When is the best time to come?  Is ____ a good time to come?

The fishing here can be great year-round.  The conditions/weather is the major factor.  Check out the blog post I wrote about this topic.

What type of fish will we be targeting/catching?  

Redfish are typically the main target specie, but we may also be able to target Black Drum, Jack Crevalle, Alligator Gar, Sheepshead, Sharks, and possibly even Tarpon, etc.  Jack Crevalle are highly targeted in the summer and early fall months.

How big are the fish?

The redfish are anywhere from 2 - 40+lbs, but more often we are targeting 20+ pounders.  The area we are able to fish that day can play a role in the size of fish.  Black drum are 5-60+lbs.  Jack Crevalle are typically 15 - 30+lbs and fight harder than other similar sized fish.  Alligator gar are typically 2-8 feet long.  Sheepshead are typically 2-10lbs.

How many people can you take on a boat?

As of now there’s a maximum of 2 passengers allowed on the boat (not including the guide).

Do you supply tackle (rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet, flies, lures)?

Yes, we can supply all fly fishing or spin fishing tackle.  Left hand and right hand retrieve. If you wish to use baitcast gear please bring your own.

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FLY FISH.  DO WE HAVE TO FLY FISH?  CAN WE USE SPINNING OR BAITCAST RODS?

You do NOT have to fly fish.  We offer charters using spinning tackle as well.  You're welcome to bring your own baitcast or spinning rods or we can supply spinning rods and tackle.

WHAT SIZE FLY RODS DO WE NEED OR WILL BE USING?

We typically use 8, 9, and 10 weight fly rods.  All with floating weight-forward fly lines such as the Scientific Anglers Redfish line or similar. Having an overweighted line for the rod is also a good idea. For example, casting a 10wt line on a fast action 9wt rod. This often helps with our very short casts with relatively large flies.

What strength and length leader will we be using?

I typically use 20, 30, or 40lb leader. Typically the leaders will be 7-9ft long.

What type of flies will we be using?

Typically throwing 3-6" streamer type flies that mimic crabs, shirmp, and/or baitfish often tied on a 2/0-4/0 hook and weighted with extra large bead chain or up to large brass dumbell eyes (prefer to use materials such as brass eyes in place of lead).

Is it ok if my wife/husband/friend/etc. comes even if they aren't fishing?

Yes, of course as long as the maximum number of passengers is not exceeded.

Will the guide provide transportation?

Clients will need to meet their guide at the marina of choice for the day, which is typically about 50min from downtown New Orleans. Please keep in mind that Uber may be an option for getting to the marina, but they are usually NOT an option for getting back from the marina. Talk to Capt. Brandon if you need an option other than renting a car or hiring a driver.

What time will we meet up with the guide?

This depends on the time of year and the conditions, but typically between 6:00am and 8:00am.  This will be discussed the evening before the charter. Please do not contact your guide days or weeks ahead of time asking for the itinerary because it changes depending on conditions, etc.

What area will we be fishing?

Typically we will be fishing out of Hopedale, LA or Delecroix, LA, but also fish out of other areas as-needed. Most are about 45min-1hr from downtown New Orleans.

How long does it take to get to the water from downtown?

Typically about 50min.

Can you book multiple guides for a group trip?

Yes, we have a select few guides that we use and can accommodate larger groups. Please communicate with Capt. Brandon for booking additional guides.

How do we pay the balance?

Please pay the balance by cash, Venmo, credit card, Pay Pal, or Zelle on the day of the charter. Please discuss your preferred payment method with Capt. Brandon and the payment methods accepted are subject to change. We recommend cash tips to guides.

What's included in the charter and what should we bring?

This info can be found on the BOOKING page of the Southern Fly Expeditions website.  Amber/Brown/Copper polarized sunglass lenses are highly recommended, not standard grey lenses!  My favorite lenses have been the Smith Techlite Polarchromic Ignitor and the Costa Green Mirror, Copper, and Copper Silver Mirror 580G.

Do you provide lunch?

No, lunch is not provided.  If we are fishing out of Hopedale or Delacroix, there is a food joint connected to a Chevron station called Day & Night Discount on the way located at 5840 E Judge Perez Dr., Violet, LA. They have really good HUGE sausage/bacon, egg, & cheese biscuits as well as other foods for breakfast and great po-boys, my favorite being the Club which I believe still is not on the menu (typically a half sandwich for 1 or whole for 2). If there’s some reason you cannot get food here there’s another option called Lancaster’s Crossroads located at 4515 LA-46, Saint Bernard, LA.

Are there a lot of bugs?

It depends on the conditions so please be prepared.  It's recommended you bring your own bug spray or protective clothing if you're worried about bugs.  Surprisingly, Glowing Amber perfume by Victoria Secret or other brands works pretty well for biting gnats/no-see-ums. There are some other options out there for them as well. We recommend long sleeves, long pants, and a face mask such as a Buff just in case there are issues with bugs. Gnats/no-see-ums are the worst in my opinion and they are more prevalent in the cooler months during calm winds. Horse flies and deer flies are more prevalent in the warmer months and often seem unaffected by bug spray. Wearing pants and closed shoes (covering all of your skin on your lower body) will prevent 90% of them from biting. Keep in mind that some of them may be able to bite through thin clothing that is against your skin.

When are the bull redfish around?

There are almost always bull redfish around.  Targeting them will depend on the conditions.

When were 29° NOLA and Pescadora NOLA filmed?

They were both filmed in the month of October 2015.  This type of fishing can be done throughout the year depending on conditions. We got lucky with the conditions during the filming and have’t had an October quite like it since, but have had other months with as good or better topwater action.

Do you book charters for weekdays or weekends?

Both!

Do we keep the fish?  Do you clean the fish for us?

We practice catch & release on our charters.  Plus the fish we catch are often too large to harvest. We do not clean fish for our clients.

Do you have fishing & lodging packages?

Yes, you can book fishing and lodging through Southern Fly Expeditions.  Please contact me for details. This is subject to change.

How are Refunds processed?

Payments made online may be refunded to the same card used for the transaction, but the card fees will NOT be refunded as the card processor has already collected the fees. If the card used to make the payment is no longer valid, please notify me before any refunds are requested and I will attempt the refund in a different manner (card fees will not be refunded). Payments made via Venmo may be refunded to the Venmo account that made the payment. If you pay via Venmo and choose the option for “purchase”, “goods and services”, etc. (please do not do this and I can explain why if needed), we will only refund the amount we received after Venmo took their fee as a result of the option you chose when paying on Venmo.

What is a typical gratuity/tip?

The amount of gratuity you choose to provide your guide is entirely up to you.  With that said, the average tip received is typically $100-$200/day for the guide.  Help your guide know that you appreciate their efforts and enjoyed your time with them.  I want you to catch fish as much or more than you do.  Even a fish-less day requires a lot of work if not more work by your guide so please show your appreciation.  Gratuity is greatly appreciated and well respected.