REELS, LINES, LURES, BAIT

Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters is one of the most successful charter boat companies in the south. Captain Troy Wetzel and Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters have been representing Venice, La for over 30 years with some of the best offshore fishing boats available. Captain Troy is proud to announce that he has recently added a first-class 39’ Contender to his fleet. He and his crew also run a 36’ Yellowfin boat out of the Venice Marina daily.

Captain Troy is happy to share several of the factors that have contributed to his success during his many years of experience. Along with having first-class boats, he uses the best and most professional gear and equipment.

The following are just a few of his preferences used throughout the seasons.

  • During the winter months, he and his crew use both PENN and Shimano 50 and 80 sized reels with Sufix Monofilament 80 lbs. and 100 lbs. test lines.  Tied to the line is 20-ft. of Yozuri fluorocarbon leader which is a strong, thinner line that is less visible to the smart, sharp-eyed Yellowfin tuna.
  • Several types of offshore fishing baits and methods are used throughout the year.  For catching live bait, Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters crew are experts in casting a 12’ net custom made by David Flood to catch Pogies year round.  Each boat has several large live wells, holding enough live Pogies for one full day round trip.

Beginning of the Season

  • At the beginning of the season, Mustad Sabinki rigs #6 and #8 are used to catch hardtails, a favorite of Yellowfin and Amberjack.
  • When chumming, one to six pieces of chum is thrown out with one piece hooked with a Mustad from sizes #7 to #12.
  • When jigging for Blackfin Tuna and Bonita, an 8 oz. diamond jig is used.  For topwater bait, 6”- 10” poppers made by Striker Tackle, preferably pink colored or blue is best.
  • Heavy treble hooks are used for catching Yellowfin tuna, which are so strong that they are capable of straightening out a hook.

Fishing

On the way to the lumps at the beginning of the year, Captain Troy and his crew pull Rapala lures from 6 to 12 kn while trolling around the oil rigs looking for 100 lb. Wahoo.

Captain Troy says, “In the spring after the big Wahoo disappear around the second week of April, we drop down to size 30 reels, and may go down to a #4 hook “.

For booking information call 504.701.3474