Venice, LA Fishing Charters
Venice, LA fishing charters put anglers right at the doorstep of the Gulf’s richest bluewater, epic Mississippi River marshes, and nearshore oil rigs teeming with trophy tuna, snapper, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Venice, LA
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Venice, LA Fishing Guide
Venice, Louisiana is the last stop before the land gives way to water—making it one of the most legendary fishing towns in the Gulf. Most Venice fishing charters run out of Cypress Cove or Venice Marina, offering fast access to a variety of world-class fisheries. This is where offshore and inshore collide, and few places in the U.S. can match the diversity and sheer productivity of the area.
Offshore, it’s all about big runs and even bigger fish. Full-day bluewater trips routinely push 40 to 80 miles out to floaters and shelf rigs, targeting yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, mahi, and marlin. Venice is one of the only places in the country where you can catch yellowfin tuna year-round. Most captains troll around the rigs or chunk with pogies and live hardtails once they find feeding birds or bait balls. Summer sees more mahi and marlin, while fall and winter produce steady tuna action when the crowds thin out.
Inshore charters stick closer to the delta, working the maze of marshes, bays, and cuts off the Mississippi River. These trips usually last a half or three-quarters of a day and are prime for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Sight-fishing with spinning or fly tackle is popular in the skinny water, while popping corks or Carolina rigs with shrimp or mullet work well in deeper bayous and around broken marsh. Most guides will trailer to specific launch spots based on tide, wind, and seasonal patterns, from Southwest Pass to the Empire area.
No matter the time of year, Venice deep sea and inshore fishing charters give you direct access to one of the most fertile fisheries on the continent.
Fishing Seasons in Venice, LA
Spring
Spring in Venice kicks off tuna and wahoo season offshore, with big yellowfins gathering around the deepwater rigs. Inshore, redfish school up in the ponds and bays, and speckled trout start moving in from deeper winter holes. Live bait and topwaters both produce this time of year, especially on warming tides.
Summer
Summer brings flat seas and peak offshore action. Yellowfin tuna, mahi, wahoo, and blue marlin are all in play around floaters and oil platforms. Inshore, early mornings are best before the heat sets in. Speckled trout feed aggressively along grass edges, and redfish can be found tailing on the flats.
Fall
Fall offers some of the best conditions for Venice inshore fishing. Bull reds swarm the river passes, while trout flood the marshes chasing shrimp. Offshore, tuna remain active, especially during cold fronts, and the weather is usually stable. Many charters shift to mixed trips this time of year, taking advantage of both fisheries.
Winter
Winter is prime time for hardcore tuna hunters. The big yellowfins get closer to the rigs, and the crowds thin out. Wahoo also peak during colder months. Inshore, redfish still bite in protected ponds, and specks hang near deeper channels. It’s a great time for anglers who don’t mind cooler temps and want solitude on the water.
Gamefish in Venice, LA
- Yellowfin Tuna – 40–150+ lbs Caught offshore year-round near oil rigs and floaters, often chunking or live baiting with pogies or hardtails
- Redfish – 5–40+ lbs Targeted in the marsh, ponds, and bays; sight-fished in clear water or baited near points and grasslines with shrimp or cut mullet.
- Speckled Trout – 1–5 lbs Caught around marsh drains, grass beds, and oyster reefs using popping corks, live shrimp, or soft plastics.
- Wahoo – 20–80+ lbs Peak in winter and spring around shelf edges and deepwater rigs; trolled with high-speed lures and diving plugs.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–30 lbs Common in summer; caught near floating debris, weed lines, and deepwater rigs using live bait or trolled ballyhoo.
- Swordfish – 50–300+ lbs Targeted with deep-drop rigs in 1200–1800 feet of water, day or night, usually on long full-day or overnight trips.
- Blue Marlin – 100–500+ lbs Summer pelagic species found far offshore near current breaks and structure, often caught while trolling large skirted baits.
- Flounder – 1–5 lbs Caught inshore near marsh cuts, sandy points, and channel mouths using soft plastics or finger mullet on jigheads.
- Cobia – 10–50 lbs Often found cruising nearshore rigs, buoys, and structure; targeted with live bait, jigs, or sight-cast on calm days.
Venice, LA Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters run out of Venice, LA?
Venice charters include full-day offshore trips targeting tuna and billfish, as well as half-day or 6-hour inshore trips for redfish and trout in the marsh.
Where do Venice fishing charters launch from?
Most boats depart from Venice Marina or Cypress Cove Marina, though inshore guides often trailer to Empire, Southwest Pass, or other strategic marsh access points.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Venice?
Venice offers year-round action, but spring through fall is especially productive for both offshore and inshore species. Winter is prime for serious tuna fishing.
Do I need a fishing license for charters in Venice?
June through August is considered peak season, with ideal weather and the widest variety of species available.
What size boats do Venice offshore charters use?
Most offshore boats are 30–40’ center consoles or sportfishers, equipped with twin or triple engines for long runs to the rigs and floaters.
How far offshore do tuna trips go?
Tuna trips from Venice typically run 40 to 80 miles offshore, depending on current, weather, and where the fish are holding.
What gear is included on Venice charters?
All quality Venice charters provide rods, reels, bait, and tackle. For offshore trips, expect heavy conventional gear. Inshore trips use light tackle or fly setups.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, most species can be kept within legal limits. Your captain will help you with regulations and usually clean and bag the catch at the dock.
What should I bring on a Venice fishing charter?
Bring sun protection, non-marking shoes, a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and your fishing license. Offshore trips may require motion sickness meds.
