Looking for an adventurous fishing trip? Well, you’ve come to the right place to experience the most thrilling fishing experience of a lifetime – oil rig fishing in Venice, LA! Oil rig fishing is considered by many fishing pros as some of the “most exciting and best fishing in the world”. Here we take a closer look at the ins and outs of rig fishing as well as providing some tips on how to catch a big one. Check it out…
The first oil rig platform positioned itself off the Louisiana coast in 1947, and since then the population has grown to more than 3,700. So many, in fact, that it has essentially created a man-made reef, home to several different species of fish – speckled trout, snapper, amberjack, grouper, lemon fish, redfish, shark, tuna, wahoo, and marlin just to name a few.
“Fishing floater rigs out of Gulf ports such as Venice, LA has a way of spoiling fishermen. Don’t expect blue marlin every trip – yellowfin and blackfin are much more common – but instead expect the unexpected,” as stated in an article from Sport Fishing Magazine.
Location, Location, Location. Not all rigs are built the same (different depths and rig structure play a role), and the quality of water surrounding it also has a lot to do with the success of your fishing trip. An experienced captain is vital to sorting through the structures that aren’t productive and will seek active rigs that have good water conditions and plenty of baitfish. These key features will attract species like tuna, wahoo, and blue and white marlin.
Time of Year. The time of year to go rig fishing will also play a role in what you catch. Yellowfin tuna are available year-round. The best months for larger wahoo topping 50 pounds are December to March. Blue and white marlin are available in the summer months, especially from May to July. Early fall also lends itself well to catching a white. All in all, the fall and winter months off Venice are recognized as the best months to fish offshore because of the clean water that pushes closer to shore. The largest wahoo and yellowfin each year are caught during this period.
Use the Right Rod and Bait. Because many fish species swim at the surface near oil rigs, you have the advantage of sight-fishing. After arriving at a rig, immediately check for surface action. Yellowfin and blackfin tuna will sometimes launch from the water, attacking baits at the surface. Make sure to have a spinning rod rigged with a disturbance popper such as a Shimano Orca. Best surface baits for marlin are bullet bonito, so it’s a good idea to keep a few in tuna tubes on the boat. Other baitfish that have proven successful are blue runners, threadfin herring, and speedos.
Ready to book your next oil rig fishing trip in Venice, LA? Call us today at (504) 909-TUNA for more information or to check availability.
