We've been making it down to Venice, LA, the last two years the day after Thanksgiving, and while…read morelast year I was promised fishing and ended up sitting on an airboat 300 yards from a duck blind at 3:30am in the morning because I didn't want to shoot Daffy...needless to say, I wasn't going down without the promise of fishing this time around to make a trip down to Venice worthwhile for me. Not only was I promised fishing, I was promised kayak fishing! Yes, I can kayak, and yes, I can fish...but I had never done these things at the same time. But, again, I love fishing so I was down for the ride. My dad's friend set up a trip with the guys from Kayak Venice, a family-run business including Brian, and his son, Nolan. You can check their site out for pricing. Nolan set 6 of us up with kayak, lifejacket, paddle, bait, and rigged pole. Some of us received nets if we had a spot for them, and some of us also got comfier chairs. If you have a bad back, let them know, and they'll make sure you get one of these comfier chairs. The kayak is more of a sit-on-top-of type, than the skinny kind with the skirt. I felt very stable on mine, and I'm a total klutz so that's saying something. You do have to get used to the paddle and pole situation but it wasn't bothersome enough to be a burden though I was quite envious of some kayakers with the peddle mechanisms. I never dropped my pole or paddle into the water. #winning Semi-pro Tip: I developed a technique of putting my pole in the holster with slack line once I reeled the fish all the way in to allow for me to use both hands to jimmy the hook out. I must've unhooked at least 15 fish, and became quite good at it, even saving my bait a few times. Nolan took us down this little canal where we could cast at our leisure. At first you're kind being taken along by the current, so my suggestion is to post up in the brush a little to set yourself in a spot and fish across the current. I found a sweet spot for a while, and was comfortable hanging back picking off rat reds, and throwing them back. Pro-Tip: Bring bug spray because the gnats come out around sunset. You've got to be a little self-sufficient with removing fish from hooks, putting them in your net, sizing them if you have the marks on the side of your kayak, and pulling your line off a snag though Nolan was more than happy to help me get a hook out of a flounder's mouth (ew) and size a couple of my almost-there fishies. If you're not okay with dumping a fish in your lap, holding its squishy body, and getting a hook out of it's mouth; this probably is not the trip for you. While we were catching the smaller fish for a while, it turned on closer to sunset, when Nolan's father, Brian, met up with us. I really enjoyed them both being there and talking fish stories, and catching alongside us. The most exhilarating part of the whole trip was when I hooked a big red and it pulled me around like a pony, no joke. Brian helped me net this bad boy. They also hold onto the fish for you, and then later help you clean them. Ending up with a boatload of fish, that's uber-helpful. Pro-Tip: Like I said, I was dumping fishing practically into my lap, so absolutely wear some waterproof pants or rain paints. The weather was great, so I just had a tshirt and sweatshirt on, sunglasses and a cap. Definitely stay covered because of the gnats, and if you burn easy, wear sunscreen because you don't realize how long you are out there. I thought I'd be a lot more sore from the kayaking but not really at all. AND the fish were delish that night and the next day. Thank you again, Brian and Nolan, for the unique experience, that I would definitely do again!

Fantastic!! Went out fishing with Capt. Brian Sherman of Kayak Venice last week and I had an…read moreunbelievably great time. This was my first time ever in a kayak and Brian was patient and knowledgable and a pleasure to fish with. I caught a number of nice reds, including one which towed me and the kayak around for a bit! Even though I had never before been in a kayak, I had no problem with the kayak. The craft was stable and the physical demands minimal, even for this 65 year old who had never sat in a kayak before. This is a super outfit to have take you out fishing in what I consider to be the finest fishing area in the country! You get to use first class equipment that is well maintained, and fish with guys that know their stuff and are fun to spend the time with on the the water. This area has fantastic fishing and unique wildlife. My wife and I go down to Venice a couple of times a year to fish offshore and Kayak Venice will definitely be part of future trips!

I saw the Dude's webpage, and was impressed with what was said. He is no newcomer to the area nor…read morefishing. I will say that I did not personally go out and fish with him. I booked a family Christmas present through Captain Dude. He was always pleasant on the phone, easy to talk to, and breeze to plan with. He took my brother, dad, and mom out and they seemed to have a great time. The weather was unfavorable, but they still made a decent catch. Within the package is included ice, bait, and fish cleaning. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Captain Dude set me up with a second boat who was Captain Mike. That's who I was with and also wrote a review on. It was a great recommendation and I'm very thankful to Captain Dude.

Just got through with a Veterans trip here. It's awesome. All the guides are top notch, food was…read moreincredible and both the manager Pam and the rest of the help were perfect! Going back as soon as possible, thanks Capt. Ray

I'm a repeat visitor to this wonderful sportsman's lodge. The accommodation is well appointed…read moreespecially for a fishing retreat. You will find yourself in a wonderful southern spot and will soon be deep into The Louisiana culture. The boats and guides are friendly, easy going but focus on your limit of fish. I've always caught my limit The food is pure creole Louisiana. Wonderful shrimp boils and expect a small bowl of gumbo when you return from fishing Raymond and crew will take awesome care of you Well worth the money.

We took a private boat tour of the island, where we learned about the history and ecology of the…read moreisland, which are so intertwined. Danny showed us dolphins, sea turtles, and thousands of pelicans. We learned about a German U boat found sunk off shore, a Civil War era fort, on an island previously inhabited by pirates. Oyster beds, million dollar rock walls to mitigate storm surges, and how dredging works. He discussed Deep Water Horizon and his work transporting biologists during the oil spill clean up, and the giant oil spill cleanup ship now stationed on the island. Shrimp boats, how different ones work and his time shrimping in this area which produces 80% of US caught shrimp. Deep water oil wells and pipelines, and how that impacts the ecology and economy of the island (29 petroleum and oil pipelines run through the island. Global warming, rising sea levels, increasing salinity, and frequency of major storms and hurricanes. This island is close to where the Mississippi flows into the gulf, and the ecological diversity is rich, but changing. The tour was beautiful and educational, and also a good reminder that someone always lives downstream.

We used Calmwater Charters for a sightseeing trip. Captain Danny took us exactly where we wanted…read moreto go and actually knew best now to show us what we wanted to see! Take a trip - it's worth it!

If I could mark it lower - I would…read more I cannot recommend Willie B as the Capt. he is ill prepared and the owner (I think) is also full of excuses. while I understand one cannot guarantee fish they should be prepared to fish (have rigs and bait ready) and not have inferior equipment. if equipment needs to be replaced - DO IT! A $2000 ride in a fast boat to watch the "pros" do the fishing while we watched eagerly for our turn to reel in a fish or feel the adrenaline of the fight... and it's anticipation - just didn't seem right. Perhaps a different charter and certainly a different captain. Other boats brought in fish. in two days, we got four... (marlin was exciting but too small, same for sword fish). then when we did catch fish - we left that area because the "pros" seemed to be overly frustrated at not having rigs ready and having to take time to prepare them. another time we wasted an hour on bait we never used. another time we wasted over an hour while the pro prepared bait... NOT prepared. Again, I know there is no guarantee of harvesting fish - but the crews lack of preparation and faulty equipment on such an expensive endeavor is pathetic. If properly prepared several of us could have fished and increased our chances instead of watching the "pros" do the fishing.

We booked an off shore and an in shore trip. Day 1 our captain arrived over an hour late and…read moreseemed to be still suffering from a wild night. While going to catch bait fish he and his first mate got into a shouting match which lead to the first mate going to the front of the boat and sleeping the rest of the charter. The captain split his time between the boat and the lines but did neither very well. It's frustrating to watch boats around you hauling in fish but you can't even get lines in the water. On the second day we had a great day of fishing - probably over 100 fish with many keepers. My complaint here it the captain decided he also wanted to fish because the action was so hot. He often took the prime position on the boat and ignored us so we baited our own lines and still had a great day. I do have a large knot on my head where the captain hit me with his cast - I was standing in the same space I had been - this is terrible etiquette on a boat and km glad he didn't sink the hook into my ear. We will not use Super Strike again nor would we recommend.

How to make this place the best experience: 1)lower your…read morerich ass, egocentric standards. 2) go to the bar, get yourself a beer all by your big boy self 3) pick a seat, anywhere of your choosing, and enjoy the view until a waitress greets you. If you do these three things, this place is awesome and food is delicious! This place can get packed and it's first come first serve. If you're in a rush don't come here. Grab some chips from the store and leave, waitress's aren't lazy, they're busy helping everyone. Also, they did still get the order wrong though, we ordered a blackened and a fried fish sandwich and they both came back fried. Not the biggest deal but like also, I saw you write our order down so WTF . So I guess tip #4 would be know they'll take your order, throw it in the trash, and you'll get what they give you. Upside: didn't think I wanted pickles on my sandwich but turns out it was great with it, they forced me to try something new. How sweet.

Great location. The restaurant is awesome and you can have them prepare the fish you just caught.read more

Captain Friedman, a local, from Buras LA, is the owner of Pure Pleasure Inc a charter fishing…read morecompany in Southern Louisiana's Plaquemines Parish. I had the opportunity to spend a day with him and his son, my close friend, Josh, out in the bay adjacent to the town of Buras not more than a few miles from Captain Friedman's homestead. A former elected government politician in Plaquemines Parish he is also a MASTER fisherman. Two of his claims while I was out with him "A 32lb redfish" and that he "has never caught less than 6 fish". Captain Friedman took me and my friends on a 3 hour fishing trip that I will never forget. I personally caught 2 Red Fish but the boat caught 6 keepers. If you are visiting New Orleans or are planning a memorable fishing trip I highly recommend Pure Pleasure Inc and the expertise of Captain Friedman and his vessel.

Was the best fishing trip I've ever been on captain John was very professional and put us on fish…read moreand we had a blast and me and my friends can't wait to do it again