Past Trips

Overview: Three full days, and two half days fishing. Three nights lodging, food, and fixin's.

Location: The Chandeleur Islands. Although the Chandeleur Islands are technically Louisiana Waters, we will be departing from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It is a much shorter boat ride out.

Rods (Available Slots): 8

Price: This trip will be roughly $2,100. Prices will be locked down at the start of 2025.

Best Airport Options: (GPT/KGPT) Gulfport-Biloxi International airport is 21 miles from the ramp. (MOB/KMOB) Mobile Regional Airport is 55 miles from the ramp. Safe parking is available on sight.

Gear:

Fly

-There is no need to bring anything under an 8wt. Everything is big here and will test gear.

-9 wts are perfect for larger redfish, and can get by when fighting Jacks, but 10wts are good as well.

-If you are interested in chasing massive descendents of lady fish, we will say "Larpon" to keep the secrecy of them being in the area, bring a 12wt with a good real. You will hear more about that below.

-We will share more about lines, flies, etc. as we get closer.

**We are also working on building a "Rod Locker" so you can test and use gear from various companies.

*We are happy to put together a Drifter Fly Box if you would like to have everything taken care off. Please contact our Club Fly Expert Chase@DrifterFishClub.com to get an arraingement that meets your needs.

Spin

-This is a great spot to spin fish 3,000's and up.

-We will provide gear for those who want to go play with Snapper and other near shore fish. You can even chum them up at catch a few on fly if you would like.

SEE ALL TRIP ROSTERS HERE.

There is a lot to say on this one..

The Pelican Chandeleur is a lodge (a very unique lodge), that has been around since 1985. The lodge is comprised of three wood-frame floating structures moored together. The center barge houses a bunkhouse with four sets of bunk beds for guests, along with an enclosed head and shower. One outboard barge contains the galley where meals are prepared and served, plus a separate generator room. The other outboard barge houses the crew quarters along with a screened-in lounge area that offers a separate dining area (and TV). All three barges have 360° access with plenty of shade for relaxing with a cold drink and appetizer. Also, it is hard to beat the view of the stars from that rooftop porch. We once thought the Starlink Satlites were an alian invasion sitting out there one night...it's a long story.

The Chandeleur Islands are located along the west coast of Louisana and stretch roughly 50 miles long, and sit 40 miles west of the state...yeah, it is pretty remote. Don't worry they have Starlink and you can still access as much of the world as you would like.

The team at the Pelican takes care of all the food...and although most floating houseboat operations aren't up to win any Michelin stars...honestly, the food is perfect for the trip.

We do need to talk about the fishing. This is the only trip this year that is not guided. Chase, Richard Schmidt (the Lodge Owner), and I will be there to help everyone get on plenty of fish...and honestly, that isn't a hard task here.

We have access to four skiffs, a big catamaran to run to some nearshore fish if we chose, and Chase and I are discussing whether we will bring an additional bay-boat or skiff...TBD.

To hear a little more about the fishing, check out Chase's recap from their trip there this past November. You can read that HERE.

This area is loaded with Big Bull Reds that you can easily site fish on the inside grass, or while walking the outside beach. Honestly, walking the beach for these things is one of my favorite experiences I have encountered so far.

I told you these fish were big...

During August we will also have plenty oppurtunities to chase aggressive Jacks, and a large, silver sportfish that migrates through the area (Shhh they try to keep that quite. It ryhmes with Larpon...)

The photo below is of me fighting a monster "Larpon" that multiple guys agreed was in the 200# ballpark. My drag gave out in the first five minutes, I attempted to palm the fish and faught her for nearly two hours while @Chase Hancock poured Celsius' into my mouth and @Vince Stegura critqued my every move while listening to the same Credence Revival song...I still won't listen to them this day.

At the Pelican every day is filled with oppurtunities and there is always something to get into...even if you want to take a break and chase some crabs for us to cook up later.

We are going all out on this one, have a few special cards up our sleeve, and really want it to be a annual pilgrimage for Drifters.

Stay tuned for more details! Please email Hunter@drifterfishclub.com if you want your name on the list!

Learn more about The Pelican Chandeluer HERE.