Whether you’re a fishing pro or it’s your first time out on the water, when you charter a fishing tour, you want to be certain that your charter fishing captain has your best interest in mind. After all, the captain is there to do a lot more than just point out fish and tell you the difference between Swordfish and Marlin. There are many amazing charters around the world, and part of what makes them so great and worthy of telling a story is the captain that puts the trip together. When you’re thinking of reserving a fishing charter in the Gulf of Mexico, or anywhere, look for these qualities in your potential captain to ensure you’re paying for a trip that’s easily going to be memorable.
1. Passion, Experience, and Rating
Many fishing captains know that chartering a trip means money in their pocket, but an amazing experience doesn’t rely solely on the amount of time a captain’s spent on the water. When learning about your potential charter, read up on the reviews left by previous fishers. With a great fishing captain, these small notes will be doting on their ability to make the trip something special and help define their best qualities.
Things like years of experience on the water, familiarity of the location you’re wanting to fish at, and how sincere the captain was will be easy to find in the comments. These stories will be from real people rating real trips, which is extremely helpful if you’re uncertain on who to book your next charter with. Additionally, the review section is where you’ll get to learn about the captain’s personality. You’ll be able to learn if they were passionate about previous trips, well versed with types of lures and baits, and how much they were willing to make the charter a teaching opportunity for those just looking for an adventure.
2. Friendliness and Social Skill
The truth is that nobody likes a captain with few words. It’s unhelpful for beginners and it can make fishing with a stranger feel a little awkward. Some of the best captains on the water have mastered the charm of being friendly and overcome the challenges of incredible social service. You want a captain that’s honest, willing to break down the steps of certain fish you can be on the lookout for, and somebody that’s going to hold a conversation with you throughout your trip.
3. You Deserve More Than the Bare Minimum
It may seem like focusing on amenities that a fishing charter offers would be an obvious go-to, but you’ll be shocked to find that many charters don’t offer more than your very basic gear. This leaves a lot of people experiencing a subpar fishing trip. At first, it might feel like you’re asking for a lot if you’ve had experience with a captain that wanted to offer the bare minimum, but many great charter fishing captains go above and beyond with taking care of their tours.
From making sure fishing licenses are up to date, bait and reels are prepared, and even sometimes offering a shaded area or section of the boat to sit, re-hydrate, and relax should you be out on the water for a while – these small amenities are part of what makes fishing trips worth coming back to. Don’t be afraid to ask for a trip that accommodates you, and if a captain isn’t willing or able to provide more than the bare minimum, you may want to keep searching.
Book a Gulf of Mexico Charter Fishing Today
A great captain will do more than the bare minimum to ensure you have the fishing trip of a lifetime. They’ll take you to the best locations, be aware of their surroundings, and act as a guiding hand when it comes to all things fishing. To reserve the trip of a lifetime, contact us today. Our crew provides Louisiana’s greatest offshore fishing charters, and we strive to constantly be learning new local patterns so that we can provide you with an experience you’ll never forget.
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.
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 “.
Looking for a great new summer getaway? One of the best ways to spend time during the summer season is to charter a Louisiana Gulf coast fishing trip. The Gulf Coast is the place to find some of the world’s tastiest deep water specimens. One of them is the legendary Mahi Mahi, also known as the Dolphinfish. All of this can be done from Venice LA, the epicenter of Louisiana fishing.
Where Can the Mahi Mahi Be Found?
The Mahi Mahi can be found in great abundance off the Gulf Coast shore of the state of Louisiana. It is one of the most common, as well as widely sought after, sporting and dining fish in the region. Luckily for anglers, it is so common that there is no need for the state to impose any kind of bag limit.
Mahi Mahi tend to congregate in schools, although some specimens do have spells of solitary travel. This is especially true of bulls during the off-season. They prefer to swim in deeper waters, although some can be found in somewhat shallower areas near to the land. In general, this is a very angler-friendly sporting fish.
How Much Does a Mahi Mahi Weigh?
Most specimens of Mahi Mahi that you come across will tend to weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. This is the average size of this species. However, there are some very weighty exceptions. Large alpha males, commonly known as bulls, may reach a weight of up to 60 or even 70 pounds. Although they are the exception, they are common enough to hook.
Of course, the bigger the fish you have on your line, the more effort you will need to make in order to safely reel it in. Since most Mahi Mahi are quite small, they are an excellent target for beginning and medium skill level anglers. Of course, it’s a good idea to have an expert charter boat crew on hand to help you with the big bull males.
There is No Bag Limit for the Mahi Mahi
As mentioned above, there is no official state or Federal bag limit for the Mahi Mahi. This means that you are free to catch as many as you like for as long as you care to stay out on the water. Depending on the time of year that you charter your fishing trip, other state or federal laws may apply to this and other sporting fish.
How to Catch the Mahi Mahi
Unlike many other fish in the gulf such as red snapper, Mahi Mahi are one of the easiest fish to catch in the Louisiana Gulf Coast. They respond quickly and with a great deal of enthusiasm to common baits. These can include trolling live baits, skirted baits, and naked ballyhoo. Once you have their attention, you will be amazed at the level of response that you receive.
The best time to catch the Mahi Mahi is during the spring months up until June. However, there are also select times during other times of the year when a charter fishing trip can turn up plenty of live specimens to bring home to your dinner table. But, in general, spring and very early summer is the best time to fish for them.
Since the number of Mahi Mahi in the Louisiana Gulf Coast is so large, there is no real need to feel guilty if you begin to reel them in huge numbers. This is a very common occurrence on Louisiana Gulf Coast charter fishing trips. The crew of your charter boat will do all they can to assist you to reel in as many as you desire.
The Mahi Mahi is a Great Addition to Your Table
The Mahi Mahi is renowned all over the world as one of the most delicious examples of prime seafood. Anglers who catch their share of this delicious fish are always in a hurry to get straight back to the land. Once you have tasted the Mahi Mahi for yourself, you will quickly come to see why this is so.
Mahi Mahi is best cooked on the grill. There are plenty of delicious and very easy recipes that you can find on the web. The captain and crew of your Louisiana Gulf Coast charter fishing boat will also be glad to give you first-class suggestions for cooking this tasty fish. They have a light, aromatic taste that is very pleasing.
Charter Your Louisiana Charter Boat Fishing Trip Today
The time for you to charter your Louisiana Gulf Coast fishing trip is now. Spring is upon us and the Mahi Mahi is schooling in great numbers during the spring season. If you are ready to get out on the water and have the time of your life, this is your chance. Get in touch with us today to charter your Gulf Coast fishing trip today.
Are you ready to get out on the water? The time for fishing season is here! The Gulf Coast of Louisiana is one of the busiest and most fertile realms for sport fishing of all types. Now is an excellent time for you to charter your personal Louisiana Gulf Coast fishing expedition.
And if you’re going out to the deep Gulf, there is one sport fish that you will be pleased to take home above all others. This is the legendary Red Snapper. When you’re talking about sport fishing – as well as delicious, well earned seafood meals – the Red Snapper is a prize that you’ll be overjoyed to earn.
How Do You Know When it’s a Red Snapper?
The Red Snapper is a legendary denizen of the deep waters of the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico. They have certain telltale features that let you know what you’re dealing with. They come in unmistakably gaudy and bright red to pink hues. And they have comically large canine teeth, from which they get their iconic “Snapper” name.
Make no mistake, those teeth really do snap. The Red Snapper is not only a fearsome predator, it’s also a legendary game fish. Part of the legend comes from the fact that those enlarged canines can easily break the line of an inexperienced fisher. And even a world-class fisher can be fooled by this eminent trickster of the sea.
The Red Snapper is Subject to Fishing Limits
One of the most important reasons for chartering a fishing boat to catch the Red Snapper is to stay safely out of legal hot water. This is due to the fact that, up until a very short time ago, the Red Snapper was listed as a “severely depleted” species due to chronic overfishing.
Thankfully, this is no longer the case. A series of successful population regrowth initiatives have enabled the Red Snapper to breed back up to acceptable levels. In fact, there are more of them out there on the Gulf than there have been for many years. But this doesn’t mean that you can catch all you can eat.
Officially, the Red Snapper is still listed as well below target levels. This means that strict fishing season limits are in place. This rule applies at both the State and Federal level. The limit for catching Red Snapper is listed as2 per person. Please note that the Snapper you snag must be 16 inches or larger.
How Big Can a Red Snapper Get?
Speaking of dimensions, the growth rate of the average Red Snapper is considered to be quite moderate. An adult Snapper can reach up to 40 inches in total length. Most adults will range in weight from a minimum of 5 pounds to a maximum of 30 pounds. In most cases, the Snapper you encounter will weigh about 15 pounds.
How Do You Catch the Red Snapper?
There are a number of highly effective ways to catch yourself a Red Snapper. In most cases, an angler will drop a specially weighted line straight down to the depths. The most usual depth will be anywhere from about 25 to 400 feet. Although you can catch a Red Snapper in shallow waters, the vast majority of them will be found in the deeps.
Depending on your luck, you may find one ranging closer to the shoreline. However, they mostly tend to congregate in small groups near structures such as oil rig platforms or buoys. As noted above, you may find one near the surface but will usually encounter them in deeper waters, sometimes practically down at the bottom.
Most experienced anglers will use live or dead Menhadden, freshly cut Bonita, or squid as bait. Red Snapper prefer to go for live bait. However, you can also employ certain types of artificial bait.
The best artificial bait technique is usually jigging, especially as a last resort. However, the best results will always tend to be produced with the use of live bait.
Charter Your Red Snapper Fishing Trip Today
The Red Snapper is not only an amazing specimen to angle with, it’s also one of the most delicious seafood meals you can treat yourself to. Of course, like all top-notch sporting fish, it has to be fought with and earned. This is where the services of an experienced Louisiana charter fishing boat captain will come in handy.
If you want to experience the thrill of the hunt for the legendary Red Snapper, now is the time. Get in touch with us today to arrange your Louisiana Gulf Coast charter fishing trip. This is one potential holiday excursion that you owe it to yourself to experience. Contact us to arrange the ultimate seafood gathering expedition.
Are you looking for the ultimate excursion to top off your next Louisiana vacation? If you’ve seen the city of New Orleans and braved the bayous, there’s only one way to cap your adventure. It’s time for you to head out to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Improve Your Knowledge of Top Gulf Coast Seafood Cuisine
There are plenty of treasures waiting for you in the deep waters of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. It’s time for you to treat yourself to a few of them. You can expand your palate with a whole host of delicious deep-sea delicacies. Have you ever had a freshly caught Louisiana redfin? How about a swordfish?
This is one trip that will definitely give you a whole new workout and appreciation of the bounty that nature has to offer. Don’t worry about putting on pounds. All the hard – but fun – work that goes into catching your dinner will give you plenty of lost calories to make up for.
Give Yourself the Ultimate Birthday, Anniversary, or Retirement Party
If you’ve been waiting to give yourself the ultimate birthday or anniversary party, a Gulf Coast fishing trip is a great way to mark it. Fishing on the open ocean is an experience most people never have, so when you get yours, it’ll be sure to last a lifetime! You can top off your celebration dinner with a fresh batch of newly caught seafood. It’s a fantastic way to commemorate a special day in your life.
Make the Ultimate Connection with the Wild Sea
Perhaps more than any other reason, this is your ultimate excuse to reacquaint yourself with the wonders of the wild sea. If you have always longed to get out on the waters, a Louisiana fishing boat excursion is the perfect way to do it. You’ll feel the sun on your face and the salt spray in the air. Above all, you’ll be able to relax with good company and plenty of incentive to stay active.
The Time is Now to Charter Your Louisiana Gulf Coast Fishing Trip
The time for you to charter your Louisiana Gulf Coast fishing trip is now. We can help you give yourself and your family or friends an adventure you won’t soon forget. From testing your fishing skills to simply enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of the great outdoors, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.
Chartering a Louisiana Gulf Coast fishing trip is easier than ever. Let us know what you’re looking for and what time you’d like to go out on the water. We’ll take care of the rest. This is one adventure that you will never regret embarking on. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do to top off your Louisiana vacation.
As the summer season is at its peak, many anglers are going to look for excuses to get out on the waters. This is nowhere more true than in the Gulf Coast region just off the coast of Louisiana. Here is the place where anglers will find many species of prized sport fish in great numbers. Anywhere a fisher turns, there are plenty of great catches to be had.
The Gulf Coast of Louisiana is a Unique Hunting Ground for Anglers
Anglers who have never been to the Gulf Coast region of America, particularly the deep waters off the coast of Louisiana, are in for a real treat. This is the place where many species of the world’s tastiest and most challenging sport fish can be found. No matter what level of skill a fisher possesses, from amateur to expert, the opportunity for a rare and unique adventure is definitely present.
The state of Louisiana has long been the premier destination for anglers who hail from all parts of the globe. The deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico are located right off the Mississippi River delta. This meeting of fresh and saltwater results in a truly unique ecosystem that is the perfect habitat for many species of sport fish.
What Kind of Fish Can Anglers Find in the Louisiana Gulf Coast?
Anglers will find many different species of fish to catch and release or take home as dinner or trophies. These include such classic sportfish specimens as redfish, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheep head, white trout, flounder, swordfish and marlin. In fact, these are only a few of the wide variety of fish that can be found in the warm and luxurious waters of the Gulf Coast during the peak spawning season.
You should also keep in mind that the sheer number of oil platforms and other structures in the Gulf has created a whole new habitat for deep-sea fish to thrive in. This means that many additional species of fish – some of which are bound to be completely new to even the most experienced Gulf Coast angler – are available for the catching. These include amberjack, red snapper, cobia, grouper, and mangrove snapper.
Book Your Louisiana Gulf Coast Charter Fishing Trip Today
For anglers who want to enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh sporting fish from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, it’s time to take action. There are charter fishing trips available to suit the needs of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts at every level of experience and skill. The time to embark on a Louisiana Gulf Coast charter fishing trip is now. Get in touch with Captain Troy today to book your trip.
There are many species of wild tuna to be found all over the world. Some of the finest and most desirable species, including the world famous Yellowfin, can be found in the Gulf of Mexico. It might be a good idea to learn a little bit more about catching tuna before booking you tuna fishing charter in the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you are a beginning angler or an accomplished expert, the waters off the coast of Louisiana are filled with some of the finest specimens of Yellowfin on Earth.
Where Can the Yellowfin Most Commonly Be Found?
Yellowfin are found in waters all over the planet, with separate Atlantic and Pacific groups among the most common. The Yellowfin can be found everywhere from the Aegean Sea filtering into the Mediterranean to the Hawaiian islands to just off the coast of the Maldives. Their range is one of the largest and widest of all tuna.
Many people believe that the best quality of Yellowfin can be found in the Gulf waters just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. These waters are brimming with Yellowfin, especially in the spring months that constitute the animal’s spawning season. The Louisiana Gulf is easy to reach, easy to navigate, and home to countless specimens of these world-renowned sporting fish.
Yellowfin Are a Relatively Long-Lived Species
The life cycle of the average Yellowfin usually plays out over a period of 7 years. While this is a quite short span for most animals, it is average for a deep water fish. During this time, the Yellowfin will grow from a small fry to a fully fledged adult. Maturity is usually reached within the span of two years, at which time the Yellowfin will begin its spawning activities.
Some recent scientific studies have suggested that the Gulf Yellowfin may spend its entire life cycle in the Gulf. If this is true, it would explain why so many specimens are caught in the Gulf of Mexico at times when they are relatively hard to locate in other parts of the world.
What Are Common Behaviors for Yellowfin?
The Yellowfin exhibits a range of behaviors, some of which are characteristic to all species of tuna while others are specific to itself. Most Yellowfin prefer to stay in the deep water, rarely if ever coming to shore. As a result, they make for excellent sport fish since they are uniquely adapted for both persistence and speed and are not normally found anywhere except for particularly challenging deep fishing areas.
Occasionally, after a storm or during prime feeding conditions, they will approach the beach or other coastal areas. This is usually due to them pursuing and feeding on baitfish that concentrate in these areas. They may also approach near to the shore when the clarity and temperature of the water are suitable to their temperament. This usually results in a large concentration of Yellowfin indulging in a feeding frenzy.
Yellowfin Tend to Be Found in Large Schools in the Gulf
Yellowfin tend to travel in large schools. Normally, this large group includes only their own species, consisting mostly of individuals of their own size. However, they will occasionally expand their school in order to include other species of tuna. They also sometimes travel with smaller sized yellowfin as well as skipjack tuna.
An interesting fact about these schooling activities is that they also sometimes include some species of dolphins and porpoises. They have even been spotted schooling with whales and whale sharks. While the general purpose of schooling in large numbers is known to be for protection, it has not yet been determined what special purpose is served by associating with fish and marine mammals so different from their own species.
The Yellowfin has also been known to school among drifting debris, such as abandoned pallets and logs. Some have been known to follow after fishing boats, presumably in search of the bait or chum that is commonly dropped overboard. This makes them an extremely easy fish to locate, although catching one will depend on the individual level of skill and focus that an angler possesses for the task.
What is an Average Compared to a Huge Yellowfin?
The average Gulf Yellowfin will grow to a size of about 400 pounds. This makes them a significantly large sporting fish, although not quite as large as some of their relatives in the tuna world. For example, Bluefin tunas can grow nearly twice as large, but we can’t catch those. The Gulf Yellowfin is nearly the same size as the Bigeye and Southern Bluefin.
However, there have been examples caught on record of Gulf Yellowfins that have reached a significantly larger size than the average. Some specimens have ranged up to 8 feet in length and 440 pounds in weight. Some studies suggest that some of the very largest Yellowfin can be found in the Gulf waters off the coast of the state.
What Do Yellowfin Prefer to Feed On?
The Yellowfin tuna is normally very near to the top of the food chain in its natural environment. As a result, they are extremely active predators who enjoy feasting on a wide variety of other marine animals. These include crustaceans of various kinds, squids, and other fish.
The body of the Yellowfin is specially streamlined to allow them to be extremely fast moving and agile. This gives them a major advantage when pursuing other fish in the water. Some of their favorite meals are mackerels, flying fish, and even other species of tuna, include skipjack and frigate mackerel. School fish, such as anchovies, lanterns, and sardines are also frequently preyed upon.
What Are the Seasonal Variations in the Diet of the Yellowfin?
It should be noted that there do exist some wide variations in the diet of the Yellowfin during different parts of the year. This is due to a number of factors, including the periodic migration of various types of fish, including the Yellowfin itself. As a result, the size and quality of your catch may vary depending on how often and how well Yellowfin in your area are feeding.
Since Yellowfin can travel up to 50 miles per hour, they are usually not preyed upon by other fish. Some species of whale and shark do tend to feed upon them on occasion. In general, Yellowfin are top-level predators who can feast upon their choice of meals, subject only to the availability of their preferred hunting subjects during the specific time of year.
During the fall and winter seasons, Yellowfin are known to feed on types of fish that are associated with bottom feeding near the floor of the Gulf. These include sea robins, croakers, flatfish, and shrimp. This is partly due to the fact that Yellowfin have a habit of following shrimp boats to and from the Gulf and feeding on the bait and castaways that are regularly thrown overboard.
Why Do Yellowfin Tuna Get So Big?
Many anglers are fascinated by the relatively large size of the Yellowfin. There are many reasons why Yellowfin attain such a large size. As members of the tuna family, they are naturally one of the larger fish in the water. It also has to be factored in that the waters of the Gulf are particularly warm, clear, and filled with plenty of other fish for the Yellowfin to prey upon. There is thus much scope for large growth.
Because of their large size, Yellowfin are prized as sport fish. There is plenty of meat to be had on an animal that can weigh as much as 400 pounds. Even if not being caught as a potential meal, the Yellowfin is a very large fish that will give an angler plenty of fight before they are finally caught.
What is the Spawning Season for Yellowfin?
Yellowfin tend to spawn between April and August. A female will tend to lay a series of egg clutches that can number as high as 1.1 million. The interval for egg laying is about every 1 1/2 to 3 days. Younger females will tend to lay fewer eggs at less frequent rates than a fully mature female. The spawning age for an adult Yellowfin is roughly two years.
The condition of the water where they choose to breed and lay their eggs will naturally influence their number and viability. Under ideal conditions, a female Yellowfin, fully sized about 70 pounds, can lay up to 25 million eggs during the course of the spawning season. While few of these eggs will survive to adulthood, the sheer number of fry spawned will be more than enough to sustain the species for another generation.
The Gulf Yellowfin Has Long Been a Seafood Staple
While many anglers are new to the Gulf region, chances are good that they have sampled Yellowfin tuna at a restaurant. Yellowfin is highly desirable in many forms, including grilled, charbroiled, and even as sashimi. This last category is especially common in Japan, where it is considered to be quite the exquisite delicacy.
For anglers who are not inclined to sample the Yellowfin raw, it can be cooked either as the main course or as part of a stew or assorted seafood dish. Its relative scarcity during some seasons may tend to drive the price up. However, during the spring and summer months, Yellowfin can be commonly found in many seafood restaurants all across the United States as well as the rest of the world.
Is the Gulf Yellowfin Sustainable for Long Term Harvesting?
Due to the increasing rarity of other types of tuna, including the formerly much more common bluefin, the Yellowfin is being listed as a replacement fish in many areas. However, depending on the area, there are some restrictions that will apply to this classification. You may not be able to bring as many fish ashore in one area as you can in another.
It should also be noted that a number of authorities, such as the Audubon’s Seafood Guide, consider certain types of tuna, including the Yellowfin, to be unsustainable for long term harvesting. This is due to certain allegedly non-eco-friendly practices that are employed by both commercial fishermen and sport fishers in many parts of the world. These allegations have yet to substantiated by any major environmental summit or commission.
The Southern Gulf Coast is the Best Place to Fish for Yellowfin
Sport fishing for Gulf Yellowfin has become a nationally recognized sport. A number of highly competitive and lucrative tournaments and other fishing events have been organized all over the Southern Gulf Coast, particularly in the bayou regions south of New Orleans, most notably, Venice, Louisiana – the sportfishing capital of the world. Whether you are looking to compete for a large purse or simply want to try your hand at an exciting new hobby, the Gulf Coast is a highly recommended venue.
If you are an angler who is interested in catching some of the most competitive sport fish on the planet, you are well advised to visit the Southern Gulf Coast, hire a gulf coast fishing charter, and hit the water. This is the place where you will find thousands of Yellowfin and other species. These fish will give you an excellent run for your money. Hook into one and you’ll instantly know what I mean.
Charter a Fishing Trip to See the Yellowfin Up Close
Whether you are new to the sport or searching for the ultimate challenge to sharpen up your skills, this region comes warmly recommended by experts in the fishing industry. You can find plenty of charter fishing services that will gladly take you out on the water. The season for Yellowfin is extremely flexible. Keep in mind that some seasonal restrictions on the number of fish caught will apply.
In many ways, chartering a boat for a fishing trip on the Southern Gulf Coast is an adventure that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. While it is true that sport fishing for the Yellowfin is a relatively new pastime, it has definitely grown over the course of the past few decades. You can easily charter a fishing boat bound for the Gulf Coast in hopes of finding the angling event you’ve been waiting your whole life for.
Captain Troy Wetzel has been chartering his fishing boats from the Venice Marina in Plaquemines Parish, La. for over 25 years. He is currently the oldest and wisest of all the captains working out of Venice. In fact, it is most likely that each of the captains working out of the Venice Marina has started out as Capt. Troy’s deckhand at one time or another.
“It is important to know that yellowfin have great eyesight and can see the fishing line.”
Catching The Big Tuna
Captain Troy has been asked many, many times to share his tips and tricks for catching yellowfin tuna. Captain Troy’s response is that yellowfin tuna are very tricky.
He says, “It is important to know that yellowfin have great eyesight and can see the fishing line.” He also adds that it helps to know that these fish have to eat often, and feed every three hours in order to keep up their speed.
“Keeping up their speed is crucial so that they do not fall prey to sharks on the hunt. Yellowfin maintain their speed in order to out swim any shark,” says Captain Troy.
The Captain, who is a popular choice for tuna fishing charters in the Gulf, also likes to share his knowledge of three good methods of catching yellowfin tuna with bait at the Venice Marina:
Toss 10-12 live bait out with a hook into -2 bait, and you will have great success.
Chumming is when you cut up ten pieces of bait and throw it into the water. The hook should be inside the bait so that the fish will not see where the line is cut and tied to the hook. This makes a very big difference when you are fishing in blue water.
Kite fishing is a method of fishing that involves bouncing bait on top of the water so that they do not even see the line.
There are many more tips and tricks to come, so be sure to frequent our blog and learn from the best of the best at Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters. If you are ready for the offshore fishing trip of a lifetime, you can book your next fishing charter online today!
Coming up next, catching yellowfin tuna at different depth…
Captain Troy Wetzel of Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters takes you to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico for an amazing fishing experience, including Yellowfin Tuna, Red Snapper, Wahoo, Grouper, Amberjack, and more.
Capt. Troy and his crew charter trips from the Venice Marina, just a short trip outside of New Orleans, BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY!!! CALL 504-701-3474
The 2019 deep sea fishing season is almost upon us. For deep sea sport fishers who are ready to get out on the water, there are a few new developments to keep in mind. A new study by a team of 21 scientists from five Gulf States and Virginia is placing some mighty pricey tags on red snapper.
The tags, which will be placed on roughly 2,500 to 3,000 red snapper specimens, are part of a study that aims to find out just how many of these popular sport fish live in the Gulf of Mexico.
Anglers don’t have to worry about getting in trouble if they should happen to catch a fish that has been specially tagged as part of this new study. Any red snapper that has been caught can be caught and kept, or released, just as long as their special tags are clipped off.
Each tag is worth $250. In order to get the reward, the angler will have to report the fishing post from where they departed as well as the date that the fish was caught. They also need to report the tag number on the fish and the latitude and longitude where they caught it. Fishers should ideally mail the tag in, although researchers will accept a photo in some cases.
If you’re on a charter fishing trip, one of the deck-hands or the captain of the boat should be able to help you with the tag. Just make sure to let someone know you caught a tagged fish and your crew will advise you.
The New Study Aims to Curb Over-Fishing
Part of the reason why the new red snapper tag study is in effect for the 2019 season is because of rampant over-fishing. According to a study by NOAA Fisheries, the season was too long. This supposedly inordinate length was leading directly to recreational fishers catching far too many red snapper. The problem was largely one of long term sustainability for the species.
In 2017, the Trump administration extended the three-day federal season for an additional 39 weekend days. In 2018, Trump mandated an experiment set to last through 2020 in which states were given the power to open and close their recreational fishing seasons.
Not everyone has been happy with the supposed reforms that were adopted by the present administration. These measures have led to several lawsuits from wildlife agencies, who fear that such measures will lead inevitably to over-fishing. Their concerns have led to the present study.
The Red Snapper Study is in Effect for the 2019 Season
The United States Congress has approved the allocation in funds for the new red snapper season tagging study. The total donated by this body is currently set at $9.5 million. Meanwhile, the universities that have spearheaded the study have agreed to put up the rest of the necessary funding, to the tune of an addition $2.5 million.
The study is thus fully legitimate and backed up by the weight of the United States government. This means that it will be unlawful to interfere with the course of the study. Louisiana is taking a full part of the study.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that it is illegal to fish for red snapper, whether in the state of Louisiana or any other location on the Gulf coast. It simply means that deep-sea sport fishers will need to be respectful of the tags in addition to the other rules that regulate the Louisiana Gulf Coast fishing season.
Where Can You Get More Red Snapper Tag Info?
If anyone should be in need of more info concerning this new red snapper study, they can feel free to contact the NOAA or the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife. As stated above, the ultimate purpose of the study is simply to determine how many red snapper are out there in order to keep deep sea sport fishing sustainable for years to come.
Meanwhile, anglers shouldn’t be too worried about this new development. The more healthy red snapper that are out there for the purposes of fishing and eating, and the more you can look forward to chartering a boat for the ultimate thrill of Louisiana Gulf fishing.
