Nearshore Rig Fishing

Venice, Louisiana offers some incredible nearshore fishing. With countless rock piles, wrecks, and oil and gas platforms both above and below the surface, our waters hold an incredible variety of game fish. Some of our most popular target species include red snapper, mangrove snapper, cobia, and many others.

A typical nearshore trip starts by running just outside the pass to catch fresh live bait such as pogies, finger mullet, and croakers. Once the livewell is full, we'll head to the day's destination—whether that's an oil rig, a wreck, or another piece of bottom structure—depending on the species we're targeting.

Mangrove Snapper

If you're looking for a true challenge, Louisiana's giant mangrove snapper are hard to beat. Fish weighing 8 to 10 pounds are common, with even larger fish caught every season.

We typically target mangroves by freelining live or dead bait, or by using a light knocker rig to get the bait down to the fish naturally. When the bite is really good, we can chum the fish to the surface, creating an incredible visual experience as they compete to eat.

Pound for pound, mangrove snapper are among the strongest and most aggressive fish you'll catch. We fish heavy drag and big tackle because once they're hooked, they'll do everything they can to dive back into the structure where they feel safe. Landing a big mangrove takes quick reactions, athleticism, and good technique.

One of the best parts about fishing rigs is that you're never sure what might bite next. While targeting mangroves, it's common to catch red snapper, cobia, and several other species on the same spot.

If you're looking for a technical, hands-on style of fishing that rewards skill and quick reflexes, mangrove snapper fishing is right up your alley.

Red Snapper

Red snapper fishing is action-packed and fun for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you're introducing your family to saltwater fishing or chasing the trophy of a lifetime, red snapper provide steady action with the opportunity to catch fish weighing more than 20 pounds.

Since red snapper are bottom-dwelling fish, we typically fish Carolina rigs or two-hook chicken rigs with either live or cut bait. We'll target a variety of structure, including rock piles, wrecks, and offshore rigs.

Like all nearshore fishing, it's common to catch other species like Mangrove snapper, cobia, jack crevalle, and others while targeting red snapper.

If you're looking for fast-paced fishing that's perfect for the whole family, red snapper is hard to beat.

Cobia

Cobia fishing is one of the most exciting and visual styles of fishing you'll ever experience. These fish commonly weigh 30 to 40 pounds, but fish over 70 pounds are caught every year.

What makes cobia so unique is both their size and their curious nature. When you spot or mark one, there's often another close behind, making every sighting an exciting opportunity.

We fish for cobia by casting live bait and artificial lures around offshore rigs, much like fishing a dock for large mouth bass. We also keep an eye out for manta rays because cobia frequently travel and feed alongside them. If you love to fly fish cobia can be a exciting fish to check of your bucket list as well. Watching a giant cobia appear from nowhere and eat your bait is something every angler should experience at least once.

If you're looking to cross a bucket-list fish off your list or want to experience one of the most unique fisheries Louisiana has to offer, cobia fishing is for you.

Weather

Weather plays a major role in every nearshore trip. Unlike fishing inside the marsh, we're exposed to wind, waves, and changing sea conditions.

Your safety always comes first. If conditions aren't suitable, we'll have a backup plan ready so you can still enjoy a productive day on the water. While we can't control the weather, we can adapt our plan to give you the best fishing experience possible.

No matter what species you're after, our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable day on the water while putting you in the best position to catch that dream fish.