Kid Friendly Venice LA Fishing Reel Rusty

Kid-Friendly Fishing in Venice, Louisiana

Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? Captain Mark Wagner's got you covered with this top-rated family adventure right here in Venice, Louisiana. This 6-hour private charter is designed specifically for young anglers who want to experience the real deal without the complexity of deep-sea fishing. We're talking about a safe, fun environment where your little ones can learn the basics while actually catching fish – not just hoping for a bite. At $800 for up to 4 people, it's one of the best deals you'll find for a genuine Louisiana fishing experience that'll have your kids talking about it for years.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off bright and early at 6:00 AM from Venice Marina, which gives us the best shot at finding active fish before the day heats up. The 23-foot Fish Master is built for stability – perfect for families with younger kids who might be getting their sea legs for the first time. This isn't some cramped boat where everyone's bumping elbows; there's plenty of room for a family of four to move around comfortably. Captain Mark keeps things relaxed but professional, making sure the adults understand the basics while keeping the kids engaged with constant action. The inshore waters around Venice are perfect for this type of trip because they're protected, relatively calm, and absolutely loaded with fish that love to bite. You'll need a Louisiana fishing license if you're 16 or older, but the kids can fish without one, which keeps things simple for families just getting started.

Techniques and Tackle

Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and putting your bait where the fish are feeding. We'll be working the marshes, shallow flats, and structure around Venice using light tackle that's perfect for kids to handle. Captain Mark provides all the gear, from kid-sized rods to the right weights and hooks for each species we're targeting. The techniques are straightforward – bottom fishing for Sheepshead around structure, working soft plastics for Redfish in the shallows, and live bait fishing for Sea Trout over grass beds. What makes this trip special is how Mark adapts everything for young anglers. He'll show them how to feel for that telltale tap of a Sheepshead or the solid thump of a Redfish taking the bait. The kids learn to set the hook properly, fight the fish without losing it, and handle their catch safely. It's hands-on fishing education that builds confidence with every fish that comes over the rail.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the stars of the show in these Louisiana waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 16 to 27 inches in our area and put up a fight that'll get any kid's heart pumping. They're most active during spring and fall, but we catch them year-round in the marshes around Venice. What kids love about Reds is how they hit the bait hard and make that reel sing when they take off. They're also perfect for teaching proper catch-and-release techniques since most of the fish we catch are in that slot size range.

Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but they're serious business when it comes to testing a young angler's skills. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait thieves, which makes them perfect for teaching kids to pay attention to their rod tip. They hang around structure like dock pilings and rocks, typically weighing 1 to 3 pounds in our waters. The best part? They're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner. Kids get a kick out of their weird teeth and the challenge of actually hooking one before it steals your shrimp.

Sea Trout are the most cooperative fish on this list, which makes them perfect confidence builders for new anglers. They're active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months. These silvery fish with the distinctive canine teeth typically run 12 to 16 inches and have a soft mouth that requires a gentle touch – great for teaching kids finesse. They school up over grass beds and make that classic trout sound when you pull them out of the water, which always gets the kids excited.

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the group, and when a kid hooks into a 5 to 10-pound drum, they know they've got something special on the line. These fish are bottom dwellers that love to eat crabs and shrimp around oyster reefs and shallow flats. They're strong, steady fighters that don't jump or make crazy runs – just pure pulling power that teaches kids how to work a fish properly. Spring and fall are prime time for Black Drum, and they're excellent table fare for families who want to take some fish home.

Summer Flounder add an element of surprise to the trip because you never know when one might grab your bait. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. They're most active during the warmer months and can range from 14 to 20 inches in our waters. Kids love the way they fight differently from other fish – more of a head-shaking, bulldogging battle that's totally different from the runs of a Redfish or Sea Trout.

Time to Book Your Spot

This customer-favorite trip books up fast, especially during peak family vacation times, so don't wait too long to secure your date. Captain Mark's reputation for working with kids and creating positive fishing experiences means families come back year after year and tell their friends about it. At $800 for a private 6-hour charter that accommodates up to 4 people, you're getting world-class fishing instruction, professional guiding, and memories that'll last a lifetime. The trip runs seasonally, so check availability for your preferred dates. Remember to grab those fishing licenses for the adults, bring plenty of sunscreen and snacks for the kids, and get ready for some genuine Louisiana