What You'll Find at Empire Jetties

Empire Jetties sits at the mouth of the Mississippi River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, about 80 miles south of New Orleans. The jetties are massive rock structures built to keep the river channel open for shipping, and they create one of Louisiana's most productive fishing grounds. You can fish from the jetties themselves, or from boats anchored nearby in the deeper water.

The jetties hold redfish, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, tarpon, and jack crevalle. Depending on the season and water conditions, you might also catch tripletail, pompano, and permit. The rocks attract baitfish and create current breaks where larger fish hunt, so the fishing can be intense during the right tide and time of year.

Access is by boat only — there is no road to the jetties. Most anglers launch from Venice, Louisiana, which is about 30 minutes away by water. Several charter operations and boat rental services work out of Venice if you don't have your own vessel.

Key Takeaways

  • Empire Jetties is accessible only by boat from Venice, Louisiana, and requires a 30-minute run across open water in good conditions.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent action for redfish and seatrout, while summer is better for mackerel and tarpon.
  • You need a Louisiana fishing license and must follow state saltwater regulations, including size and bag limits that vary by species.
  • Jetty fishing is physically demanding — you cast from rocks in moving water, so experience with saltwater conditions and good footing are important.
  • Weather and water conditions change rapidly at the river mouth, so check forecasts and tide schedules before heading out.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) is when redfish and spotted seatrout move into the jetties to feed on the baitfish concentrated by the current. Water temperatures are warming, and the fish are aggressive. This is the most reliable time to catch numbers of seatrout and redfish from the jetties themselves.

Summer (June through August) shifts the bite toward pelagic species. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel show up in good numbers, and tarpon become a real possibility, especially around dawn and dusk. The heat is intense, and the sun reflects off the rocks, so bring water and sun protection. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can shut down fishing quickly.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite for redfish and seatrout as water temperatures cool. Mackerel are still around, and jack crevalle become more active. This season can rival spring for consistency, though tropical storms and hurricanes can close the area without warning.

Winter (December through February) is slower overall, but you can still catch redfish and seatrout on calmer days. Cold fronts push water temperatures down, and fish move deeper. Jetty fishing is less productive in winter, but boat fishing in the deeper channels nearby can be worthwhile.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Launch your boat from Venice, Louisiana. The Venice Marina and several other public and private ramps are available there. From the launch, head south and slightly east toward the jetties — the channel is marked, and GPS coordinates for the jetties are widely available online and on fishing apps. The run takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on sea state and your boat speed.

Bring more water than you think you'll need, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun reflects off the water and rocks, and there is no shade. Wear shoes with good grip; the rocks are slippery when wet, and a fall into the current can be dangerous. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk, and a first-aid kit for cuts from the rocks.

Check the weather and tide schedule before you leave. The jetties are exposed to Gulf swells and wind, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. A calm morning can turn rough by midday. If you're not comfortable running a boat in open water or reading weather, hire a charter captain — they know the conditions and can get you to the fish safely.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a valid Louisiana fishing license to fish Empire Jetties. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, or at tackle shops and sporting goods stores. A three-day non-resident license is available if you're visiting.

Saltwater species have specific size and bag limits. Redfish must be 18 to 27 inches, with a bag limit of three per person per day. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a bag limit of 25 per person per day. Spanish mackerel are 12 inches minimum with a 15-fish bag limit. King mackerel have a 24-inch minimum and a two-fish bag limit. Tarpon is catch-and-release only — you cannot keep them.

Regulations change, so check the current rules on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website before you fish. Size and bag limits are enforced, and violations carry fines.

Tackle and Bait

For jetty fishing, use medium to medium-heavy spinning or casting rods with braided line — the current is strong, and you need to feel the bottom and detect bites. Bring 20- to 30-pound-test line and a selection of leaders in 20- to 40-pound fluorocarbon. The rocks will cut lighter line quickly.

Live bait works well — mullet, menhaden, and shrimp are all available at bait shops in Venice. Cast live bait upcurrent and let it drift along the rocks. For artificial lures, use topwater plugs, soft plastics rigged on jig heads, and small spoons. Mackerel and tarpon will hit fast-moving lures, while redfish and seatrout often prefer slower presentations.

Bring extra tackle. Hooks, leaders, and lures get lost on the rocks regularly. A tackle bag with organized compartments makes it easier to find what you need without dropping things into the water.

Boat Safety and Conditions

The water at the river mouth is rough compared to inland bays. Swells from the Gulf can build quickly, and the current from the river creates confused water when it meets incoming tide. Wear a life jacket at all times, and make sure your boat is in good mechanical condition before you leave the dock.

Check the marine forecast before you launch. If the forecast calls for winds above 15 knots or swells above 3 feet, consider staying home or fishing closer to shore. The jetties are exposed, and conditions can change faster than you can run back to shelter.

Bring a VHF radio and a cell phone in a waterproof case. If your engine fails or you get into trouble, you'll need a way to call for help. The Coast Guard monitors Channel 16 on VHF, and cell service is spotty but sometimes available at the jetties.

Fishing with a Charter Captain

If you don't own a boat or aren't comfortable running one in open water, charter captains based in Venice offer half-day and full-day trips to the jetties. A captain handles the boat, knows where the fish are, and can teach you how to fish the jetties effectively. Prices vary, but expect to pay $400 to $600 for a half-day trip for two people.

Book in advance, especially during spring and fall when the bite is strong and captains fill up quickly. Ask the captain what tackle to bring and what to expect for the season — they fish the jetties regularly and can give you current conditions and species information that's more recent than any guide online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the jetties from shore?

No. The jetties are accessible only by boat. There is no public land access, and the rocks extend into deep water. You must have a boat or hire a charter to fish there.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late afternoon are usually most productive, especially for redfish and seatrout. Mackerel and tarpon can bite throughout the day, but dawn and dusk are often best. Tide matters more than time of day — fish the incoming or outgoing tide depending on conditions and what species you're targeting.

Do I need a guide or charter to fish the jetties?

No, but it helps if you're unfamiliar with the area or uncomfortable running a boat in open water. A charter captain can show you where to fish and how to read the current. If you have boat experience and good navigation skills, you can fish on your own.

What should I do if the weather turns bad?

Leave immediately. The jetties offer no shelter, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Head back to Venice at a safe speed — don't rush and risk capsizing. If you can't make it back safely, call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

Are there other fishing spots near Empire Jetties?

Yes. The deeper channels and platforms near the jetties hold king mackerel, grouper, and snapper. The Balize area and surrounding bays have redfish and seatrout. Venice itself has good inshore fishing. A charter captain can take you to multiple spots in a single day depending on conditions and what you want to catch.