Fishing in Venice: The Ultimate Guide

If you are one of those anglers always looking for a place where adventure and fishing merge into one, Venice in Louisiana is the right destination for you! This town, often called "Road's End," is located in the extreme south of the state and provides anglers access to some of the wealthiest locations in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

And that's not all; here, you'll find some swampy areas where it's almost impossible not to catch the Redfish, who mercilessly dominate! Venice offers a unique fishing experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Venice has an authentic fishing community and an entire culture, industry, and identity built on fishing, so you can hardly go wrong if you choose Venice as your next fishing destination!

If you are up for it and want your fishing career to start, not end here, get ready for a guide through the best fishing spots in Venice! Discover the fish that rule these waters and learn how to use every moment on the water efficiently. Therefore, let's throw the hooks into the waters where every catch becomes a legend!

Fish Species Found in Venice

The supply of fish species in these waters is abundant. Whether it's local residents or migratory species, freshwater or saltwater, every day can be a real treat for any angler, especially the curious one constantly searching for action and diversity.

Native Species 

Fishing boredom does not exist in Venice, so even if you focus only on some of the native species, you may experience fishing fun like you have never experienced before.

Redfish

Redfish symbolize inshore fishing in Louisiana and are so common you can't miss them. They are known for their character, striking color, and a black spot near the tail. Their combativeness and variety in size make them an accessible catch for anglers of all levels, and the thrill of catching them is an experience you won't forget.

• Best Time to Catch: Fall
• Habitat: Shallow marshes and bays
• Preferred Bait: Crab, shrimp, baitfish
• Fishing Technique: Casting and spinning with medium tackle
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Depth: Shallow to moderate

Venice Redfish can grow up to 40 inches and weigh over 30 pounds. They are usually lured using live bait such as shrimp or crab, but artificial bait, especially soft plastics that mimic baitfish, also works well. Prime techniques are casting and spinning with medium tackle. Fall is perfect for targeting big "Bull" Redfish, making it the best season for anglers looking to land a trophy catch. Although they often seem easy to catch, Redfish will require fishing wisdom and tactics.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trouts are another highly sought-after species, known for their silver-green bodies dotted with black spots. There is hardly an angler who doesn't like them, as these fish are prized for their aggressive strikes and exciting fights, making them a favorite target. They often cruise the grassy flats and bays, especially where baitfish are plentiful.

• Best Time to Catch: Fall and spring
• Habitat: Grassy flats and bays
• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, baitfish
• Fishing Technique: Drift fishing or spinning with light tackle
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Depth: Moderate

It has fast reflexes and explosive attacks on the bait, so anglers must always be alert and ready for action. The best option is to hunt them by performing drift fishing or spinning with light tackle. They are usually targeted with live shrimp or soft plastic baits, and spring and fall are the best times to find them in abundance. In addition to being as prized as a delicate princess, this fish also has delicious meat.

Flounder

Renowned masters of disguise, Flounder blends in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottoms they call home. Their fascinatingly flattened bodies and ability to change color allow them to attack unsuspecting prey precisely. Flounder fishing in Venice is especially profitable during the fall migration when large numbers of these fish move from the marshes to deeper waters.

• Best Time to Catch: Fall 
• Habitat: Sandy or muddy bottom
• Preferred Bait: Minnows, small plastic jigs
• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing or jigging techniques
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Depth: Moderate to deep

Most anglers find it easiest to catch it with live bait, such as a minnow, or using soft plastic jigs combined with bottom fishing or jigging techniques. Flounder's most significant predatory advantage is that they are challenging to spot due to their camouflage, but once you do, and they are hooked, they put up a solid fight.

Crappie

Crappie is also one of the main fish species in the freshwater areas around Venice, offering a more relaxed, less dramatic, and challenging fishing experience. These fish are known for their tender, scaly flesh and are popular targets in calm, slow waters. You will easily recognize them by their stubby bodies, of which there are several with dark markings, and they often gather in large flocks.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring
• Habitat: Calm, slow waters
• Preferred Bait: Small live baits, jigs
• Fishing Technique: Light tackle fishing 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Depth: Moderate

Crappie fishing in Venice is most productive in the spring. They are best caught on light tackle with small live bait or jigs. This species is perfect for anglers who enjoy quiet action without the high intensity of larger fish, making them a favorite for family outings or those just entering the fishing world.

Largemouth Bass

As the ultimate freshwater predator, Largemouth Bass are known for their aggressive attacks and acrobatic leaps. They are a real challenge for those looking for them in Louisiana's rivers and marshes. They have a distinctive green body with dark horizontal stripes and are not easily confused with other species. The main areas to look for are near submerged structures or vegetation.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring
• Habitat: Submerged structures or vegetation
• Preferred Bait: Spinnerbaits and crankbaits
• Fishing Technique: Casting
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Depth: Moderate 

They can be distrustful and usually hide well, although they are also voracious. Largemouth Bass are best caught using casting techniques with spinner bait and crankbait. The spring spawn is the best time to catch Largemouth Bass, as they are less cautious and more active then.

Migratory Species 

Migratory fish species bring an exciting element to fishing in Venice all year round. An offshore species always makes its way through local waters at certain times of the year, offering unique opportunities for anglers. Explore some of them below.

Yellowfin Tuna

Known for their speed and strength, a beautiful, graceful body with a silver-blue fish with yellow details. As true ocean athletes, they can provide impressive races and acrobatic fights and are very popular in industrial fishing. Tuna love the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and are a symbol of high-quality meat and excellent fishing.

• Best Time to Catch: Warmer months
• Habitat: Deep waters
• Preferred Bait: With sardines or herring and large artificial lures
• Fishing Technique: Trolling, heavy tackle
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Depth: Deep

They can reach a weight of 200 pounds and are usually targeted with heavy trolling tackle, using sardines, herring, and large artificial baits. Their seasonal migrations bring them closer to the coast during the warmer months. What is certain is that fishing for Yellowfin Tuna in Venice promises an adrenaline-pumping experience with the possibility of landing one of the most prized fish ever.

Blue Marlin

It's hard to find fish that can be compared with the Blue Marlin, one of the world's most sought-after fish species. These beautiful, spectacular fish are known for their size, strength, and acrobatics. They have highly striking cobalt blue bodies and long, pointed beaks, and are a real test of an angler's skill and wisdom.

• Best Time to Catch: Summer and early fall
• Habitat: Deep waters
• Preferred Bait: Large live baits such as Tunas or Dorados
• Fishing Technique: Trolling
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Depth: Deep

This beautiful fish can grow up to 14 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds, and its powerful runs and dramatic leaps require both strength and strategy from the angler. The prime time for battle with Blue Marlin is summer and early fall. Trolling with large live baits such as Tunas or Dorados and big artificial lures is usually the technique used for Blue Marlin.

Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi, also known as Dolphin fish, is a lively and exciting species with its bright, iridescent colors and distinctive, elongated bodies. They are not only visually stunning but are also known for their energetic fights and great taste. They are primarily found in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and are a popular catch among anglers.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring through early fall
• Habitat: Warm waters
• Preferred Bait: Pilchards or small jacks
• Fishing Technique: Trolling
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Depth: Deep

It can reach up to 4 feet in length and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, although larger specimens are not uncommon. Trolling is the number one technique choice, in combination with pilchards or small jacks and large artificial lures. Known for their acrobatic displays and aggressive strikes, but also cute appearances, these fish provide an exciting experience as well as a top-notch dinner.

King Mackerel 

This is another pelagic and known migratory species in Venice, Louisiana. Fast, beautiful fish endowed with very sharp teeth, King Mackerel migrate in the Gulf of Mexico from spring to early fall and are often found near the surface or at medium depths during their seasonal movements.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring through early fall
• Habitat: Near the surface or at medium depth
• Preferred Bait: Live mullet or sardines
• Fishing Technique: Trolling, drifting
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Depth: Moderate

This fish has quite a size range. It can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 50 pounds, although most catches are between 20 and 40 pounds. The easiest way to catch them is by trolling or drifting with baits such as live mullets or sardines. Like other pelagic species, they are a frequent target, making them a highly sought-after fish, with the added bonus of their excellent taste.

Tarpon

On the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, you will hardly miss the famous "Silver Kings." Beautiful and imposing fish, impressive size, acrobatic jumps, and intense fights are a dream catch for many anglers. Their large, silvery scales and distinctive dorsal fins make them a striking sight in inshore and offshore waters, where their primary habitat is.

• Best Time to Catch: During late spring through summer
• Habitat: Inshore and offshore waters
• Preferred Bait: Mullets or crabs and large artificial lures like jigs or soft plastics
• Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, fly fishing, heavy tackle
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Depth: Moderate

This fish can reach lengths of up to 8 feet and weigh over 200 pounds. It can be caught using a variety of techniques, including sight fishing, fly fishing, or heavy tackle. Venice is famous for its Tarpon fishing opportunities, especially during the peak season, late spring through summer, when it gathers a large number of fans of this beautiful fish.

Prime Fishing Spots in Venice

Thanks to the great diversity and unique mix of coastal wetlands and relatively quick and easy access to the deep waters of the Gulf, this area is truly worth a fishing adventure. We have selected for you those locations that promise exceptional catches and unforgettable experiences for anglers of all levels.

Pass-a-Loutre Wildlife Management Area

Located where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf, Pass-a-Loutre is a vast maze of marshes, canals, and creeks, and one large and generous fishing ground. A combination of freshwater runoff and tidal influence supports a healthy ecosystem, especially for anglers targeting inshore species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder.

Just a short boat ride from the Venice Marina, this area offers an unparalleled mix of backwater fishing and scenic beauty. You can cast into shallow grass beds, float along winding streams, or even see fish in the flats. Pass-a-Loutre is a must-see for a classic Louisiana fishing experience, with endless marshes and the occasional gator sighting.

Southwest Pass

The Southwest Pass is the entrance from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico; its waters are rich in freshwater and saltwater species. This constant mixing of nutrient-rich river water with the salty bay creates an environment where almost every type of fish thrives, including Tuna, Marlin, and Redfish. You must admit that few anglers would say no, especially if you're after big fish or just want to experience the wide variety of Venice's offerings.

It's relatively close, about a 30-minute boat ride from Venice Marina, and is a key fishing spot as it provides quick access to some of the most productive waters in the region. Whether you're looking for pelagics offshore or working on passes for bull reds, this place offers year-round action, and with the inevitable and stunning views of the Gulf, you get a place where adventure and beauty collide.

Red Pass

Another place where contrasting waters meet is the Gulf's deep blue with the Mississippi Delta's vast wetlands. And you guessed it, here you can catch everything from Tarpon and Redfish to Snapper. The constantly changing channels and sandbars create perfect hunting grounds for predatory fish and skilled anglers, and almost every day is an opportunity for new surprises and unusual encounters.

It will take you 20 minutes by boat from Venice to reach Red Pass. Then, you can fish the shallow flats, navigate the deeper channels for Redfish, or even venture further afield to hunt the Snapper that roam the nearby wrecks. The mix of habitats keeps things interesting and never boring.

The Midnight Lump

This is the legendary offshore spot of Venice, about 20 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, and is actually a submerged salt dome that rises from the depths and attracts an incredible array of marine life. It is a popular spot for anglers targeting trophy Tuna, Wahoo, and Marlin. Known for its winter and early spring action, this place has earned a reputation for producing fish that reach triple digits.

You will still need more effort to get to this legendary location, but the payoff is enormous. Once you reach this underwater highlight, it's all about fast action, with schools of bait attracting predators for miles around. Almost every fight is intense, and the opportunity to catch a real monster makes every trip unforgettable.

Cypress Cove Marina

Cypress Cove Marina is the ultimate starting point for serious adventures at sea. Located in the heart of Venice, this marina provides quick access to the Gulf's deep waters, where true monsters of King Mackerel, Amberjack, Grouper, and other tough hunters lurk. The moment you leave the docks, you are within easy reach of some of the most productive offshore fields in the region.

As well as being a prime launch location, the marina is well equipped with everything you need on the water for a day or weekend. And if you are a fan of such adventures, you can patrol the open sea or anchor near wells and wrecks. The adventures that begin here promise intensity and are worth every risk. However, Cypress Cove is where you go when you're ready to hunt for that following big catch and create the most exciting memories and fishing stories.

Fishing Techniques in Venice 

With the abundance of locations, quality, non-complex waters, and, of course, types of fish, there is almost no technique in Venice that you cannot find a place and location to practice. Below are five primary fishing methods commonly used in Venice to help you make the most of your fishing hours and days.

Trolling

If your aim and ambitions are solely about the pelagic species of the deep blue waters of Venice, you can only do something with trolling. The whole point of the technique is to cover the ground and attract the attacks of speed demons like Tuna, Wahoo, and King Mackerel. The method is simple: place a line of lures or live baits behind your boat and cruise at different speeds, letting the motion do the work. As your boat moves, lures carried by water currents and wind mimic the prey movements of the target fish species.

The authentic charm of trolling lies in anticipation, i.e., waiting for the rod to bend and the reel to screech while the fish grabs the bait. The technique is especially effective in offshore structures, drop-offs, and rip lines where these pelagic fish hunters roam. Without a doubt, trolling is a high-energy, high-reward approach if you know what you're doing.

Sight Fishing

There are a solid number of sight fishing locations in Venice. The technique is based on precision and patience and is perfect for stalking Redfish and Speckled Trout in shallow marshes and grass flats. This technique lets you visually spot the fish before casting while armed with a light tackle or fly rod, wading through the shallows with your eyes wide open for that telltale glimmer or tail fin.

The challenge of sight fishing lies in your stealth and presentation because if you spook the fish, they will never be gone. But get it right, and you'll be rewarded with explosive attacks and exciting battles. At the same time, the Intimacy of this technique impresses because wherever you look, you throw and hook everything in one fluid movement, which makes it one of the most attractive ways of fishing.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing allows you to let the current do the work while you focus on bait presentation. This versatile technique is widely used in Venice's inshore and offshore waters, targeting species such as Tarpon, Red Drum, and Flounder. You can drift through canals, along risers, or across flats, covering more ground while keeping your bait in the strike zone.

Drift fishing involves matching the boat's speed with the current and adjusting the depth of the bait as needed. Using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, or jigging soft plastics, allows the boat's natural movement to entice strikes from feeding fish. This relatively relaxed but effective method makes fishing interesting, especially when floating over fish-rich waters.

Bottom Fishing

This is another technique primarily used to target heavyweights lurking below the surface for species such as Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. It involves lowering baits or jigs directly to the seabed near reefs, wrecks, or oil rigs. The trick is to use the right amount of weight to keep the bait on the bottom while keeping the line sensitive enough to detect a bite.

It is also true that it does not have to be very deep and that you can target fish around various structures on the way to the bottom. And the beauty of this technique is that you're never quite sure what might catch the bait. With good gear and presentation and trying to pull out real monsters, bottom fishing is both challenging and rewarding, especially when the Gulf's underwater structures are teeming with life.

Chumming and Chunking

For those looking to attract the big boys, think Yellowfin Tuna and other pelagics; this technique is the ultimate game plan. It's safe to say that this technique involves creating a feeding frenzy by throwing small pieces of baitfish (chunks) or minced fish (fillets) into the water. It's essential to keep a steady flow of choke in the water to keep the fish interested as you drop the baited hook right into the fury. 

Although it seems simple, this high-intensity method is as exciting as it is chaotic. It's almost inevitable that your adrenaline rushes when you see colossal fish rising to the surface because you'd better be ready for the fight of your life.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Venice

Understanding and respecting local fishing regulations will ensure a more relaxed and responsible fishing experience in Venice. Not only does it keep you on the right side of the law, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting the ecosystem. The first step toward this is obtaining a valid Louisiana fishing license, which is required for all anglers 16 and older. Obtaining such a license is easy; you can buy it online or at local sellers in Venice. 

In addition to your license, it's essential to stay current on announcements and reports from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), as these updates often cover vital regulations such as daily bag limits, minimum size requirements by species, and special equipment rules. If you fish in a more specific location that also requires payment of an entrance fee, find out if you need special permits. Also, be aware of seasonal closures and restricted zones as they change frequently.

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to fishing in Venice, Louisiana, it's not just casting a line and having a typical day of fishing. You're entering an angler's paradise where every trip promises a new adventure. Whether you're navigating winding marshes, targeting trophy saltwater fish, or hunting offshore giants, you'll be hard-pressed to escape excitement. There is so much that you can experience in fishing here that it is truly fascinating!

If you've been here before and have experience fishing in Venice, remember to share your epic catches, secret spots, or fishing stories with us in the comments. The more, the better, because remember that our mission is to spread fishing knowledge and excitement!