Get ready for a laid-back day of fishing that'll have the whole family hooked! Captain Louis Thornton knows these Venice waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure everyone from kids to grandparents has a blast. You'll be cruising the calm backwaters, where the fish are always biting and the scenery's something else. No need to be a pro – Cap'n Louis will show you the ropes and have you reeling 'em in before you know it. With comfy seating and plenty of shade, it's the perfect way to spend a day on the water without any fuss.
As soon as you step aboard Cap'n Louis's boat, you'll feel right at home. He's got all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and maybe a snack or two. The backwaters around Venice are like nature's playground – calm enough for the little ones but packed with fish that'll give everyone a good fight. You'll be targeting redfish, black drum, and sheepshead – all known for being eager biters and fun to catch. The boat's set up so everyone can fish comfortably, and there's plenty of room to move around or take a break in the shade. Cap'n Louis is a natural teacher, so he'll have you baiting hooks and casting like a pro in no time. And don't worry about tangles or lost lures – he's seen it all and keeps things stress-free.
Out here in Venice, we keep things simple and effective. You'll be using light tackle – nothing too fancy, just good ol' rods and reels that are easy to handle. Cap'n Louis is big on live bait, which really gets the fish excited. He'll show you how to hook it just right and where to cast for the best chance at a bite. You might try bottom fishing, where your bait sits on the seafloor waiting for a hungry redfish to swim by. Or, you could do some drift fishing, letting the boat move slowly while your bait does the work. The backwaters are full of structure – things like oyster beds and grass flats where fish love to hang out. Cap'n Louis knows all the sweet spots and he'll have you dropping lines right where the action is. And when you feel that tug? That's when the real fun begins!
Venice's backwaters are teeming with fish year-round, but each season brings its own stars. In the warmer months, redfish are the talk of the town. These copper-colored beauties put up a great fight and are a favorite for anglers of all ages. As the water cools down, black drum become the hot ticket. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're a blast to catch and can get pretty big. Sheepshead are another local favorite – they're known for their human-like teeth and their knack for stealing bait. Don't be surprised if you also hook into some speckled trout or maybe even a flounder. Cap'n Louis loves seeing families light up when they reel in their first fish, and he's always ready with the camera to capture those proud moments.
Redfish are the rock stars of Venice's inshore waters. These bronze bruisers are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their powerful runs when hooked. They hang out near structure and love to chase down live bait. Redfish can range from little "rat reds" perfect for kids to tackle, all the way up to big bull reds that'll test even experienced anglers. They're active year-round but really turn on in the fall when they school up for their spawning run.
Black drum might look like redfish's plainer cousin, but don't let that fool you. These fish can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers tipping the scales at over 50 pounds! They've got a soft spot for crustaceans, so crab or shrimp bait is your best bet. Black drum are bottom feeders, so you'll be dropping your line near oyster beds or along channel edges. They're known for their strong, steady fights – perfect for giving kids (and adults) a thrill without being too overwhelming.
Sheepshead are the tricksters of the bunch. With their black and white stripes and those weird human-like teeth, they're definitely unique looking. These fish are masters at stealing bait, so hooking one takes a bit of finesse. They love hanging around structure like pilings and bridges, using those teeth to scrape off barnacles and crabs. Sheepshead fishing is all about timing – you've got to feel for the bite and set the hook fast. They're a year-round target but really shine in the cooler months when other species slow down.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are a bonus catch on these trips. These sleek, spotted fish are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook. They're most active in the cooler months and love to chase down live shrimp or small baitfish. Specks might not grow as big as some other inshore species, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste – they're considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Tripletail are the oddballs of Venice's inshore waters. These flat-sided fish have a habit of floating on their sides near the surface, often mistaken for debris. They're ambush predators, waiting for small fish or shrimp to swim by before striking. Tripletail fishing is as much about spotting as it is catching – it's like a treasure hunt on the water. When hooked, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're not as common as some other species, but landing one is always a highlight of any trip.
There's something special about fishing the backwaters of Venice that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun sparkles on the water as you're reeling in your catch. Or how Cap'n Louis always seems to know just where the fish are biting. For many families, it's become a tradition – a chance to unplug, spend quality time together, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Kids who started out barely able to hold a rod are now outfishing their parents, thanks to the patience and know-how of guides like Cap'n Louis. And let's not forget the bragging rights that come with landing a big one – nothing beats the smile on a kid's face when they reel in a fish bigger than they are!
If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure that's as easy-going as it is exciting, Cap'n Louis's backwater trip is the way to go. With everything taken care of – from rods and reels to expert guidance – all you need to do is show up ready for some fun. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish for the first time or looking to add some new species to your catch list, these Venice backwaters have got you covered. And with the laid-back vibe and stunning scenery, even if the fish aren't biting (which is rare), you're still in for a great day out. So why wait? Grab the family, book your spot with Fish Killin Charters, and get ready to make some waves – and memories – in Venice's backwaters. The fish are waiting, and Cap'n Louis is ready to show you where they're hiding!
Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often lurking in the same inshore spots. These bruisers can grow over 40 pounds, but the 5-30 pounders are what we usually catch. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in 1-4 feet of water. They're bottom feeders, so crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig works great. Black drum put up a solid fight and make that distinctive croaking sound when hooked. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. The meat on smaller ones (under 15 pounds) is actually pretty tasty - firm and mild. Pro tip: when you see their whisker-like barbels stirring up the bottom, get ready for action. These fish can be picky, so a slow presentation and fresh bait are key to getting bites.
Red snapper are the prize of our offshore waters. These beautiful red fish typically run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, but monsters over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 60-300 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders, hitting cut bait, live bait, and even jigs. Summer is prime time, especially during the short federal season. Snapper fishing can be fast and furious when you find a hot spot. They fight hard, often trying to dive back to structure. The meat is top-notch - white, flaky, and mild. Local tip: use circle hooks to reduce gut-hooking, and try a double-drop rig to catch multiple fish at once. Just be ready for a workout when you're reeling them up from the deep!
Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in shallow flats or cruising near oyster bars and marsh edges. They love crabs and shrimp, so those are your go-to baits. Sight fishing for reds is a real thrill - watch for their distinctive tail sticking up as they root for food. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up in the marshes. Redfish put up a great fight, often making strong runs and head-shaking jumps. They're also excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. Local tip: on sunny days, focus on darker bottom areas where reds stand out better. And don't forget to check that signature black spot near the tail - some fish have multiple spots!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a blast to catch in our inshore waters. They're usually 14-24 inches long, with bigger ones called "gator trout." You'll find them hanging around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges, especially at dawn and dusk. They love to ambush bait, so topwater lures or soft plastics under a popping cork can be deadly. Sea trout are known for their light, flaky meat - perfect for a fish fry. The bite really turns on in fall as they fatten up for winter. One local trick is to look for diving birds; they'll often lead you right to a school of feeding trout. When you find them, work the area thoroughly. Sea trout tend to hang in groups, so where there's one, there's usually more. Just remember to use a light touch when setting the hook - they have soft mouths.
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that pack a punch for their size. They usually run 2-13 pounds but can hit 40. You'll spot them floating near the surface, often mimicking debris. Look around channel markers, crab traps, and weed lines in summer months. They're ambush predators, so a well-placed live shrimp or small crab is irresistible. Sight-casting to tripletail is a unique challenge - they spook easily, so a stealthy approach is key. Despite their bulky appearance, they're acrobatic fighters once hooked. The meat is firm and tasty, similar to snapper. Here's a local secret: when you find one, there are often more nearby. Circle back to productive spots. And watch those gill plates when handling them - they're razor-sharp!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250