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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Venice, LA
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Venice
- $800 price range
- Updated Date: September 19, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Cast, hook, and battle giants offshore in Venice.
Offshore action in Venice is second to none.
Louisiana Marsh Fishing Win
Inshore Slam in the Delta
Legendary waters, unforgettable catches in Venice, LA.
Big game fishing adventures start here in Venice.
Venice waters deliver nonstop action for serious anglers.
Where Louisiana’s delta meets the deep blue.
Venice, LA – home to world-class offshore fishing.
Bring your strength – these fish fight back hard.
Cast, hook, and battle giants offshore in Venice.
Offshore action in Venice is second to none.
Louisiana Marsh Fishing Win
Inshore Slam in the Delta
Legendary waters, unforgettable catches in Venice, LA.
Big game fishing adventures start here in Venice.
Venice waters deliver nonstop action for serious anglers.
Where Louisiana’s delta meets the deep blue.
Venice, LA – home to world-class offshore fishing.
Bring your strength – these fish fight back hard.
Cast, hook, and battle giants offshore in Venice.
Offshore action in Venice is second to none.
Louisiana Marsh Fishing Win
Inshore Slam in the Delta
Full Day Nearshore Fishing in Venice, LA
Ready to wet a line in some of the most productive waters in the Gulf? Captain Jay Winters is your ticket to an action-packed day of nearshore fishing out of Venice, Louisiana. This full-day trip is perfect for families, buddies, or anyone looking to bend a rod and fill a cooler. With a max of two anglers, you're in for a personalized experience that caters to your skill level and fishing goals. From hard-fighting jacks to tasty redfish, the variety of species swimming these waters keeps things exciting cast after cast.
Trip Overview
Hop aboard Captain Jay's well-equipped vessel for a day of nearshore angling adventure. You'll cruise out from Venice, known as the "End of the World" for its position at the southernmost tip of Louisiana. The nutrient-rich waters where the Mississippi meets the Gulf create a fish-magnet effect, drawing in a wide range of species. Throughout the day, you'll target spots known for holding black drum, sheepshead, redfish, and the always-entertaining jack crevalle. Captain Jay's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're fishing smart - hitting productive areas based on tides, weather, and recent activity.
What to Expect on the Water
This trip is all about versatility and action. You might start the day drifting live bait for redfish, then switch to jigging for black drum as the tide changes. Expect to use a mix of techniques, from bottom fishing with cut bait to tossing artificial lures around structure. The captain provides all the gear, so no worries if you're new to saltwater fishing. He'll show you the ropes, from how to work a popping cork to the best way to fight a big jack. The boat is comfortable and stable, perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Don't forget to bring a camera - between the fish you'll catch and the coastal scenery, there's plenty worth capturing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Venice's nearshore waters offer that sweet spot between accessibility and adventure. You're close enough to shore for a smooth ride, but far enough out to tap into some seriously good fishing. The variety is a big draw - one minute you're reeling in a hard-fighting jack, the next you're finessing a sheepshead off a piling. It's this mix of species and the chance to learn new techniques that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Plus, with only two guests max, you get tons of one-on-one time with the captain. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or just want to relax and catch fish, this trip delivers.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are a nearshore staple in Venice. They love hanging around structure and can grow to impressive sizes. The smaller ones, often called "puppy drums," are excellent table fare. Look for them around oyster reefs and bridge pilings. Black drum put up a good fight and are known for their distinctive "croaking" sound. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, making them a fun target for both bait and lure anglers.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy looks fool you - sheepshead are crafty opponents. These striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans, their favorite food. You'll find them around any kind of structure, from jetties to oil rigs. Catching sheepshead requires finesse and patience, as they're notorious bait stealers. But once hooked, they put up a respectable fight for their size. Plus, they're delicious - earning them the nickname "poor man's lobster" for their sweet, white meat.
Redfish: The rock stars of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are a top target for good reason. They're aggressive feeders, hard fighters, and great eating. In the nearshore waters, you can encounter everything from "rat reds" to bull reds over 40 inches. Look for them cruising flats, busting bait schools, or hanging around structure. Redfish will hit a variety of baits and lures, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. Their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail make for great photos, too.
Crevalle Jack: If you're after a pure battle on light tackle, jack crevalle are your fish. These powerhouses swim in schools and hit lures with reckless abandon. While they're not known for their table quality, jacks more than make up for it with their fighting ability. Expect screaming drags and aching arms when you hook into one. Jacks can show up anywhere from the surf to several miles offshore, often betraying their presence by smashing bait on the surface. They're a blast on topwater lures and will test both your gear and your stamina.
Time to Book Your Spot
A day of nearshore fishing in Venice with Captain Jay is more than just a chance to catch fish - it's an opportunity to experience some of the best angling the Gulf Coast has to offer. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty drum and sheepshead or want the thrill of battling bull reds and jacks, this trip has something for everyone. The captain's knowledge, combined with the incredible productivity of these waters, sets you up for a day you won't forget. So grab a buddy, clear your calendar, and get ready for some rod-bending action. The fish are biting in Venice, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Don't let this chance slip away - book your trip now and start dreaming of that first big catch of the day!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, usually 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds. These guys make a drumming sound, hence the name. They're adaptable, so you might spot 'em in shallow flats or down to 100 feet. Spring's prime time when they school up for spawning. Use live bait like crabs or clams - they're bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shellfish. If you're after table fare, aim for the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big boys can be tough and less tasty. Here's a local tip: when fly fishing, go with a 9-weight rod and weighted flies like the Redfish Worm. Get it on the bottom where these bruisers feed, and hang on tight when they bite!
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of our nearshore waters. They're built like tanks, usually 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can push 60 pounds. Look for 'em both inshore and offshore - they're not picky. These guys are speed demons, so get ready for a fight. Watch for bird activity - jacks often push bait to the surface, creating a feeding frenzy. They're curious fish, sometimes even circling divers. Spring and summer are prime time when they school up. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and stamina. Here's a tip: use fast-moving lures like silver spoons or topwater plugs. Cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly - these bullies love a chase. And if you're lucky, you might catch a whiff of watermelon when they're feeding. It's a weird jack thing!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the rock stars of our flats. Look for that telltale spot near the tail - it's like a built-in bullseye. These guys love shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out. You'll find 'em around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can grow into real bruisers over 45 inches. They're not picky eaters, which makes 'em fun to catch on all kinds of lures. Topwater action in the shallows is a blast - nothing beats seeing a big red explode on your lure. They're great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local secret: when the water's gin-clear, try upsizing your lure to 5-6 inches. It'll help you target those bigger, warier reds that often get overlooked.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddballs of our nearshore waters, sporting human-like teeth and those distinctive prison-bar stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder if the fishing gods smile. Look for 'em around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and oil rigs are prime spots. They're sneaky bait stealers, so when you feel that nibble, set the hook hard. Spring's the hot time, February to April, when they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the challenge - they're tricky to catch but make for great eating. Here's a pro tip: use a shrimp-tipped jig to keep your bait down in the current. And if you're feeling adventurous (and it's legal), try scraping some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick. Those convict fish can't resist a free meal!
About the Blue Wave (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
