Ready for a fun-filled day on the water with your crew? Captain Jay Winters is your go-to guide for an awesome family fishing adventure in Venice, Louisiana. This full-day trip is perfect for kiddos and adults alike, whether you're seasoned anglers or total newbies. You'll cruise the calm inshore waters, reel in some impressive catches, and make memories that'll last a lifetime. With Captain Jay's expert know-how and easy-going style, everyone from Grandpa to little Susie will feel right at home on his boat. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the bayou for some serious family bonding and fish-catching action!
Picture this: you and your family or friends (up to 2 guests) spending a full day out on the water with Captain Jay as your personal fishing guru. He'll take you to all the secret spots where the fish are biting, whether it's redfish hiding in the grass or flounder lurking on the bottom. The inshore waters around Venice are known for being calm and kid-friendly, so you don't have to worry about any seasickness drama. Captain Jay's all about making sure everyone has a blast, so he'll tailor the trip to your group's skill level and interests. Want to focus on teaching the kids? No problem. Looking to catch your personal best? He's got you covered. And the best part? You'll be making memories and bonding as a family, all while soaking up the beautiful Louisiana scenery.
Alright, let's talk fishing. In Venice, we're all about that inshore action. You'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for battling those hard-fighting redfish and tricky flounder. Captain Jay will show you the ropes on techniques like sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, or how to work a soft plastic along the bottom for those sneaky flounder. Don't know a jig from a popping cork? No worries! The Cap'n will break it down for you, step by step. He's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Whether you're tossing artificial lures or soaking some live bait, you'll be fishing like a local in no time.
Let's chat about the stars of the show – the fish! Venice is home to some real crowd-pleasers when it comes to inshore species. First up, we've got the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their hard fights and tasty fillets. They love to hang out in the shallow marshes, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they hunt for crabs. It's a sight that'll get your heart racing every time.
Next on the hit list is the southern flounder. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. But once you hook one, hold on tight! They put up a surprisingly good fight for a fish that looks like a pancake. The best part? They're absolutely delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Don't forget about the black drum. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, earning them the nickname "Big Uglies." But don't let that fool you – they're a blast to catch and great eating when they're in the slot size. You'll often find them hanging around structure, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp.
Last but not least, we've got the sheepshead. With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, these fish are true characters. They're known for being bait stealers, so hooking one takes a bit of finesse. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted to the challenge. Plus, they're considered by many to be one of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf.
You know what sets Captain Jay's trips apart? It's not just about catching fish (although there's plenty of that). It's about creating those "remember when" moments with your family. Like the time little Johnny caught his first redfish and couldn't stop grinning for days. Or when Mom surprised everyone by outfishing Dad. Captain Jay has a knack for making everyone feel comfortable and confident, no matter their skill level. He's patient with the kids, full of local knowledge for the history buffs, and always ready with a good fishing story to keep things lively. Plus, let's be real – there's something magical about being out on the water, away from screens and distractions, just enjoying each other's company and the thrill of the catch.
So, what do you say? Ready to create some unforgettable family memories on the waters of Venice, Louisiana? Captain Jay's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, challenge yourself to catch a new species, or just spend quality time with loved ones in a beautiful setting, this is the trip for you. Venice is calling, and the fish are waiting. Give Captain Jay a shout and let's get you and your crew out on the water for a day of laughs, learning, and some serious fish-catching action. Trust me, once you experience fishing Venice-style with your family, you'll be hooked for life!
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can hit a whopping 90 pounds. Look for them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in estuaries. They love shallow, muddy flats but can also hang out in depths up to 100 feet. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their powerful fight and the drumming sound they make. Plus, the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great eating. Use live bait like crabs or clams, and fish it right on the bottom. Here's a local secret: if you hear a deep croaking sound while fishing, you're probably near a group of Black Drum. Follow that sound, and you might just land yourself a big one.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our shallow waters. They typically range from 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll spot them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, around bays, oyster reefs, and grassy flats. They love water 1-4 feet deep and have a thing for mud bottoms. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up. Anglers can't get enough of their strong fights and that distinctive tail spot. They're also fantastic eating fish. To catch 'em, use topwater lures in the shallows for explosive strikes, or try live bait like shrimp. Here's a local trick: look for "tailing" redfish in very shallow water – their tails will stick up as they root for food in the bottom. Sight-casting to these fish is an absolute blast.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" as we call 'em, are a real treat to catch. They usually run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but can grow up to 20 pounds. You'll find these striped bandits around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so be ready for a challenge. Spring's the best time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their tricky bite and excellent table fare. To catch sheepshead, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. These guys are masters at stealing bait, so give them time to really take it in.
Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending in with the sandy or muddy bottom. They're usually 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These flatfish are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move towards the Gulf to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To catch 'em, use a slow retrieve with live bait or artificial lures near the bottom. My local tip: when you feel a light tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. It's all about patience with these guys.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300