The Louisiana coastal marsh is a fantastic sight fishing venue. You simply have to experience it to believe it, but the numbers and size of the reds found in the marsh beats anywhere we have seen or even heard of. It is simply stunning how rich, vibrant and full of life the marshes are south of New Orleans.  Around every corner, in every bay, creek, or backcountry pond there are large, plentiful and eager redfish. From the popular fall winter fishing for the bull reds (often exceeding 30 pounds) to the reliable spring and summer fishing for tremendous numbers of 5-15 pounders, the Louisiana Gulf coast is a saltwater fly angler’s paradise.

All fishing is done from the boat as the muddy flats are too soft to wade. However, all anglers are amazed at the sight of redfish cruising in skinny water sight casting to individuals, small pods and often tremendously large schools of fish. Casts are typically in the 10-30 foot range, making it a fishery that anglers of any skill level can have great success.

Browse our Woodland Plantation brochure for more details.

 The Woodland Plantation – a historic, antebellum mansion converted into a lively bed and breakfast – is THE best place to stay when fishing the Louisiana marsh. Originally established as a working plantation in 1834, the Woodland is now a family owned and operated hotel with over twenty bedrooms, each with private baths. In addition to the “Big House,” the Plantation also has five other buildings on the property for smaller groups to enjoy a private house or condo-style accommodations.  Perhaps the most interesting part of the Woodland Plantation is their “Spirits Hall” dining room and bar. Once a Catholic church located downriver, Foster moved, refurbished, and converted it into the charming social gather spot for guests. 

Foster and his staff kick out incredible food you would expect from a proper fishing lodge. Oysters on the half shell, fried shrimp, gumbo, blackened redfish or “puppy drum,” beef, pulled pork and every other cajun masterpiece imaginable. Homemade desserts range from pecan pie to bread pudding or ice cream. Boat lunches are usually sandwiches or creatively presented leftovers, however make sure to request Foster’s muffuletta sandwiches.

Browse our Woodland Plantation brochure for more details.

The easiest way to reach the Woodland Plantation is to fly commercially to New Orleans (MSY) and simply rent a car for the 45 minute drive down to the Plantation. The drive is actually very easy and rental cars are affordable. 

Some anglers may prefer having a driver provide ground transportation to/from the Woodland and the airport. With your flight plans in hand, we can arrange for local professional Darin LeCount or one of his drivers to provide ground transport to/from the airport or New Orleans.  Cost of one way transfers are $140 in a mid sized SUV.  For larger parties we have a fantastic chauffeur service that operates several vehicle types ranging from a standard sedan to a 40 passenger bus. Please inquire for rates and details.

Browse our Woodland Plantation brochure for more details.

The fishery in Southeast Louisiana is truly year round.  When the weather is good and the conditions are nice, the good fishing normally follows.  The late fall and winter months (November – March) are known as the bull redfish season, when the most 20-30+ pound fish are around in the shallow marsh and mud flats. This is also the most popular time to visit, and our guides are normally completely booked months or even a year in advance. 

While winter tends to book up with anglers searching for giant bull reds, don’t overlook the late spring, summer, and early fall fishing! The marsh is loaded with zillions of happy, medium sized reds often tailing in super shallow water.  The late spring, summer, and fall weather is normally much more predictable as well, without the cold fronts. Anglers often find huge schools of large bull reds gathered together crashing bait on the edge of the gulf and marsh in the late summer when the river is down. 

CLICK HERE for the Ultimate Guide to Redfish in Louisiana that goes into much more detail about seasonality you should find very useful when selecting your dates.

Browse our Woodland Plantation brochure for more details.

Fishing is the predominant activity at Woodland, but we can arrange for waterfowl hunts and regional tours.  Nearby Delta National Wildlife refuge is a bird watchers dream, and of course guests are only 45 minutes from the heart of New Orleans.  

The Woodland Plantation is a perfect venue for any type of group. From individual clients to larger corporate outings or even weddings, Foster and his staff can handle it all.

Also know that there is no better destination to consider for a bachelor party. We have organized multiple bachelor parties for groups of guys looking to get away, eat and drink well, do some fishing, enjoy the laid back atmosphere at the Woodland, and then take the party to New Orleans for a night. In the words of owner and operator Foster Creppel, “as long as they don’t break anything and pay the bar tab, they can do whatever they want.”

Browse our Woodland Plantation brochure for more details.