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Whether you are an
experienced or beginner angler, questions are sure to arise. Here is a
collection of frequently asked questions and other valuable information.
OFI also can be reached directly with your questions by phone or email. The links below will help
you find the answers to your questions.
We accept cash or check.
Paying for your charter trip is typically broken
down in the following steps:
It is a Louisiana State law that every fisherman
MUST have a valid fishing license. If the angler is younger than 16,
they do not need a license. Recreational fishing licenses may be
purchased one of two ways:
- By telephone using Visa or MasterCard. Call toll
free 1-888-765-2602 and they will quickly process your license for an
additional $3.00 convenience fee. An authorization number will be issued
for immediate use, and the actual license will be received in the mail.
- At any WAL-MART, marina, sporting goods store,
bait shop or convenience store in Venice.
The information that you will need for each
fisherman:
- Name
- Address
- Home Phone Number
- Driver's License Number & State
- Height
- Weight
- Eye Color
- Hair Color
- Captain's Louisiana Department of Wildlife &
Fisheries Number which will be given to you when the trip is booked
for nonresident licenses
Each fisherman will need one of the following types
of licenses:
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
has more information on
recreational fishing licenses and
fees and types of licenses.
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We've listed the essential things that you'll be
glad to have. If there is something that you want to bring that you want
to double-check, please contact us
for any special requests or considerations. You will need:
- A good hat is absolutely necessary. One that
protects your ears, neck and nose is best.
- 30 - 50 SPF waterproof sunscreen needs to be
applied before leaving the dock. Don't forget your ears, back of your
neck, nose, cheeks, hands, ankles and backs of your legs.
- Fishing
License
- Payment for trip
- Cell phone number of Captain (504 451-3616) in
case of problem or possible bad weather
- White bottom sneakers, deck shoes or other shoes
that won't scuff up the deck
- Bottled water, snacks and additional food. The
captain typically provides soft drinks and sandwiches. It is best to
drink lots of water or Gatorade and no alcohol although you can bring
your own if you like.
- Dramamine if you have any predisosition for
getting seasick. We recommend taking one pill the night before and a
second pill when you wake up. You can also ask your doctor for a
prescription for the patch called Scopolamine that is very effective.
- Camera
- Large ice chest to bring home lots of fish
- Long sleeved, light weight shirt for sun
protection
- Warm jacket even if it is slightly cool
- Good attitude & willingness to have a great time!
- PLEASE DO NOT BRING:
- Tackle, rods, bait, etc. (unless Captain has
given a specific okay)
- Large amount of unnecessary gear, clothes, etc.
- Wife (just kidding)
- Bad attitude!!
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If an overnight stay is necessary, Venice, LA is a
small fishing and oil refinery community with several tried and true
hotels and motels. We recommend the following:
-
Cypress Cove Lodge
The Cypress Cove Lodge has a restaurant and bar along with a
fishermen's convenience store where they sell licenses. Sunday through
Wednesday, the room rates are $69 for two double beds or one king bed.
Thursday through Saturday, the room rates are $89 for two double beds
or one king bed. The address is 235 Cypress Cove Rd. in Venice,
Louisiana 70091. Phone 800-388-1261or 985-534-7777.
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If you drive yourself, please see
Directions which also includes maps. If you
need transportation to be arranged for you, we can arrange that as well
by contacting us directly. The
COMING SOON options will be:
- Limousine Service
- Helicopter
- Your Captain (if available) can drive you if
you are in the Greater New Orleans Area. The standard rate for this
"door to fish to door" service is an additional $200.00.The
advantage is that he can inform you of all kinds of interesting
information on the drive down and knows exactly where to go!
- Hotel Shuttle: Some of the New Orleans hotels
have shuttles that can be used.
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Don't know where Venice, LA is? You're not the
only one. The drive is a scenic trip down Highway 23 following the
Mississippi River past historic Fort Jackson toward the Gulf of Mexico.
For sight-seeing information about the area, see
Plaquemines Parish.
New Orleans to Venice, LA:
- From Downtown New Orleans, you will see signs
that say 90 Business, West, West Bank. Follow those signs to cross the
Mississippi River Bridge (Crescent City Connection).
- Stay to the left side and take the West Bank
Expressway exit. This will put you on an elevated expressway where you
will need to get in the right hand lane.
- In a mile or two, exit at Exit #7, or "Hwy. 23"
South. This will take you directly to Venice, LA following the levee
of the Mississippi River most of the way. Take note of the speed
changes from town to town, unless you would like to meet the local P.D.
Hwy 23 will eventually end at Venice. If you
follow it all the way, it will lead you over the levee and to the only
stop sign on the way to the marinas.
To get to
CYPRESS COVE MARINA in
Venice, LA:
- At the only stop sign at the end of Hwy. 23,
TURN RIGHT onto Tidewater Road. You will see a Coast Guard Sign with
an arrow pointing right that you will follow. The street bends at the
convenience store. Go about a half a mile to Coast Guard Rd.
- TURN LEFT at the Coast Guard Road sign. The
entrance to Cypress Cove Marina will be almost to the end on the
right.
- TURN RIGHT onto Cypress Cove Road and take it
to the end where you'll find the marina store with the lodge on the
left. The address is 235 Cypress Cove Rd. in Venice, LA 70091 and the
phone number is 800-388-1261 or 985-534-9289.
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Now that you've made it to Venice, here is a
listing of the businesses to be found on HWY 23 unless otherwise noted:
- Regions Bank 985-534-2583
- Exxon Gas Station
- BP Gas Station
- Fill-A-Sack Convenience Store over the
levee
- Stumpf's Foods Grocery Store
- J&P Health Mart Drugs 111 Cran Dr. Buras,
LA 985-657-8524
- Cypress Cove Restaurant & Bar
985-534-7777
- Venice Inn Restaurant & Bar 985-534-7424
- Barbara's Place Restaurant 985-534-2017
- Riverside Restaurant (dinner)
985-534-9254
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- Learn where the life jackets, flares, fire
extinguishers and life raft are stored.
- Don't ever wrap the line or leader around your
hand while landing a large fish.
- Never put your rod down or else a large fish
WILL take it overboard. Some rod and reel combinations cost $1500.
Captains must insist that if you lose it, you buy it.
- Let the captain and crew land large fish unless
you are asked to help.
- Be extremely careful with hooks, knives,
pliers, gaffs and thrashing fish.
- If you have any questions or concerns, do not
hesitate to speak up or ask questions!
- Be conscious of where your rod tip and hook are
while casting.
- If there is anyone in your group who cannot
swim, notify the captain.
- Stay seated while the boat is moving especially
in heavy seas or when maneuvering near oil rigs.
- Reapply sunscreen at mid day.
- Drink lots of water.
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- Arrival: Please arrive early to the marina
where your captain will be waiting. This is the perfect time to apply
sunscreen before you forget. The last thing you'll want to do before
leaving is to use the restroom. A quick prayer to the fish gods never
hurt either!
- Boat Ride: You'll start with an amazing boat
ride from the marina out to your first fishing location. There will be
plenty of Louisiana's unique natural habitats to see along the way,
plus the offshore oil rigs that luckily created perfect habitat for
the plethora of fish.
- Fish: After a ride to the fish, it's time to
fish all day and have the time of your life! You'll be glad you
brought your camera.
- Payment: Payment for the trip's base price
minus the prepaid deposit will be paid when you return to
the dock. The captain will also be able to tell you the fuel
consumption, and subsequent fuel cost.
- Tip: This is also the time that you would tip
the captain. The usual tip is 12% - 15%, but this is up to your
discretion.
- Fish Cleaning: Watch as your captain cleans and
fillets your catch of the day. All you will need is an ice chest to
transport your fish home. A cheap disposable ice chest works just fine
and can be found in Venice.
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Sea
Sickness
- If you know you get seasick or if you're not
sure, better safe than sorry. For those who get sick, but not violently
ill, Dramamine (generic name is dimenhydrinate) or Antivert (generic
name is meclizine) is the way to go. The first pill should be taken the
night before at bedtime, and the second should be taken when you wake up
(whatever time that is) to go fishing. For those who really
get ill, there is an excellent and easy fix. You'll have to consult your
doctor for a prescription for the seasickness patch. It's called
Scopolamine, which is now available as a patch and is applied to the
skin. It delivers medication slowly over three days and is effective in
many patients. The main side effects are dry mouth and occasionally
blurry vision, but there is less drowsiness than Dramamine and Antivert.
If you have glaucoma or prostate problems, you should avoid taking this
medication. See your healthcare provider for more details on these
treatments to decide which is best for you.
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Licensing
- All captains must have a United States Coast
Guard License. This is acquired by completing an intensive course,
proving five years experience on the waters, and passing a final exam
with an "A." Once they receive the USCG license number, they can apply
for a Louisiana Charter Boat License. You can rest assured that your
captain is qualified.
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Weather
- The weather is the one factor that we wish they
could control. The wind and its direction affect the seas the most.
Forecasts usually provide ample time for notification in case of bad
weather. When the trip is canceled due to weather, we will try to
reschedule with you. If that doesn't work, we will refund the full
deposit.
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- Book
-
- Currently, the only ways to book your trip are by
contacting us by phone at (504) 451-3616, by email at
sseaner@aol.com, or by regular mail
at 3231 Range Court, Mandeville, LA 70448. We look forward to fishing
with you!
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