VENICE, LOUISIANA

TUNA FISHING CHARTERS

Experience Tuna Fishing Charters in Venice, LA

You would be hard pressed to find another destination in the U.S that provides anglers with a greater opportunity to catch yellowfin, blackfin, and bluefin tunas year round. The bottom line is that more yellowfin tuna are caught off the coast of Venice, LA than anywhere else in the world and Paradise Outfitters is one of the top tuna fishing charters in town.

Offering full day and overnight trips, Paradise Outfitters is a full-time professional Venice, LA Tuna Fishing Charter that specializes in putting their customers on schools of yellowfin and blackfin tuna.

Fishing for tuna is an experience unlike any other and is a true test of strength and endurance. In the Gulf of Mexico, yellowfin tuna can be caught up to 240lbs! So prepare for battle and expect to test your might on a tuna fishing charter with Paradise Outfitters.

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters in Venice, LA

Yellowfin tuna is a species of albacore, and is also known as the “ahi” fish. It is one of the largest species of tuna, in some cases weighing in at over 350 pounds; the same size as an Atlantic bluefin tuna. Although yellowfin is not the largest tuna, it is reputable for it’s incredible strength, rivaling the leviathan Pacific Blue Fin tunas which can reach up to 1000 pounds.

Yellowfin Tuna are a fast and powerful fish that can be found anywhere from the Gulf of Mexico to Hawaii, often traveling in large schools close to the surface where they hunt actively for food. Fishing for yellowfins in Venice, LA is a challenge in and of itself as these fish fight hard for their freedom and are unwavering in their endurance.

Most yellowfin tuna caught in Venice, LA are between 20 and 60lbs, but larger fish come into the area in the winter and fall months. Capt. Scott Leger of Paradise Outfitters holds the current Louisiana State Record for Yellowfin Tuna – 240lbs – and is tremendously experienced at honing in on these giant fish with precision.

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Tuna Fishing Techniques

Top Water

Casting top water lures to tunas which are aggressively feeding on the surface is an unparalleled thrill in the world of sport-fishing. Tuna’s which actively feed on surface baits are ferociously powerful. This fishing style requires long distance casting and rapid retrieval of large lures – making use of heavy duty spinning tackle which can withstand immense pressure. Many tunas caught at the surface weigh in excess of 100lbs. Watching tunas breach the surface and launch several feet into the air is an incredible experience.

Chunking

The traditional style of creating a “chum line” of chunk baits is commonly used around oil rigs, pumping stations, and drill ships to attract tunas. This is essentially “hand lining” for tunas, which requires the angler to pull 3 to 4 foot segments of line off the reel at a time, allowing the rigged bait to float with the current. This technique requires some practice, but is incredibly effective when fish are feeding in the top level of the water column.

Trolling

Tried and true, trolling for tunas requires deploying artificial or rigged dead baits and dragging them behind the boat. This can be a highly effective method for enticing large tunas to bite, but is usually not employed when fishing around oil rigs or pumping stations. Occasionally, slow trolling live baits which are specially bridled can produce bites when tunas are not actively feeding.

Live Baiting

This is the preferred method for catching larger tunas. Mullet, pogies, threadfin herring, hardtails, and small tunas are exceptional live baits when properly rigged. There is no more effective technique to entice a tuna to feed than by presenting a frisky live bait at the surface. Catching live bait, depending on the time of year, can be a “must” before heading offshore.

Vertical Jigging

The most physically demanding of all fishing techniques, this requires the use of heavy lead jigs that are specifically designed to sink fast and reach fish several hundred feet down. The angler must rapidly retrieve the jig while creating a “fluttering” motion with the rod – this mimics the behavior of a bait fish fleeing to the surface. Vertical Jigging can be the most effective method for catching fish which are holding tight to structure, deep beneath the waves.

Tuna Hot Spots

Tuna are a highly migratory species which travels to find food. Tunas can be found near pumping stations, floating oil rigs, and patrolling the open ocean for schools of bait.

When to Catch the Biggest Tuna

There are several tuna seasons in Venice, LA, but this is a year round fishery. Early Fall and Early Spring are considered the best months to catch a giant.