THE WOODLAND PLANTATION LOUISIANA REDFISH
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ LOUISIANA REDFISH ]
CONTENTS 4 6 18 22 26 30
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION
THE FISHING
ACCOMMODATIONS
TRAVEL & ITINERARY
WHEN TO GO
RATES
OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!
BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
REDFISH QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
The Woodland Plantation is located in Plaquemines Parish near West Pointe a la Hache, LA on Highway 23 only 45 minutes south of New Orleans. Guests travel commercially to New Orleans (MSY) and drive to the Plantation in rental car or private driver. +
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
Redfish are the predominant species, however black drum, speckled trout, sheepshead and jack crevalle +
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
Southern Louisiana is a legitimate year round fishery! While the most popular months are November – February for anglers targeting the biggest “bull reds”, redfish over 30 pounds can be caught during all months with the right conditions. Spring, summer, and early fall months offer the most consistent and comfortable fishing conditions and longer days on the water. +
IS THE WOODLAND PLANTATION RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Plantation is the perfect venue for all group types ranging from a small group of hard-core anglers, a couples’ weekend, a corporate retreat, a bachelor party, or even a wedding. We will cherry pick the right rooms or a private house on the property to match with your groups’ needs. +
COST & EXPENSES
PER PERSON (BASED ON SHARED ROOM GUIDE) 2 Nights / 2 Days - $1070 3 Nights / 2 Days – $1285 3 Nights / 3 Days – $1595 4 Nights / 3 Days - $1800 Includes: Guided Fishing, Meals, All Equipment & Tackle
Excludes: Airfare to MSY, Gratuities, Bar Tab, Ground Transport, Fishing License
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT:
MATT JONES, DAVID LEAKE
THE
DESTINATION
The marshes south of New Orleans should be recognized as one of the world’s most prolific year-round saltwater fisheries. We are very excited to promote this region as a premier, yet totally affordable and convenient fly fishing destination. We hate bad mouthing the redfishing in the Lone Star State, however the fact is the marshes south of New Orleans are the most impressive inshore fishery we have seen in the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana marsh is home to the biggest, most plentiful, and least educated redfish imaginable‌ less than one hour from the New Orleans airport. After dozens of trips down to the marsh over the years, we have established relationships with the best and most recognized fly fishing guides on the west bank of the Mississippi River. All our captains are all highly skilled fly fishing guides with proper skinny water flats skiffs. They collectively have been fishing the marsh for decades and spend an average of 200+ days a year on the water. All fishing in the marsh is true sight casting to redfish in shallow water. Casting must be accurate, but nearly all presentations are within 10-30 feet, making this one of the most user friendly destinations for anglers of all skill levels.
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
Anglers stay in single or double occupancy accommodations at the antebellum mansion / converted B & B, the Woodland Plantation. The Woodland, and owner Foster Crepple, offer up the epitome of Southern hospitality, comfortable accommodations, incredible food, a well stocked bar and a lively atmosphere. It is almost too good to be true‌ The travel involved is simple, it is totally affordable with classy accommodations, and the redfish fishing is the best there is anywhere. PERIOD. Plaquemines Parish Louisiana has become a second home in a way to everyone at Tailwaters Fly Fishing Company. It is a part of the world loaded with great friends, rich history and a beautiful fishery. We send over 300 anglers a year down to the marsh and know the angling opportunities there better than anyone in the business.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
FISHING
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 rivals anywhere we have seen or heard of. In our experience, there are few saltwater destinations located in the continental United States that has held up so well despite all human development and Mother Nature’s storms have done to destroy it. It is simply stunning how rich, vibrant and full of life the marshes are south of “The Big Easy”. Around every corner, in every bay, creek, or backcountry pond there are large, plentiful and eager redfish (red drum). From the popular 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. The marsh is a huge labyrinth of small islands, channels, ponds, bayous, bays, and flats that seems to go on endlessly to the Gulf of Mexico. Another amazing facet to the fishery is the fact that nobody else fishes it! The area is accessed by our guides’ top of the line skiffs (Hell’s Bay, Burton, East Cape, Maverick, Ranger). Nearly all of these areas can only be reached with a proper flats boat, so you almost never see other anglers
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
while you are out; guaranteeing consistent shots
all flies and terminal tackle required for no extra
for uneducated reds when conditions are favorable.
charge. In many cases we can also arrange for you
All fishing is done from the boat as the muddy
to borrow fly rods and reels as well as spinning gear
flats are too soft to wade. However, all anglers are
outfits. Pretty much just show up with a fishing li-
amazed at the sight of redfish cruising in as little as
cense, appropriate clothing and polarized sun-
5-6 inches of water. The water in the marsh is a bit
glasses and you are ready to go fishing.
tea color when compared to other fisheries such as the Laguna Madre in Texas, but all of your fishing
NOTE FOR NON-FLY ANGLERS
is done sight casting to individuals, small pods and
If you or anyone in your party are not fly anglers,
often tremendously large schools of fish. Casts are
you can certainly enjoy phenomenal fishing with
typically in the 10-25 foot range, making it a fishery
your traditional casting or spinning rods. We also
that anglers of any skill level can have great success.
can organize trips with the best conventional gear /
Just pick up the line, one false cast, and bang’em
spin fishing guides in the gulf.
on the head and they will eat it! SPRING & SUMMERTIME FISHING FISHING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
Everyone is seduced by the idea of giant bull reds
The gear required for fishing the marsh is not so-
in the wintertime. Don’t overlook the spring and
phisticated. Anglers want an 8 weight rod for the
summer fishing! The marsh is loaded with zillions
spring and summer fishing and a 9-10 weight for
of happy medium sized reds often tailing in super
the winter fishing. Our fly fishing captains provide
shallow water. The spring and summertime weath-
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
er is normally much more predictable as well. Our
OFFSHORE OPTIONS
captains also frequently find huge schools of hun-
Want to combine a few days of redfish with some
dreds of large bull reds gathered together chasing
offshore fishing for Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo, Blue
bait on the beaches. This fishing can often be more
Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, and
exciting and consistent than the wintertime bull red
much more? Although there are no offshore cap-
fishing.
tains well versed in fly fishing for these other species, they are learning. One of our fly fishing guides
OTHER SPECIES
can accompany you on an offshore charter to lend
Although the fly fishing guides mainly target red
a hand in targeting these species on conventional
drum (redfish), the marsh is also loaded with speck-
gear and on the fly.
led trout, sheepshead and enormous black drum. In the spring & summer months it is also very common to run into large schools of cooperative jack crevalle (up to 30 pounds) as well. SUMMERTIME NEARSHORE EXPLORATORY FISHING Some of our guides are currently exploring the opportunity to consistently combine trophy redfishing with other species such as Cobia, Tarpon, Jacks and Red Snapper. The Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Mississippi is rich with these other species, although calm conditions must be present to enjoy success for both schooling bull reds and these other species. Inquire for details if you are interested in exploring something totally unique.
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
GUIDES
THE
ACCOMMODATIONS
The best place to stay when fishing the marsh is a historic, antebellum mansion converted into a lively bed and breakfast called The Woodland Plantation. Originally established as a working plantation in the 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 accommodation. The Woodland is located right along the west bank the Mississippi River forty-five minutes from New Orleans and ten minutes from the usual boat launch. It is everything you would expect in a 180 year-old southern mansion including quiet bedrooms, rocking chairs on the porch, and a swamp with alligators out back. Note a rendering of the Woodland Plantation “Big House” is actually represented on the label of the Southern Comfort Whiskey bottle.
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
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. Ironically, the modified pulpit is now a well stocked bar. The ball game is always on the television, and someone is always available to share a drink or memories from your fishing day on the marsh. 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 muffaletta sandwiches. CAPACITY The Woodland Plantation has over twenty bedrooms and can accommodate groups as large as forty-five guests.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
TRAVEL & ITINERARY RENT A CAR FROM NEW ORLEANS 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. We will provide detailed driving directions and maps upon booking. Car rental weekend rates are usually around $35-$50 per day for a mid-sized sedan. Enterprise offers by far the best rates in the New Orleans airport. PRIVATE DRIVER / LIMO OPTIONS Some anglers may prefer having a driver provide ground transportation to/from the Woodland and the airport. We have a fantastic chauffer service that operates several vehicle types ranging from a standard sedan to a 40 passenger bus. Please inquire for rates and details.
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
SAMPLE ITINERARY After organizing hundreds of trips down to the marsh, we have found the majority of our clients prefer to organize the trip into one of the following itinerary options: DAY 1 Travel commercially to New Orleans and drive forty-five minutes south to the Woodland Plantation (rental car or private driver). Arrive before 7:30 for dinner. DAY 2-3 Two full days of fishing with continued overnight at the Woodland Plantation. DAY 4 Last full day of fishing. Most clients fish a full day, clean up at the Woodland, and head back to New Orleans in time for an evening commercial flight home around 8:00PM. Earlier flights can easily be accommodated, however you must get off the water a few hours earlier than normal. Remember, if you would like to fish a full 8-9 hour day, plan on departing New Orleans no earlier than 7:30PM. FISHING ON DEPARTURE DATE In the interest of time, many anglers opt to head home following the conclusion of the last day of fishing. If you are pressed for time, it is possible to fish a full day and return home the same day as indicated in the 3 night / 3 day and 2 night / 2 day packages.
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WHEN TO GO BULL RED SEASON The 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. This is also the most popular time to visit, and our guides are normally completely booked months or even a year in advance... especially on the weekends. SPRING & SUMMER FISHING Everyone is seduced by the idea of giant bull reds in the wintertime. Don’t overlook the spring and summer fishing! The marsh is loaded with zillions of happy medium sized reds often tailing in super shallow water. The spring and summertime weather is normally much more predictable as well. Our captains also frequently find huge schools of large bull reds gathered together crashing bait on the edge of the gulf and marsh. This fishing can be more exciting and consistent than the wintertime bull red fishing.
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES BACHELOR PARTIES, WEDDINGS, & CORPORATE EVENTS 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, and enjoy the laid back atmosphere at the Woodland. In the words of owner and operator, Foster Crepple, “as long as they don’t break anything and pay the bar tab, they can do whatever they want.”
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
2015 RATES 2 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS FISHING Based on shared room and guide - $1,070 / person Based on private room and shared guide - $1,185 / person 3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS FISHING Based on shared room and guide - $1,285 / person Based on private room and shared guide - $1,370 / person 3 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS FISHING Based on shared room and guide - $1,595/ person Based on private room and shared guide - $1,750 / person 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS FISHING Based on shared room and guide - $1,800 / person Based on private room and shared guide - $1,950 / person CUSTOM TRIPS Shorter and Longer trips are also available of course. Please inquire for rates and details. PRIVATE GUIDES Please also inquire for single / private angler rates. The above rates are only applicable for bookings with two anglers per boat / day. WHAT’S INCLUDED Accommodations, Meals, and non-alcoholic beverages at the Woodland Plantation; Guided fishing; Flies and Leader Material WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Commercial Airfare to New Orleans; Ground Transportation (Rental Car or Private Driver); Alcoholic Beverages; Gratuities for Guides and Woodland Plantation Staff; Fishing License (Approximately $12)
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ARGENTINA THE WOODLAND DOVES PLANTATION UNLIMITED- -LOUISIANA NORTHWESTERN REDFISH ARGENTINA
TERMS & CONDITIONS A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payments are due 60 days from departure. Cancellations must be received 60 days in advance to receive a refund minus a $150 cancellation fee per rod. Cancellations received within 60 days from departure are non-refundable unless a replacement angler is found. Trips can be rescheduled in the event of bad weather, however the final decision about a “rain check” is purely up to the discretion of your guide. There are no refunds or credits given for used space or services at the Woodland Plantation. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated
We will provide you with more detailed information
with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress the
about travel insurance from our sponsored provider,
importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect
Travel Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters
your investment.
Travel. We can conveniently process a very comprehensive
Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing health
insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few
problems (related to yourself, your family, business
simple questions.
partners, or your travelling partners), emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance
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TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
Palometa Club - Ascension Bay, Mexico ARGENTINA DOVES UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014