Dogwood Lodge - Biloxi Marsh

The Biloxi Marsh

The Biloxi Marsh provides hundreds of miles of some of the best redfishing in the world. The salt marshes are vast and healthy, providing easy access to great inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and many other species, as well as great duck hunting.
Due to the almost year-round clarity of the water and endless wild marshes, the Biloxi offers opportunities for trophy redfish.
Reds love to eat flies in shallow water and often dine close to the boat! Sight fish the narrow bayous and shallow ponds for larger reds.

The Fishing Program

Season:  The Hopedale area can be fished year-round, with peak fishing during the fall. Redfishing championships are held during October.
Travel Time:  From the Liveaboard, it takes 10 to 45 minutes, depending on where the fish are. You'll cross the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, then enter the western edge of the marsh.
Guides:  The Lodge works with outstanding and reputable guides and outfitters.
Fly/Spin Sightfishing Packages:  Technical poling boats such as Hells Bay and Chittum skiffs are used. Two anglers per boat and guide. The guides pick you up at 8:00 a.m., returning you to the Liveaboard at 4:00 p.m. All fly fishing packages are catch-and-release fishing only.
Conventional Lure/Bait Fishing Packages:  Guides use 24 to 26 ft. bay boats. Three to four anglers per boat and guide. The guides pick the group up at 6:00 a.m., returning you to the Liveaboard between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Packages Include:  Fuel, ice, flies or tackle, and fish cleaning. If you plan to take fish home, you'll need to bring Ziplok bags and coolers.
Equipment:  The guides supply all rods, reels, and tackle.
Fishing License:  A 5-day non-resident fishing license is $30 and not included in the package.

The Biloxi Marsh

Typical Fishing Day:
The Lodge provides a packed lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks for you to enjoy on the boat. Back at the liveaboard in the evenings, you’ll enjoy appetizers and an open bar, followed by dinner.
For Conventional Lure or Bait Fishing:  Breakfast is served at 5:30 a.m. You’ll head out at 6:30 a.m. with your guide, who will pick you up in a 24 to 26-foot bay boat. You'll return to the Liveaboard between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. You’ll fish three to four anglers per boat and guide.
For Fly Fishing:  Breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. You’ll head out at 8:00 a.m. with your guide. Technical poling boats such as Hells Bay and Chittum skiffs are used. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide. You’ll return to the Liveaboard at 4:00 p.m.

Liveaboard Lodging:

The Dogwood Lodge, a 114-foot liveaboard vessel, is docked at the Hopedale Marina. The Dogwood is historically significant as the US Coast Guard used it as a buoy tender on the upper Mississippi River. A cruise ship company later converted it into a multi-day vessel for river cruises.

Lounge Area

On the second deck, you'll find the lounge area known as the Mississippi Room. Homey, comfortable seating, a widescreen television, and a bar.
Bar: After a day of fishing, you'll enjoy appetizers in the lounge and beverages at the complimentary self-serve bar. By law, the Lodge cannot provide alcohol for your fishing day, but you can purchase it (in cans only) at the marina store.

Dining Room and Cabin

The Ohio Room, which seats 12 people for dining, also doubles as a corporate meeting room. The Liveaboard features six private bedrooms, each with two twin beds and a private bathroom. In addition, there are two outdoor seating areas on the deck where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening drink while taking in the sights and sounds of the marsh.

Meals and Beverages

Meals:  Hot breakfasts. You'll take a sack lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and bottled water for your fishing day. Delicious Southern and Cajun cuisine are on the daily menu.