Whether you are an experienced angler or are just learning this great hobby there is no better place to indulge yourself than launching out of Venice, LA to fish in for Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico.
Venice has consistently come first as the best place for offshore fishing for a variety of fish. There are many types of fish that you can catch in the Gulf– amberjack, cobia, snapper, tarpon, triple tail and tilefish are just but a few. Yellowfin tuna, however, is one of the most common reasons that bring people out here.
The Mighty Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are big fish. If one of the items on your bucket list is to catch a monster fish – Yellowfin tuna is definitely a way your dreams will come true. These fish usually weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, but because these waters are so rich in nutrition it is not uncommon for anglers to catch Yellowfin Tuna that is as large as 180 pounds.
You can take your catch home for your family to enjoy or even sell it to a local restaurant – it is what is known as ahi or maguro at your local sushi restaurant. You don’t have to travel very far to catch them – your fishing charter will take you about 50 miles offshore you will find schools of them swimming there, but if you want an even bigger catch you can travel about 75 miles offshore because this is where the real winners are to be found.
Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Anglers travel to these waters in the Gulf of Mexico on fishing charters boats. These are boats that are available for hire for as many days as you like. They come in different sizes and the one that you choose will be determined by the size of your group. These charter boats are ready for a large group – whether that be the family, friends or co-workers.
Yellowfin Tuna Charter Fishing In the Gulf
The waters in the Gulf of Mexico are generally calm because weather is good year round, but it is advisable to go with a captain just in case you run into any problems. That doesn’t mean that you don’t need to pay attention to the weather – it can get dangerous is you are not with the right charter fishing captain.
Venice Fishing
Although Yellowfin Tuna are seasonal, you can go fishing in Venice LA year round – unlike many other fishing spots around the country where you have to wait for the warm months to enjoy angling, the great weather in this area means that you can go there several times a year. In the winter you will find schools of Yellowfin tuna at a spot called Midnight Lump, but in the summer they are found all over the Gulf of Mexico.
People love to angle for Yellowfin tuna not just because of their size but also because they present a unique challenge. These fish are big but they are fast – just the fact that you see a school swim by your boat doesn’t mean that you will catch one. You have to do everything just right if you want to go home with a catch. They are also great fighters – baiting one is just the beginning – reeling him in will require some skill. In other words, angling for Yellowfin tuna is not only one of the most relaxing things that you can do, it is also one of the most challenging things you will do out in the water.
Best Time To Fish
The best time to go fishing is in the night although these fish surface during the day, they come out in even larger numbers at night to feed so you will have an easier time catching one. That is why many of the charter fishing boats of out Venice allow for overnight fishing trips.
Experienced boat captains usually set off just before sunrise so that they can make it to deep water (about 1500 feet) just as the fish are starting to bite. This gives them time to troll for a while. The best places to set up are near the lights of a floater or a rig. You will be able to see 100 pound Yellowfin tuna leaping into the air in numbers and this is the best time to cast your fishing rod.
Bait For Yellowfin
For bait you will do best with live fish – the tuna assume that it is dinner swimming around and once they take the bait you can reel it in. If you don’t have fresh fish you can also use fresh chunks of fish. Some captains, to save time, use sonar to locate schools of tuna, but if you want an all natural experience you should wait for the fish to show up naturally. Most charters that go out have caught a Yellowfin by midnight and can head back to shore.
Cost of a Fishing Trip
As for cost, you will be happy to know that Venice LA fishing for Yellowfin Tuna is one of the most affordable in the country. This is because there are a large number of boat charter companies in the city – the competition has forced them to make costs affordable. Many people come out here several times a year because they can indulge in their hobby without spending a whole lot of cash.
The charter boats come loaded with tackle, gear and everything else you may need. There are many places where you can stay the night in Venice. We have stayed at the Venice Palms lodge – can’t recommend them enough.
Most boat charter companies require you to pay a certain percentage of the total cost when you book – usually $500 deposit will get your charter fishing trip booked. The most advanced of the Venice Charter Fishing companies even have online booking.
Charters accept cash and a variety of credit cards. If you will be bringing your family along for the trip make sure that you book accommodations at a hotel or cabin where they can be catered for. It is always best to take along an experienced captain if your children will be coming along for the fishing trip.
If you haven’t yet booked your next charter fishing trip you should think about going for an offshore charter fishing trip out of Venice, Louisiana fishing for Yellowfin tuna – not only will you get some quiet time, you also have the opportunity to catch a fish that will make your friends back home green with envy! It will definitely be a different kind of holiday for you and your family.