Red snapper fishing out of Venice, Louisiana starts with a short run. FishNLA reports the ride to snapper structure is short compared with other ports, and the fishery is season-driven, so the opener sets your calendar. Below: timing, the structure boats run to, the named grounds, how the fishery works and who fishes here. For launch, conditions and the wider fishery, see our Venice, Louisiana port guide. For the whole coast, see the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
When red snapper are on Venice structure
Trips here are planned around the opener, not the calendar. For species biology and the Gulf-wide picture, read our Gulf red snapper guide. This page stays local.
Season-driven
The Louisiana red snapper season opener drives every Venice trip. For dates, check the agency page the Regulations section below points to.
Fish move shallower before the opener
FishNLA reports fish begin moving onto shallower structure ahead of the opener. For the first trips of the year, start with the shallower structure types in the next section.
Where boats run from Venice
According to FishNLA, boats from Venice run to three kinds of bottom:
- Artificial reefs: placed structure on the seafloor.
- Oil and gas structures: platforms and rigs, fixed structure standing in the water column.
- Natural bottom: relief on the seafloor, such as lumps and ledges.
On a chart, look for platforms, reef sites, lumps and contour breaks at canyon edges. Breakpoint chart layers help you find these structure types; they are not for navigation.
A short run
FishNLA says the run is short compared with other ports. Before you go, check the official NOAA marine forecast for wind, wave height and period, and decide from those numbers.
Named grounds and structure near Venice
These are named places boats from Venice run to. The deepwater features (Cognac, the floaters and the canyons) are named destinations on the same coast, listed so you can place them on the chart.
| Ground | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | crest about 190 ft (FishingBooker); 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman); within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters) | |
| Cognac platform | more than 1,000 ft | about 40 miles southeast of Venice |
| Floating rigs, Mississippi Canyon | about 40 to 65 miles out | |
| Mississippi Canyon | 1,000+ ft (Super Strike) | about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker) |
| De Soto Canyon | about 12 miles east (per Capt. Morgan) |
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
The crest sits at about 190 ft per FishingBooker, 200 to 250 ft per Salt Water Sportsman, and within 200 ft of the surface per Paradise Outfitters.
East Lump (Horseshoe Lump)
East Lump, also called Horseshoe Lump, is a named lump that boats from Venice know.
Cognac platform
The Cognac platform stands in more than 1,000 ft of water, about 40 miles southeast of Venice.
Floating rigs on the Mississippi Canyon
Floating rigs, called floaters, lie along the Mississippi Canyon about 40 to 65 miles out. They are fished from late spring through summer.
Mississippi Canyon
The Mississippi Canyon runs 1,000+ ft deep per Super Strike, and sits about 12 miles from the river mouth per FishingBooker.
Green Canyon
Green Canyon is an offshore region that boats from Venice reach.
De Soto Canyon
De Soto Canyon lies about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan.
How red snapper are fished out of Venice
Per FishNLA, the local method is bottom fishing over the structure types above. For broader reef fish technique, see our reef fish fishing guides.
Who fishes for red snapper out of Venice
Several Venice charters list red snapper among their trips, and one tournament targets the species.
Charters
- Paradise Outfitters Venice charters: 42′ Catamaran, Blue 41′ FinCat, Black 41′ FinCat and a 36′ Yellowfin.
- Super Strike Charters in Venice: 37 ft Freeman and 36 ft Yellowfin options.
- Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. charters: Freeman Boatworks catamarans, including the 42 ft Wild Bill.
- FishN La Venice fishing charters: FishN La Venice Fishing Charters and Lodging.
Faux Pas Lodge Invitational
The Faux Pas Lodge Invitational is a red snapper tournament out of Venice, usually held in July.
FAQ: red snapper fishing out of Venice
How far is the run to red snapper structure from Venice?
FishNLA says the run is short compared with other ports. Boats run to artificial reefs, oil and gas structures and natural bottom.
How deep is Midnight Lump?
The crest sits at about 190 ft per FishingBooker, 200 to 250 ft per Salt Water Sportsman, and within 200 ft of the surface per Paradise Outfitters.
What structure holds red snapper off Venice?
Per FishNLA, boats run to artificial reefs, oil and gas structures and natural bottom. The local method is bottom fishing.
When do red snapper move onto shallower structure?
Ahead of the season opener, per FishNLA. For season timing, check with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Is there a red snapper tournament out of Venice?
Yes. The Faux Pas Lodge Invitational is usually held in July.
