Travel Tips

Florida Fishing Venice Florida on Gulf of Mexico. Venice Beach in Florida is located on the Gulf of Mexico so the fishing patterns will be unique to the area and unlike the other side of Florida facing the Atlantic Ocean. Some popular fish you will find in the Gulf waters are grouper, hogfish, dolphin (mahi mahi), seabass, shark, and even sailfish. There are many other fish that have a shorter fishing pattern in the Gulf Coast, so depending on what time of the year you choose to visit you may also be able to find red snapper, amberjack, cobia, barracuda, and king mackarel.

Whether you are an expert fisherman or a novice who just wants to try throwing out a line, there are many places to test your fishing skills in the Venice area.  Remember that one of the first things you want to do is obtain a temporary Florida fishing license while visiting the area, unless a sight specifically posts that you can fish without a license.  If you are in the need for bait and tackle, most bait and tackle shops or local convenience stores near the water will also sell a temporary or even year-long fishing license for less than $20.  There are both freshwater and saltwater licenses, but for your purposes in Venice, you will want to make sure you purchase a saltwater license unless you plan to adventure in the nearby lakes away from the sea.

There are a few different choices for fishing charters in the Venice area, intercoastal or deep-sea fishing charters. A good place to try either experience is the Florida Deep Sea Fishing Charters. They carry the fishing charter “Legacy,” which is docked at Crow’s Nest Marina near Venice Public Beach. Prices start at $475 dollars for 4 hours of up to 12 miles offshore.  From Venice Public Beach take a right on Esplanade, then go about 1/2 mile to stop sign. Take a left on Tarpon Center Drive then go 1/2 mile and you will see The Crow's Nest Marina on your right. It is best to call ahead for reservations at 941-473-4603.

If you will be in Venice, FL for the winter months the Gaona Sportfishing Charters will also be available in the area with Summertime Lady II. The Summertime Lady II has been featured on many outdoors sporting television programs and would be a real treat for your stay in Venice. They offer trolling, deep-sea fishing, bottom fishing, fly fishing and tarpon fishing. You can reach Captain Marco Gaona on the boat at 941-488-2311 or through email at gaonafish@aol.com.

Not an expert fisherman or want to stay with your feet planted on the shore? The Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park on Harbor Drive offers a 700-foot fishing pier, where you are not required to have a fishing license to fish from the pier. Another famous spot for fishing on the shore is Humphris Park, otherwise known as South Jetty, located at the southern tip of the Intracoastal Waterway, at the end of Tarpon Center Drive.