Full Day Family Fun in Venice Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing targeting redfish and flounderFamily-friendly trip suitable for all ages and skill levelsPrivate charter with Captain Jay providing expert guidance
Venice, Louisiana sits at the heart of some of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore fishing grounds, and Captain Jay Winters knows these waters like the back of his hand. This full-day charter is built for families who want to share the excitement of fishing without worrying about whether the kids can keep up. From first-timers who've never held a rod to experienced anglers looking for a relaxed day on the water, Captain Jay's approach makes everyone feel at home. The calm inshore waters around Venice offer protection from rough seas while serving up consistent action with Redfish, Southern Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. With room for up to 2 guests, this private trip gives you the captain's full attention and flexibility to fish at your own pace.
Your day starts early at the Venice marina, where Captain Jay will have the boat rigged and ready for a productive day of fishing. Venice's location at the mouth of the Mississippi River creates a unique ecosystem where fresh and saltwater mix, forming an incredibly rich feeding ground for inshore species. The trip focuses on calm backwaters, protected bays, and shallow flats where the fishing is consistent and the ride stays comfortable for younger anglers. Captain Jay's patient teaching style means he'll take time to show proper casting techniques, explain how to read the water, and help with everything from baiting hooks to landing fish. The boat stays within protected waters, so seasickness isn't usually a concern, and there's plenty of room to move around safely. Plan on 8 hours of fishing time with breaks as needed, especially if you're bringing kids along.
Inshore fishing in Venice relies heavily on live bait and light tackle techniques that produce steady action without requiring expert casting skills. Captain Jay typically runs a combination of bottom fishing with shrimp and cut bait for species like Black Drum and Sheepshead, while also setting up opportunities for sight fishing Redfish in shallow water. The boat carries spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line, perfect for handling the drag runs these fish are known for without being too heavy for beginners. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself fishing around oil rigs, working oyster bars, or drifting grass flats. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to bring yourself and a willingness to learn. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, making it easier for novice anglers to hook fish properly while reducing deep hooking.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Venice inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. Most fish you'll encounter range from 20 to 35 inches, with the slot-size fish offering the perfect combination of fight and table fare. Spring through fall provides the most consistent action, though winter fishing can be excellent when weather cooperates. Redfish love shallow water where they feed on crabs and shrimp, often with their backs out of the water in what's called "tailing." The visual excitement of watching a big red crush your bait in 2 feet of water never gets old.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying perfectly flat against sandy and muddy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting prey. These flatfish typically run 14 to 20 inches around Venice, with larger specimens showing up during their fall migration toward deeper water. Flounder fishing requires patience and a sensitive touch since their bite can be subtle, but Captain Jay knows the productive spots and will teach you to feel the difference between a flounder pickup and bottom structure. Fall months from September through November offer the best shot at doormat-sized fish.
Black Drum provide some of the most consistent action you'll find in Venice waters, especially during cooler months when they school up around structure. These fish range from puppy drum around 2-3 pounds up to bruiser bulls that can top 30 pounds and test your tackle to its limits. They're not the prettiest fish in the marsh, but their steady pulls and willingness to eat make them perfect for keeping kids engaged. Black Drum bite year-round, though spring and fall typically produce the largest numbers.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" thanks to their distinctive black and white stripes, but anglers know them as notorious bait thieves with incredible bite detection skills. These fish hang around structure like pilings, rocks, and oil rigs where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Landing a quality Sheepshead requires quick reflexes and sharp hooks, making them a favorite challenge for more experienced anglers in the group. Winter months often provide the most consistent Sheepshead action as they move into deeper water around structure.
Captain Jay Winters has built his reputation on delivering quality family fishing experiences that create lasting memories for anglers of all ages. This full-day Venice charter combines productive fishing grounds with a patient, educational approach that ensures everyone on board has a great time. The calm inshore waters provide a comfortable platform for learning, while the diverse species keep the action interesting throughout the day. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing for the first time or looking for a relaxed day away from the crowds, this top-rated Venice charter delivers consistent results in one of Louisiana's most renowned fishing destinations. Book your spot today and discover why so many families choose Captain Jay for their Gulf Coast fishing adventures.
Captain Jay's 2015 Blue Wave Bay boat is perfectly suited for Venice's productive inshore waters. This 24-footer cuts through the marsh channels and shallow flats with ease, powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on redfish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate those structure-hugging flounder. With comfortable seating for your family and an icebox to keep drinks cold during those hot Louisiana afternoons, this boat handles everything from navigating narrow bayous to fishing open water. The GPS ensures we can return to productive spots, and there's plenty of deck space for kids to move around safely while learning to cast.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of our inshore waters, and they'll test your drag system. These grey-black bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds around Venice, but we catch some real tanks pushing 50+ pounds. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring spawning season from March through May is prime time when they school up in shallow water. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear schools of them underwater. Kids love the steady, strong fight they put up. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh peeler crab on the bottom near oyster bars. The key is keeping your bait right on the structure where they're feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature inshore species and perfect for families - they fight hard but predictably, making them great for kids learning to fish. These bronze beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, though bull reds over 27 inches will really test your skills. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy flats where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring give us the most consistent action when they're feeding heavy. The meat on slot-sized fish is excellent - firm and mildly sweet. What guests love most is sight fishing when you can actually see their backs in skinny water. Local tip: use gold spoons or live shrimp under a popping cork near grass lines. The key is making noise to get their attention in our murky water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish - they're called "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, but I call them bait thieves. These crafty fish hang around docks, pilings, and any structure with barnacles, using those human-like teeth to pick apart shellfish. Most run 1-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, perfect for family fishing since they don't overpower kids but still give a good account. Spring spawning season brings the best action, especially around jetties and oil rigs. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find - mild and sweet. They're notorious for stealing bait, so here's the secret: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and keep your bait tight to structure. When you feel that subtle nibble, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately or they'll clean you out.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, changing color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They're perfect for families since they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming for kids. You'll find them in our shallow bays, estuaries, and along muddy flats where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall through early spring gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. The meat is sweet and flaky - excellent eating. Pro tip: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom and wait. These fish study their prey before striking, so patience pays off. Once you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to take it fully before setting the hook.
Venice