Get ready for an action-packed day on the water in Venice, LA! This full-day guided fishing trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore action around. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Jay Winters has got you covered. With his years of local knowledge, top-notch gear, and a keen eye for where the fish are biting, you're in for a treat. Over 8 hours, you'll be targeting a mixed bag of hard-fighting species like redfish, jack crevalle, flounder, and black drum. It's the perfect setup for making memories and maybe even landing your personal best.
Your day kicks off bright and early as you meet Captain Jay at the dock. After a quick rundown of the game plan, you'll hop aboard his well-equipped boat and head out to where the fish are feeding. Venice is known for its incredible inshore fishing, and you'll see why as you weave through the maze of marshes and bayous. The captain will get you on the fish using a variety of techniques, from sight-casting to reds tailing in the shallows to working jigs for flounder along the drop-offs. With room for two anglers, this trip offers plenty of one-on-one instruction and the chance to really dial in your technique. Don't worry about bringing gear – Captain Jay's got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to put fish in the boat.
Fishing Venice is all about versatility. One minute you might be flipping soft plastics under docks for flounder, the next you could be battling a bruiser jack in open water. Captain Jay is a master at reading the water and adjusting tactics on the fly. You'll likely start by targeting redfish, using live bait or artificial lures in the shallow grass flats and around oyster bars. As the day heats up, you might switch to working deeper channels for black drum or chasing schools of jacks busting bait on the surface. The beauty of Venice fishing is that there's always another spot to try and another species to target. You'll pick up tips on everything from proper hookset techniques to how to work a popping cork like a pro.
"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: The crown jewel of inshore fishing in Venice, redfish are known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an absolute rush – it's like hunting with a rod and reel.
Jack Crevalle: If you're looking for a drag-screaming battle, jacks are your fish. These muscle-bound brawlers often hunt in schools, creating explosive topwater action when they corral baitfish. They're most common in the warmer months and put up a fight that'll leave your arms aching (in the best way possible).
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder require a bit of finesse to target successfully. They're ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Fall is the best time to target these tasty flatfish as they move to deeper water. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of fooling a flounder with a well-presented bait.
Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their more glamorous cousin the redfish, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating when smaller. They love crustaceans, so fishing with crab or shrimp around oyster beds and pilings can lead to some hefty catches. Spring is prime time for big spawning drum.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted predators are a staple of inshore fishing in Venice. They're most active in the cooler months and love to hit topwater lures at first light. Trout fishing is all about finding the right depth and structure – once you locate a school, the action can be fast and furious.
Look, if you're itching for a day of non-stop fishing action in one of the best inshore spots in the country, this Venice trip is calling your name. Captain Jay knows these waters like the back of his hand and is committed to putting you on fish all day long. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just soak in the beauty of the Louisiana marsh, this full-day trip has got it all. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Captain Jay a shout, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. The fish are biting in Venice – are you ready to join them?
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 heavyweight cousins of Redfish, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, often around oyster beds or in estuaries. These fish love structure, so look for them near pier pilings and inlets. Spring's the hot time to target Black Drum as they school up to spawn. Anglers dig 'em for their strong fight and the distinctive drumming sound they make. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds - they're much better on the plate. When fishing for Black Drum, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: if you're using crab, crush it a bit to release more scent. These fish have sensitive barbels they use to feel for food, so a little extra smell goes a long way. Be ready for a good tussle when you hook one - Black Drum pull hard and don't give up easily.
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of Venice's waters, typically 12 to 24 inches but can hit 4 feet and 60 pounds. These bruisers roam both inshore and offshore, from flats to deep water. Look for them around structure like oil rigs or busting bait on the surface. They're most active in warmer months. Anglers love Jacks for their brutal fights - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish out there. While not great eating, they're pure sport. To tangle with one, watch for birds diving on bait schools. Cast big topwater plugs or heavy jigs into the fray and hold on tight. Here's a pro tip: when you see a school feeding, cast beyond them and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase and will often race each other to smash your lure. Be ready for screaming drags and aching arms - these fish don't know when to quit.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Venice's flats. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20 to 30 inches, but bulls can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll spot 'em tailing in shallow water, often just 1 to 4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall's prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for Reds because of their hard-pulling fight and that distinctive tail spot. They're also great eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. To hook up, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper backs or tails breaking the surface. Once you spot 'em, make a quiet approach and present your lure just ahead of their path. There's nothing quite like watching a Red pounce on your bait in skinny water.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a staple in Venice's waters. They typically run 14 to 24 inches, but can surprise you with some real lunkers over 5 pounds. You'll find these guys in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure, so look for them near oyster reefs and drop-offs. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go crazy for Sea Trout because they're aggressive feeders and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Plus, they're delicious - mild and flaky. To boost your chances, try using soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances. That's often trout feeding on bait. Cast just beyond the activity and work your lure through it - you're in for some exciting topwater action.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for catching these ambush predators as they move to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To land one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick is to use a slow retrieve and pay close attention to your line - flounder often grab bait and don't move, so you might just feel weight instead of a strike. When you feel that weight, give it a second, then set the hook hard. These flatfish put up a good fight and make for excellent table fare, making them a popular target in Venice's waters.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
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%!