Fishing

There is a large variety of fish species in both the inshore and offshore waters of Venice.  These species include yellowfin tuna, red snapper, wahoo, blue & white marlin, dolphin, grouper, cobia, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, amberjack, tarpon and kingfish.  The Louisiana offshore and coastal waters contain thousands of oil & gas platforms and these structures function as artificial reefs where fish congregate. The Mississippi Canyon created by the Mississippi River offers deep waters close to the coastline and provides the opportunity to catch the most sought after deep-water species in the World.

Inshore Strategies and Species

Venice’s inshore fishermen will be able to catch a large array of fish through basic casting strategies.  The inshore species of Venice include redfish, speckled trout, striped bass and flounder. 

Redfish can be targeted inshore near marshes, beaches and open waters.  They are commonly captured at 5 to 60lbs, with swimming plugs and other light tackle as ideal options for catching redfish.  Good live baits include small baitfish, crabs, shrimp, and minnows.  The speckled trout is another favorite because of its tastiness as a meal and its equally exciting fighting ability.  Venice trout average between 1 to 5 pounds and bigger fish are a possibility.  Fishermen should target this species in near the entrances of rivers and marshes.  Good tackle includes bait-tail jigs, swimming plugs, topwater plugs, large streamers, and poppers.  Shrimp, live baitfish, cut mullet, and pinfish are all ideal baits.   The flounder is a species that is commonly targeted in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.  Flounder are best targeted within inshore waters during the autumn migration season between the months of September and November.  Ideal locations to target usually include ledges and drop-offs.  Anglers should equip a medium-weight casting rod with a bottom rig setup and a line of 10lb test.  Ideal baits include crabs, mullet, and clams.

Offshore Strategies and Species

The offshore species of Venice can be caught through strategies such as casting oilrigs and trolling.  These targets include yellowfin tuna, red snapper, wahoo, kingfish, blue & white marlin, dolphin, grouper, tarpon and cobia. 

The yellowfin tuna commonly weighs in between 50 and 200 pounds and is often considered the most challenging quarry.
This species can targeted offshore by chumming the deeper waters near rigs and sunken platforms which act as reefs.  When targeting yellowfin tuna, fishermen should rely on heavy rigs and strong tests while using baits such as mackerel and sardines.  Red snapper is a hard fighter, but it does not run and jump like some other species; it relies solely on thrashing its head in order to rip the hook out or break the fishing line.  This species is commonly captured at one to eight pounds, but heavy rigs and strong test should be used when fishing in strong currents or near oilrigs.  Ideal baits include cigar minnows, pilchards, and squid.  The blue & white marlins are aggressive fighters that are commonly targeted by fishermen in search of an exciting challenge.  Trolling the deep, open waters is an effective method of targeting this species.  Artificial lures of 7 to 8 inches or larger varieties of 14 inches can be used.  Rigged natural baits such as small spanish mackerel are also deemed effective. When targeting dolphin, wahoo or kingfish near shrimp boats, sunken platforms, rigs or floating debris, anglers should use a 15 to 50lb test with ballyhoo.  If targeting a school, fishermen can rely on a fly rod or sight casting to the fish.

During the summer, fishermen can target grouper at 20 to 25 miles offshore.  Hard bottoms & sunken platforms are great places to begin searching for grouper.  A bottom rig with 5 to 8 ounce weights and a line with a strong test is the ideal with baits such as squids and sardines are usually effective. The cobia is a popular species that commonly weighs between 20 and 50 pounds, but can occasionally weigh in between 80 and 100 pounds.  Heavy rigs with lines of 30lb test and spoons or swimming plugs are ideal in terms of tackle options.  When there are no obstructions or debris present, fishermen can seek a more difficult challenge by using fly tackle and streamer flies are recommended.

Facilities, Services, and Accommodations

Despite being a small town, Venice offers all of the essentials of an enjoyable fishing trip.  These include fishing guides, charters, lodging, tackle shops, fueling stations, marinas, boat landings, and piers.  There are also several nearby restaurants and bars to relax and refuel after a long day on the water.

Venice, Louisiana offers some of the best Gulf fishing opportunities available.  It is both exciting and enjoyable.

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