GPS Coordinates: 29°35’2.06″N 89°49’40.18″W
Trip Questionnaire: Once you have arranged your travel details, please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip. THANK YOU!
Trip Questionnaire: Click Here
Getting to the Woodland Plantation
Airport Rental Car Companies:
Once you have collected your luggage at the baggage claim area, you will want to walk outside the baggage claim area and head to the right. At the end of the baggage claim area you will walk down a covered pathway about five minutes to the rental car pickup building where you will check-in before heading up some escalators to the 2nd or 3rd floor to find your vehicle. The pickup procedure is very simple. We have provided you with driving directions and a map to the Woodland Plantation. However, it is a good idea to ask the rental car company representative for directions out of the airport and onto Interstate 10 Eastbound.
If you would like to Reserve A PRIVATE DRIVER
Ground Transportation Services:
- Darin LeCount: (601) 513-7800
- Limolivery: (504) 561-8777
Simply look for your driver holding a sign or an iPad with your party’s name on it at the baggage claim. He will escort you immediately to the vehicle and begin the drive to the Woodland Plantation.
Note on Gratuities for Driver: Your driver has normally already been paid in full, however we recommend a $20-$40 gratuity each way for your driver if he or she provided quick and safe service.
Important notes about rental cars versus private drivers:
All anglers who are booked with spin fishing guides out of Venice are instructed to meet at the Cypress Cove
Marina each morning – 45 minutes from Woodland Plantation. All spin fishing guides live downriver close to Venice and will not come up the road each day to pick up at Woodland. For that reason, all spin fishing anglers must have a rental car to drive to/from Venice. Your guides will provide you with more instruction and timing. We will provide driving directions from Woodland to the Cypress Cove Marina when we send you the travel and tackle planner.
Fly fishing on the east side – Taking the ferry: During the Spring and Summer months there can be times when you guide would rather meet anglers on the east side of the river. This involves taking a ferry across the Mississippi from the west bank to the east side at West Pointe a la Hache – approximately one mile south of Woodland on Highway 23. Guides will often request anglers take their own vehicle to the east side to meet them to save time and get you on the water sooner.
Call your guide upon arrival in New Orleans:
You must call your fishing guide the afternoon prior to your fishing day. This will allow you to coordinate the meeting time the following morning (usually around 6:00-7:00 AM depending upon the time of year). We will provide you with all guides’ phone numbers on your detailed personalized itinerary.
Note on Arrival Time at the Woodland: If you and your party are delayed, or for any other reason anticipate not arriving at the Woodland Plantation until after 7:30 PM, please call the Plantation and alert them to your estimated arrival time. This will allow them to organize your dinner service accordingly.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE WOODLAND PLANTATION
FROM AIRPORT RENTAL CAR OFFICES:
Driving Directions from New Orleans Airport (MSY) to Woodland Plantation
Make sure to inquire with your rental car representative how to direct yourself to the on ramp for Interstate Highway 10 Eastbound.
- Take Interstate HIGHWAY 10 for approximately seven (7) miles eastbound.
- KEEP RIGHT at take Interstate Highway 10 towards New Orleans Business District.
- After approximately 3 miles look for westbound lanes for US 90 Business W (keep left on Interstate 10). Follow the signs for EXIT 234A TOWARD WESTBANK/ SUPERDOME /CLAIBORNE AVE.
- Continue for approximately 5.5 miles.
- Take EXIT #7 towards LA-23 / LAFAYETTE (RIGHT EXIT).
- At stop light you will take a LEFT and go under the overpass. You are now on LA HIGHWAY 23 / BELLE CHASE PARKWAY.
NOTE: Click your trip odometer as you go under overpass. The Woodland Plantation is approximately 31 miles from the intersection of WESTBANK EXPRESSWAY & LA-23 / LAFAYETTE.
You will pass several oil and gas facilities en route through the little town of Myrtle Grove. The Woodland is approximately eight miles from Myrtle Grove.
- When you are approximately eight miles from Myrtle Grove you should notice a large highway sign that reads “WOODLAND PLANTATION” with an arrow pointing left. You will notice the Woodland well-lit at night on your left on the northbound (east) side of the road. You will pass the Woodland for approximately .1 miles before taking a U-Turn around into the northbound lane. The main drive is on your right.
Upon arrival, temporarily park your vehicle in the main drive next to Spirits Hall (the church-like building), and head into the office for check-in procedures.
IF YOU GET LOST:
WOODLAND PLANTATION
Foster Crepple (Owner)
21997 Highway 23
West Pointe a la Hache, LA 70083
Phone: (504) 656-9990 or (800) 231 1514
New Orleans Guide to Hotels and Restaurants
The food experience and nightlife that New Orleans has to offer is second to none, and there is not a better corner of town to take advantage of this unique and exciting place than in the French Quarter. Unlike any other, it is well known for its versatile offerings such as historic bars, amazing local seafood, Cajun cooking, and the notorious Bourbon Street and its clubs, daiquiri bars and craft cocktail lounges. No matter how you prefer to spend your evenings out, the French Quarter has you covered.
There are numerous hotels right in the heart of the French Quarter that offer superb accommodations for traveling anglers looking for a single overnight, or for longer stays to tour New Orleans. Those listed below are our top recommendations. When we travel through NOLA, we look for good service with easy access to the airport and the best of what the town has to offer. The lists below are our go to trusted favorites.
New Orleans Hotels Location Rates Reservations
- Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter $ 1(877)999-3223 or go online
- Ritz Carlton French Quarter $$$$ 1(504)524-1331 or go online
- Hotel Monteleone French Quarter $$ 1(504)523-3341 or go online
Restaurant and Nightlife Location Features
- Acme Oyster House French Quarter Oysters, crawfish boils, po-boys
- Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar French Quarter Oysters, crawfish boils, po-boys
- GW Finns French Quarter 5 Star Seafood
- Jean Lafitte Bar French Quarter Oldest bar in the French Quarter
- Carousel Bar – Hotel Monteleone French Quarter Classic Rotating Carousel!
* The Acme Oyster House is a very popular restaurant, off Bourbon Street, often with a line to get in. There are no reservations. It is worth the wait, our favorite in The French Quarter. (504)522-5973 or check them out @acmeoyster.com
* The Wyndham New Orleans is right in the heart of the French Quarter, near Bourbon Street, and it is plenty comfortable at a ridiculously good price. This is our favorite hotel when overnighting in New Orleans.
www.wyndhamhotels.com New Orleans French Quarter, or call 1(877)999-3223 for reservations.
The French Quarter is an easy Uber ride from the airport, about a 20 minute drive and $30 fare. Once you get downtown, everything is super close and convenient and within comfortable walking distance of your hotel!
Checking in at The Woodland Plantation:
Upon arrival at the Woodland Plantation, you will want to park your car and walk into the side entrance of Spirit’s Hall adjacent to the main drive. Spirit’s Hall is the renovated church (you cannot miss the stained glass windows) on your left as you pull into the drive. You will check in, get your keys to your room, clean up, and head into the main dining room for appetizers, cocktails, and dinner, usually served around 7:30 PM. We recommend you string up your fishing rods the night before and get your gear ready for the fishing day tomorrow morning!
If you are meeting your guide at Cypress Cove Marina in Venice, below are the driving directions from Woodland Plantation.
Link to Directions: CLICK HERE
Checking out (Important):
Checking out of the Woodland on your last fishing day. Make sure to coordinate your checkout procedures with Foster the night before departure. Anglers are always in a hurry to make it back to the airport following a full day of fishing. Invariably, guests forget to settle up for the bar tab and house gratuities. You should also have your bags packed and out of your room preceding departure for fishing the last morning. Depending on the number of guests arriving that day, you may not have the ability to take a shower before heading home. Again, communicate with Foster the night before on all of these issues and he will do his best to accommodate you.
If you are staying an extra night, it is a leisurely check out of the Woodland Plantation following breakfast and return to New Orleans for your flight home. Make sure to settle up for the bar tab and distribute gratuities for the house staff.
REDFISH TACKLE
Click here for Recommended Clothing and Equipment
MANDATORY ITEMS
- You need good polarized glasses and a GOOD RAIN JACKET year-round!
- Fall and winter trips can be MUCH COOLER on the water than you might expect from looking at the weather forecast. Make sure to dress in layers and be prepared to be chilly on the water – especially during morning boat runs.
- There is ZERO wading opportunity on the marsh. During the autumn and winter you just want insulated and water resistant shoes that are boat friendly. During the Spring and summer months most anglers have sandals or are barefoot.
- Fly Rods for a March – September trip are 7-8 weights with floating lines.
- Fly Rods for an October – February trip are 7-8 weights with floating lines as well as a 9-10 weight for the bigger “bull reds” that can be found this time of year.
- Consider bringing a 10 weight year round for chances at Jack Crevalle and big black drum.
ROD/REEL:
At least two quality set ups with your choices lying between 8 thru 10 wt. Please have the appropriate line, backing and a reel designed for saltwater use.
FLY RODS:
Multi-piece 8, 9 or 10 wt. fly rods in 9 foot lengths are our favorite choices. We like fast tapered saltwater rods that have been specially designed to handle windy conditions and deliver heavy flies accurately. Remember, most presentations are in the 10-40’ range, having a rod that makes short casts accurately is equally as important as having loads of power. We also always recommend bringing a backup rod in case of breakage. Good brands to choose from include:
- Scott Fly Rods • R.L. Winston Fly Rods • Sage Fly Rods • Hardy Fly Rods
FLY REELS:
Reels specifically designed for saltwater fly fishing are highly recommended. Smooth, sealed disk drags, plenty of backing capacity, and sturdy machined aluminum anodized frames are features to search for in a reel. Brands to consider include:
FLY LINES:
100% of all redfish applications require a standard weight forward floating line, so do not bother with bringing any sort of sinking lines. We suggest the Redfish taper lines by Scientific Anglers or Rio. Nearly all presentations are at very short distances, so anglers want a heavy front tapered fly line for a little more assistance turning over heavier flies in windier conditions. Fly lines can easily break on debris or oyster beds so make sure to bring additional floating lines as backup.
LOANER RODS & REELS:
Although we encourage our guests to bring their own rods and reels, our guides can provide anglers with both fly-fishing and spinning outfits free of charge. Please give us plenty of advanced notice if you intend to borrow any gear from our guides.
Remember, all flies and leader material are provided free of charge by our guides. There is no need to bring any flies with you unless you want to fish your own patterns.
LEADERS:
Louisiana Redfish are not leader shy. Fluorocarbon leaders are the best choice. They sink quickly, and are more abrasion resistant than mono. Tapered saltwater leaders in 20 lb. test in 10’ lengths are what to bring. In addition, bring spools of 15 lb. and 20 lb. Fluorocarbon tippet. Change the leader out entirely when the old one is too short or too thick.
REDFISH FLIES:
Remember, all flies and leader material are provided free of charge by our guides. There is no need to bring any flies with you unless you want to fish your own patterns.
Southern Louisiana Redfish are not very picky when it comes to fly selection. They feed on various kinds of baitfish, mullet, large crabs, shrimp, and any other easy meal that comes in their path. You will want a selection of both heavily weighted flies as well as lighter flies as well. For the most part, you can use heavy flies without fear of spooking fish. Just have a nice cross section of clousers, toads, spoon flies, spawning shrimp, and two-tone crab patterns.
- Clouser half and half: Baitfish, Chartreuse, Gray| Size 1/0
- Flashtail Minnow Clouser: Chartreuse/White, Purple/Black, Olive/White | Size 1/0
- P. Crabs Color: (two-tone) Olive, Tan, Brown | Size: 4, 2, 2/0
- P. Spawning Shrimp Color: Tan, Root Beer, Olive, Pink | Size: 2, 4, 1/0
- P. Mantis Shrimp Color: Tan, Root Beer, Olive, Pink | Size: 2, 4, 1/0
Woodland Plantation General Information
BOAT REFRESHMENTS & LUNCH:
Your guides are responsible for stocking the cooler and providing drinks. If you have a specific beverage you would like, please pass along this request to your guide. Lunches are provided by the Woodland Plantation. Your bag lunches will be set in the dining room during breakfast. Anglers are responsible for picking up lunch and taking it to your guide to put in the boat’s cooler. Don’t forget your lunch.
FISHING LICENSE:
You must Purchase a Fishing License. Please purchase your Louisiana RS/NR (Resident/Non Resident) Charter Saltwater fishing pass online prior to your trip at the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is very convenient to click on the link below, choose “Licenses and Permits”, existing customer or New customer, and agree to the information. Select (0148) RS/NR CHARTER SALTWATER PASS 3 DAY, enter in your start day and purchase your pass. If you have more than 3 days fishing you will have to purchase a quantity of two. There is a $2.00 convenience fee. Buy License Here
RS/NR Charter Saltwater pass 3 day. $20/3 days + convenience fee.
NOTE: Children under the age of 16 are not required to buy a fishing license. Simply print your receipt and/or enter your license number into your phone for proof of purchase. You don’t need the actual fishing license in hand given the timing of your trip.
GUIDES
The Guides are all experienced captains and fly fishing guides. They know how to navigate the labyrinth of sloughs, backchannels and bayous to get to the best spots depending on the time of year, weather, tides etc. They are also great fish finders with excellent eyes. It is pretty rare that you will spot a fish before they do. Listen to their instructions on distance and direction of fish and they know the best flies for the area. Listen closely to their instructions or have the angler in the middle relay the message to the caster on the bow. Don’t always leave it up to the guide on when to switch anglers on the bow and who get the shots. Volunteer to switch to keep yourselves fresh and alert.
FISHING DAYS:
A made to order breakfast is served in Spirit’s Hall usually starting around 6:00 AM. There are coffee makers inside the common areas of each guest house if you are an early riser and would like to start a pot of coffee. While you are finishing up breakfast, your guides will arrive and begin prepping boats and gear. Your bagged lunches will be placed in the dining room. Don’t forget to take your sack lunch with you and give it to your guide to be placed in the boat cooler.
Depending on conditions, guides usually drive ten minutes south of the Woodland to a private boat launch in Port Sulphur. Guides may drive as far south as Empire or Venice, or take the ferry at West Point a la Hache to the marsh on the east side of the river. From the launch, anglers run anywhere from ten minutes to over one hour to begin fishing. Lunch is taken in the boat. It is typically two anglers/boat and guests usually rotate casting opportunities at the bow of the boat while the other angler helps with spotting fish and line control on the deck. Most scenarios only one angler is fishing at any given time. There are no wading opportunities while Redfishing. You will NOT need any wading boots or a hip pack. The fishing day is usually 8-9 hours long and anglers are typically back at the Woodland Plantation between 4:00-5:00 PM.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The “Big House” is the main building and was the picture on the Southern Comfort bottle for over 75 years. This Historic antebellum two story Mansion features broad front and back porches, key hole designed French doors and is authentically furnished with fine antiques. You can feel the history inside this building and it is as though you are stepping back in time as you walk around. It has 9 guestrooms all with private baths and can sleep up to 14 people.
The Little house features a lounge area with a couch, dining table, a kitchen with a sink and small fridge. There are 3 bedrooms with 6 beds and three baths. A full wrap around porch with rocking chairs situated for the perfect relaxing/viewing combination.
The Magnolia Store has 4 rooms, the Store Room, Millie Davis room and Coleman suites one and two. This cabin features 6 beds and three baths.
The Old Cabin is a duplex cabin with a queen and single bed with its own bathroom in one room and a king bed and private bath on the other side.
The Overseer’s House is a small raised cottage has a common area with 3 beds and two baths.
The Woodland Plantation has over twenty bedrooms and can accommodate groups as large as forty-five guests. Their team of guides typically run 5 to 6 skiffs with 10 to 12 fly anglers, but depending on availability (and if booked far enough in advance), can handle up to twenty fly anglers at a time. Their conventional guides can handle more fishermen than the Plantation can accommodate.
ALCOHOL:
The Woodland Plantation has a well-stocked bar located in Spirits Hall and can provide you with a variety of beers and they can make almost any cocktail imaginable. They have plenty of choices for wine to enjoy with your dinner or a pre-dinner glass on your porch. Alcohol is not included in the package price and all guests are responsible for their bar tab at the end of your stay. You can check on your bar tab at any time with Foster or one of the bartenders/servers. At the end of your stay, you may pay your bar tab with cash or credit card. The Woodland accepts VISA, MasterCard & American Express. We recommend a standard 15-20% Gratuity on your bar tab for your waiters and waitresses.
MEALS:
Most people come for the fishing and leave, talking about the fabulous cuisine. The Woodland Plantation and the kitchen staff take southern hospitality seriously; you come as a guest and leave as family. They do a wonderful job of making you feel at home during your stay. A full Southern breakfast is served every morning. Fresh fruit, fried bread pudding, eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese grits, hash browns, and Eggs Benedict are a few dishes you will typically see. All meals are served in the Spirits Hall dining room and bar, a renovated church built in 1883 and moved to the property in 1998 from 14 miles south of the Woodland Plantation.
The Kitchen staff puts together some incredible dinners you would expect at any high end fishing lodge or restaurant and typically with a southern/creole flare. 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 the muffuletta sandwiches.
DRESS ATTIRE AT THE WOODLAND PLANTATION:
The atmosphere is very laid back at the Lodge. You’re on vacation! Please feel free to wear whatever is comfortable during the day.
BOAT REFRESHMENTS AND LUNCH:
Your guides are responsible for stocking the cooler and providing drinks. If you have a specific beverage you would like, please pass along this request to your guide. Lunches are provided by the Woodland Plantation. Your bag lunches will be set in the dining room during breakfast. Anglers are responsible for picking up lunch and taking it to your guide to put in the boat’s cooler. Don’t forget your lunch.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The Woodland Plantation does have internet access on the computer in the lobby of Spirits Hall. Simply ask management or one of the girls to log you on. There is a wireless connection in Spirits Hall, but in our experience is not easy to log onto. There is no internet access inside the Big House, Little House, Magnolia Store, Overseer’s House, or any of the condos. Cell phones will work well at the Woodland Plantation, and often work in many of the areas fished.
MAID & LAUNDRY SERVICE:
The lodge has daily housekeeping/room service. There is no laundry service at this time.
BOATS:
All our Captains we use are outfitted with top of the line skinny water flats skiffs such as Hell’s Bay, Burton, East Cape, Maverick or Ranger boats that are perfect for poling in shallow water hunting Redfish.
GRATUITIES:
Tipping is a personal decision based on good service and is completely at your discretion. The following recommendations are simply for your understanding of what the expected tip is for a satisfied guest. Feel free to tip a bit more if you are very impressed with a particular guide. Many clients will happily offer a larger gratuity to guides who help them catch a special trophy fish or work hard through difficult conditions. All tips should be given in cash.
FLY FISHING GUIDE GRATUITIES:
We recommend around approximately $100-$120 per boat/per day ($50-$60 per person/per day when sharing a guide). If you are fishing solo you should plan on $100-$120. Gratuities to guides may be distributed any way you prefer. If you are planning on switching guides throughout your trip, we recommend giving a tip directly to your guide at the conclusion of each fishing day. If you are planning on fishing with one guide for your entire stay, we recommend simply waiting till the conclusion of your last day of fishing.
SPIN FISHING GUIDE GRATUITIES:
We recommend similar tips for spin boat charter captains, however also suggest you add an additional $50-$60 per person for a 3rd or 4th angler.
1-2 Anglers: $100-$120
3 Anglers: $150-$180
4 Anglers: $200 – $240
WOODLAND PLANTATION STAFF GRATUITIES:
We recommended $10-$15 per room/per night for the house staff payable at the conclusion of the trip when you check out. You should give your staff gratuity to the owner, Foster Crepple, or the manager on duty when you are settling up for any extra expenses such as your bar tab. This tip will be dispersed to the cooks, maids, waiters, and support staff on your behalf. Also feel free to give additional gratuity to any individual around the house you were particularly impressed with. In addition to the house staff gratuity, we recommend a standard 15-20% Gratuity on your bar tab for your waiters and waitresses.
AIRPORT AND GROUND TRANSFER GRATUITIES:
We recommend a gratuity of $15-$25 per person for your drivers (if applicable) as well as baggage porters at the New Orleans airport ($1-$2 per bag).
CLIMATE:
Louisiana, the Bayou State, has an average elevation of only 30 meters above sea level and New Orleans, the lowest at 2.5 meters below sea level. The state has vast areas of coastal marshes and swamps, wet savannas, and the elevated regions of longleaf pine forest and bald cypress. The Mississippi River forms a large part of the eastern boundary. The geography has two divisions, the uplands in the north, and alluvial swamplands, marshlands, beaches, barrier islands on the coast. The Gulf of Mexico, Red and Ouachita rivers and other minor streams called bayous constitute the main water bodies.
Summers are hot and humid in Louisiana, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that bring intense tropical downpours. The June to September period has average high temperatures above 90°F (32.2°C), while nights remain below 70°F (21.1°C). The high humidity and dew point make the heat feel like 120°F (48.9°C). Winters are mild in the south with day highs often above 66°F (18.9°C), while the north sees colder days below 59°F (15°C). Nights occasionally register below freezing, with average low temperatures between 37°F (2.8°C) in the north and 46°F (7.8°C) near the Gulf. Cold fronts from the north can push night temperatures below 20°F (-6.7°C) in the north. Spring and autumn are milder than the summer.
The average rainfall in Louisiana ranges from 48″ in the north to 75″ in the south. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with a predominantly wet season from April to September and the dry season from October to March. October is the driest month, while May is the wettest, with even 20″ (508mm) during the month and up to 10″ (254mm) in a single day.
TIME ZONES
The Woodland Plantation is on Central Daylight time.
Using the Clock To Spot Fish:
On the flats, your guide will often spot fish before you do. When this happens, your guide will refer the numbers on a clock to give you the fish’s general direction. For example, the bow (front) on the boat would represent 12:00 O’clock. Exactly perpendicular to the boat off of your right shoulder (starboard) would be 3:00 O’clock; perpendicular to the boat off your left shoulder (port) would be 9:00 O’clock, etc. In addition to the direction, the guide will also refer to a distance measured in feet. For example: “Okay, two fish coming at 11:00 O’clock — 50 feet”.
Woodland Plantation Contact Information
If you have any problems during your trip with missed connections, or want to leave an emergency number for family members or office:
The Fly Shop:
530.222.3555 / 800 669 3474 / travel@theflyshop.com
WOODLAND PLANTATION
21997 Highway 23
West Point a La Hache, LA 70083
Foster Crepple (owner): (800) 231-1514 or (504) 656-9990