Sportsman’s Lodge – Venice, Louisiana
Redfishing | Offshore Fishing | Fly/Spin Sightfishing | Conventional Tackle
Located at the southernmost tip of Louisiana, Sportsman’s Lodge is a comfortable houseboat-style accommodation offering direct access to the rich waters of Venice—situated in the heart of the Mississippi River Delta, known as the “Fishing Capital of the World.”
This Lodge caters to both inshore redfishing and offshore adventures, with guided trips available for fly and spin sightfishing, as well as conventional tackle fishing. Seasonal duck hunting can also be arranged.
Venice is a premier destination for targeting bull redfish in shallow marshes, and offers quick access to the Gulf of Mexico for species like tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, and amberjack.
Whether you're stalking tailing reds with a fly rod or heading offshore for big game species, Sportsman’s Lodge puts you in the heart of Louisiana’s most diverse fishery—accessible from the comfort of a floating lodge.
2025/2026 Rates: Packages start at $1,655.00 per person for 3-nights and 2-days guided fishing.
The Mississippi River Delta
The Mississippi River Delta is the historical name for the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. This vast, three-million-acre region stretches from Vermillion Bay in the west to the Chandeleur Islands in the east and offers one of the richest fishing ecosystems in North America.
Sportsman’s Lodge, a floating liveaboard lodge, is docked in the Venice Marina, deep in the heart of this legendary delta. Each morning, your guide will pick you up directly from the back deck of the Lodge, making it easy to get on the water and into the action.
The Fishing Program
Season: This is a year-round fishery, with trophy redfish pushing into the marsh during the fall and early winter months, providing excellent sightfishing opportunities.
Travel Time: Depending on where the fish are located, travel from the Liveaboard ranges from 10 to 45 minutes. Your route will cross the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet before entering the marsh’s western edge.
Guides: The Lodge works exclusively with outstanding, reputable fishing and hunting guides. All trips are customizable to match your style—whether fly fishing, spin casting, or conventional offshore angling.
Groups are not mixed. - Customize your package.
Licensing: A 5-day fishing license is required and can be purchased online for about $30 for a non-resident.
Fly/Spin Sightfishing Packages
Each skiff accommodates two anglers and one experienced guide who will pole the flats, scanning for tailing or cruising redfish in the gin-clear marshes. This is precision fishing at its finest, with shots at oversized bull reds, black drum, and sheepshead in water often less than two feet deep.
Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or prefer light spinning gear, your guide will tailor the trip to your skill level and conditions.
All sightfishing trips require a minimum of two anglers per booking and are best suited for those seeking a technical, rewarding challenge in one of the most productive marsh systems in North America.
Inshore Fishing – Venice, Louisiana
Inshore Packages: Enjoy six hours of guided fishing, measured from departure to return. The Venice area offers quick access to expansive marshes and nearby barrier islands, making it one of the top destinations for spring, summer, and fall coastal fishing.
Target redfish and speckled trout, with opportunities to hook other exciting species such as alligator gar, jack crevalle, black drum, and sheepshead. Whether you're casting in the shallows or working the edges of the islands, the diversity and productivity of these waters are unmatched.
Inshore Conventional Lure/Bait Fishing:
Arranged inshore guided conventional fishing charters for up to 3 anglers are $1,050/day($1,250/day for 4 anglers) and include fly or spin outfits, fuel, ice, tackle and fish cleaning. (Live bait is $25 to $50 per angler.) A $150 fuel charge will be added for rig and/or Breton/Chandeleur island trips.
Offshore Fishing - Venice, Louisiana
Offshore Charters:
• Fish up to six anglers per 39- to 44-foot center-console boat.
• Offshore charters include lures, bait, ice, and fish cleaning.
• You will need to bring your own rods and reels.
• A daily fuel surcharge applies to all offshore packages—approximately $1,500 per group. Fuel is paid at the dock after the boat is refueled at the end of each trip.
• If you plan to take fish home, please bring your own Ziploc bags and coolers.
Experience 8- to 10-hour guided fishing days, measured from departure to return. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Venice offers unmatched access to deep water—with depths over 1,000 feet just 15 miles offshore. Nowhere else in the continental United States is the continental shelf this close to shore.
The offshore and coastal waters are dotted with natural gas platforms and semi-submersible rigs, which serve as prime habitat for a wide range of pelagic and reef species. This area is home to one of the most diverse offshore fisheries in the world.
Species You May Encounter: Blue and white marlin, Yellowfin and blackfin tuna, Mahi-mahi (dorado), Wahoo, Grouper, Cobia, Amberjack, Red snapper (seasonal)
A Typical Fishing Day:
Early Morning:
Start your day with a hot breakfast, usually served one hour before departure.
Departure Times:
Conventional Fishing - Guides pick you up at 6:30 a.m., right from the back deck of the Liveaboard.
Fly Fishing - Departures are typically around 8:00 a.m.
Midday on the Water:
Each boat is stocked with a packed lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks, provided by the Lodge.
Return to the Lodge:
Depending on your package, you'll return between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Once back, unwind with appetizers and an open bar, followed by a chef-prepared dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Duck Hunting – Venice, Louisiana
Surrounded by vast, bird-rich marshes, Venice offers exceptional winter duck hunting. From the comfort of Sportsman’s Lodge, you can arrange either guided or unguided hunts, depending on your experience and preference.
Teal Season: Typically the last two weeks of September.
General Duck Season: Runs mid-November through late January, with a two-week split in the season.
Note: Exact dates are set annually by state regulations.
Duck Hunting Packages:
Option 1 – Unguided: $300.00 per person.
Includes transport to and from the blind, decoy setup, and bird/decoy pickup. Ideal for experienced hunters – no guide in the blind.
Option 2 – Guided: $400.00 per person.
Hunt from a boat or blind with an experienced guide.
Includes bird cleaning.
What to Bring: Shotgun and shells (not provided).
The Lodge will advise on any additional hunting licenses depending on your activities.
Sportsman's Lodge
Sportsman’s Lodge, a 110-foot floating lodge located in Venice Marina, has been welcoming anglers and hunters since 2013. This comfortable liveaboard offers direct access to Louisiana’s legendary marshes and offshore waters, providing a unique and convenient base for your fishing or duck hunting adventure.
Lodge Amenities
Sportsman’s Lodge is fully air-conditioned and designed for comfort after a day on the water. The spacious great room features a flat-screen TV and a welcoming dining area, perfect for relaxing with fellow guests.
Communications: Stay connected during your stay. The Liveaboard offers free Wi-Fi, and most cell phones receive reliable service at the Lodge.
Upstairs, the Lodge features eight guest bedrooms and five full shared bathrooms, plus one private suite with its own en-suite bath. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DirecTV for your entertainment.
Guests also have access to an onboard washer and dryer, making extended stays comfortable and convenient.
Meals: Hot, hearty breakfast. While out on the water, you'll be provided with a packed lunch with bottled water and soft drinks for the boat. After your return, relax with appetizers and enjoy memorable Southern and Cajun dinners, all served with warm hospitality. Want to make your stay even more special? Add a Louisiana-style crawfish or shrimp boil for an additional $100 per person.
Alcohol: The Lodge features a self-service open bar stocked with beer, wine, and liquor for guests to enjoy after fishing hours.
By law, alcohol cannot be provided for your fishing day, but you're welcome to purchase your own from the marina store and bring it aboard.
Getting to Sportsman's Lodge:
1.) You'll fly to New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY).
2.) From there, it is about a two-hour drive (90 miles) south to Venice Marina, located at the edge of the Mississippi River Delta.
Most guests choose to rent a car for the scenic drive through Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board the 110-foot floating Sportsman’s Lodge—your home base for fishing and hunting adventures.
2025 and 2026 Rates and Packages
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
Season: Year-round fishery with peak redfishing in the fall.
Note: Groups are not mixed—you’ll need to arrange your own group. You can customize your package. Build your own Cast-and-Blast.
Inshore Guided Fly Fishing + Lodging Packages:
Bookings require a minimum of two anglers.
6-nights / 5-days guided fishing $3,725.00
5-nights / 4-days guided fishing $3,035.00
4-nights / 3-days guided fishing $2,345.00
3-nights / 2-days guided fishing $1,655.00
Guided Inshore Conventional Fishing + Lodging Packages:
Bookings require a minimum of two anglers.
6-nights / 5-days guided fishing $4,275.00
5-nights / 4-days guided fishing $3,475.00
4-nights / 3-days guided fishing $2,675.00
3-nights / 2-days guided fishing $1,875.00
A $150 fuel charge will be added for rig and/or Breton/Chandeleur island trips.
Offshore Guided Fishing Packages:
Each boat accommodates up to six anglers. Guests must arrange their own group and bring their own rod and reels.
$2,500.00 per boat per day
Includes: Guided fishing, ice, tackle, live bait, and fish cleaning. The rate does not include a daily fuel charge, approximately $1,500.00 per group or lodging (see rates below).
Wade Fishing at the Chandeleur Islands
Can only be added when you book a guided inshore conventional fishing trip.
Up to 3-anglers per boat and guide $1,200.00 per boat per day
Up to 4-anglers per boat and guide $1,400.00 per boat per day
Lodging Rates:
Include: Lodging, Wi-Fi access, meals, and a complimentary bar.
Double-Occupancy Lodging:
$275 per person per night
Single-Occupancy Lodging:
$350 per person per night
Non-angler rates are available upon request.
(Rates do not include lodging or a daily fuel charge of $100 to $200, depending on gas prices.)
Guided Duck Hunting Charter:
$400 per person per hunt.
(Bird cleaning is included. Up to 3 hunters per boat and guide.)
Unguided Duck Hunting Charter:
$300 per person per hunt.
(Roundtrip boat transfer to a platform blind with decoys put out for you.)
Duck Hunting Packages do not include the use of a shotgun, shotgun shells, a non-resident small game/migratory bird license, and a federal duck stamp.
Guided Hog Hunting Charter:
Guided Hog Hunting Charter:
From the end of January through March or April.
Up to 2 hunters per boat and guide $1,650.00 per day
Guided Nutria Hunting Charter:
From the end of January through March or April.
Up to 2-hunters per boat and guide $1,150.00 per day
The Custom Fishing Package + Lodging Package Includes:
• Houseboat lodging and Wi-Fi access
• Breakfast and dinner at the Lodge
• A sack lunch, sodas, and water during guided trips
• House alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks at the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Inshore includes the use of fly or spin outfits
• All tackle
• Fish cleaning service
• Bait for offshore fishing only
All Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from New Orleans
• Roundtrip ground transfers between New Orleans and the Lodge
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Fishing or hunting licenses
• Rod and reel for offshore packages
• Bait for inshore ($25 to $50 per angler per day)
• Packing and shipping of your catch (available at Venice Marina)
• Alcoholic beverages during guided trips
• 10.95% lodging tax
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not covered under inclusions.
• Guided Conventional Fishing Charters to nearby oil rigs or the Chandeleur Islands do not include a $150 fuel charge.
• Offshore Fishing Charters do not include a daily fuel charge, approximately $1,500 per group.
• Hog and Nutria Hunting Packages do not include a daily fuel charge ($100 to $200, depending on gas prices), cleaning, or meat processing. Guides may clean for an additional fee.
• All Hunting Packages do not include the use of a shotgun, shotgun shells, waders, or knee boots.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
Sportsman's Lodge Policies:
Deposit Policy: A 50% deposit is required to book, with the balance due 90 days before arrival.
Cancellation Policy: Lodge cancellations made 60 days prior to the reservation date are entitled to a full deposit refund. They will hold your deposit for one year to reschedule for Lodge cancellations made 30 to 60 days, but not within 30 days. If you have not rescheduled during the one-year period, your deposit will be forfeited. For cancellations made with less than 30 days’ notice, your deposit will be forfeited.
Cancellation Policy: Fishing and hunting charter cancellations must be communicated at least 60-days before your charter date. They are officially notifying you that at least 60 days’ notice must be provided to cancel your trip and receive a refund on your deposit. If you do not provide 60 days’ notice regarding cancellation of your charter, your deposit will not be refunded. If you cancel within 30 days of your charter, the full charter rate will be due. If your fishing or hunting charter is canceled by the guide due to weather, the deposit is refundable.
Sportsman's Lodge Disclaimer: – The oufitter is not liable to guests, guests’ employees, patrons and visitors, or to any other person for any damage, injury and/or illness to person or property caused by any act, omission or neglect of the guest or any other tenant of the described premises, and guests agree to hold owners and its employees harmless from all claims for any damage whether the injury and/or illness occurs on or off the premises and/or on arranged fishing/hunting charters. Southern Way Charters, Inc. and Biloxi Marine LLC will not be liable for any damage, injury and/or illness caused by any defect therein to the guest or anyone on or off the premises who derives their right to be thereon from the guest.
