also be booked for both water fowl hunts and Cast and Blasts.
The Coastal Zone duck season runs from Nov. 12 – Dec. 4 and Dec. 17 – Jan. 22, 2017
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
East Cape Vantage Skiffs, Hells Bay and Dolphin Super skiffs powered by Honda 4 stroke 50-70 HP engines. The boats have plenty of cockpit space to move around and have the coffin box for extra seating. The skiffs are fast and hit and draft beautifully in about 6 inches of water, meaning that guests will be able to access all but the skinniest of water found throughout the islands and marshlands.
GETTING THERE
Guests will normally fly in and out of the New Orleans International Airport. A driver will be waiting for you in the baggage section of the airport holding a sign with your name on it. He will then drive you directly down to the lodge. If you are staying in New Orleans for a night or two before the start of your fishing trip, our driver will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel for the two hour drive down to Venice.
Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
RATES FOR 2024
7 Nights / 6 Days $4,745 USD DBL
6 Nights / 5 Days $4,055 USD DBL
5 Nights / 4 Days $3,365 USD DBL
4 Nights / 3 Days $2,675 USD DBL
3 Nights / 2 Days $1,985 USD DBL
A single room supplement is an additonal $75 USD per night per person.
- MSY - New Orleans
- Year Round
- Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Blue & White Marlin
- 18 Anglers guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
The Sportsmans Lodge
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Lodge is actually a floating barge hotel that has been meticulously renovated to deliver one of the most comfortable stays we’ve ever experienced anywhere when fishing. Some of the lodge features include a large great room lounge area with comfortable seating and wide screen TV to reminisce about the day’s adventures. Watch the chef prepare fresh local fare in the open kitchen and dining area, which is situated next to the lounge.
There is a complimentary bar as well as an outdoor seating on the main floor to enjoy morning coffee or evening libation and a cigar. Upstairs you’ll find a game/conference room where you can relax over a game of backgammon, checkers, chess or engage in a spirited game of boo ray, poker or other card games. There is an additional widescreen TV in the game room so you’ll never miss a sporting event. The game room can also serve as a conference room for business meetings or seminars as needed. Upstairs are individual staterooms with a variety of berthing arrangements, A/C and private and semi-private bathrooms with flat screens and Direct TV in each room.
DESTINATION CAPACITY
18 anglers
The Sportsmans Lodge
The Sportsmans Lodge
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Round trip shuttle service on arrival and departure day with Town Car and driver, based on DBL occupancy
- Number of nights accommodation based on package purchased
- Number of guide days based on package purchased
- Complimentary bar
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Fishing Gear (fly and spin)
- Louisiana fishing license
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Canadian, British, EU and Australian citizens only need a valid passport for entry to the United States. No visa is required