North Jetty is a rock structure that extends into the Gulf from Venice's inlet, holding redfish, snapper, and Spanish mackerel in different seasons

North Jetty sits at the mouth of Venice's main pass, where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Gulf. The jetty is a long line of large rocks that breaks the current and creates habitat. Fish stack up along the rocks because the structure slows water movement and traps baitfish. You can fish from a boat alongside the rocks or wade the shallow flats nearby, depending on tide and season.

The jetty works best during incoming tide, when water pushes baitfish and shrimp against the rocks. Outgoing tide can work too, but the current runs harder and makes boat positioning difficult. Most anglers fish the deeper side facing the Gulf in spring and fall, and the shallower bay side in summer when redfish move into the flats.

Key Takeaways

  • North Jetty holds redfish year-round, Spanish mackerel in spring and fall, and snapper in deeper water during summer.
  • Incoming tide is the most productive time because it pushes baitfish against the rocks where fish feed.
  • You can fish from a boat by drifting or anchoring along the rocks, or wade the flats on the bay side during low water.
  • Live shrimp and small mullet work better than artificial lures because the current is strong and fish are feeding on natural prey.

What Fish Live at North Jetty and When They Show Up

Redfish are present year-round but most abundant from March through May and again in September and October. They hunt along the rocks during incoming tide, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. In summer, redfish move into the shallow flats behind the jetty where the water is cooler and less crowded. Winter redfish are deeper and less active, but you can still catch them on slow-moving live shrimp near the base of the rocks.

Spanish mackerel arrive in April and stay through June, then return in September through November. They chase baitfish in the deeper water on the Gulf side of the jetty, especially when the current is moving fast. They hit small silver spoons and live mullet quickly, so you need to cast and retrieve steadily. Mackerel bite best in the morning and late afternoon when light is lower.

Snapper — mostly mangrove and mutton snapper — live in the deeper holes around the jetty base in summer and early fall. They require heavier tackle and live bait fished on the bottom. Snapper fishing is slower than redfish or mackerel, but the fish are larger and harder fighting. You need a boat to reach the deep water where snapper hold.

How to Fish from a Boat

Anchor or drift along the Gulf-facing side of the jetty in water 6 to 12 feet deep. Use a live shrimp on a 1/0 to 2/0 circle hook with a light weight — just enough to keep the shrimp near the rocks without sinking fast. Cast parallel to the jetty and let the current carry your bait along the rocks. Redfish and snapper will take the bait as it drifts past.

If you drift, start upcurrent and let the tide push you slowly along the rocks. Keep your rod tip up so you feel the bite immediately. When a fish takes, set the hook with a firm upward motion — circle hooks often hook themselves, but a quick set ensures the point is in the mouth. Reel steadily and keep the rod tip high to prevent the fish from running into the rocks and breaking off.

For Spanish mackerel, switch to a small silver spoon (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) or a live mullet on a 2/0 hook. Cast toward the rocks and retrieve steadily, keeping the lure or bait moving. Mackerel bite on the move, so do not wait for them to come to you. If you are not getting strikes after three or four casts, move to a different section of the jetty.

Wading the Flats Behind the Jetty

The bay side of North Jetty has shallow flats that are fishable at low and mid-tide. Wade slowly and watch for redfish tailing or cruising in 1 to 3 feet of water. Use a poling skiff or wade from shore if the water is calm enough. Cast a live shrimp or small mullet ahead of any fish you spot, and let it sit. Redfish will find it within a few seconds if they are hungry.

Artificial lures work here too — small soft plastics (2 to 3 inches) in natural colors like tan, brown, or white mimic the baitfish redfish eat. Cast and retrieve slowly, pausing every few feet. The flats are clearer than the jetty side, so fish can see your lure from farther away. Early morning and late afternoon are best because the light is lower and redfish are more active.

Wading requires patience. Walk slowly, stop often, and look ahead before you move. Redfish spook easily in shallow water, and once they bolt, they do not return for several minutes. If you see a fish, crouch low and cast beyond it, then retrieve toward it. Let the fish decide whether to eat, rather than chasing it.

Tides, Weather, and Timing

Incoming tide is the most productive because it pushes baitfish and shrimp against the rocks and concentrates feeding fish. Plan your trip to arrive 1 to 2 hours before high tide and fish until the tide peaks. Outgoing tide can work, but the current runs harder and boat control becomes difficult. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is usually slow because fish stop feeding when the water stops moving.

Wind direction matters. A south or southeast wind pushes water into the pass and strengthens the incoming tide, making it more productive. A north or northwest wind can flatten the tide and slow the bite. Calm mornings are better than windy afternoons because you can see fish and position your boat more precisely.

Water clarity changes with rainfall and runoff. After heavy rain, the water turns brown and fish rely more on smell than sight, so live bait works better than lures. In clear water, lures are effective because fish can see them from farther away. Check the weather forecast before you go and adjust your bait and lure choices accordingly.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For redfish and snapper, use a 6 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braided line. Braided line cuts through the current better than monofilament and gives you more sensitivity to feel the bite. Add a 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (20-pound test) to reduce visibility in clear water. Circle hooks in sizes 1/0 to 3/0 work best because they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and rarely damage them.

Live shrimp are the most reliable bait. Keep them in an aerated cooler and hook them through the horn (the hard part behind the head) so they stay alive longer. Small mullet (3 to 4 inches) work for both redfish and mackerel. If live bait is hard to find, frozen shrimp will work, but it does not move as naturally and attracts fewer bites.

For Spanish mackerel, use a 6-foot medium-light rod with 12-pound braided line and a 12-inch monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. Mackerel have sharp teeth, so a leader is essential. Small silver spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in brands like Hopkins or Acme cast far and retrieve quickly. Topwater plugs work at dawn and dusk when mackerel are feeding near the surface.

Access and Practical Details

North Jetty is accessible only by boat. Launch from the Venice public ramp on the bay side, or from one of several private ramps nearby. The public ramp is free and has parking, but it gets crowded on weekends. The boat ride from the ramp to the jetty is about 10 to 15 minutes depending on which ramp you use. Bring a GPS or know the coordinates (29.2500, -89.3667) so you can find the jetty in fog or low light.

The jetty is exposed to Gulf swells and weather. Do not fish it if the forecast calls for rough water or strong wind. Waves can break over a small boat and make the rocks dangerous. Check the marine forecast before you leave, and turn back if conditions worsen. Wear a life jacket at all times, especially when fishing near the rocks.

Parking at the public ramp fills up by mid-morning on weekends. Arrive early or fish on weekdays if you want a may provide spot. There are no facilities at the jetty itself — bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water and rocks, so sunburn happens fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish North Jetty from shore?

No. The jetty is a rock structure in deep water with no walkable surface. You must fish from a boat. The shallow flats on the bay side are fishable by wading or poling a skiff, but the jetty rocks themselves are only accessible by boat.

What is the best time of year to fish North Jetty?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are most productive because redfish and Spanish mackerel are abundant and active. Summer is slower for mackerel but good for redfish on the flats. Winter is possible but requires patience and slower presentations.

Do I need a guide to fish North Jetty?

No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area. Guides know the exact spots where fish hold, the best tide times, and how to read the current. If you go alone, arrive early, fish the incoming tide, and be prepared to move if you do not get bites within 20 minutes.

What size boat do I need?

A 16 to 20-foot center console or bay boat is ideal. Smaller boats (14 feet) can fish the jetty but are less stable in waves. Larger boats are more comfortable but harder to position precisely along the rocks. Any boat with a shallow draft can access the flats behind the jetty.

Is there a best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive. Midday is slower because the sun is high and fish are less active. Fish the incoming tide regardless of time of day — a good tide beats a good time of day.