Roussel hoists a toad.
Roussel hoists a toad.
SHARE
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0002.jpg
There are few more startling–and busy–sites than Venice marina at first light. The dock is abuzz with excitement as both inshore and offshore anglers prepare for the day ahead. Our challenge for the day was big Gulf yellowfin tuna. The target were the far off gas and oil rigs.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0007.jpg
Reelpeace fishing charters’ (reelpeace.com) Devlin Roussel is one of the most knowledgeable offshore captains in the region.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0011.jpg
Mark Amos was our mate for the day and proved as proficient with both gaffing and washdown duty. Hint: If you ever get the opportunity to fish with Mark, leave the Cheetos back at the dock (or at least make sure that you don’t drop any on the deck).
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0017.jpg
Pete Angle, outdoor marketing specialist for Underarmour, soaks in the sun and excitement of his first Gulf offshore trip.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0024.jpg
Offshore rigs are awe-inspiring monstrosities and fish-drawing magnets.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0027.jpg
Once we arrived at the first rig, Roussel circled it to check for marks on his fish finder and the direction and speed of the current.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0030.jpg
Meanwhile Amos expertly rigged rods and reels.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0048.jpg
Bob Funk of Mustad pounced on the first rod. A yellowfin sucked up a drifted hardtail and screamed for the bottom of the Gulf. Here he takes a breather from the fray.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0052.jpg
After a 20-minute give and take–and two swipes with the gaff–Amos hauls Funk’s yellowfin aboard the ReelJob.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0052.jpg
After a 20-minute give and take–and two swipes with the gaff–Amos hauls Funk’s yellowfin aboard the ReelJob.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0053.jpg
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0058.jpg
The telltale sickle fin of a yellowfin tuna.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0064.jpg
A happily worn out Funk.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0071.jpg
Roussel hoists a toad.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0077.jpg
Offshore in the Gulf means that anything can happen–including a September sailfish. It gave us three jumps before shaking off.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0083.jpg
Angle and Roussel with a RealJob double. Angle’s fish pushed the 80 pound mark and was the biggest of the day.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0093.jpg
Amos with a blackfin–the smallest tuna of the day.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo7_MG_0096.jpg
Venice Marina in Venice, Louisiana–where fishing dreams are made.

There are several places that bill themselves as Tuna Town USA, but few are as worthy as Venice, Louisiana. And when the fall bite is on, it’s time to strap on the fighting belt and hang on for all you’re worth.

Saltwater Fishing
Tuna Fishing

MORE TO READ