Shawn was born in Charleston, South Carolina in a Navy family. His father, the late Commander Bobby M. Lanier, was stationed at many naval bases on the East Coast of the United States. After retiring his Dad made his home in Alabama. Shawn grew up in Alabama and graduated from high school at the Marion Military Institute at Marion, Alabama. Shawn went back to Charleston, South Carolina to attend college at the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. While attending the Citadel, sport fishing for Redfish (Spot Tails) and Speckled Trout (Specks) in the marshes and beaches of the area was always one of his favorite activities when time allowed. He was hooked on saltwater fishing!

Winter Bull Redfish for Captain Shawn in Venice louisiana

After graduating from the Citadel in 1988, Shawn moved to South Louisiana in Baton Rouge.He soon discovered the Mississippi Delta area and its bounty. He started fishing the Venice area in 1991 and has never stopped. In 2003, Shawn obtained his U.S. Coast Guard license and has made fishing his full time occupation ever since as a Venice Louisiana Fishing Guide. Captain Shawn has been a resident of Venice/ Boothville since 2003.

He and his wife Leila have been married since 1991.

Summer River Redfish for Leila

Captain Shawn enjoys meeting with all the people of different backgrounds and from different parts of the world that come to fish with him, including his fellow members of the Citadel Alumni Association and the Marion Military Institute Alumni Brigade. 

FISH ON GUIDE SERVICE: VENICE LOUISIANA REDFISH FISHING GUIDE SERVICE.225-205-5353.