Quick Facts

• Location: 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, Florida 34285
• Pier Type: Gulf fishing pier
• Water Type: Saltwater – Gulf of Mexico
• Pier Length: Approximately 700–720 feet
• Access: Free public access
• Fishing License: No fishing license required when fishing from the pier
• Best For: Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, snapper and other Gulf species
• Best Time to Fish: Year-round
• Fishing Style: Bottom fishing, live bait, jigging and casting
• Tackle Style: Light to medium-heavy saltwater tackle
• Hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Bait & Tackle: Papa’s Bait Shop is located midway down the pier
• Amenities: Fish-cleaning stations, benches, bait shop, restaurant, restrooms, picnic shelters, pavilion, showers and nearby beach
• Admission: Free
• Special Rules: One fishing line in the water per angler; gear associated with shark fishing is prohibited

Overview

Venice Fishing Pier extends roughly 700 feet into the Gulf of Mexico from Brohard Park on the south end of Venice Island. The city-owned pier is open 24/7, admission is free, and anglers fishing from the pier do not need a fishing license.

The pier reaches water averaging about 16½ feet deep at its end, giving anglers access to multiple depths and habitats. Fish-cleaning stations, benches, lighting, and an on-pier bait shop make it particularly convenient for anglers planning longer fishing sessions.

Fishing Tips

Try shrimp or other appropriate natural baits around the pilings for sheepshead and other structure-oriented fish. Spanish mackerel can respond to spoons and jigs when schools of bait move within casting range.

Bottom rigs can be productive for a variety of Gulf species. Anglers should note that Venice prohibits gear associated with shark fishing on the pier and limits each angler to one fishing line in the water at a time.

Bottom Line

A highly accessible Gulf fishing pier with free 24/7 admission, no pier-fishing license requirement, an on-site bait shop, fish-cleaning stations, and year-round saltwater fishing opportunities.