Welcome Aboard!
Here we will lay out any information you may need to ensure a great experience with Travel Creel in New Orleans!
This information can also be found in the printable planner using the link below.
TRAVEL INFO
New Orleans!
We will be staying in the Marigny district of New Orleans, known for its many Cajun bistros, jazz clubs and sidewalk musicians. We are just a short distance from the famous and historic downtown areas.
- Fly into Louis Armstrong Int’l Airport (MSY) in New Orleans. The lodge is 20 minutes from the airport. Your shuttle runs are based on the group’s arrival times. We will email you the week prior with the two shuttle pick-up and drop-off times. Then, on the day before the trip we will be in touch via group text.
- Our lodge check-in time is 3 pm, please try to coordinate your flight to arrive at the airport as close to that time as possible.
Once you book your flights, please make sure to provide your travel details in the form we emailed you.
We will be able to make a few pit stops during the shuttle to stop for booze and any other treats you may want to bring back to the lodge.
PLEASE USE THE CLIENT INTAKE FORM TO INFORM US OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR RESTRICTIONS SO WE CAN ENSURE YOU HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE!
Arrival -
Arrive to the lodge and settle into your rooms. Freshen up after a day of travel and dinner is served around 6PM.
The Fishing -
Take a 40 minute drive from the lodge to Hopedale. Your guide will be at the dock, ready to take you on a brisk boat ride to find feeding redfish, black drum and other Bayou critters. It's a hunter’s game as you cruise the muddy banks, watching for tailing fish or a cruiser looking for their next meal. Be sure you see the fish before you make your cast. Throw your fly on their back and all you will see is a cloud of mud as they spook out. But don’t worry- there is another willing eater just around the next bend. Each day you will get to fish with a different guide.
Practice your cast before you get to New Orleans!
Being able to throw a 9wt/10wt all day is important to your success on the water. Hitting your target of 50-60+ ft will help make your fishing experience much more enjoyable.
- Gear -
We always suggest bringing your own equipment. However, your amazing guides will provide rods/reels if needed. Be sure to note your need for gear to be provided on your Travel Details form, too!
Flies and terminal tackle are included.
9, 10 or 11wt, 9ft rods rigged with floating lines. Our favorites are SA or Rio Floating Redfish Warm and appropriately sized, sealed drag saltwater reels.
Be sure to inspect your reels and ensure they are properly functioning well before your trip!
Have at least 250 yards of backing attached to the fly-line with a bimini knot.
We have partnered with George Revel at Lost Coast Outfitters in San Francisco, California to help guide you to the proper gear for your New Orleans fishing needs.
A little bit about me and Lost Coast Outfitters, We are California's premiere fly shop outfitting clients to go all over the world from our San Francisco based fly shop. We can build personalized shopping carts and send them on to you and your crew, we ship fast and have excellent inventory and customer service.
FOR A DETAILED GEAR LIST
AND PACKING SUGGESTIONS FROM
GEORGE AT LOST COAST OUTFITTERS
Fishing License
Purchase a “Charter Fishing License”.
We are fishing for 4 days- so you will need to get TWO of the “Charter Passenger Saltwater 3-Day” licenses.
Use the link below to create an account and/or login to buy online.
Please be sure to buy these BEFORE you arrive.
https://louisianaoutdoors.com/dashboard
^^ This is what you are looking for on the licensing page^^
Travel Insurance
TCH highly recommends travel insurance for all your adventures.
Please reach out to us if you need assistance choosing travel insurance.
- The Lodge/Food Program -
Travel Creel will be taking care of all of your meals!
- Typical Day in New Orleans -
6:30AM - Coffee is served
7:00AM - Get your “Grab & Go” breakfast, take the shuttle ride to the boat ramp
8:00AM - Hop on the boats, head out for the day and FISH ON
4:00PM - Boats arrive back at the dock, the shuttle will take everyone back to the lodge. You can even enjoy a beer or cocktail on the ride, since open containers are legal in New Orleans
5:00PM - Freshen up for dinner at the lodge
5:30PM - Make yourself a cocktail to enjoy with the appetizers as the group reflects on the day, then sit down to dinner
We have chosen to establish the lodge in a location that provides the culture and environment you picture when you think of New Orleans. After dinner, take a stroll out on the town. Check out historic Frenchman street and take in some live jazz! The lodge is only a 15-20 min walk or short car ride away. Take it all in, but do remember… the morning comes quick!
If you enjoy the town a little too much and cannot get yourself up and make it out on the boat the next morning, you will lose out on that day of fishing. We cannot offer refunds for missed days.
- Departure -
We provide a “Grab & Go” breakfast on the morning of your departure.
The two shuttles will run based on the group’s flight times.
Check-out is before 11 am, so please book your return flight between 9-11am
If you have made other arrangements to extend your trip in the area or have any questions or concerns on flight plans, please reach out
prior to the trip.
- What is included -
- 5 nights of accommodations at our amazing lodge
- 4 days of guided fishing excursions
- Meals provided by our Creel Crew Chefs
- Airport Shuttles (2 run-times per arrival and departure day)
- Terminal Tackle - our guides will provide flies, leader and tippet. If you need to borrow rods/reels please let us know in advance on your Travel Details form so we can make the arrangements for you.
- What is not included -
- Airfare and travel expenses
- Booze
- New Orleans Fishing Licenses (see above for detailed instructions)
- Gratuity
*Gratuity amounts are a personal decision, based on the service you feel we provided.
It is customary to tip your guide in cash at the end of each day of fishing and the Creel Crew lodge staff at the end of your stay. On the morning of your departure day, we will send an email with a link to our Cashless Creel Crew page if you prefer an alternative method for tipping the lodge staff*
Typical gratuity
- Guides: $150 cash per day - per boat (split with boat mate)
- Creel Crew lodge staff: $200-$250 per angler for your stay
