Ready to get your lines wet in some of the best inshore fishing waters around? Our 8-hour trip out of Venice, LA is just the ticket. We're talking prime spots for redfish, flounder, and more, with a seasoned pro at the helm. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with the family or show your buddies how it's done, this trip's got you covered. Let's dive into what makes fishing Venice so special.
Picture this: You're cruising through the maze of bayous and marshes that make Venice famous, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and there's that unmistakable smell of salt in the air. That's how we kick off our day. Captain Jay Winters knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish. We're not just talking about any fish either - we're after the inshore slam: redfish, flounder, trout, and maybe even a jack crevalle if they're running. The beauty of Venice is you never know what might grab your bait next. It could be a bull red that'll make your drag sing or a tasty flounder for the dinner table. And with 8 full hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to find the hot spots and switch up tactics if needed.
Don't sweat the gear - we've got you covered with top-notch equipment that's perfect for inshore fishing. We're talking light to medium action rods paired with smooth-dragged reels that'll handle anything from specks to slot reds. Depending on what's biting, we might be tossing soft plastics, working topwater lures, or live-lining bait. Captain Jay's boat is decked out with all the latest electronics to find the fish, and there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. If you're new to this kind of fishing, no worries - Jay's a patient teacher and he'll have you casting like a pro in no time. And for you seasoned anglers, he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to try something new.
"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
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the kings of the marsh. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in shallow water or crushing bait along the banks. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thump of a redfish hitting your lure.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a blast on light tackle. They school up and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Look for them around oyster reefs and grass beds. Spring and fall are usually the best seasons, but a good captain can put you on them any time of year.
Flounder: The masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait to ambush their prey. They might not be the fastest swimmers, but they put up a great fight and are some of the best eating fish out there. We target them along drop-offs and around structure, especially in the cooler months.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're fun to catch and the smaller ones are great on the grill. We often find them hanging around the same areas as reds, using their barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom.
Jack Crevalle: If you're looking for a pure, drag-screaming fight, jacks are your fish. These powerhouses will test your stamina and your tackle. They show up in the warmer months and can turn a calm day into an adrenaline-pumping adventure in seconds.
Look, there's a reason Venice is called the "Fishing Capital of the World." With Captain Jay at the helm, you're in for a day of fishing you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some big reds or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joy of fishing, this trip's got something for everyone. The marsh is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let this chance slip away - book your Venice inshore fishing adventure today and get ready to make some memories on the water. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. Tight lines, and we'll see you out there!
March 23, 2025
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%!
March 23, 2025
Black Drum are the powerhouses of inshore fishing. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge - 30 to 40 pounds isn't uncommon, with some real monsters pushing 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds and mudflats. They love structure, so check out pier pilings and bridge supports too. Spring's the best time to target them, when they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a heck of a fight, especially the big ones. They're not the prettiest fish, but smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating. The bigger ones can be tough and full of worms, so we usually release those. Here's a tip: use fresh crab or shrimp for bait. Black Drum have sensitive barbels they use to feel for food, so a natural bait works best. Listen closely - you might even hear them making croaking sounds underwater!
Crevalle Jack, or just "jacks" as we call 'em, are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish usually run 3 to 15 pounds, but can get up to 30 or more. You'll find them busting bait schools in open water, around structures like jetties, and even up in the backwaters. They're most active in warmer months, especially summer. Jacks aren't known for good eating, but man, do they fight! Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish out there. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and never-say-die attitude. Watch for birds diving on bait - that's often a sure sign jacks are feeding below. Here's a tip: use a fast retrieve with topwater lures or spoons. Jacks love the chase and will absolutely smash a lure moving at high speed. Just hang on tight when they hit!
Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark spot near their tail typically range from 20 to 30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in marsh ponds. They're year-round targets, but fall is especially good when they school up. Redfish are famous for their strong runs and stubborn fights. They're also fantastic eating fish, with a sweet, mild flavor. Sight fishing for reds in skinny water is an absolute rush - nothing beats watching a big red chase down your lure. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in shallow water. Cast well ahead of them and slowly work your lure into their path. It's a challenging but rewarding way to catch these awesome fish.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among our inshore anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14 to 20 inches, though we occasionally see some gators over 25 inches. They hang out in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs. Sea Trout are most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round here. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky white meat. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers - when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Try this local trick: use a popping cork with a soft plastic about 18 inches below. The noise attracts trout from a distance, then they zero in on your lure. It's a blast watching them hit on the surface!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. These flatfish are prized for their delicate, mild flavor and firm white meat. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or drop-offs. A local trick: use a slow retrieve with your bait or lure dragging along the bottom. 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 a unique challenge that keeps anglers coming back for more.
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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%!