Venice LA Inshore Fishing with Reel Rusty

Full Day Venice Inshore - Redfish & More

When you're looking for world-class inshore fishing, Venice, Louisiana is where serious anglers come to play. Captain Mark Wagner knows these marshes like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. This 8-hour adventure starts bright and early at 6:00 AM from Venice Marina, giving you the full day to work the flats, channels, and structure that make this area legendary. We're talking about a private charter for up to 4 anglers aboard a 23-foot Fish Master that's built for navigating these shallow waters and getting you where the fish are biting.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off before sunrise because that's when the magic happens in these waters. The early morning bite is something special down here, and Mark knows exactly where to position the boat to intercept feeding fish as they move with the tide. You'll be fishing prime inshore habitat - think grass flats, oyster reefs, and deep channels where baitfish concentrate and predators follow. The 23-foot Fish Master is perfect for this style of fishing, with a shallow draft that lets us get into skinny water where bigger boats can't go, but stable enough to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way. At $800 for your group, you're getting a full-service charter that includes all the tackle and expertise you need. Just remember to grab your Louisiana fishing license before you arrive - that's the one thing we can't provide for you.

Tactics and Prime Spots

Mark's approach to Venice inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting to conditions. Some days we'll be sight-fishing the flats with artificial lures, watching for tailing redfish in ankle-deep water. Other times we're anchored up on productive structure, using live or cut bait to target sheepshead around pilings and black drum near oyster beds. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - we might start the morning throwing topwater plugs for sea trout, switch to bottom rigs for black drum at midday, and finish strong working the evening bite with soft plastics for redfish. Mark provides all the tackle, from light spinning gear perfect for trout to heavier conventional setups when we need to muscle fish away from structure. The key is staying mobile and following the bite throughout the day.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the crown jewel of Venice inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll test your drag system. Most of our reds run between 20-30 inches, perfect eating size, but don't be surprised if we hook into a bull red that'll peel line and make your arms burn. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, and they love to ambush baitfish in shallow water. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive nature - when they're feeding, they'll hit just about anything you throw at them.

Sea trout might not have the brute strength of redfish, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Spring and fall are prime time for big trout, with fish pushing 20+ inches not uncommon. They're also one of the most reliable species we target - even on tough days, we can usually find trout willing to cooperate.

Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the marsh, with big fish capable of testing your tackle to the limit. These bottom-dwellers love oyster reefs and hard structure, where they use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the water, a big drum will give you a workout you won't forget. They're most active during warmer months and are excellent eating when prepared properly.

Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing - these black-and-white striped convicts have a mouth full of human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait. They hang around structure like dock pilings, bridges, and reefs, where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Landing a good sheepshead requires finesse and timing, but they're absolutely delicious and provide some of the most rewarding fishing you'll experience.

Summer flounder round out our target species list, and these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They bury themselves in sandy bottoms near channel edges and ambush unsuspecting baitfish. Flounder fishing requires a different approach - slower presentations and the ability to detect subtle bites. When you connect with a nice doormat flounder, you'll understand why they're such a sought-after species.

Time to Book Your Spot

Venice's reputation as a fishing destination isn't built on hype - it's earned through consistent action and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. This full-day charter with Captain Mark Wagner gives you access to some of the most productive inshore waters in the country, with the expertise and equipment needed to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or a newcomer wanting to experience Gulf Coast fishing at its finest, this trip delivers. The combination of Mark's local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime fishing grounds creates the perfect recipe for a successful day. Don't wait too long to book - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and the weather cooperates.