5.0(4 Reviews)Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Venice, LA
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure in Venice, Louisiana watersTarget Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, and Black Drum speciesExpert Captain Jay Winters guides up to two guests
Venice, Louisiana sits at the end of the road 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 like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this 8-hour charter. Whether you're bringing the family or a couple of fishing buddies, this trip accommodates up to 2 anglers who want to experience world-class fishing in Louisiana's famous delta. You'll be targeting redfish, jack crevalle, flounder, black drum, and sea trout in waters that have been producing trophy catches for generations of anglers.
Your day starts early with Captain Jay, who's been working these waters for years and has built a reputation as one of Venice's top-rated guides. The boat is equipped with quality gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own tackle unless you want to. You'll be fishing the intricate network of marshes, canals, and shallow flats that make this area so special. The scenery alone is worth the trip - endless grass flats stretching to the horizon, with herons and pelicans keeping you company while you work the water. This isn't a crowded fishing experience either, since you're limited to just 2 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Jay knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching.
Inshore fishing in Venice requires a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. You'll likely be sight fishing on the flats when conditions are right, watching for tailing redfish and cruising drum in skinny water. Live bait is king down here - shrimp, croakers, and finger mullet are go-to choices that Captain Jay keeps fresh in the live well. When the fish are finicky, you might switch to soft plastics or spoons worked slowly along drop-offs and grass edges. The boat is set up with quality spinning gear that can handle everything from smaller trout to bull reds that'll test your drag. Captain Jay provides all the tackle, but if you have a favorite rod or reel setup, feel free to bring it along. The key to success in these waters is reading the conditions - understanding how tides move bait and fish through the system, and being ready to adapt when the bite changes.
"Had a fantastic time with Captain Jay, we had the most incredible day fishing!!! His gear and boat were top notch and he has a fantastic knowledge of the area having fished there for many years. He was polite, courteous and responsive throughout the entire trip. I recommend 100%!" - Matthew
Southern Flounder are one of the most sought-after species in these waters, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Fall and early winter are prime time for flounder fishing in Venice, when they're moving from shallow marshes to deeper water for spawning. A quality flounder will go 3-5 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 8-10 pounds that'll give you a serious workout. They're ambush predators, so you'll often catch them near structure like docks, rocks, or drop-offs where they can surprise passing bait.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the marsh, known for their incredible pulling power and stubborn fights. These fish can range from smaller "puppy drum" around 5-10 pounds up to massive bull drum that can exceed 40 pounds. They're bottom feeders with a great sense of smell, making fresh shrimp and crab the top baits. Spring brings the big spawning fish into shallow water, while smaller drum are catchable year-round. When you hook into a big drum, get ready for a long, powerful fight that'll test both your tackle and your patience.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most popular inshore species in Louisiana waters. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificial lures with enthusiasm. A good trout will run 2-4 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 6-8 pounds or more. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when baitfish are active. Trout fishing is excellent almost year-round in Venice, though they tend to move to deeper water during cold fronts in winter.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and Venice offers some of the best red fishing anywhere. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and never-give-up attitude. Slot-sized reds between 16-27 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while oversized bull reds provide pure sport fishing excitement. They're found everywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper channels, and they'll eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Fall is prime time when big schools of reds move through the area, but you can catch them any time of year.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter in these waters. These silver bullets are pure muscle, capable of making blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. They travel in schools and are opportunistic feeders, often hitting topwater lures or live bait with explosive strikes. Jacks are most common during warmer months when they're actively feeding in the shallows. A typical jack runs 5-15 pounds, but bigger fish over 20 pounds aren't uncommon and will provide a workout you won't forget.
Captain Jay Winters has earned his reputation through
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a sleek 2015 Blue Wave Bay boat, perfectly designed for chasing redfish and flounder in Venice's productive waters. This 24-footer packs serious power with a 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 52 knots when conditions call for it. Captain Jay has this bay boat rigged for success with all the essentials you need for a productive day on the water. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure where jack crevalle and black drum like to hang out, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats or sneaking up on feeding fish. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit the prime spots every time. The spacious layout comfortably handles your crew of two, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the long day ahead. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish or dropping baits for black drum, this well-equipped vessel puts you in position to make the most of Venice's world-class inshore fishing opportunities.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in water from 2-20 feet deep. Spring is peak season when they school up to spawn - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What guests love is the raw power - big drum will test your tackle and your back. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The key is using fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keeping it right on the bottom. When one picks it up, don't rush the hookset - let them run with it a few seconds first.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the Gulf - brassy-colored bruisers that average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though they can reach 60 pounds. These aggressive hunters roam both shallow flats and deeper waters, often following baitfish schools. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds - jacks push bait to the surface while birds attack from above. They're year-round targets but most active in warmer months. What guests love is their pure aggression and bulldogging fight - they'll test your drag and your arms. They're not great table fare, but they're incredibly fun to catch. The trick is fast retrieval - these fish love the chase. Cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and burn them back quickly. Some anglers even report smelling watermelon when approaching feeding schools.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature inshore species - bronze beauties with distinctive black spots near the tail. They average 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, though bull reds can hit 40+ inches. These fish love super shallow water, often in just 1-3 feet around marsh grass, oyster reefs, and muddy flats. You'll literally see their backs out of water while they're feeding. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - they make blistering runs and fight dirty in shallow water. They're also great eating when kept in the slot. The eyespot fools predators into attacking the wrong end, giving them an escape advantage. My go-to trick: look for nervous water and tailing fish, then pitch a gold spoon or live shrimp right in their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are Venice favorites running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These silver beauties with black spots love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure like old pilings or oyster shells. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime time. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. Trout are structure-oriented, so focus on drop-offs, grass edges, and shell beds in 3-8 feet of water. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but they also crush soft plastics and topwater plugs. Pro tip: use a light wire leader - trout have sharp teeth but spook easily from heavy tackle.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are one of the coolest fish we target - these flat, oval-shaped predators have both eyes on their left side and can change color to match the bottom. They typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some reach 30+ inches. These ambush hunters bury themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats, especially around oyster bars and grass beds. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're moving through our marshes. What makes them special is their fight - they pull hard and steady once hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in Louisiana waters. My tip: when you feel that initial thump, count to three before setting the hook. They grab bait sideways first, then turn to swallow it headfirst.
5.0 out of 5.0Has a great time fishing with my son on a long awaited delayed Fathers Day trip. All kinds of fish were caught and kept including ...
Had a fantastic time with Captain Jay, we had the most incredible day fishing!!! His gear and boat were top notch and he has a fan...
Had a fantastic time with Captain Jay, we had the most incredible day fishing!!! His gear and boat were top notch and he has a fan...
Venice