What the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational is and who runs it
The Faux Pas Lodge Invitational is a saltwater fishing tournament held in Louisiana that focuses on redfish and spotted seatrout — the two species that define coastal Louisiana fishing. The tournament is hosted by Faux Pas Lodge, a fishing operation based in the state, and draws anglers from across the region who want to compete on the water and connect with other people who fish seriously.
The lodge runs the event as an invitational, meaning participation is typically limited and structured around a guest list or application process rather than open registration. This format keeps the field manageable and creates a tighter community feel than larger open tournaments. The tournament combines competition with the social side of fishing — meals, lodging, and time spent with other anglers who understand why you showed up.
Key Takeaways
- Faux Pas Lodge Invitational targets redfish and spotted seatrout, the core species of Louisiana coastal fishing.
- The invitational format limits the field, which means you need to contact the lodge directly to learn about participation.
- The event typically includes lodging and meals as part of the tournament experience, not just the fishing itself.
- Timing and specific rules change year to year, so reaching out to Faux Pas Lodge directly is the only way to get current details.
How to find out about participation
Because the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational is an invitational event, there is no public registration page or standard entry process. Your first step is to contact Faux Pas Lodge directly — by phone or through their website — and ask about the tournament schedule and how to get on the list for the year you want to fish.
The lodge can tell you whether the event is running that year, when it takes place, what the entry fee is, and what the format looks like. They can also let you know if there are spots available or if you need to be referred by someone already connected to the tournament. Many invitational tournaments operate on a mix of returning anglers and new people brought in by existing participants, so having a connection can help, but it is worth asking directly.
What to expect on the water
Redfish and spotted seatrout tournaments in Louisiana typically run as boat competitions, with teams of two or three anglers fishing from dawn until a set weigh-in time — usually mid-afternoon. The goal is to catch the heaviest fish in each species category, or sometimes the heaviest combined weight across both species. Rules about which fish count, minimum sizes, and catch limits vary by tournament, so the lodge will walk you through their specific format when you contact them.
Fishing for redfish and seatrout in Louisiana means working shallow water — marshes, flats, and nearshore areas where these fish hunt. You will be sight-casting to visible fish or working structure with artificial lures and live bait. The fishing is active and technical, which is why these tournaments draw serious anglers. Conditions change with tide and weather, so knowing the water and reading the day matters as much as technique.
Lodging and meals as part of the event
Unlike many tournaments where you find your own hotel, the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational typically includes lodging and meals as part of the package. This is one of the things that makes an invitational different — you are not just competing; you are spending time together before and after the fishing day. Meals give you a chance to talk with other anglers, hear about what worked on the water, and build the kind of connection that keeps people coming back.
The lodge handles the logistics of where you sleep and what you eat, which means less planning on your end and more focus on fishing and community. When you contact the lodge about participation, ask what is included in the entry fee and what you need to bring or arrange on your own.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring your own rods, reels, and tackle — the lodge will not provide those. You will want saltwater-rated gear suited to redfish and seatrout fishing: medium-action rods, baitcasting or spinning reels that handle saltwater, and a mix of artificial lures (topwater, soft plastics, spoons) and live bait rigs. Polarized sunglasses are essential for sight-casting in shallow water.
Bring sun protection, rain gear, and clothes you do not mind getting wet and salty. Coastal Louisiana weather can shift fast, so layers and a good rain jacket matter. Ask the lodge what time you need to be ready to leave the dock and whether they provide tackle storage or if you need to keep your gear organized in your boat.
Tournament rules and scoring
Specific rules — which fish count, minimum sizes, bag limits, and how ties are broken — are set by Faux Pas Lodge and may change from year to year. Some tournaments weigh all fish caught; others use a format where only your best fish in each species count. Some have a penalty for dead fish or require fish to be caught on rod and reel with no exceptions.
The lodge will send you the complete rulebook when you sign up, and they will go over everything at a captain's meeting before the tournament starts. Read the rules carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Tournament rules exist to keep the competition fair and the fishing ethical, so following them matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out when the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational happens?
Contact Faux Pas Lodge directly by phone or through their website. They will tell you the dates for the current year and whether spots are open. Tournaments typically run in spring or fall when redfish and seatrout are most active, but the exact timing varies.
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
That depends on the tournament format. Some invitationals require you to bring your own boat; others pair you with a boat and captain provided by the lodge. Ask when you contact them about participation.
What if I have never fished for redfish or seatrout before?
Invitational tournaments are competitive, so they typically draw experienced anglers. That said, if you are interested and have saltwater fishing experience, contact the lodge and ask. They can tell you whether the event is right for your skill level.
Can I bring a friend or family member who is not fishing?
Some tournaments allow non-fishing guests to stay at the lodge and participate in meals and social events. Ask the lodge what their policy is when you inquire about participation.
What happens if weather cancels the tournament?
The lodge will have a weather policy in their rules. Most tournaments have a rain date or will reschedule if conditions make fishing unsafe. Ask about this when you sign up so you know what to expect.