Full Day Nearshore Fishing In Venice, LA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day nearshore fishing with Captain Jay Winters in VeniceTarget Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead speciesPersonalized experience accommodates all skill levels and small groups
Venice, Louisiana sits right where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, creating some of the richest fishing waters you'll find anywhere. Captain Jay Winters knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this full-day nearshore adventure. You'll be targeting Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Flounder in waters that consistently produce quality catches year-round. This isn't some crowded party boat experience - with just 2 guests max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines properly.
Your day starts early at the Venice marina, where Captain Jay will have everything rigged and ready to roll. The nearshore waters around Venice offer the perfect mix of structure and current that game fish love - oil rigs, natural reefs, and drop-offs that hold baitfish and attract predators. You'll spend 8 hours working different spots based on conditions, tides, and what's biting best that day. Captain Jay adjusts his approach constantly, reading the water and moving when needed to keep you on active fish. The boat stays within a few miles of shore, so you get great fishing without the rough ride that comes with heading way offshore. Expect to cover ground and try different techniques as conditions change throughout the day.
Captain Jay provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, from heavy spinning rigs for the bigger drum and jacks to lighter setups perfect for sheepshead around structure. Live bait is king out here - expect to fish with live shrimp, crabs, and whatever baitfish are running. Dead bait works too, especially cut mullet and pogies for the bigger predators. You'll be bottom fishing around structure most of the day, but don't be surprised if Captain Jay breaks out some topwater plugs when the jacks are busting bait on the surface. The key is staying versatile - Venice fish can be finicky, and what worked yesterday might not work today. Captain Jay reads the conditions and switches up presentations until he finds what triggers strikes.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Venice nearshore fishing. These bruisers can push 30-40 pounds and will test your drag system to the limit. They love hanging around oil rigs and shell beds, crushing live blue crabs and cut bait. Spring and fall produce the biggest fish, but you can catch drum year-round in Venice. When you hook a big bull drum, get ready for a grinding fight that'll have your arms burning. They don't jump or make flashy runs - just pure, stubborn power that makes you earn every inch of line.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the Gulf, famous for stealing bait right off your hook. These convict-striped fighters hang tight to structure like oil rigs and bridge pilings, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They're abundant from late fall through early spring, and catching them consistently takes skill and patience. Use the smallest hooks you can get away with and barely move that bait - sheepshead have an incredibly light bite that feels more like your weight is dragging bottom than a fish eating.
Redfish are Venice legends, and the nearshore waters hold some real bulls. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water and structure, and they'll eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Summer and fall bring the best redfish action, with fish ranging from slot-size eaters to oversized bulls that'll spool you if you're not careful. When a big red takes off on that first run, there's nothing quite like it - pure power and determination that makes your reel scream.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of Venice waters, and they fight way above their weight class. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and can turn a quiet day into chaos in seconds. They'll crush live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Summer brings the best jack fishing, with schools roaming the nearshore waters looking for easy meals. When you find a school of jacks, you better be ready - they hit hard and fight harder, making multiple scorching runs that'll test your tackle and technique.
Venice nearshore fishing delivers consistent action for anglers who want quality over quantity. Captain Jay's local knowledge and small-group approach mean you'll fish the best spots at the right times without dealing with crowds or rushed trips. The 2-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of shots at fish and personalized instruction when needed. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or want to target some serious gamefish yourself, this full-day adventure offers the perfect mix of action and education. Don't pack any meals - you'll be too busy fighting fish to worry about eating. Book your date with Got To Fish and get ready to see why Venice, Louisiana has earned its reputation as one of the Gulf Coast's premier fishing destinations.
Captain Jay's 24' Blue Wave Bay boat is your ticket to productive nearshore waters around Venice. Built in 2015 with a reliable 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke, this fishing machine cruises at 52 knots to get you on the fish fast. Perfect for up to 2 anglers targeting Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Flounder, and more in Louisiana's rich Gulf waters. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: fish finder to locate schools, GPS for navigating the marshes, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're working the grass flats for redfish or hitting structure for jacks, this versatile bay boat handles Venice's diverse fishing grounds with ease. Captain Jay knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish while you enjoy the comfort and stability of a well-maintained vessel built for serious angling.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure in brackish water. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish - that's your key to catching them. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and get aggressive. Fresh crab bait works best since it stays on the hook better than shrimp. The smaller fish under 15 pounds make great table fare, while the big ones are mostly for the photo and bragging rights. Here's the trick: keep your bait right on the bottom and use enough weight to hold it there in the current.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of our nearshore waters, averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds of pure muscle. They travel in aggressive schools that push baitfish to the surface - look for diving birds to find the action. These fish inhabit everything from shallow flats to deeper structure, and they're not picky about water clarity. Warm months bring the best action when bait is thick. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up. They'll straighten hooks and test your drag like few other fish. The secret is fast retrieves with silver spoons or topwater plugs - cast past the school and burn your lure back through. Don't worry about being subtle; jacks love the chase.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing, easily recognized by their copper color and signature black spot near the tail. Most average 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love super shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs - often in water so skinny their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is their willingness to eat everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, plus they fight hard and taste great. The key is staying quiet on approach - these fish spook easily in shallow water, so cut your motor early and pole or drift into casting range.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Venice waters, sporting black stripes and human-like teeth that make them both fascinating and challenging to catch. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're notorious bait thieves with those strong jaws, so you need to set the hook hard when you feel them nibbling. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they spawn around structures. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find, which makes the effort worthwhile. My go-to tip: use fresh crab or shrimp and get your bait as close to the pilings as possible - they rarely venture far from cover to feed.
Venice