Gulf Coast - First time Venice...

Thinking about doing Venice this weekend for the first time, with the girlfriend and 3 kids (11, 11, 12 yr olds). Bad idea? Was thinking SE pass to some rigs for AJ, grouper, maybe pull some baits for wahoo & mahi and east bay for mangroves & cobia. My main concern is running the river. SE pass is no big deal? We usually fish Fourchon. Any tips or advice would be welcome.

PS: girlfriend is not a whiner or anything like that, she's a true fisherwoman.

Thinking about doing Venice this weekend for the first time, with the girlfriend and 3 kids (11, 11, 12 yr olds). Bad idea? Was thinking SE pass to some rigs for AJ, grouper, maybe pull some baits for wahoo & mahi and east bay for mangroves & cobia. My main concern is running the river. SE pass is no big deal? We usually fish Fourchon. Any tips or advice would be welcome.

PS: girlfriend is not a whiner or anything like that, she's a true fisherwoman.

Honestly I'm not even certain where SE pass is, do you mean Southwest Pass? It's not too bad to run, but honestly right now, I would recommend running red pass out. The cobia are reported to be thick just out the pass in 30-50ft, and you will also be able to hit up some mangroves and misc fish, plus the trout have been thick in that area as well.

The pass is pretty easy to run, just make sure as you come to the mouth, head straight out of the pass for a 1/4 mile or so before turning south as there's a big sandbar on the south side of the mouth. Another good aspect is the run would be much shorter than running to east bay.

I don't have any experience in Venice but I say go for it! It should be a good time for all and I am sure they will enjoy it.

P.S. Love that boat.....you have to try out the trolling motor!

Southeast pass is tricky. There are some sandbars in Pass A loutre to watch out for. Then when you get into southeast it is fine until you get to the gulf, then it is shallow with bars. I found a bar about 2 miles offshore, went from 20' to 1 in the matter of seconds.

Honestly I'm not even certain where SE pass is, do you mean Southwest Pass? It's not too bad to run, but honestly right now, I would recommend running red pass out. The cobia are reported to be thick just out the pass in 30-50ft, and you will also be able to hit up some mangroves and misc fish, plus the trout have been thick in that area as well.

The pass is pretty easy to run, just make sure as you come to the mouth, head straight out of the pass for a 1/4 mile or so before turning south as there's a big sandbar on the south side of the mouth. Another good aspect is the run would be much shorter than running to east bay.

Sorry, I did mean SW pass.

You should have no problem running south West pass. It is deep all the way through.

Run on the west side of the river to the head of passes, for the most part this is an anchorage area and the ships stay well to the center of the river Then keep to the south side of SW pass on the way out and you will be fine.
Depending on wind and tide, you may see some standing rollers at the pass, once you get through them you should have no problem.
Couple of things to watch for; there may be dredge boats in the river, give them plenty of room. Also, not likely w the river the way it is, keep a careful look out for logs, pallets, and trash in the river. Three weeks ago we were on the way out and there was what looked like a 6 x 6 that was right at the surface, missed it by feet through pure luck.
Also, keep am eye out for wakes. Sometimes crewboats and ships will have passed by and be out of your immediate thought and you will come up on a wicked wake well after they have passed.
Lots of people will try to warn you off running the river. If you pay attention and give the ships room, you won't have any problem this time of year in the day time. Running it at night, that requires big boy britches.

Running SW Pass should not be a problem at all, especially this time of year. Watch our for trash in the water, though. The big problem with running the river is either darkness or fog. Assuming you have neither on this trip, you should be fine. Be careful with the kids in the boat, and you will have a good time. You have plenty of boat for a quick trip to the near rigs.