Venice Tuna Fishing

Deepwater Anniversary.... Please remember the lost, brave men!!

2011-04-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Contact: Kim Amendola FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

727-551-5707 April 19, 2011

NOAA: All Federal waters of the Gulf once closed to fishing due to spill now open

More than 1,000 square miles opened today

NOAA today reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 1,041 square miles of Gulf waters immediately surrounding the Deepwater Horizon wellhead, just east of Louisiana. This is the twelfth and final reopening in federal waters since July 22, and opens all of the areas in Federal waters formerly closed to fishing due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This reopening was announced after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and under a reopening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states.

“I am pleased to announce that all federal waters affected by the spill are now open to all fishing,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Administrator. “I thank fishermen and the public for their patience and FDA for its support and cooperation throughout this process while we worked diligently to ensure the integrity of Gulf seafood.”

NOAA sampled this area between November 11 and November 14, 2010, March 12 and March 16, 2011, and March 28 and April 1, 2011, for potentially affected finfish, including tuna, swordfish, and escolar. Sensory analyses of 86 finfish samples and chemical analyses of 112 finfish samples in eight composites followed the methodology and procedures in the reopening protocol, with sensory analysis finding no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis for oil-related compounds and dispersants well below the levels of concern. All test results are publicly available.

As announced on October 29, NOAA and FDA developed and implemented a chemical test to detect the presence of dispersants in fish, oysters, crabs and shrimp. The level of concern for dispersants is 100 parts per million for finfish and 500 parts per million for shrimp. The test can reliably detect Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) at levels of 2000 times below the lowest level of concern. The results of chemical testing showed that 99 percent of samples contained no detectable dispersant residues, and the few samples that did contain dispersant residues showed levels more than 1000 times lower than FDA levels of concern.

“Throughout this process, public health and safety has been our primary goal,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “This has been an extraordinary team effort and the reopening of these federal waters serves as a dramatic example of what cooperation between federal agencies can accomplish.”

NOAA continues to work closely with the FDA and the Gulf states to ensure seafood safety. Thousands of test results, all publicly available, prove Gulf seafood is safe from oil and dispersant contamination.

The total area reopened today is about 0.4 percent of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico and 100 percent of the formerly closed area, as last modified on February 2, 2011. No oil or sheen has been documented in the area since August 4. At its peak, the closed area was 88,522 square miles, or 37 percent of Federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Find us on Facebook.

On the Web:

History of federal reopenings in the Gulf: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/BPOilSpillArchives.htm

– 30 –

Venice Louisiana Deep Sea Fishing "Summer 2011"

2011-04-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

April 2011 marks the one year anniversary of the BP “Deepwater Horizon” Oil Spill. Many avid fishing enthusiasts are wondering what the effects have been in the area they frequent several times a year for charter fishing. Venice, Louisiana is located so close to the deep water canyons of the Gulf of Mexico making the sport fishing opportunities world class. Venice is home to several major IGFA sport fishing tournaments each year. In the world of on-camera fishing personalities; anyone, who is someone, films a television show in Venice which airs to millions of viewers. Captain Mike Gray, Cajun Odysea Charters, located in Venice says “the fishing is better than ever.” Captain Mike reports that limits of yellowfin tuna are being caught, the mahi-mahi are already showing up and “YES” huge blue marlin are being caught. Populations of reef fish including red snapper, amberjack and grouper are abundant. June marks the opening of some reef specie seasons and Gray says “the snapper and grouper are so thick limits can be caught in just minutes.” One of the reasons for the increased catch in Venice can be explained by Dr. Russell Chianelli who is a professor at UT and says “There are organisms that eat oil called Hydrocarbon Degraders”… “These organisms consume oil creating CO2 and H2O and more of themselves. Approximately, 50% of the petroleum goes to making biomass and then goes up the food chain.” Gray, who runs a charter business in Venice, Louisiana, www.CajunOdysea.com supports Dr. Chianelli’s theory stating, “We have seen an increase in bait fish, which in turn has brought more game fish.” Until I heard this theory, I had no explanation for the incredible fishing. I thought since the Gulf of Mexico had some closed areas last year during the “Deepwater Horizon” accident that the lack of fishing pressure had increased the number of fish. However, as the fishing continued to get better and better I questioned my original theory. As we took customers into the Gulf to target Yellow Fin Tuna I was seeing more and more bait. I have recently witnessed things in the Gulf I have never seen including bait pods the size of football fields and millions of bait fish that are only seen occasionally in our area. Additionally, Dr. Russell Chianelli says “After every major oil spill there is an explosion in the number of fish and other marine creatures as they consume the Hydrocarbon Degraders. Everywhere in the ocean oil seeps occur. In fact, many of the deposits in the Gulf of Mexico were discovered by observing Oil Seeps.” Venice, Louisiana is located 70 miles south of New Orleans which makes adding a charter fishing trip a definite possibility if you are traveling to “The Big Easy” this summer. Captain Mike Gray says “Catches of Yellowfin Tuna can be caught offshore along with Red Snapper, Amberjack and Grouper.” Trips depart daily from Venice Marina returning late in the afternoon. Your catch is filleted, bagged and loaded in your cooler for transport. Heck, you can be back in the Crescent city for dinner if you choose.

Venice Tuna Fishing: Venice Louisiana Offshore Tuna Fishing Charters

2011-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Venice Tuna Fishing: Venice Louisiana Offshore Tuna Fishing Charters

Venice Louisiana Offshore Tuna Fishing Charters

2011-04-01T07:23:00.001-07:00

Summer outlook 2011 for Venice Louisiana Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Venice Louisiana has been nothing less than incredible. Check out the pictures on http://www.cajunodysea.com/ and see for yourself. If you have time read the new testimonials, they speak volumes about the incredible fishery in Venice. The fall of 2010 brought the largest push of Jumboz behind the shrimp boats that we have ever seen. Then the hardcore winter months we struggled a little due to high winds and big seas. But ole man winter let loose to a beautiful spring early on in February and the fishing has been stellar. Because the fishing has been so incredibly consistent since the oil spill it is my prediction that the summer of 2011 in Venice will go down in the history books as possibly one of the best years of fishing anyone can remember. If you have been planning a trip to Venice Louisiana this is the year to "Run, Don't walk".. Make plans now, choose a reputible guide and head south to lower plaquemine parrish. Best- Captain Mike Gray http://www.cajunodysea.com/

Venice Offshore Tuna Fishing

2010-05-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Venice Offshore Tuna Fishing
May 6th

Venice Tuna Fishing and Offshore Blue Water Fishing is on Fire in Venice !! What? Wait a minute I heard fishing had been closed in Venice Louisiana. NOPE, nothing could be farther from the truth. But the oil spill is another Katrina, I heard the oil is worse than the Valdez. I heard….I heard…..I heard….
Well let me tell you from ground Zero it is not gloom and doom, the fish don’t glow in the dark and we are not wiping oil off them before we put ‘em on ice.
So, can I go on?
This fishing trip had been coordinated by Eric Newman of Blue Runner Foods and more specifically the absolute best Blue Runner Beans on the planet earth. Eric had assembled a crew for mass destruction. On the boat were myself, Eric Newman, Captain Will Wall, Captain Steve Thomas and the Louisiana Sportsman TV crew.
Captain William Wall is my longest time friend and my homie for more than 20 years. He’s my brother from another mother, Will and I have been roommates, we’ve done things that set records together but mostly we’ve evaded the law and capture !! When we are together, you can bet something is happening.
Eric Newman is a sales rep for the Louisiana based Blue Runner Foods group and he has the triple engine, bad a$$ wrapped Triton that will take us to the killing grounds. Eric is an avid offshore fisherman and he understands the bad press Venice has been getting. So on this day he has set up the team of death for a dream TV show on his sled.
After Eric prepares an epic meal of Shrimp and Grits, he and I start working on final tackle preparations. We spool up and top shot the brand new out of the box shiny, blinging Okuma gear that will be tested tomorrow. Each one gets the finishing touches of Frenzy Flourocarbon and Frenzy circle hooks… Each Okuma popper rod is finished with a uni/uni knot to about 1ft’ Flourocarbon leader and a Frenzy Angry popper. And the last rigs in our arsenal are the small but strong Okuma reels and jigging rods finished in the same way but using the Frenzy Angry Jigs. OH< and one last statement when rigging the big 50 wides that will play a part later in this story was and I Quote from Eric Newman: “Do you have a drag tester so we can properly set the drags?”….and answer from me as I swig my Miller Lite “don’t worry about that, just give ‘em a pull then clik it 4 more times”….
Thursday morning arrives and we roll out. Note in the pictures how calm the gulf was for this day of killing. We rolled to our spot almost **70** miles offshore and we were fishing at 7:30AM. We made bait on one rig and had to move about 15 miles to the rig that held the fish. Tuna lines went in the water with fresh live bait at 8:02.25 sec. First fish 8:02.50sec. OH, and second fish came at some point in the minute of 8:03 !! The Yellow Fin Tuna were there and they were hungry. The fish were jumping all around the boat, what an areal display we watched.
So, after our near limit of Yellow Fin Tuna Captain Steve Thomas, director of the Cajun Canyon Billfish Classic said this water looked perfect for holding some Big Blue Marlin. On that command we switched gears and put out a Billfish spread that would produce more Yellow Fin tuna to round out our limit and YES a nice 300 ish pound Blue Marlin strike. Our fight was short lived due to a broken line but never the less we had the prefect day…(UM< Broken line? 50Wide? Drag Tester?) ooooppppssss…Sorry for the quick but decisive Lite Beer advice …. WE turned the Blue Runner Triton North and put the Verados to a RPM that only the Kingfish people would run, in short order we were inside South Pass and screaming past the light house near 57MPH. This show will be aired on Thursday night on Coxnet in Louisiana. www.LouisianaSportsman.com

www.CajunOdysea.com
Captain Mike Gray

800 LB Mako

2010-03-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Venice Tuna fishing on fire? Mako Sharks Venice Louisiana as normal? So, YellowFin Tuna fishing has been hit and miss for several months in Venice. One day the Yellow Fin Tuna fishing is world class, literally we run out of fish box space and the customers say “No-Mas”, let’s go catch something else Captain.. Then like children on Christmas Eve all of us Charter Captains can’t sleep that night anticipating the next day and sure enough the Grinch stole Christmas. Where did the Tuna go? What happened?
Well not this past week or let’s just say we got two days back to back….. On Friday and Saturday Captain Eddie VanGordon fished the Glacier Bay for www.CajunOdysea.com.
On Friday he had a group from Killer Bee Bait and on Saturday he had the Nguyen group from Houston, TX.
On Friday Captain “One-Eye-Ed” knew exactly where to get started on the Yellow Fin Tuna and boy he was right, they were there thick. The trick was using Frenzy fluorocarbon and hiding the 7/0 Frenzy Circle hook inside the chunks. But what most people do not know is **TIP** when you are chunking if you will add menhaden oil to your slick you will increase the activity of the fish. Whether you know it or not, whether you see them or not most times when you are chunking there are fish working in your slick. If you add an attractant it will get these fish excited and aggressive. Killer Bee Baits produces a variety of menhaden oil that is second to none and we always use this product. Check ‘em out!!! Killer Bee Bait Inc. produces and distributes frozen and shelf stable fish bait, chum, and oil products. The company’s brands include Ribbon Fist, Killer Hoo's, Hookem, Moonshiner's, Chum, and Killer Bee's Menhaden Oil. The company is headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi….. OH, and one last **TIP** on chunking, make sure to add a variety of bait to increase the activity. I like to take a bag of squid, cut them up and toss them in a 5 gallon bucket with about 2inches of Killer Bee menhaden oil, I let them soak and as I’m chunking I toss some cut, soaked squid ! This really works well for me !!
On Saturday the plan was the same the Nguyen group wanted fresh Sushi and Captain “One-Eye” new their address. OOOOOPPPPSSSS, where are the YellowFin? Another light switch day? After about 15 minutes on the spot, the deck hand for the day, Bryson Ball spotted a jumping Mako chasing an airborne King Mackerel. Then shortly after that Bryson spotted either the same Mako Shark or another one surfing in the face of a 4ft blue wave, this time the fish was closer and the crew got a GOOD look at the monster.
Being a seasoned Captain, “One-Eye-Ed” instructed a customer to get a King Mackerel out of the fish box and asked Bryson to cut this 3ft piece of bait in half. The Captian already had the “Mako-Rig” ready; all he had to do was add the bait. Captain “One-Eye” uses a Shimano 80 wide, on a Melton Tuna Lifter (CTL 5080WO-UB) spooled with Jerry Brown Hollow Core 130LB line then connected by Loop/Loop connection to a 20’ wind on aircraft 700lb steel leader built by Jimmy Gilet @ Professional Sports in New Orleans and finally a hook the size you saw in “Jaws”….. OK, so it’s ready, the Mako rig is now baited and two huge sharks have been spotted in the first hour of fishing. The crew is having a blast jigging and catching Blackfin Tuna, King’s and other time filler fish, while Bryson cuts and chum’s his fish killing heart out.
The moment of truth: Bryson looks into a wave and the 800LB Mako is eating in the slick!! Bryson grabs the ready and most deadly Mako rig on the planet and tosses the 10lb bait to the fish, sure enough the fish breaks out of the wave and goes straight down for the sinking mackerel. Wholly, $H!T, is all the crew can say as they watch the beast eat the bait. At this point everyone realizes they have the fish or maybe this fish now has them? As Bryson watches with anticipation the line is zipping off the 80 wide in free spool, the fish stops and Bryson knows the time is coming, the fish it absolutely totally eating the bait, 700lb steel aircraft cable and all. Captain “One-Eye-Ed” gives the go ahead and Bryson locks her down. Eddie eased the throttles in gear and the line comes tight Bryson sets the hook and the fish goes airborne !! It’s here and now, it’s really happening. The fish jumps, and jumps and jumps to no avail on his part. At one point Bryson remembers saying “look at that fat belly, that fish has a gut as wide as a California Red Oak” he could see the sagging in the fish’s Jaw and just new this was a true trophy. Now the jumps had turned into tail walks, this fish was screaming across the surface like a Blue Marlin. Now the beast is ripping line from the 80 wide like it’s a Zebco 303…. The charter crew suits up and the rod transfer is done. These guys are in good shape, they are great anglers but they are small guys, two of them hold the harness (that we have secured to a cleat) while one helps his buddy hold the rod.
The fight was epic, the beautiful blue color of this apex predator is shiny, beautiful and the black eyes are most mysterious. This really is a dangerous fish. The battle raged on for over 2 hours. Bryson recalls “there were times we had the fish close to the surface and in sight but every time we thought the fish was beginning to tire, it would peel line again.”
At this point the sea condition had picked up and a small craft advisory had been put into effect, there was a massive rain and cold front approaching and the winds were forecast to increase over 40knots. There were other charter boats fishing around the CajunOdysea team, but they were leaving one by one. Each Captain offered assistance and stayed in radio contact as long as possible with Captain “One-Eyed-Ed”…. One by one they left and all alone in 4-6ft seas with increasing winds was this vessel, crew and this fish, each determined to wind the battle.
Finally, the moment of truth the big fish’s dorsal fin was on the surface and the CajunOdysea team took this opportunity to ease beside the fish. “The fish was calm, not scared and continued to swim on the surface” remembers Bryson. Captain “One-Eye-Ed” eased the boat beside the fish; Bryson readied the Top Shot flying gaff that had been secured to the port cleat. It’s now, the time is here? As Bryson recalls the thoughts in his head, he says to me, Michael “it’s here all I’ve fished for and now it’s here. This is the biggest fish I’ve ever seen alive!” as he goes on, “When I gaff this fish will it jump? Could it pull the cleat out or worse will it dig the corner of the boat into a wave face?” He clearly explains there was a calming voice in his head saying “Dear Lord, what is about to happen?” He does it- the gaff is sunk into the fish’s gills and wholly hell breaks loose. The fish surges straight towards the depths and then WHAM the 20ft of ¾ inch rope slams taught, the cleat holds and Bryson recalls with clarity “the boat did in fact surge under, the “Y” on Yamaha went totally under water this fish has pulled the corner of the splash well into the sea.” The Captain eases the Starboard engine in gear and the fish is caught and tangled like a spinning alligator in the rope “One-Eye-Ed” seizes the opportunity and continues to drag the fish backwards effectively drowning and killing the beast.
Un-able to load the fish into the boat with the weather quickly deteriorating the CajunOdysea team pulls the fish backwards onto the swim platform between the engines as far as it will go, then they tie it off with 4 ropes and bring the 26’ Glacier Bay Catamaran to plane dragging the fish to Venice Marina.
Once at the Marina there is a crowd gathered and the fish quickly becomes the center of attention. Bill Butler, one of the owning brothers of Venice Marina has heard of the catch, he already has the scales and fork lift ready to get the fish up and weighed. Everyone works quickly and the final weight is 798LBS of pure Mako-Madness. The crew cleans the fish, baggies up the fillets and the jaws were removed from the head. This fish will feed many people and the memories of Saturday March 20, 2010 will remain etched in the minds of these fine anglers and crew for the rest of their lives.

For your offshore fishing adventure check out our team www.CajunOdysea.com

Best Fishes-
Captain Mike Gray
www.CajunOdysea.com

Venice Offshore Tuna Charter

2010-01-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

Offshore Charter References and Qualifications

Things To Check Out When You Book A Tuna Fish Charter
Too many times choosing your Offshore Charter Service is like going to an employment interview, you ask a few questions, make small talk and basically try to “Size” up the Captain. If you like him and he is pleasant BOOM you are sold and he has a trip. Not long into your marriage you find out there were a TON of questions you should have known the answer to BEFORE you took the plunge.
So; to help maximize your day offshore I’m going to recommend some really intuitive ideas and peel the layers back so you can expose the Captain and/or the Charter Service.
Most Charters booked are quality and professional operations. When booking through the internet it is wise to ask some TOUGH Questions. Although there may be some references or testimonials on his site still ask the Captain to provide you with the last 3 client’s name and contact information. This will give you a good idea of the last times your Captain has been on the water.

Check the Captain and his Charter service at places he would not expect

For instance, call the Marina he fishes out of and inquire about him there. Get a decision maker on the phone; ask for the owner or manager maybe the dock/harbor master. Ask them the same questions you have already asked the Captain when you spoke with him: Does he fish regularly? When was the last time they saw him out? Did the speaker see his catch? What’s the word around the dock about his Charter operation?
Another place to call is lodging facilities if your Captain recommends lodging you can bet they know him and his service. They too see his customers and they know if he caught fish or not, they know if the customers are worn out and happy!!!!
And one final place you could check is local tackle shops, you can ask them what kind of gear your chosen Captain brings in for repair or if he has purchased his tackle there what kind did he buy. Generally speaking, ask if his tackle is top notch or sub par.
These are just ideas and will spark honesty from one source or another.
Look for a *Guarantee* and ask your Captain what is the policy for un-happy customers, ask him to provide his guarantee in writing before your trip.
Ask your Captain what’s his typical day during the specific time of year you plan to book your trip and ask him what specie of fish he will target. Make sure he understands your wishes and desires. Ex. If you are a young gun and all you want to do is kill a TUNA make sure your captain is an expert at killing TUNA you don’t want a Red Snapper minded Captain. On the other hand, if you only want to target reef specie fish like Amberjack, Red Snapper and Grouper, make certain your captain understands and doesn’t haul you to the TUNA grounds, regardless.
Let’s discuss some misconceptions, shall we?
Flashy and fast boats are only impressive to their owners. This DOES NOT mean that a Captain with a nice sled isn’t a “natural born fish killer,” I’m only saying web site photos of the boat need to be considered with a grain of salt.
Sponsorships DO NOT make your Captain a PRO by any means. Remember, these are all good, fine and dandy but what you really want is a Captain that will give you a pleasurable day offshore catching fish to make memories for a lifetime.
If there is a bad or poor report on a blog or website this does not dis-credit your chosen Captain. Quite often poor reports are simply a matter of miss-communication between the guests. There is always one person who arranges the trip and everyone else just pony’s up their share. Sometimes they (the friends) don’t know what they are signing up for.
AND FINALLY:
Make sure the Captain and operation you are considering are insured and be sure the Captain is properly licensed. Make sure your Captain is USCG licensed (Coast Guard)
I highly recommend checking references and credentials.

To your day offshore-
Captain Mike Gray
www.CajunOdysea.com

Venice Louisiana Wahoo Fishing

2009-11-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

Venice Wahoo bite is definitely world class.
There are many species of fish to catch in the fertile waters just offshore in Venice. In an effort to help each reader become a better fisherman, I'm going to be specific and target ONE species of fish.
*****WAHOO*****
Here we go!! Reels and equipment: I typically use Shimano 50 wides, YES smaller reels will work but NOTHING less than a 30 wide or I promise disappointment is coming your way. I like the larger equipment because I typically target Jumbo Yellow Fin Tuna and the occasional Mako on the same day. BUT for this blog we are speaking only of Wahoo. I spool my 50 wide Shimano with a Jerry Brown backing, then top shot with Yozuri HD Pink fluorocarbon of 80lb up to 130lb. By doing this you have plenty of backing and a line that will last many, many seasons. Also, once you learn to work with the Jerry Brown hollow core line, you can repair it, add to it and put loops as needed all at 100% line strength. I don't use snap swivels, personally I think they are too large. IF I USE a snap swivel, I will put it on the 130LB simply because of the knot size when tied to the steel leader.
Speaking of leader, I use 90lb or 110lb single strand piano wire (if you will).... I DO NOT USE the 7strand or multi strand. YES it is easier to work with initially but it cost you bites. HOW, the strands open and water goes through when trolling causing bubbles and a "Misty" look running through your leader. I use small barrel swivels, connected with a haywire then connected to the bait with a haywire twist.
Baits commonly used in Venice Louisiana are Mann's stretch 30's in Pink, Braid Maruder's in Mackerl and Blue's and Bomber CD 30's as well as Rapala Magnum X-Rap in Bonito pattern.
For the fisher person that is just starting make sure to get several kinds of diving baits in different colors and make sure you change the hooks and split rings immediately, DO NOT FISH the hooks and split rings that come factory on the bait. YES, you can pull Wahoo bombs or you can use downriggers, but for simple wahoo fishing I've explained bait choices, colors, rigging and tackle.
NOW let's talk where and when: Typical water depths in the 200ft range around rigs and don't forget to look on your sounder and pull contour lines. Fish will be in deeper water and a little shallower. Concentrate on the rigs, buoys and rip lines that are present close offshore during the winter. You should be NO FARTHER than 30ish miles from the pass but you will most likely have to go at least 12 to 18 depending on which pass you leave from..... So, if you bring your boat over from out of state and you are afraid to run 15 miles out of the pass before you begin fishing, you best pick another specie of fish, like trout or redfish...
As always I like to peel the layers of the onion back for you and expose the hidden and forbidden.
1) Murky water will be ok. Green is fine and Blue in not necessary.
2) Pull a ton of structure until you find the fish, don't be scared to hit 20 rigs in an attempt to locate them.
3) Change baits and speed until you key in on the fish, once you have their number work 'em over.
4) Set your reels with ALOT of drag, a hoo hits a bait and holds on to it then spits it if you don't have enough drag. You want the hoo to hit the bait and have a huge fu$kn surprise :)
5) Finally, check out the pictures on this blog and check out my site for videos of hoo rigs and Venice hoo lures.

Best Fishes-
Captain Mike Gray
www.cajunodysea.com

2009-11-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

Captain Mike Gray
601.573.3403
captainmike@cajunodysea.com
www.cajunodysea.com

Captain Gray,
I wanted to thank you once again for the Best Offshore Experience of my life. I have never ever had a Captain try so hard to meet my every desire, and that you did. In addition, I wish that I had invested in Shimano before you purchased your equipment, it looked like you had $50,000 in new rod and reels alone.
My original goal for the trip was to fight a Mako shark. Never would I expect would we bring up and play for thirty minutes with a 17 foot, over 1000 pound monster Mako. I have videos that I will send you under separate email. You letting us catch and fight and bring onboard a 500 pound hammerhead shark so that we could take good pictures was OVER THE TOP. And we got to release it back into the sea unharmed.
As offcatch, I additionally caught the largest Wahoo I had ever seen, the largest Amberjack I had ever caught, the largest King Mackerel I had ever seen, at least 10 blackfin sharks, 50 or more blackfin tuna, 50 or more Bonita in the process. (Did I mention that on my last outing with you I caught the 9th biggest Tripletail that has ever been caught in Louisiana)
We left the dock an hour before the other charters and returned an hour later. To add icing on the cake, your deck hand, One Eyed Ed, is a Captain himself and what a job he did. If only you had let him blind gaff the monster Mako, we either would have been the cock of the dock for years to come, or would have met our Maker that very day. That shark was almost worth the risk.
I have never before gone on a trip where the Captain was more excited about the trip and the catch than I was. I am a fanatic myself and you make me seem calm. I guess that is because you love to fish and do it because you want to.
Most other offshore trips I have been on, the Captain seemed like he was on autopilot, like driving a bus, wanting to make the daily catch and get back to the dock. They appeared to be there because that is what it took to make their boat payment and provide for their family. Rarely am I on trips where I am allowed to catch anything that I want to , be it a shark or AJ, especially if we were on a tuna trip or swordfish trip....
I can't say enough about what a special fishery that you have in Venice, Louisiana both inshore and offshore.
You can count on it, I will be back and soon. I want to catch my Mako, I want to experience the world class Wahoo bite in February and I want to catch one of those monster Swordfish. I would like to catch Yellowfin on topwater and with suspended baitfish over the top of the water with a kite.

Thank you for making this trip something that I will never forget.

I would be pleased to give you an unconditional reference and to talk to any prospective customer that you need me to.
Mark McMillan
979.268.7447
mmcmillan@genemco.com

Shrimp Boat Tuna

2009-10-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

When the reports first come that the Yellow-Fin Tuna have moved in behind the shrimp boats, run don’t walk to Venice Louisiana….

Shrimp boat Tuna feed in a pecking order and swim in like size schools. I never leave fish to look for fish, what I’m saying is if you find the right boat with the JUMBOZ then you are set I’ve never caught a popcorn size Yellow behind a shrimp boat.

So, how do you do this, how do you find these magic boats with fish holding ability. OK, let’s start with season, reason and then how to, shall we?

1^st season: If you read the blog you will see I spoke about fall fishing and the signs of migrating tuna just about 1 month ago. Fall is a time for Game Fish to fatten up for the winter. Shorter days and cooler water temperature spur the Yellow Fin into feeding mode.

2^nd reason: Shrimp boats offer easy meals and tons of food. By-Catch is discarded and HUGE Yellow Fin Tuna along with Black Fin, Bonito’s and of course Sharks lurk in the prop wash waiting for this easy meal. Also, for some reason the larger shrimp boats move offshore in pursuit of their catch. I don’t know anything about shrimping and I have no idea why these boats move offshore in the Fall, I have no idea why they are not out in this area all year, what I do know for certain is they are not in this area but once they move into this deeper water here come the TUNA.

3^rd How to: I’m going to be very specific, this is the behind the scenes, “Only known information by the Charter Captains”. Are you familiar with Venice Louisiana? Do you fish Venice Louisiana? I’m sure this method works farter West into Texas and most likely towards the East through Mississippi and on into Florida, but for our conversation I’m talking **SPEFICIALLY** about Venice Louisiana.

Look for the boats in the 200ft. range of water depths you can concentrate in areas of blue or blue green water color. Once you spot a boat on the horizon continue to the boat and get you a bucket of chum ready. We use Porgies, Bonitos and any other chum we can get off the cleaning table. Cut this up into bite size pieces and pull right up behind the shrimper. Tip: put about ¼ of a 5 gallon bucket full and throw this into the prop wash of the shrimper, you should see bonitos and possibly some black fin show up, this is a good sign and the beginning of the food chain, once they are there chum harder and faster working the fish into a frenzy, don’t stop or you will loose them back to the shrimper and there you will be floating by yourself…. Let’s assume the black fin are there, increase the size of your chunks, earlier I told you to cut them small OK now throw larger bait and start catching some black fin, keep this going and keep a look out for the HUGE Yellows.

Let’s talk about tackle for these fish. I like to use NOTHING less than a 50 Wide Shimano on a 50-80 Melton Tuna stick spooled with 130lb Hollow Core Jerry Brown and top shotted with 80lb Momoi and finally finished off with 100lb YoZuri HD Flourocarbon tied to a Mustad Demon of 9/0 or larger hook. I know that sounds technical and I mentioned some brand names. (Hello Sponsor?) DO NOT TAKE Shitty equipment or faulty knots into this situation. Don’t cut corners on tackle and don’t use old line or drags that have not been checked. If you are reading this and my other posts don’t waste your time and go half cocked, you WILL be disappointed.

Last week I caught a 193lber check out the photo posted with this blog.

Good luck, Great fishing and Tight lines.

Captain Mike Gray

www.cajunodysea.com

2009-08-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Catching Live Bait 101
First let me be specific in this discussion. We are talking about Venice Louisiana, there is muddy river water on our run down river and back up. There are only LIMITED ways to keep bait alive in our marina AND there are no LIVE BAIT BOATS....What i'm saying is you MUST catch your bait daily, use it or loose it:)

Now with that understanding let's keep this discussion to Summer fishing, Venice is very seasonal and the "Live*Bait" discusssion could go on forever. There are several kinds of summer bait we use, Thread-fin Herring, Small Hardtails, Large Hardtails, Bar-Jacks, and ButterFish (that's what I was told they are)....As well sometimes we can catch Scads or Disco Minnows ? ? (don't know what they really are)....

First we start in the mornings by scanning the shallow water near the passes, if you choose Tiger pass, Southwest, South or other similar passes such as Flat-Boat or Baptise make sure you scan the area as you are heading to deeper water. Look for diving birds and busting King Mackerel. Spend some extra time "Tooling" around this area, if you pass the bait you have already limited your chance of success on YellowFin Tuna by one bait species. It is possible to find Threadfin Herring deeper and they do move up and down the coast line.

Second, stop at the close in rigs to pick up some hardtails, I will use two different sabiki's in order to catch different size biat. I use a really small sabiki, like a #4 and on my other bait rod I use a larger sabiki with a much stronger hook, maybe a #8.....Get as close to the rig as you feel comfortable and work as tight to the structure as possilbe. Don't pass up the single rigs, pipes or bouys, often these hold tons of bait and are void of the predators that steal your biat like sharks and barracuda.

Finally, hit the destination structure once you are on the Tuna ground, it is possible the exact bait the Tuna are feeding on can be caught right there where you are fishing. Don't bank on this and pass the bait early, it is likely you could regret this move.

Other areas to look for bait along your way out are grass lines or floating objects. If bait is spotted put a small sabiki on and catch a few more, at this time it is possible you will need to use a smaller weight.

Let's talk about the actual rig for catching bait: I use a spinning reel spooled with power pro of 20lb diameter and start with a 1oz pyramid sinker. If there is no current or if the bait is real shallow I change to a 5/8oz tear drop sinker. Remember to always use two different sabiki's and two different size weights, unless of course you are really catching them on one (1) specific set up.

I feel this worth mentoning, if the Threadfin herring are on top, similar to the way Mullett swim, don't throw a sabiki with a big weight, you will go through the school and fish beneath them. And as far as tips or hints here you go.

Hint: Always use a de-hooker and never touch the biat THE WILL DIE.

Hint: Do NOT allow your anglers to put their hands in the bait well or wash off in the bait well

Hint: If the ThreadFin are on the top use a weighted popping cork where the weight would go. :)

Hint: Try up-current and down current side of the rigs and try different depths

Good Bait Catching to 'ya,

Captain Mike Gray
www.cajunodysea.com

2009-08-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Venice Louisiana Open Water Tuna Bite:

Change is in the air; Yes, I know it is hard to feel right now but if you wait for the Robbins, Spring will be gone.

The Gulf of Mexico especially in Venice Louisiana is feeling the change as I type. Open water schools of Tuna migrating in the Gulf of Mexico are now making their presence. I have witnessed two Whale Sharks in as many weekends and each of these massive fish were loaded with Yellow Fin Tuna Fish. To be honest I'm not sure why these species migrate together but for what I'ts worth this is my conclusion. Whale Sharks feed on plankton which in turn hosts itself in nutrient rich waters. These waters are green in color and have an abundance of life. For instance, recently I noticed a TON of Jelly Fish migrating in this color water and where they are the Tuna are. Why do you think? Do you think Jelly Fish feed on plankton as well? OK, so let's say that is so, then it makes sense where I see this form of life the food chain is begining>>>> When I see this type of life I also witness an increase in flying fish and porpises.

What does this mean to you the fisherman? What I'm saying is I have witnessed two Whale Sharks and sevearl open water schools of Tuna. So what? Big Deal! Well, if you know how to fish them and you are ready for them, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. But HOW do you capatalize on this situation.

Above I told you what to look for, right? Now let's assume you are heading out for the day and you know this situation is a possibility. 1st catch bait in shallow before heading offshore. (That is a whole other subject and I'll cover soon).....But let's assume you have read this, you are leaving port and headed offshore, you have caught your bait, small hardtails, big hardtails and some Threadfin. You are on a course and the water is dingy, you cross over into cleaner water and you see some birds in the distance....Do you deviate off course to check 'em out? YES, this time of the year you head to 'em. On the way you witness small fish jumping, do you slow down for a re-up on drinks and a Pi** break? YES. Now you are becoming aware of your surroundings while maintaining your integrity to your final destination. OK> So the birds are working small open water mackerel, now you leave get back on your heading and a few minutes you see some porpoises and a ton of bait....WO, let's look around for a few minutes. Look into the water is there about 20 to 40 foot visibility? Jelly fish? Clean Green? Are you marking anything on the sounder? Do you see anything around?

Are you getting the picture here? I'm not talking about sitting dead in the water for any length of time but what I'm trying to get you to do is familiarize yourself with what "Could be"....

Alright, now you are back on plane, you are cruising and you see the fish busting, what to do?

Well, let's talk about this. 1st and foremost you are in these fish by yourself no one is miles around so we are going to approach and fish these "Open-Water" fish different than if we are SHARING a rig with other fishermen. As you are cruising to these fish get your anglers to make ready, and get an angler to hook two DIFFERENT size and/or kind of live bait....Get them ready while you are cruising, keep them in the live well ALIVE and try to keep them tangle free. Here we go, as you are approaching the fish try and determine which way they are moving/feeding and run right into the middle or a little ahead of them, pull the throttles back and have your anglers deploy the lives as you are coming off plane, don't drag them off the hooks and don't kill them. BAM ! BAM ! Walla- you're hooked up.

Maybe you did not get hooked up, reel 'em in and watch for the school, if you can determine which way they are going, get in front of them and this time deploy the bait slower and a little more tactful, maybe this approach will work.

At any rate when the Tuna are busting around the rigs and you are fishing amongst other anglers DO NOT PUT AN ANGLER ON THE FRONT OF THE BOAT AND CHASE THE TUNA THROWING POPPERS! Not only will you NOT catch a fish neither will anyone else....

Good luck fishing FALL Yellow Fin Tuna in Venice Louisiana

Captain Mike Gray
www.Cajunodysea.com

2009-08-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Fishing to Hear Rodeo, Venice Louisiana 2009.

First let me start by thanking Darryl and Christina Couvillion for their commitment to raising funds for children who have hearing impairments. I also want to say "CUDOS" to Venice Marina and the gracious owners that were on the docks working hard to make this happen Mike and Bill Butler are wonderful stewards of Plaquemines Parrish and Venice waters. Thanks to all the Captains (20) or more that donate their time, knowledge, boat and tackle to raise the funds for this special event. http://www.fishingtohear.org/

The event starts with a "Block-Party" that includes fun for the entire family. This year there was a great band, wonderful food and fun things for the kids as well as some adult beverages. The weather was great and the raffle was fun, the winners were announced and the fishing day had been set.

The next part of the event, which is leading to the fishing itself, is the registration and Captains Party. This is a special time where the children meet each other and the winner of the donated funds is announced as well as past winners give testimonials of how this one special event changes their ENTIRE lives FOREVER. (wow, that is powerful)....

Sunday morning the boats line up and the fishing day is here. FTH provides drinks, sandwiches, chips and snacks to all the Captains and fishing crews for the day.

SO, it's 6am and were off.

20 Venice Captains competing against each other for a trophy and bragging rights. All I can say is these guys are the best in the business and I'm proud to call them my friends! We fished in one area catching Yellow Fin Tuna like crazy. But what made the day so special was each Captain used the radio to call over other boats, friends and Captains to get in on this action. Although, we were each trying for the "Cock of the Dock" and the FTH trophy, each Captain was a true sport and put everyone they could reach on the exact Latitude and Longitude of these open water busting Yellow Fin Tuna.....

The day concluded with a weigh in and handing out of trophies and YES another successful FTH rodeo was bagged up.

Captain Mike Gray
www.cajunodysea.com

2009-08-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

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