The Louisiana Marsh School is designed to give you all the tools you need to enjoy and maximize the wonderful fun that is fly fishing for trophy redfish. You will learn the various casts needed, a wide range of fishing techniques, and build up an understanding and knowledge of the wide variety of gear used when fishing with saltwater outfits. In short, if you are even slightly interested in getting into the redfish game, this course will put you firmly on the right road.
Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or new to saltwater fly fishing, this immersive trip promises to be both exciting and educational. As part of Sage Experiences, you'll use the latest Sage fly rods and RIO fly lines, specifically chosen for the unique conditions of the Louisiana marsh. Students will begin with classroom instruction on select mornings and evenings, followed by a full day dedicated to refining casting techniques and saltwater fishing tactics. On the second day, you'll focus on mastering the art of casting from a skiff in the wind. The final three days are centered around applying your newfound skills in the field, with three days of guided fishing with professional Louisiana fly fishing guides. The school is set up around targeting trophy redfish over 30-inches but fall in the marsh can mean cold fronts and the weather can be unstable.
Our course is designed to ensure every student leaves with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of fly fishing. To provide personalized attention, we maintain a low instructor-to-student ratio: no more than four students per instructor during lessons and just two guests per guide during the fishing days.
The Lodging and Meals:
Le Beau Soleil (The Beautiful Sunshine) was opened in the fall of 2023 by angler and travel hostess, Meredith McCord. It is made up of two lodging options: The Boat Barn and the Lux Trailer.
The Boat Barn has two large en suite bedrooms each with a split king and one extra long twin beds and can comfortably sleep up to 4 guests.
The Lux Trailer has one queen bedroom and one extra long twin bed single room. The Lux Trailer will be perfect for a traveling couple or two single guests.
All meals will be catered by a local caterer and will be centered around a Southern and Cajun menu.
Head Instructors: Meridith McCord and Collin Huff
Special Guest: Simon Gawesworth
Group Size: 6 students
Itinerary:
October 14: Arrive New Orleans, LA. Transfer to Le Beau Soleil. Welcome dinner
October 15: Classroom and casting sessions
October 16: Morning classroom session. Half day of skiff fishing practice.
October 17: Full day of guided saltwater marsh fishing.
October 18: Full day of guided saltwater marsh fishing.
October 19: Full day of guided saltwater marsh fishing.
October 20: Depart after breakfast
Rate: $5,250 per person based on double occupancy for a 6 night/ 5 day school
Included: Accommodations, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages at the lodge, 2 days of fishing instruction, 3 days of guided fishing, use of Sage and RIO demo gear, tax
Not Included: Airfare, transportation to/from the lodge, alcohol, fishing license, instructor, guide and staff gratuities
About Meredith McCord:
While Meredith is based in Houston, Texas, she travels the world hosting fly fishing trips for adventure- seeking anglers of all ages and skill levels. Meredith is an honest, engaging, and sought-after speaker on fly fishing, inspiration, faith, and family. Always ready to explore and connect, Meredith lives life as the adventure it is – always ready for one more cast.
Meredith's Mission:
To Inspire, educate and empower others to be the best Angler that they can be, all while having fun, making new friends and catching fish in beautiful places.
Suggested Southern Louisiana Marsh Gear
In addition to finding the right water, having the right gear can help make any day that much better. For over 20 years Fly Water Travel has been fly fishing's most trusted and respected source for finding the right water. Now, along with Sage, RIO Products, and Redington, Fly Water Travel is a proud member of the Far Bank Family. As part of this larger team, we are able to access decades worth of manufacturing passion and knowledge enabling us to expand our role to include in-depth advice on the world's best rods, reels, lines, and flies.
Rather than buy the wrong gear, you are welcome to use the equipment provided by the lodge and school, which will all be perfectly matched and balanced for each class and situation. A big part of the course is designed to give you the knowledge needed to go out and purchase the right equipment for you and your future saltwater journey. If you would like to bring your own equipment, the following is a good guideline of gear that will be most applicable to the trip.
Louisiana Saltwater Marsh Perfect Set Up:
SAGE SALT R8 990-4
SAGE ENFORCER 9/10
RIO Premier Redfish
RIO Hopedale Crab
