Story by Erik Holmes

Of Hokie’s dozen or so visits to The Sportsman’s Lodge, one experience stands out. “My first trip was the best. You’re out in the middle of nowhere, so to see this lodge with such remarkable accommodations was a real eye-opener, plus I caught more fish than I ever have. There was a group of photographers from Southern Living, who were along for the trip and were so impressed with the fishing that they put down their cameras and picked up a rod.”

Hokie also speaks highly of the expert guides at The Sportsman’s Lodge. “They’re very good hunters and fishermen,” he says, “and they wait on you hand and foot… They just want y’all to have a great experience.”

Although guests have a true backwater sporting experience, this isn’t your grandfather’s hunting and fishing trip, sleeping in tents and battling mosquitoes all night. “The rooms themselves are just as nice as the rooms in Beau Rivage,” Hokie says. “Downstairs is a large living room, a kitchen with a professional chef and an open bar stocked with everything you could want. After the day’s fishing is over, you just kick back with a cocktail, sit around and BS about the day.”

Of course, no fishing trip is complete without eating the day’s catch. “The food at the Lodge is second to none,” Hokie claims. “They’ll do up your day’s catch however you want. Plus, they’ve got everything else you can imagine, from steaks to pasta.”

Hokie’s only regret about The Sportsman’s Lodge is that he can’t visit more often. “I’d go out there every day if I could,” he says with a laugh. “I’m a hardcore fisherman and hunter, but there’s nothing wrong with being pampered every once in a while.”