Backwater Fishing with Captain Matt Leland — Venice, LA Redfish & Trout Charters

Backwater Fishing with Captain Matt Leland takes you into the salt-slick veins of the Mississippi River Delta, departing from Venice Marina or Cypress Cove Marina in Venice, Louisiana. On a 6–8 hour inshore charter, experienced captains lead small groups through narrow tidal creeks, sprawling salt marsh, and the shallow flats where Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Black Drum feed. The experience balances hands-on instruction and serious fishing: guides tailor the day to tide, season, and the goals of your party, whether that means steady action for first-timers or a focused pursuit of trophy redfish for experienced anglers.

The river delta here is a living landscape of mudbanks, marsh grass, and braided channels. You’ll notice the thick, cordgrass and spartina that stabilizes the flats, the mottled stumps of flooded cypress where herons and egrets hunt, and the quick runs of baitfish that draw predators to surface boils. That shallow complexity is what makes Venice a top destination: fish congregate in predictable ways around points, oyster beds, and the mouths of creeks, and a local captain’s knowledge turns pattern recognition into lines in the water.

Trips include premium tackle, rods and reels, ice, and a captain who knows seasonal hotspots. Live bait and fish cleaning are available a la carte; everyone 18 and older will need a Louisiana saltwater fishing license or a $20 charter pass (good for three days). The standard group size is small—up to four anglers, with three or fewer ideal—so you get attention, instruction, and plenty of rod time.

Why book this particular charter? For one, it’s pure access: you’re fishing waters that support commercial and sport fisheries but that require local insight to read correctly. For another, the setting itself is cinematic—the low sun across backwater channels, distant oil platforms on the horizon, and shorebird flurries at the tide line. The captain-operated boats are geared for comfort and efficiency, built to run shallow and pick the right angles on a tide.

Practicalities matter: trips run long days, so bring food, water, sun protection, and layers for wind off the river. Expect a physical day but nothing technical; basic casting and a willingness to learn are enough. Families, groups, and corporate outings all fit the format, and the trip doubles as a nature tour—keep your camera ready for marsh raptors, dolphins, and the close choreography of fish hitting a plug. For anglers seeking an authentic Delta day, Backwater Fishing with Captain Matt Leland delivers a memorable mix of instruction, action, and place-based expertise. Book through the linked fareharbor reservation to lock in a date, ask about live bait, and confirm pickup at Venice Marina or Cypress Cove Marina—expect full-day rhythm, patient coaching, and genuine Gulf coast fishing culture.