Family Fishing Venice Louisiana Reel Rusty

Full Day Kid-Friendly Fishing in Venice

Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? You've come to the right place. Venice, Louisiana sits right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore waters in the Gulf, and this 8-hour private charter with Captain Mark Wagner is built from the ground up for families. We're talking about a genuine Louisiana marsh experience that'll have your little ones telling fish stories for years to come. At $800 for up to 4 guests, you're getting a full day on the water with a captain who knows exactly how to keep kids engaged while teaching them the ropes of inshore fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off bright and early at 6:00 AM from Venice Marina – yeah, I know it's early, but trust me, the fish are most active in those cooler morning hours, and your kids will be wide awake with excitement anyway. Captain Mark runs a 23-foot Fish Master that's perfect for families, with plenty of room to move around and all the safety gear you need. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet. We're talking 8 solid hours of fishing time, which means we can hit multiple spots and really dial in what's working best that day. The boat's designed for comfort and accessibility, so even the youngest anglers can participate without feeling overwhelmed. We'll cruise through the maze of Louisiana's world-class marsh system, where every turn reveals new fishing opportunities and the kids get a front-row seat to one of America's most unique ecosystems.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

This trip is all about keeping things simple and effective for young anglers. We'll be using light tackle that won't tire out little arms, focusing on bottom fishing and sight fishing techniques that give kids the best chance at success. Captain Mark provides all the rods, reels, and tackle – we're talking about gear that's specifically chosen for the species we're targeting and sized appropriately for younger fishermen. The beauty of inshore fishing in Venice is that you don't need complicated techniques to catch fish. We'll be using live and cut bait, mostly shrimp and small crabs, which are irresistible to our target species. The captain will handle all the rigging and bait prep, but your kids will learn the basics of casting, setting the hook, and fighting fish. We fish the shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and structure around the marsh where the action is visual and exciting. When a redfish crashes your bait in two feet of water, you'll understand why Venice has earned its reputation as a top-rated fishing destination.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the stars of the show down here, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and put up a fight that'll get any kid's adrenaline pumping. They're most active in spring through fall, feeding aggressively in the shallow marshes around Venice. What makes them perfect for kids is their willingness to eat and their spectacular fights – plus they're beautiful fish that photograph well for those memory shots. Redfish are year-round residents, but late summer and early fall offer some of the most consistent action when they school up in the shallows.

Sea Trout might be the most rewarding catch for young anglers because they bite frequently and aren't too aggressive on the rod. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches in our waters and are most active during the warmer months from April through October. They love to hang around grass beds and structure, making them perfect targets for the sight fishing we'll be doing. Kids love the distinctive spots along their sides, and they make excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Sheepshead are the trickiest customers we'll encounter, but that's what makes them so satisfying to catch. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait stealers with their small mouths and lightning-fast bites. They average 12-16 inches and are most abundant around structure like docks and reefs from March through November. Kids get a huge sense of accomplishment when they finally hook one because it requires patience and good timing – skills that translate to all types of fishing.

Black Drum are the gentle giants of the marsh, often reaching 20-40 inches and providing steady, powerful fights that won't overwhelm young anglers. They're most active in cooler months and love to cruise the shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What's great about black drum is their predictable behavior – when you find them, they're usually in good numbers and willing to bite. They're also forgiving fish that give kids time to set the hook properly.

Summer Flounder add an element of surprise to any trip. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. They're most active from late spring through early fall and typically run 14-20 inches in our area. Kids get excited about flounder because they look so different from other fish, and there's something magical about watching a "piece of sand" suddenly come to life when you hook one. They're also excellent eating, which adds to the satisfaction of the catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

This kid-friendly charter represents everything great about Louisiana inshore fishing wrapped into one family-perfect package. Captain Mark Wagner has designed this trip specifically for families, understanding that successful kids' trips require patience, safety, and plenty of action. At $800 for your private group of up to 4 people, you're getting 8 hours of personalized instruction, all equipment, and access to some of the most productive fishing waters in the Gulf. Don't forget to grab your Louisiana fishing licenses for any adults on board – kids under 16 fish free. Pack some snacks and drinks, bring the camera, and get ready for a day that might just create the next generation of serious anglers in your family. Venice's reputation as a customer favorite destination isn't built on hype – it's built