Full Day Family Fishing in Venice, Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting Redfish and Flounder speciesFamilyfriendly trip accommodates all ages and skill levelsPrivate charter with Captain Jay providing guidance and support
Venice, Louisiana is where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, creating some of the most productive inshore fishing waters you'll find anywhere. Captain Jay Winters knows these marshes and canals like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show your family why this area is a magnet for serious anglers and first-timers alike. This full-day private trip is built around having fun on the water while putting fish in the cooler, whether you're dealing with kids who've never held a rod or experienced anglers looking for that next great catch.
You'll spend your day working the maze of canals, bayous, and marsh edges that make Venice famous among inshore fishing circles. Captain Jay keeps things relaxed and educational, perfect for families who want to learn while they fish. The boat stays in protected waters where conditions are typically calm, so even younger kids can handle the action without getting seasick or overwhelmed. This isn't a rush-to-the-next-spot kind of trip – it's about taking time to teach proper techniques, help with hooksets, and make sure everyone gets their chance at the action. With just two guests max, you get personal attention that larger charter operations simply can't match.
Captain Jay runs a clean, well-equipped boat with all the gear you'll need for a successful day of inshore fishing. You'll primarily use light tackle spinning rods paired with live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Live shrimp, cocahoe minnows, and cut bait are staples, while soft plastic jigs and spoons come into play when targeting specific structures. The technique varies based on conditions and target species – you might be sight fishing redfish in shallow water one minute, then bouncing bottom rigs for drum the next. Captain Jay explains everything as you go, from reading water color and current to understanding why certain baits work better in different situations. The goal is to teach you skills you can use long after this trip ends.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate inshore prize, and Venice offers some of Louisiana's best opportunities to connect with these flatfish. They love hanging around structure changes where current sweeps bait past their ambush spots. Fall months bring the biggest fish as they stage for their offshore spawning runs, with doormat-sized flounder over 20 inches making regular appearances. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the technique – you need to feel that subtle tap, let them mouth the bait, then set the hook at just the right moment. Kids love the anticipation, and when a big flounder comes over the rail, the whole family celebrates.
Black Drum are the workhorses of these waters, providing consistent action when other species get finicky. These bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum under 10 pounds to true giants pushing 30-40 pounds. They're not the prettiest fish in the marsh, but they fight hard and are surprisingly good table fare when prepared right. Black drum feed heavily on crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for families using natural baits. The best part about drum fishing is the reliability – Captain Jay knows where they congregate, and you can usually count on steady bites throughout the day.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as "convict fish" thanks to those distinctive black stripes, but they're better known among anglers as excellent table fare with a tricky bite. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing crabs and barnacles, which means they're masters at stealing bait without getting hooked. Successfully catching sheepshead requires patience and a quick hookset – skills that make you a better angler overall. They gather around any structure with barnacle growth, from bridge pilings to old rigs, and Venice waters hold plenty of both. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations as they move between feeding and spawning areas.
Redfish are the celebrities of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight like freight trains and show up in waters ranging from knee-deep flats to deeper bayou holes. Venice redfish are typically in the 20-30 inch range, perfect for both action and eating. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything – live bait, artificials, topwater plugs – they're not particularly picky. You'll often see them tailing in shallow water or creating nervous water as they push bait against shoreline structure. The sight of a big red crushing a topwater lure is something that hooks families on fishing for life.
Captain Jay Winters has built his reputation on delivering quality family fishing experiences that create lasting memories. Venice's year-round fishing opportunities mean there's never a bad time to book, though spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action across all target species. This private charter format ensures your family gets the attention and instruction needed to maximize both fun and fish-catching success. The combination of productive waters, experienced guidance, and family-friendly approach makes this trip a top-rated choice for anyone wanting to experience Louisiana's world-class inshore fishing. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – book your date and let Captain Jay handle the rest.
Get ready to fish the rich waters around Venice aboard Captain Jay's 2015 24' Blue Wave Bay boat. This reliable fishing machine packs a 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 52 knots when conditions are right. Built for serious angling, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to navigate the maze of marshes and channels, fish finder to locate those holding areas, and a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches when targeting spooky fish. The spacious deck comfortably handles your family of four, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days. Whether you're working the grass lines for redfish or drifting structure for flounder, this bay boat handles the shallow inshore waters like a dream, letting you focus on putting fish in the box instead of worrying about the ride.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-15 pounds but capable of hitting 30+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater during this season. They're tough fighters that will test your drag and make long runs. The smaller ones are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat, though the big bulls are better released. These fish are perfect for families since they fight hard but aren't too fast for kids to handle. They'll eat cut bait all day, but fresh soft crab is the ticket around here. Pro tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and keep your bait right in the oyster shells - that's where they're feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Louisiana inshore waters, running anywhere from schoolie-sized 18-inchers to bull reds over 30 pounds. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spots love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the hottest action. Families go crazy for reds because they fight like freight trains, making screaming runs that'll test any angler. They're also top-notch eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish aren't picky - they'll crush live shrimp, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. My go-to trick in Venice: look for nervous baitfish or mullet jumping, then work a gold spoon through the area. Reds often follow the bait schools and will slam that spoon when it flutters down.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you. These 2-8 pounders hang tight around docks, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're notorious bait thieves - nibbling and picking at your offering before committing. Spring months are best when they're most active and feeding heavily on barnacles and small crabs. Families love catching them because they're plentiful, fun to fight, and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The challenge is outsmarting their finicky feeding habits. They'll test your patience but reward persistence. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and get your bait tight to structure. Here's the key: when you feel that light tapping, don't set the hook immediately. Let them load up and turn the bait, then hit them hard - their bony mouths require a solid hookset.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms, changing color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see plenty pushing 25+ inches in our Venice waters. They're both-eyes-on-one-side fish that ambush prey from below. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and near grass beds where they hunt shrimp and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Kids love the surprise factor - one minute you think you're snagged, then your "bottom" starts swimming! They're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. My tip: use live shrimp on a Carolina rig and fish it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait.
Venice