Get ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf's most sought-after game fish on this high-octane offshore adventure. Captain Louis Thornton knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the bite. We're talking big yellowfin tuna, lightning-fast wahoo, and even the chance at a trophy swordfish. This ain't no leisurely day on the water - it's a full-throttle fishing experience designed for serious anglers who live for the fight.
You'll be fishing out of Venice, Louisiana - the undisputed tuna capital of the Gulf. We'll be running a slick 36' Tideline Catamaran that can eat up the miles and get us to the honey holes fast. This rig is decked out with top-of-the-line electronics to find the fish and enough deck space for six anglers to work comfortably. Fuel's included in the price, so we can run as far as we need to put you on the fish. Fair warning though - this trip isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking long runs, potentially rough seas, and fish that'll test every ounce of your strength and stamina.
Once we clear the pass, it's time to get down to business. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's hot. Chunking for yellowfin is always a go-to, but we might also troll spreader bars for wahoo or drop deep lines for swordfish if the conditions are right. Captain Louis is a master at reading the water, finding the bait, and getting us on the fish. Expect to use heavy tackle - we're talking 30 to 80-pound class rods and reels loaded with braid. When a big tuna hits, you better be ready for a workout. These fish don't give up easy, and neither do we.
Yellowfin Tuna: These are the stars of the show in Venice. Yellowfin are absolute powerhouses, known for blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They average 30-80 pounds out here, but 100+ pounders aren't uncommon. Fall and winter are prime time, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the rush of a yellowfin freight train peeling line off your reel.
Wahoo: If you want speed, wahoo are your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds over 60 mph and strike like lightning. We typically catch them in the 30-50 pound range, but bigger ones are always a possibility. Spring and fall are the best seasons, but you never know when one might show up in your spread. Landing a wahoo is like catching a missile - pure adrenaline from hookup to gaff.
Swordfish: The gladiators of the deep. Swordfish are a bucket list catch for many anglers, and for good reason. These deep-dwelling billfish put up epic battles that can last hours. We target them using electric reels to get baits down 1500+ feet. They average 100-300 pounds, but true monsters over 500 pounds are possible. Nighttime trips offer the best shot, but daytime swordfishing has been heating up in recent years.
King Mackerel: While not our primary target, kingfish are a blast to catch when we find them. These toothy speedsters hit hard and make blistering runs. We catch them year-round, with most fish in the 15-30 pound range. They're great eating and always a welcome addition to the fish box.
Blue Marlin: The holy grail of offshore fishing. While not as common as our other targets, hooking into a blue marlin is always a possibility out here. These massive billfish can top 1000 pounds and put on acrobatic displays like nothing else in the ocean. Even a "small" blue in the 200-300 pound range will be the fight of a lifetime. Summer is prime time, but you never know when one might crash your spread.
Venice has earned its reputation as a world-class tuna fishery for good reason. The combination of deep water access, nutrient-rich outflow from the Mississippi, and experienced captains like Louis creates the perfect storm for epic fishing. Our high-speed cat lets us cover more water and stay on the fish longer than most other charters. And let's be real - there's something special about battling a 100-pound tuna as the sun rises over the oil rigs. It's the kind of fishing that gets in your blood and keeps you coming back for more.
If you're ready to put your angling skills to the test against some of the Gulf's hardest-fighting fish, this is the trip for you. Captain Louis knows these waters inside and out, and he's got the know-how to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Remember, we're limited to six anglers max, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak tuna season. Don't miss your chance at glory. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the blue water where the big boys play. Trust me, once you feel that first tuna run, you'll be hooked for life.
Blue Marlin are the heavyweight champs of the deep, with females pushing 1,000+ pounds. These ocean giants roam the warm Gulf waters, usually in depths over 250 feet. Summer and early fall are prime time, when they follow baitfish migrations. Anglers chase Blues for the ultimate big-game challenge - their power and endurance are legendary. When hooked, they'll run hard and put on an aerial show like no other. Trolling with large lures or rigged baits is the ticket. I like to run a spread of 4-6 lines, mixing in some natural baits like bonito or mackerel. The key is covering water and staying patient. When you raise a Blue, be ready for the fight of your life. It might take hours to land one, but trust me, it's worth every second.
King Mackerel are speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 50 mph when chasing bait. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths, especially near oil rigs and drop-offs. Kings are most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. The meat's good eating too, with a rich, firm texture. To hook one, try trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden. My go-to trick is using a stinger rig - it'll catch those tail-biting kings that might otherwise steal your bait. Remember, kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. When you hook up, hold on tight - these fish don't give up easy.
Swordfish are the mysterious gladiators of the deep, lurking in waters 1,000 feet or more. These powerful fish average 200-300 pounds but can top 1,000. They're available year-round in the Gulf, with peak season usually late spring through fall. Swordfishing is all about patience and technique - we often fish at night when they come up shallower to feed. Anglers chase them for the ultimate deep-sea challenge and their excellent meat. We use heavy tackle and drop baits way down, often with lights to attract squid and other prey. My top tip is to use fresh squid and vary your depths until you find the fish. When you hook up, be ready for a marathon - swordfish fights can last hours. It's a test of endurance, but landing one of these giants is an experience you'll never forget.
Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the Gulf, known for blistering runs that'll test your gear and your nerves. These streamlined torpedoes average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep structure and current edges, typically in 100-300 foot depths. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time here. Anglers love 'em for their speed and hard-hitting strikes, plus they're excellent table fare. To target wahoo, we often troll at high speeds, 12-15 knots, using wire leaders and lures like bullet heads or jet heads. My secret weapon is adding a strip of fresh bonito to the lure - wahoo can't resist it. When you hook up, hang on tight and be ready to chase 'em down. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Yellowedge Grouper are the deep-water brutes of the Gulf, typically hanging around 300-800 foot depths. These chunky fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 80. You'll find them near rocky bottoms and ledges, often in small groups. They're available year-round, but winter can be particularly good. Anglers target Yellowedge for their tough fight and excellent table fare - the meat is sweet and flaky. Deep-dropping is the way to go, using heavy weights and multiple-hook rigs. I like to use squid or cut bait, sometimes adding a glow stick near the hooks. The key is finding the right spots and staying directly over them. When you feel that telltale thump, get ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easy, especially in deep water. It's a workout, but the reward is worth it.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300