Shrimp Boat "Jumboz"

Shrimp Boat "Jumboz"
Venice Louisiana Charter Fishing

Monday, August 3, 2009

Venice Louisiana Tuna Capital for the Gulf of Mexico. Have you ever wondered where the Mississippi River ends? Thought about HOW the river ends? I mean is it rock jetties, does it just flow into the Gulf Of Mexico and that's it? Does it branch off into streams and tributaries? What does the end of this MIGHTY river look like in your mind? Just how many of you have been there?

Let me try to describe to you in my small mind what it's like. I guess there are other branches leadinig into the Gulf Of Mexico but the best I know of is about 70 miles south of New Orleans where it all begins. There is a part of the river that branches into several different "Passes" if you will. We call it the Jump....(Hey you know?) I don't really know why as I come to think of it. But anyway, one pass rolls to the North East and that is Baptise Collette and one to the South West, that is Tiger which turns into Red Pass and others. So, are you seeing what is happening the river branches off like an artery coming from your heart. Then you continue down the river about 15 miles and it forks again, we call this the "Head of Passes" again don't know why? Guess I should so i'll find out for ya. Ok, now you've got this swampy marsh land it's full of weeds, grass, rocks, small land masses and large marsh ponds. This area is full of year round animals, reptiles and birds as well as many migrating species call this area home at different times of the year. Of course the population of Alligators, Turtles and Snakes is large but the Birds are the most spectacular. The shores, mud flats and trees are full of some of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Fish species this far down the river include fresh water bass, catfish, gar and others but what is so cool is the salt water species inhabit the area with the fresh water fish. Saltwater species include Redfish, Speckeled Trout, Flounder, Striped Bass and many others. The water this far down is called brackish, now when I say this far down, I'm speaking of 70 Miles South of New Orleans and about 20ish miles from the END.

Oh, yea, that was the whole point, THE END....OK, so gettin back to how it all ends (the river) that is.... The main outlet is known as South-West Pass and it is lined with Rock Jetties, this is the channel that is traveled by the incoming and outgoing ships that carry trading goods and yes like all good things there is a point where there is one last rock!!! The jetties just come to an end and the Gulf Of Mexico is lapping over that point and walla there is mother ocean.

Like any good inlet/outlet there is a lighthouse and some channel markers that make gong sounds, the current is strong and the tidal push is consistent.. On calm days this is the most beautiful thing the mightiest river gently flowing into the ocean. Not so much a color change, the river is so powerful that it keeps it's muddy color most of the year and well offshore.

However, when the wind is raging i've seen this very location a mariners nightmare, the water is frothy brown and angry, the rocks are covered with huge swells and smashing waves.. The river brown water is scary and the currents are terrifying. But for the most part the last leg of the Mighty Mississippi is beautiful and demands the respect of all who travel upon her!
Captain Mike
www.Cajunodysea.com

1 comment:

  1. Get a cutting board or I'll have to confiscate that Freeman for abuse!
    I gotta get a charter on your Freeman, I love that Cat.
    Is the Pink Elephant single? That's a heck of a Fisher Woman!
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