Captain Troy Wetzel is proud to announce the addition of the 39′ Contender Fish Around to the fleet of Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters. This is the boat designed to carry up to six anglers into the Gulf of Mexico in comfort and style in search of sports fish.
Boat Specs
The Contender FA is 39′ 1” with a 10′ 10″ beam for great cruising even in rough seas. This offshore fishing boat has a one-foot draft that carries it through shallow channels into the open sea. Three 350 horsepower Yamaha outboard engines give it a top speed of 68 mph for fast planning to the best fishing spots in comfort due to the twin-stepped hull. The total fuel capacity is 525 gallons.
Below the Deck
Below, the Contender offers more than six feet of headroom, and it features an enclosed head for privacy. There is also a queen-size V-berth in the bow. Electronics include state-of-the-art navigation systems, radar, and fish finders in the covered center console control station.
Drainage
The boat has good drainage with the downslope from the bow to the stern. Water runs off the self-bailing deck due to the deep gutters around the hatches. Gunnels are about 25 inches off the water all around the boat with grab bars in the bow for additional safety. An angler can work a catch around the boat safely. Guests can also relax on the bow deck while the boat is underway.
Fishing Rod Holders and Rigging
Six rod holders are located abaft of the rigging station that offers plenty of room to rig lines. Outriggers are also available. Live bait is kept in twin forty-gallon pressurized live wells that keep the bait in good condition. The tanks have clear acrylic covers, so anglers can keep an eye on the bait. Vented wells in the bilge keep saltwater fresh for the live bait. Pogie fish, also known as Gulf Menhaden, are common live bait that game fish like to bite while they are alive and wiggling.
Features under the deck, include a cavernous dry-storage compartment forward and a pair of large fish lockers in the aft cockpit for your catch. A freezer box in the stern offers immediate access to frozen bait and cold drinks.
The Fishing Experience
Marlin and swordfish are the big game fish of the Gulf, but you can fish for other species as well. This includes yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi also known as Dorado, flounder, cobia, red snapper, and the elusive tilefish. While the fighting blue marlin and other sailfish are catch and release, you can keep and eat the snapper, tilefish, and mahi-mahi.
January, February, March, and April are the best months for landing the big game fish. Snapper and other species are often available year-round in accordance with state and federal laws. Capt. Wetzel is familiar with all fishing regulations, and he will help you secure a Louisiana fishing license.
Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters departs from Venice, LA, for day and even overnight trips into the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the best fishing in the world is located in this region of the Gulf. Venice is located south of New Orleans where the Mississippi meets the Gulf. There, the water runs deep very quickly and sport fish abound. Fish are often found around the offshore drilling islands.
Capt. Wetzel knows the best fishing spots. All charters give you fishing tackle designed especially for the Gulf’s big game fish. You get baits, lures, filleting, and bagging for your catch.
Contact us for information on our sportfishing charters on board the Contender 39FA. This is a great boat for fishing for marlin and other billfish. It is built for comfort and speed for your fishing adventure.