Southern Way Charters – Louisiana Hosted Trip Report – October 30th – November 4th:
Our base for the trip was Sportsmans Lodge, a floating lodge tucked into Venice Marina. The lodge itself perfectly matches the spirit of the area: comfortable, relaxed, fish-focused, and unapologetically Cajun. The houseboat-style setup features a big common room, outdoor decks overlooking the marina and easy dock access where guides pick anglers up each morning directly outside the lodge. The food alone is worth the trip—fresh seafood, hearty breakfasts, cold beer and cocktails waiting after long days on the water, and classic Louisiana hospitality throughout the stay.
Located near the southeastern tip of Louisiana, just where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico, is the town of Venice and the Venice Marina. Nicknamed the “Sportfishing Capital of the World, Venice is about 90 miles/2 hour drive from New Orleans and is the jumping-off point for some of the finest redfish fly fishing adventures in the United States. Surrounded by vast marshes and close to several barrier islands, anglers are smack-dab in the middle of some of the finest fishing habitat that redfish, black drum, sheepshead, jacks, speckled trout and alligator gar call home.
The weather on this trip was a bit more challenging than those from previous years. As water temperatures in the Gulf cool, baitfish migrate into the shallower water areas of the greater Mississippi Delta area looking for warmer water temperatures and greater food source options. This triggers a migration of ocean dwelling redfish, usually of jumbo size, into these shallower marsh pond areas to feed. Hence the uniqueness of the Venice Redfish Fishery – larger Redfish in shallow shallow water. While we saw the water temperatures drop to start those prime conditions, the cooling effect was also meet with powerful northerly winds and mostly cloudy or complete cloudy conditions. Our anglers did the best they could with the challenging conditions by taking advantage of every opportunity available.
The northerly winds didn’t help water clarity. But, depending on tide and weather, we spent days poling shallow ponds looking for hovering fish waving above the grass, cruising shorelines searching for wakes and scanning open flats for copper-colored fish pushing nervous water. Large groups of gulls helped us find fish schooled up and feeding on shrimp. On good light days/periods, the visibility was incredible and we saw glimpses of the famous Venice Redfish in all their glory.
Back at the lodge, we relaxed and dined in true Cajun style. Our anglers gathered on outdoor deck recapping their day on the water or journeyed over to the Marina to watch the Tuna and Offshore boats arrive to unload their coolers and start the process of cleaning all their fish. With the ALCS or NLCS or Professional and College football on the outdoor TV, the smell of Cajun cooking rolled from Chef Anthony in the kitchen. Mid-week we enjoyed a Shrimp Boil and ate and drank to our hearts content. A great way to end each and every day on the water!
Travel to Southern Way Charters at Sportsman Lodge is simple, with easy domestic flights into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from most major U.S. cities. From there, rental cars and shuttles make the drive to Venice straightforward. Guides provide rods, flies, and gear, making travel light and easy. Many anglers also spend time enjoying New Orleans, known for its history, live music, restaurants, and nightlife. With flexible trip lengths and excellent fall fishing, this Mississippi Delta redfish adventure is a great option for both beginner and experienced fly anglers alike.
Venice earns its reputation honestly. The combination of endless marsh habitat, huge redfish populations, experienced guides and genuine Louisiana culture creates one of the most unique fly fishing destinations anywhere in the United States. A trip to Mississippi River Delta delivers a special kind of fishing experience that stays with you because it is so different than most to all saltwater fly fishing locations. With the ease of domestic travel and extended fall/winter seasonality this trip should be on any and every anglers bucket list!
If your interested in fishing for Redfish in southern Louisiana please contact WorldCast Anglers for more information. Be sure to stay updated on the WorldCast Anglers Hosted Destination Offerings!
Michael P. Dawkins
WorldCast Anglers President
October 30th – November 4th, 2025
Southern Way Charters – Venice Louisiana
