Biting right now — September
September brings a mixed bag of opportunities. We see excellent trout and redfish action inshore. Offshore, the marlin and tuna bite remains strong.
Redfish
We find big bull reds in the passes and along the beachfronts.
Speckled Trout
We cast topwaters and jigs to trout on the flats and in the marsh.
Black Drum
We find big black drum on the shallow flats and in the surf.
King Mackerel
We troll the rips and offshore structure for king mackerel.
Every species, every month
We fish Venice year-round. Some months are better than others. Here's what we expect.
← Swipe the table to see every month →
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | SepNOW | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | slow | slow | good | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | good | slow | slow |
| Speckled Trout | slow | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | good | peak | peak | good | slow |
| Flounder | off | slow | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | good | peak | good | slow |
| Black Drum | slow | slow | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | peak | peak | slow | slow |
| Red Snapper | off | off | off | good | peak | peak | peak | peak | good | slow | off | off |
| King Mackerel | slow | slow | slow | good | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | good | slow | slow |
| Blue Marlin | off | off | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | peak | peak | slow | off |
| Tuna | slow | slow | good | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | good | slow | slow |
| Wahoo | off | off | good | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | good | slow | off |
Fishing regulations, including seasons, size limits, and bag limits, are subject to change. Always check with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before you plan to keep any fish.
Month by month
What the water's doing, what's turned on, and which trip fits.
January
62-68°FThe water is cool. We fish the shallow flats for redfish. Trout are slow but can be found.
February
62-68°FSpeckled trout fishing picks up. We find them on the flats and in the bays. Redfish are still biting.
March
62-68°FThe offshore bite turns on. We run offshore for blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo. Inshore, redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are good.
April
62-68°FThe water warms. We find good numbers of redfish and trout on the flats. Offshore, the marlin and tuna bite is on.
May
68-74°FMay is prime time. Redfish and trout are plentiful inshore. Offshore, the snapper, king mackerel, marlin, tuna, and wahoo bite is excellent.
June
74-80°FWe continue to catch redfish, flounder, and black drum inshore. Offshore, the snapper, king mackerel, marlin, tuna, and wahoo action remains strong. Trout fishing slows.
July
78-82°FThe water is warm and the fish are active. We fish the flats for redfish and trout. Offshore, the tuna and wahoo bite is strong.
August
78-82°FAugust is a prime month for offshore action. Tuna and wahoo are plentiful. Inshore, redfish are aggressive on the flats.
September
75-79°FSeptember brings a mixed bag of opportunities. We see excellent trout and redfish action inshore. Offshore, the marlin and tuna bite remains strong.
October
62-68°FThe water cools. We find big trout on the flats. Redfish and black drum move into the shallows. Offshore, wahoo and tuna are good.
November
58-64°FTrout fishing is still good. Flounder are plentiful. Redfish are harder to find. Offshore action slows way down.
December
Closed · 52-58°FFishing is slow this month. The water is cold. We do not offer trips when there is no good fishing to sell.
Where we fish, and when it's best
Venice
Best Sep - May — We fish the Mississippi River Delta for redfish and speckled trout. The cooler months offer excellent opportunities in the marsh and nearshore waters.
Grand Isle
Best May - Oct — We target bull redfish and large speckled trout in the surf and nearshore rigs. The summer months bring warmer waters and aggressive feeding.
Empire
Best Mar - Nov — We navigate the numerous bayous and canals for speckled trout and redfish. The spring and fall offer prime conditions in the shallow marsh.
Port Fourchon
Best Jun - Sep — We venture offshore for tuna and wahoo. The summer months provide calmer seas for accessing the deep water rigs.
Shell Beach
Best Apr - Oct — We focus on the shallow marsh and Chandeleur Sound for redfish and speckled trout. The warmer months are best for sight fishing the flats.
Delacroix
Best Apr - Nov — We work the extensive marsh system for redfish and speckled trout. The spring and fall provide excellent fishing in the protected waters.
Common questions
What is the best month to fish in Venice?
Is it worth fishing in the off-season?
When do redfish show up in Venice?
What does a realistic day look like in the middle of the season?
When can I catch red snapper?
Ready to Get on the Water?
Call, text, or email Venice Charters to discuss dates, group size, and whether you want an inshore or offshore trip.
