About the Venice Blue Crab Lodge
Meet the Owner
Lee McLean grew up in New Orleans with a love for fishing and the outdoors. After earning his business degree from LSU, he worked in Gulf Coast real estate until Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
That's when Lee pivoted to offshore fishing out of Venice. He spent the next decade as a full-time fishing guide, learning these waters inside and out, helping hundreds of anglers experience some of the best fishing Louisiana has to offer.
After ten years of guiding, Lee wanted to create a place where anglers could stay right on the water with all the conveniences that make a fishing trip easier and more enjoyable.
Your Direct Connection
When you book with Venice Blue Crab Lodge, you're talking directly with Lee. He's your go-to person for local knowledge, weather updates, charter recommendations, or any questions about your stay. With his decade of guiding experience and deep local connections, Lee can help make sure you get the most out of your time in Venice.
Whether you need advice on the best fishing spots, help coordinating with charter captains, or just want to know current conditions, Lee is available to share his expertise and make your trip as smooth as possible.
Building the Lodge
It took Lee five years to develop and build Venice Blue Crab Lodge, and it wasn't easy. Building outside the levee system on the Mississippi River meant dealing with Army Corps regulations while the river stayed at flood stage. With the nearest hardware store 72 miles away, every aspect of construction required careful planning.
Lee used his local connections and creative problem solving to make it work. He milled lumber from his own farm in Natchez, Mississippi, and even coordinated shutting down Highway 23 for three days to get materials to the site. Through persistence and desire to see it through, The Venice Blue Crab Lodge finally opened in March 2020.
Why This Place Works
Having spent a decade as a guide, Lee knew what was missing from most fishing accommodations. He designed the lodge with features that matter to anglers: direct river access, dock pickup for charters, sanitary fish cleaning station with easy carcass removal, 10K lb ice maker, and plenty of parking for trucks and trailers.
The Result
Venice Blue Crab Lodge is the only private waterfront facility outside the marinas at the Jump. It's a place designed by someone who understands fishing and built to make your Louisiana adventure as convenient and enjoyable as possible.