Early spring is rapidly approaching and it’s time to turn your attention to the great outdoors. This is the best time of the year to be on the water. If you’ve been looking for an outdoor adventure, consider taking a deep sea charter fishing trip in the Gulf! Nothing beats the thrill of catching giant fish out on the open water with friends, family, and coworkers. The following are only a few occasions where a charter fishing trip can be the adventure of a lifetime.
Charter Trip Bachelor Parties
If you really want to enjoy an intimate occasion with just you and the pals, you can plan your bachelor party to coincide with a Louisiana deep sea fishing charter trip. It’s a great excuse to enjoy a few brews, reel in a few sport-fish like Yellowfin Tuna, and enjoy an evening of raw unbridled camaraderie. It may be the last time for quite a while that you get to enjoy an evening as laid back and carefree, so make the most of it!
You may have been on fishing trips with your buddies before. But this is one time that you can plan to do it up in a big way. A deep sea charter fishing trip is one bachelor blowout that will give you the send off you need as you make the transition from bachelor life to your new married state.
Perfect Romantic Date For A Deep Sea Adventure
Did you know that some brave souls schedule a charter fishing trip as a bona fide romantic occasion? It’s true and it’s much more common than you may think. When you find your soulmate in life, it’s only natural that you would want to share as many adventures with them as possible. And a deep sea fishing trip off the coast of Louisiana will certainly qualify.
Just imagine it: The two of you on deck, the wind whipping around you as you hook in a mighty swordfish or tuna. It’s true that you can’t make up a big fishing story when your partner is right there to witness the action. But when you’re having so much fun reeling in the big game, you don’t need to. The exciting romance of the deep sea is enough to make for the perfect date that may lead to a lifetime of memories.
The Best Place To Network
There are plenty of places to network for the next big deal in business. But if you really want to give your potential partners or clients a memorable experience, why not take them out to the deep blue sea? Imagine the spirit of friendship, as well as mutual understanding, that will develop as you take turns telling tales and reeling in the big game. There’s just something about getting out on the deep sea that brings people together. When you’re trying hard to strike the right note with a new group of people, it helps to form a bond around a common interest. If you share a love of sportfishing, this is one networking occasion that is sure to bring excellent results.
Fishing Season Is Almost Upon Us
Whatever your reasons for embarking on a deep sea charter boat in Louisiana may be, one thing is clear: Fishing season is nearly upon us. If you are ready to enjoy the freedom of the wild seas, contact us today for booking. We’ll be glad to give you all of the latest details concerning the season and what to expect.
A Guide to the Top Louisiana Gulf Coast Fishing Rodeos
If you’re looking for excellent sport fishing opportunities on the Gulf Coast, you’re in luck. The state of Louisiana offers a wide variety of fishing rodeos for you to compete and have fun in. These are events that you can bring your family along to enjoy with you. They’re safe, exciting, and guaranteed to bring memories that you and your loved ones will continue to cherish for many years to come.
Even if you are just there to watch the event, there is still plenty of fresh air and fun to take in. You can easily charter a fishing trip of your own that you will remember with fondness for the rest of your life. Here is a short list of some of the most famous fishing rodeos in the Louisiana Gulf Coast area.
The Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo
One of the finest fishing rodeo events in the Gulf of Mexico area is the annual Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo. This event is scheduled to take place in the city of Empire during the first week of August. If you’re a major fishing rodeo aficionado, this is one event that you can’t afford to miss out on.
There are several categories that you can choose to compete in, such as tagging and releasing the most fish, Best Male and Female fishing champ, and special events for children. If you’re looking for a fun-filled, challenging event to participate in, this is one of the finest events to be held this year in the Gulf of Mexico region.
As with most events in the state, there will be plenty more for you and your family to do besides observing or participating in the rodeo. The proximity of Empire to the city of New Orleans will give you ample opportunity for sightseeing. Meanwhile, you can kick back and relax in the city of Empire itself. You’ll find plenty of scope for taking in the local nature and relaxing in a variety of different ways.
The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic
One of the best-loved annual sport fishing events in the Gulf of Mexico area is the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic. This yearly event offers an ample venue for some of the best charter fishing trips to be had in the region. You can tour the area, getting to know all of the many opportunities for outdoor activity. And if you are up to the challenge, you can join in one of the state’s top-billed fishing rodeo events.
The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic is known throughout the country as the second leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown, It’s also listed as one of the premier qualifying events for the Offshore World Championship and the InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup. This is one of the most competitive and prestigious events that you can participate in.
If you’re serious about qualifying for the ultimate Gulf Coast Fishing Rodeo trifecta, this is the perfect route to your ultimate championship. Even if you’re just here to witness the action, you’ll learn plenty from seeing the pros in their natural element. It’s the perfect place to pick up fishing tips and tricks that will serve you well in your own endeavors.
Continuing in the tradition established in the last few years, the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic will once again be hosted by the management of Cypress Cove Marina & Lodge. The event will take place in the downtown area of Venice. The celebration will last from May 29 to June 3. If you are excited about the prospect of enjoying charter fishing at its finest, this is one event you need to be sure not to miss out on.
The Grand Tarpon Isle Rodeo
If you really want to participate in the granddaddy of all Gulf Coast fishing rodeos, there is one in particular that stands out. This is the Grand Tarpon Isle rodeo. To get there, you have to drive 50 miles out of the city of New Orleans, finally reaching the site of the rodeo at the very end of State Highway 1. However, this is a journey that is well worth it for Gulf Coast fishing enthusiasts. It’s your chance to see more of the state with your own eyes.
Indeed, for many people, the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is not only the oldest and longest continuously running saltwater fishing event, but it’s also by far the best. The Grand Isle Tarpon event gives you the option of attempting to hook over 280 different species, a variety that few other locations can hope to match, much less exceed. You should also take note that Grand Isle Tarpon is host to the only state-owned beach to be found on the entire Gulf Coast of the state.
The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is one of the state’s oldest and most beloved annual events. This classic saltwater fishing rodeo draws more than 15,000 attendees each and every year. It isn’t just for the fishing, though this is obviously a major part of the attraction. There is so much to do and see here that you may find yourself returning to the area year after year to see much more than the local fishing rodeo.
The proximity of the event to New Orleans is also a huge draw. You can fish at the rodeo one day, then explore the city and its surrounding scenic area on the next. For example, the rodeo is very near to the Delta National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Jean Lafitte Preserve. If you want to see more of the state and learn for yourself what makes it tick, now is the perfect time to come see the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo.
The Gulf Coast is Here to Offer You Ample Opportunities for Sport Fishing
No matter where you find yourself along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for sports fishing, competitive rodeo events, and general outdoor activity. The Gulf Coast is also the perfect place to enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, barbecuing, and many other family activities. No matter what you are looking for, you’re sure to find a means of enjoying yourself to the fullest.
This is a region that offers a multitude of adventure and exploration opportunities. No matter how many times you have been here, there is always something new to discover and learn more about. This is why the appeal of the Gulf Coast continues to be as strong as ever. If you would like to learn more about fishing and other outdoor activities in the state, please feel free to contact us for more information.
With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Louisiana’s waters are naturally teeming with fish. The state also has one of the most generous catch limits in the nation, which adds to its appeal as a sport fishing destination.
Perhaps best of all is that there is no one “season” for deep sea fishing in Louisiana. The mild climate makes fishing possible throughout the year, even during the coldest days of winter!
You can look forward to possibly catching many types of fish on a Louisiana charter fishing expedition, including lemon fish, grouper, mackerel, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, red snapper, speckled trout, and cobia. Whether you’re planning a one-day adventure or a multi-day excursion fishing in the Gulf, you won’t come back home empty-handed.
Fishing Through The Seasons
The types of fish you’ll find when Louisiana offshore fishing is largely influenced by the seasons. From January through March, the coastal waters are filled with large wahoo and yellowfin tuna. These species tend to be closer to the shoreline at this time of year, as they gravitate to the warmer waters in the shallows.
You may be able to fish for both species less than 20 miles offshore. Other species of fish that appear this time of year are redfish and speckled trout. They are normally found along the entire coastline.
If you’re looking to catch prize-winning speckled trout, consider planning your trip during mid-late spring. This is the species’ spawning season, and it is also historically the time of year when fishermen report the largest speckled trout catches. Redfish also start to appear in April, and they are relatively abundant through June.
With the arrival of more fish through spring, summer is a prime time to take a Louisiana charter fishing trip. The longer days of summer also means that this season has the longest window of time for fishing.
The warmer air and water temperatures invite dozens of species, which makes the coastline prime real estate for big fish. Yellowfin tuna, amberjack, red snapper, cobia, and mangrove snapper are just several species that reside in the coastal waters during summer.
A real treat, however, is Blue Marlin. Blue Marlin thrive along the southeastern shore, where they can reach tremendous sizes. Many fishermen have reported regularly catching Blue Marlin that weigh 100 pounds or more!
Fall is the time to start packing up your gear for the year in many places around the country, but not here. Speckled trout are still active in the fall. They’re not quite as big as they are in the summer, but they are especially delicious this time of year.
Redfish are also prevalent in the cooler months of the year. This is also a good time to try your hand at getting a trophy yellowfin tuna, as they are notoriously large from October through December. During this time of year, it’s not unheard of for anglers to catch yellowfin tuna that weigh over 150 pounds!
To make sure you are fishing in the right places to get the size and type of fish you want, you are strongly encouraged to go with a Louisiana charter fishing guide. A guide will know the current air and water temperatures, and in turn where to find the best fish. He or she also knows the changing feeding habits of the fish in the area, which also makes it easier to find the best catches.
Choosing Your Bait And Location
As you plan your trip, be aware that where you go to fish and the type of bait you use can make a difference in the success of your Louisiana offshore fishing excursion. A popular place to go for prime Gulf of Mexico deep sea fishing Louisiana is around the offshore oil rigs. Oil rigs may not be the first places that come to mind when you’re looking for fish, but they actually provide prime habitat for many species of fish.
The structure of the oil rigs naturally creates hiding spots for smaller fish and crustaceans. These smaller fish provide food for larger fish, and they’re also great bait fish. A unique combination of bottom feeder fish and fish that live in the mid-upper levels of the sea convene along oil rigs to feed on the smaller fish and shellfish. If you’re after dolphin, tuna, marlin, and wahoo, oil rigs are a good place to look.
Oil platforms tend to attract speckled trout and redfish, as they are located a little closer to shore. As for bait, the small fish that live around the oil rigs are a natural choice for many fishermen. Bright, vibrantly colored lures are another good option, as they’re visible and attract both freshwater and saltwater fish.
You can also use lures infused with salt and other salient scents for bait, as it generates a powerful scent that fish don’t ignore. Softer baits that have moving parts (such as tails and fins) are another good choice for attracting fish.
Final Tips and Suggestions
Whether you’ve got your eye on a fishing prize or you just want to show off to your friends, there are some tips and tricks for making sure your Gulf of Mexico deep sea fishing Louisiana experience is as rewarding as possible in all seasons.
If you’re fishing in the wintertime, look for fish in deeper water. Fish typically move to shallower waters when the temperature rises. Conversely, they will move to deeper waters when the temperature drops. Another winter fishing tip is to slow down your retrieve a bit and try not to move the bait around erratically.
Remember to set the hook, since strikes may feel soft. Since the water temperature is generally warmer in moving water, you’ll be in a better position to find fish there in the wintertime. Year-round, be sure to bring a license with you. Licenses are available for even short, day-long expeditions, but you’ll need to have one regardless of how long your trip is.
Sunscreen, even in winter, is also good to pack. Keeping in mind that the weather can change, however, it’s a good idea to bring rain gear, too. Insect repellent and water or other beverages are other year-round necessities. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera or phone so that you capture your best moments out on the boat!
With countless lures available for fishing on the Gulf of Mexico, narrowing your selections down to three types will help you to get the bigger fish and gain the experience needed to draw in those monsters from out of hiding. Although there are hundreds of lures to choose from, by narrowing the list to three, you won’t get frustrated or overwhelmed when you make the call to the Louisiana offshore fishing charter captain to book your next fishing excursion.
Choosing the Right Jigs to Catch Bigger Fish
Make no mistake about it, the charter boat captain can lead you to where the monster fish are hiding, but he can’t reel them in the boat for you. The jig consists of nothing more than a weighted head that is attached to a hook, allowing you to attach the soft bait of your choice to the body or trailer of the jig. The jig will be cast far away from the charter boat, then followed by occasional jerking of the rod tip. This movement is the key to attracting the bass or redfish hiding around the oil rigs or bridge pillars because it simulates the fish falling and rising the water column. This simulation of an injured fish is the dinner bell to hungry fish, and the predators will come in fast to take action before another fish gets the free meal. Regardless if the charter boat fishing captain has taken you offshore or inshore, you will have little trouble reeling in snapper, redfish, bass, and sea trout, with your jigs. The jigs are ideal in rough seas too, even high winds will not negatively affect the movement of the jig on the water.
Although this is one of the most popular lure types used out in the basin of the Mississippi, many anglers don’t use the jigs correctly and come home empty-handed. Although you feel that urge to reel the jig in fast, patience is the key. Reel in too fast or jerk the line too hard, and the fish will scatter. Jerking the line too hard pulls the bait out of the strike zone.
Topwater Lures Making Bigger Fish Strike
It doesn’t matter if you are hunting for bluefish, snook, redfish, sea trout, or amberjack, the topwater lures out on the Gulf of Mexico can help get those bigger predators to come out of hiding quickly. The topwater lure glides on the surface of the water, attracting big fish below to come from deep below to strike at the lure. In this area of Louisiana, the two best types of topwater lures are the walk the dog type stick baits and poppers & chuggers. The walk the dog baits are referred by fishermen as spooks and date back to 1939 as the industry standard in this region. The way to attract those huge trophy fish hiding deep in the Gulf of Mexico is to first point your rod down at the surface of the water, then move the tip very quickly in a side-to-side motion, simulating walking the dog. This motion is a dinner bell to certain fish who will splash around as they attack the bait quickly.
When using poppers & chugger out on the charter fishing boat, you’ll need to cast that lure out far, so make sure you have plenty of room. Once the lure hits the surface of the water, jerk the lure back with very small and swift motions of the tip of your rod. This quick action causes the bait to pop, displacing water and creating an audible splash and sound that predators can spot instantly. The noisy action of the lure and the constant splashing simulates a wounded fish, an easy way to draw out fish hiding near oil rigs, seawalls, and docks.
Why Crankbaits are Your Best Chance to Catch Fish
Make no mistake about it, the crankbait has been rated the best artificial fishing lure by avid fishermen looking to catch bigger fish. Easy to use, they create lifelike actions and patterns in the water, irresistible to most fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Simply cast out the lure, then crank it back, that swimming action of the lure gets bigger fish exciting about swooping in for a quick and easy meal. Choosing the right crankbait is all about knowing how deep the bait is designed to swim. Look closely at the bill of the crankbait, the length compared to size will tell you how deep the bait will swim. Short bills tend to run shallow, flat and long bills run much deeper.
Even though the crankbait is a breeze to use, choosing the wrong depth bait for the fishing environment the boat is stopping at could reduce your catches. If the lure gets too low and gets entangled with seaweed, remove it immediately because predators know fish usually are not swimming tangled in seaweed or other debris.
When you call the charter boat fishing captain to book your next fishing excursion, be sure to inquire about the types of areas the boat will be stopping so you can choose your lures according.
Fishing out of Venice, Louisiana for Swordfish during the day is no easy task. If you want to land a Swordfish, it would be wise to go fishing with a professional fishing charter that knows how to catch them.
There are specific ways to bait a hook and to get the perfect bait to the depths of 1,100 to 1,600 feet, as Swordfish can be found at the bottom of natural canyons and mounds, specifically in transition areas between the ledge and shelf. Charter Boat Captains use topography graphs to find the best locations to fish for Swordfish, and Swordfish can be found as near as 20 miles offshore from Venice.
Get Ready To Catch Swordfish
Swordfish Day Charters from Venice are now extremely popular because they make for an action-packed day on the water! And Swordfish have been hitting the docks daily.
However, before jumping on a boat to catch some swordfish, you need to understand the differences between swordfish and marlin. People often get them confused. And while they are both members of the Billfish family and have many similarities, their differences may affect how you fish for them.
Bait and Rig to Use
Squid is the preferred bait to use when fishing for Swordfish. You will need to “stitch it up and put a skirt on it”. Lay out a few squid to find the perfect one. Prior to cutting a squid, lay the hook on top of the bait so that you know exactly where you need to cut it to best hide the hook.
Once you have selected the perfect bait, cut a 1/4″ slit in it and feed the circle head of the J-hook through the inside of the bait. Note, the J hook should already be attached to a 3-6′ fluorocarbon leader line, 200-400 lb test. Use a waxline needle, thread it, and stitch up & close the slit, passing the line through the eye of the hook.
Also, make sure the head is stitched and attached properly so that it does not fall off. Then add a skirt, which come in various colors. The skirt will help bury and hide the hook even more and make the bait more attractive. The goal is to hide the hook, and make the squid look and swim in the water like a live squid does. Once you have properly prepared and rigged your bait, hold it in the air and put it in the water to confirm it looks natural.
Crimp the leader to 300 lb. top shot line, which should be about 100-150′ long, and splice the hot shot to your braided line. Where the top shot connects to the braided line is where you will add your main weight.
Next add tri-color 1/4″ lights, that are activated by water, to your line. The lights come in many colors, so you can select the colors you prefer. Place the lights approximately 6′ apart. The light helps the Swordfish find your bait, since the water is completely dark below 600′.
Methods for Catching Swordfish
swordfish caught out of Venice LA with Captain Troy Wetzel
There are different methods you can use to sink your bait, including a throwaway weight or double weights dropped at the same time, while the boat is in gear. The goal is to sink your bait so that it goes to the bottom, free-flowing and moving like a live squid, rather than getting tangled up.
Fishing for Swordfish at night requires different techniques as well as bait and line preparation. So again, fishing with a professional offshore fishing guide may be your best option.
So whether you want to fish Swordfish during the day or night. you are guaranteed an action-packed memorable fishing experience when you hook one!
This time of year, anglers enjoy fishing the Rip Line outside of Venice, Louisiana, in the Gulf of Mexico. The Rip should produce action-packed fishing now through August. Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, usually larger in size, Blue Marlin, and Mahi Mahi can be caught when fishing the grass mats. Mahi Mahi should be showing up any day.
There is a proper technique to rig a balyhoo with a pin rig. First you should line up the rig with the balyhoo to determine where the hook should come out so that you can properly mark it.
The pin should line up to come out of the head of the balyhoo through the lower and upper jaw and the hook out of its belly. Make a small hole where the hook should come out. Open the gills of the balyhoo and feed your hook through it, bending the balyhoo around the hook, working the tip of the hook down the spot you made the small hole, and feed it through. Pull it back to get the weight inside the gill plate so that the weight is hidden.
Next, push the pin in place through the upper jaw. Now you need to secure the rig in place. You may cut off the bill and take the rubberband, placing it over the pin and wrapping it around the balyhoo jaws and rig several times, and once tight, over the pin once more. The rig is now secure and in place. Then trim the excess tip off of the pin. Now you are ready to slide an Islander over it when ready.
When trolling down the Rip and the Mahi Mahi are under the grass mat and the lures are not being effective, chum, which will bring the Maki up to the boat. Always have a spinning rod with a naked balyhoo ready to go so you cast it at the right time.
Another good technique to catch Mahi Mahi is if you hook a small one and have it on the line, leave it in the water swimming. And the rest of the school will come around it.
Offshore Fishing Trips
If you are looking to catch the huge fish out of Venice – Captain Troy can insure that your next charter fishing trip you end up with not only the huge fish that you expect, but have fun doing it!
Tuna fishing in any water can be quite an experience, but fishing with Captain Troy Wetzel is a once in a lifetime experience. Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf can reach record sizes and if your fishing with Captain Troy he is sure to provide visitors a thrill that will last forever.
Your local charter boat fishing Louisiana captain uses decades of experience to get you to where these fish are in abundance, and has a few secrets up their sleeves for finding those monsters.
Here are some tips and tricks for tuna fishing in the gulf coast waters of Louisiana that will help you land that storytelling monster tuna.
Tuna Fishing Near the Oil Rigs
One of the best kept secrets in the south is the amazing tuna charter fishing that can be found near the many oils rigs off the coast of Louisiana. There are numerous rigs dotting the horizon of the Gulf, and local fishermen have been spoiled for years. They bring their fishing boats as close as possible and that is where they find the gulf coast monster tuna. Now it isn’t just about cruising the rigs to find tuna, it also about having the right bait fish, fishing at the right time of year, and the weather and water conditions.
A good charter boat captain will know that you have to pay close attention the surface waters as you approach the rigs. The Yellowfin tuna are well known to hang around the up-current on the side of the oilrig. He will also check the waters around the rig for sub-currents. The larger of the tuna will move around in different currents, despite what you are seeing on the surface. An experienced charter boat captain can read the waters and will know where the tuna are waiting to be caught.
Finding Big Tuna in Deep Water
The deeper the water you are fishing, the bigger the tuna you are catching. It is very important that you are paying close attention to your depth sounder, marking locations beneath the boat to make sure that your lures are down at the correct depth. The reason being is that the larger tuna are less afraid down that deep, and more likely to take a stab at your bait if you can find them.
Make certain that you get a good feel for the weight of the tuna on your line. If you don’t and set the hook, it is going to be gone in the blink of an eye.
Chumming the Deeper Waters
One of the more productive ways to attract the tuna near the boat is to chum the waters. Not only will the tuna come closer to the surface, they will arrive in record numbers too. Once they reach the chum, the action could be fierce as they fight each other for a free meal. One of the tricks for attracting the big tuna after chumming the water is to turn off the boat engine or generator, and allow the vessel to just drift along. Without the sound, the tuna will get amazingly close to the boat.
One tip to consider when chumming the deeper waters is that your actions could also attract sharks. Sharks are not good for fishing, so just start the boat and move on to another spot once the sharks arrive.
Tips for Faking Out the Tuna
Trying to catch the tuna near the surface can be extremely frustrating because the fish will quickly dive to deeper waters as the boat approaches. The trick to faking out the tuna is trolling slowly, somewhere around three knots while running a line on a high angle so the bait floats 300 yards behind your boat. The reason that this trick works is because the tuna will not associate the bait and the boat that far apart, so you can move in for the taking.
Spotting Signs of Tuna in the Area
One tip for locating the tuna is to simply follow where the shrimp boats are trolling. The team on the shrimp boats will chum the water, which attracts schools of tuna to the surface. As the shrimp boats move about, you can get lucky and hook up with the tuna who are in a feeding frenzy and wander away from the chum trail. The waters of the Gulf near 20 miles out or more are ideal for catching the bigger tuna. When you are out with a charter boat, the captain usually has an idea which shrimp boats have been out a few days.
The tuna get used to the patterns of those shrimp boats and can make for easy fishing. If you can get out on the water before dawn, you can intercept the shrimpers and be there when the chumming starts.
Catching Tuna Takes Some Patience
Catching tuna takes patience, so let the charter boat fishing Louisiana captain get you near the fish, while you and your group scan the waters for signs of the tuna. There should be someone near the helm all the time, while some toss chum into the waters. If nothing else, you have to be patient. Although the tuna are in abundance in the area, they tend to hide very well and come out under ideal conditions.
It might be seven hours of hard work on the water before you see your first bite, but it will be worth the wait.
If you’re visiting the area and want to land your own monster tuna, book a day trip with the local charter boat fishing Louisiana captain. Fishing for those tuna in this part of the south is not just a hobby, it is a way of life for locals. End the perfect fishing day by catching your very own tuna that might just get you in the local Louisiana record books.
Catching Yellowfin Tuna with Captain Troy out of Venice LA
For more information on day and night offshore fishing charters please visit our Charters Page. For inquiries or to book a reservation for lodging and/or fishing charters, please visit our contact page.
Dealing with Hurricanes and Tropical storms is part of living here in South Louisiana. We know that there is a give and take to being able to say we live in the “Sportsman’s Paradise”. In August of 2017, the forecast for the Atlantic Basin was to expect above-average named storms to make landfall along the gulf coast. Our neighbors to our left and right, took the worst of the landfalls this season, not leaving South Louisiana untouched. Venice, Louisiana Fishing After Storm Season 2017 shows fishing charters are staying booked.
Venice Fishing After Storm Season
Finally, the end of November marks the end of Hurricane Season. Venice, LA Charter Fishing Captains are sending in good reports. Have no worries when choosing Venice fishing charter destinations, our camps and lodges are open and in good repair. Many Charter Fleets in Venice, LA have had their boats updated and are ready to take advantage of the post storm aggressive “bite” off shore.
Fall and winter fishing in Venice, LA is probably one of the hottest seasons all year, let alone coming off an active tropical season like we just experienced. A tropical event, typically turns the heat up on the fishing in Venice, LA. Local guides in Venice will tell you that the fish can feel the barometric pressure dropping through their swim bladders before the storm. They realize when the danger has passed over and it is safe to return.
Venice, Louisiana Fishing After Storm Season 2017 & BIG Tuna
Off shore fishing following a tropical storm or hurricane, is prime from the time the barometric pressure begins to drop, until it bottoms out. The days following a tropical weather event, the deeper water species of fish; such as the Grouper and Snapper, return hungry. BIG Yellowfin Tuna will always return as the storm heads out, sending anglers scrambling to get a piece of the action.
Trash or Treasure
As much as we hate cleaning up our camps & waterways after the storm season, the debris left floating in gulf after a storm adds to the aggressiveness of the bite. If you can get on both the tail end of the storm, and find some debris to fish, the bait won’t drop down out of eyesight before the excitement begins. Does the answer lay in the baitfish taking shelter under the debris, or the larger fish looking to see if the storm debris is edible? Since the only thing we can count on is the bite, we won’t bother to ask why.
Fishing the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico can be dangerous without a severe weather threat, so never risk your safety to test the timing of the bite during a storm. When the Venice, LA tropics cool down, the fishing heats up but knowing that tropical weather can linger on into December is important. Our professional fishing guides here in Venice will keep an eye on the weather, knowing that safety always comes first when booking your trip.
On any given day now in the South Louisiana waters, you will not only see women fishing with their significant others, but launching their own boats. Gone are the days of men keeping the joys of fishing all to themselves, and somewhere, along the way us women “caught” on.
Fishing was shared with me as a young child. My brother would take me out fishing winter, spring, summer & fall. And ladies, when your older brother is teaching you to fish, you best bet you will be able to tie on your tackle, bait your hook, reel it in, and put that fish in the ice chest.
Respect Is Earned
After meeting my now husband, it was not more than an hour into the first date that I asked the obvious question, the one that would determine if there would even be a second date, “do you fish?”. Let’s just say, he gave the right answer and we said, “I do” on the shore of the blue gulf waters. I quickly became his favorite fishing partner.
Today, my husband will tell anyone that will listen he would rather fish with me any day than a grouchy old man. I did have to prove myself worthy though right from the start. See ladies, respect on the water, is earned. It is in no way cute to a serious angler to have a lady on the boat who needs everything done for her. Show a man you can not only handle yourself, but be some help to him with the boat, bait & catch, and trust me, he will be bragging to all his friends in no time.
Times A Changin’
I know most of my female friend’s fish also. You know how the saying goes, “birds of a feather, flock together”. I wanted to see if the cast net of female anglers was even larger than I had thought. I also have noticed that us fishing chicks are doing more at the launch, and with the boat. So yesterday, I decided to interview a few of the ladies through Social Media, to see if my hunch was right.
I decided my research would begin with asking the ladies out there, six simple questions:
Do you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing?
Are you capable of pulling, trailering & operating a boat?
If so, what size boat do you run?
Do you tie on your own tack, bait your hook, and remove your fish?
Do you clean the days catch?
I even asked the ladies about their wardrobe. You know we are flooded with young hot chicks in bikinis fishing all over the internet, but, we choose what we wear just same as the men do, how dang hot or cold it is that day?
Tess Boudreaux Breaux fishing in Louisiana
My inbox began to ding immediately, I knew these ladies were just waiting to be asked. Gals as young as teens sharing fish tales of fishing beside their high school sweethearts, to the older ladies who are masters of the sport. Though the amount of responsibility each one shared with their guy may differ slightly, one thing was common across the board. These gals fish not just to spend quality time with their significant other, but they truly enjoyed the sport themselves. I would also bet, if they had a crisis and had to get that boat out & onto the trailer, they are all capable. Here are a few of the responses, and each lady was proud to let me use their name:
Lisa T.
“I Fish mostly Leesville & Fourchon area, but have fished the Rigolets also. We fresh water fish on occasion also. I can operate the boat. Back the trailer up?….that’s a no! Lol! , I pull it out after Ralph loads it. I can drive any type of fishing boat! And no…. I do not clean fish’. Lol!”
Samantha C.
“Leesville, Grand Isle, Slidell, & Laplace. I prefer inshore saltwater fishing and froggin! I usually wear a bathing suit and if I start to burn, I’ll throw on a t-shirt. Yes, 2-prefer inshore saltwater fishing and freshwater frogging. I usually wear a bathing suit and when I’m feeling burnt I’ll put on a t-shirt. I can pull, launch, drive and trailer a boat. Max size 24ft but only because I’ve never had the option for larger.”
Terry C.
“We freshwater fish. We fish at Toledo Bend, but just bought a camp off of Belle River, Lake Verret area. I bait, remove all but the catfish, I help a little from time to time cleaning but most of the time, NO. I can pull the boat and I will put it in the water if there aren’t a lot of boats waiting to get in and out. And, yes, you can use my name.”
Personally, huge props to Samantha C. for even doing a lil froggin. I, like Sam here, will start in my swimsuit in the summer, till my skin begins to burn. Now fellas, for the most part us female anglers are not what you see on the internet to lure you into a website. We dress for comfort and not vanity. With so many options now available in women’s fishing apparel, it’s easy to find what you feel most comfortable in. Camo has come a long way, pretty in pink and with sun protection fabrics.
Remember guys, most of the models on those websites do NOT actually do any fishing, they are models. I’m sure there are some that also fish, but they get paid to model. We most certainly are not all a size two in a string bikini with flawless makeup landing a limit of Speckled Trout.
And Terry C. you have me beat. I have yet to volunteer up my services to clean the fish. That is now on my bucket list! I do agree with Lisa T. there isn’t a boat out there I can’t operate, and another NO to cleaning the fish. I’m guessing that’s because while they are cleaning the fish, we are getting the boat unpacked and the oil heatin up to start cooking.
Land a Fish, Land a Man
I never did trust a man that didn’t fish. There is just something manly, rugged, and pretty sexy about a man who can talk tidal effect, water temperatures and migration. I assure you that our guys aren’t leaving us behind because they don’t want us around, it’s because we never showed an interest. Let’s face it, he’s less likely to get all fired up about antique shopping downtown, but ask a man to take you fishing, and watch his eyes light up. Well, what if you have just never had the opportunity to learn? Ladies, it’s time to take the Mullet by the gills and go for it!
A Good Bit of Advice
Tess Boudreaux Breaux
If you make that first trip out and want to get asked back again, keep the “gross, yuck, oh that’s slimy” talk to yourself. I use a Grab It Glove and belt with pliers handy for the fish I catch, and I keep a hand towel near when my hands get a little too slimed for my comfort. Let’s not forget, I do have to fix sandwiches eventually, so I don’t feel guilty about wiping my hands off. Me, personally most trips out for me, I’m fishing artificial bait anyway, I like the challenge. I like to be able to work a lure as good if not better than the next guy, or gal. Trust me ladies, let me remind you again how amazing we are, we give birth, to small humans. We touch, smell, and often end up covered in things much worse than earthworms, crickets, and minnows. Reel in a few good fish and you will be jumping to get that bait back out there for the next one.
Knowledge is Everywhere
If you are ready to tag along & want to surprise your guy, pull up a few You Tube Videos, practice with the truck and trailer, tie on some tackle. If you want to get excited about fishing, look into a fishing charter out of Venice LA, that will change your mind.
It is all so much simpler than you can imagine. Educate yourself and then strut your stuff. Ladies, I am not one bit a woman’s lib type of gal, I still like the traditional roles, but I enjoy fishing. I enjoy things even more when I feel educated about any task that I take on. Yes, I grab the Louisiana Sportsman Magazine when it comes in, I’m an avid reader of Marsh Magazine and have found several women’s groups on Social Media that are all about fishing in South Louisiana.
Respect the Sport
I can handle myself, and I do not complain on the days the bite is slow. There is a reason it’s called fishing and not catching. Always have your fishing license up to date, and know the limits per species that you can keep. Be kind and courteous to the fellow boaters, but don’t let the guys push you around either. Some men just cannot accept us out fishing them. I love it when I hear “That chick is going to try and trailer that boat, we will be here all day”, then I glide it on, add a hair flip, smile & prove them wrong.
Those That Fish Together, Stay Together
Personally, I prefer saltwater fishing, and my husband knows, don’t touch my rigs, and never, ever put filament on my reel. I’m a braided line gal. We will both tell you, the time we spend on the water is our time. No phones, no other demands on us, time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and share in a beloved sport.
Coupled with the obvious, that I can toss together a pretty decent mid-day sandwich, and I am pretty sure I will remain his total package. Fish On Ladies, Fish On!
(P.S.: I know more than a few lady anglers that ditched the husband, but kept the boat)
