5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Redfish And Flounder Fishing Trip In Venice, LA
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Full-day backcountry fishing targeting redfish and flounder speciesPrivate guided trip accommodates up to two guests maximumExpert Captain Jay Winters navigates Venice Louisiana scenic marshes
If you're looking for a world-class backcountry fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of Louisiana's legendary marshlands, Captain Jay Winters has got you covered. Venice sits at the tip of Louisiana where the Mississippi River dumps into the Gulf, creating some of the most productive shallow water fishing on the planet. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – you'll be working the skinny water flats and winding bayous where the big reds cruise and flounder lie in wait. With just you and one other angler, this private trip gives you the personalized attention and flexibility that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
Captain Jay knows these marshes like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while sharing stories that'll have you laughing between hookups. The Venice backcountry is a maze of shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs that hold some serious fish. You'll be sight fishing in water so clear you can watch redfish tailing in knee-deep spots, then working deeper cuts where flounder ambush baitfish. The scenery alone is worth the trip – endless marsh grass swaying in the breeze, pelicans diving for bait, and that wide open Louisiana sky stretching forever. This is fishing the way it's supposed to be done, away from the crowds and boat traffic, where every cast has potential and every bend in the bayou might hold your personal best.
Captain Jay runs his operation using artificial lures exclusively, which means you're really fishing – not just dropping bait and waiting around. You'll be throwing everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs, depending on what the fish are telling you. The shallow flats call for weedless rigs and quiet presentations, while the deeper channels let you work heavier jigs and spoons. Jay provides all the tackle you'll need, from medium-heavy spinning setups perfect for bull reds to lighter gear for working finicky flounder. The technique here is all about reading the water – learning to spot nervous bait, finding the right depth breaks, and understanding how tides move fish through these systems. You'll pick up skills that'll make you a better angler no matter where you fish, and Jay's instruction style makes it easy whether you're brand new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing reds for years.
"Captain Jay was able to get us on 14 bull reds, including a monster 40" to end the day. He had a wealth of knowledge and a lot of funny stories to share. Never caught so many fish on artificial only" - Jake
"Very easy to deal with and helpful. Communication made the experience even better and not to mention all the fish they got us on!" - Kellen
Redfish are the stars of the show in Venice, and for good reason. These bronze-backed bruisers can be found year-round in the marsh, but fall and winter bring the biggest bulls up into the shallows. You'll find reds from schoolie size around 20 inches all the way up to those 40-inch monsters that'll test your drag and your patience. What makes redfish so special is how they fight – they're bulldogs that use their broad sides to leverage against you, making multiple runs and digging deep when they get close to the boat. The sight fishing opportunities are incredible too, watching a big red's back and tail break the surface as it roots around in the grass looking for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall, you'll often find them in shallow water where every hookup turns into a visual spectacle.
Southern Flounder might not get the same press as redfish, but they're absolute table fare champions and sneaky strong fighters. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying perfectly still on sandy or muddy bottoms until an unsuspecting baitfish swims by. The best flounder action typically runs from late spring through early winter, with the bigger fish moving through during their fall migration to deeper Gulf waters. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the technique – you're constantly working structure, bouncing jigs along drop-offs, and feeling for that distinctive tap-tap-weight sensation that means you've got one. When a big flounder hits, don't expect a flashy fight, but be ready for a determined battle as they use their flat profile to plane against the current. Plus, nothing beats fresh flounder fillets after a successful day on the marsh.
Venice's backcountry fishing is as good as it gets, and Captain Jay's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself. With only two anglers per trip, these dates fill up fast, especially during prime seasons when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to experience Louisiana's incredible marsh fishery with a guide who knows how to make it happen. Whether you're planning a father-son adventure, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to get away from it all and bend some rods, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of world-class fishing, personalized service, and some of the most beautiful backcountry scenery you'll find anywhere makes this a no-brainer for serious anglers. Don't wait around – these trophy reds and flounder aren't going to catch themselves.
Captain Jay's 24-foot Blue Wave bay boat is built for serious backcountry fishing in Venice's shallow marshes and flats. The 2015 vessel packs a 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you to the prime redfish and flounder spots quickly, hitting speeds up to 52 knots when needed. Once you're on the fishing grounds, the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet so you won't spook the fish in those skinny waters. The GPS and fish finder help locate the best structure and schools, while the onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. With room for up to 4 anglers, this bay boat handles the shallow Louisiana marshes perfectly, letting you access those productive backwater areas where the big reds like to hang out. The stable platform gives you plenty of casting room whether you're sight-fishing the flats or working the deeper channels for flounder.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of Louisiana inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in our waters, with that signature black spot near their tail. They love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures - it'll get your heart pumping every time. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh that's perfect for blackening. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows during low light periods. Cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly - patience pays off with reds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that make for some of the best eating in these waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch plenty that push 3-4 pounds. They bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms along channel edges, boat slips, and drop-offs where they ambush passing baitfish. Cool weather fishing from fall through early spring is when they really turn on, especially around moving water. What guests love is the surprise factor - one second you're dragging bottom, next second your rod loads up with a strong, steady fight. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for fish and chips. My go-to technique is bouncing a jig head with live shrimp or a gulp bait right along the bottom near structure. Keep it slow and stay in contact with the bottom.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jay was able to get us on 14 bull reds, including a monster 40” to end the day. He had a wealth of knowledge and a lot of ...
Very easy to deal with and helpful. Communication made the experience even better and not to mention all the fish they got us on!
Venice