Anyone done any fishing out or Venice, MS, Pensacola…or similar locations on the gulf? I have been looking at trailering the boat down there sometime. I want somewhere with a run no more than we make in Charleston(preferable shorter) with the opportunity to catch some yellowfin and the usual suspects. Anyone done this? Thoughts? What time of year is best? I really am just starting to look into it.
We go to the Keys every year with the boat and that’s a blast. I figure if I can haul the Bluewater that far, I can make a similar run to other locations. Thanks!
I fished out of Hernando Beach (north of Tampa). That area is so shallow, we went out 40 miles or so and it was only around 50’ deep. We bottom fished for grouper though did catch one king. The guy I fished with said to troll for dolphin, etc… he has to go out a good bit further.
You might want to consider Alabama if you you want to go to some nearshore rigs. Orange Beach or the Gulf Shores area is really nice. The Gulf is pretty shallow until you get past the barrier islands but the inshore fishing is really good in that area. Venice, La. is also a great place if you want to go for redfish and trout. From Venice, which is pretty much the end of the road down the Delta, the rigs are relatively close and the inshore creeks (called Bayous down there) are full of trophy sized trout and reds. It can get really nasty out there at the mouth of the river though, so you should not consider the rigs with less than a 24 footer. At the rigs, whether in Alabama or Louisiana, you can expect to catch a wide variety of fish. Trout, flounder, snapper, grouper, cobia, king and spanish macs, and some of the largest croakers known to man. It is definitely exciting fishing down there.
PioneerLouie
Pioneer Venture 175, Johnson 90
Summerville, SC
I have fished out of Venice for several years before Katrina and before Horizon disaster. So I’m a little outdated but it used to be great. Out of the Venice marina it’s a long run in protected waters of the delta through southwest pass or south pass usually. Once through inlet your in 1000 feet 6-10 miles out. Generally fish the rigs 10-30 miles off going rig to rig stopping for rips or weed lines between. Tuna and wahoo bite was great. On the way back in stop at the closer rigs for cobia and amberjack good fun. Get a rig hook and stay overnight depending on the boat.
Have fished it in a 23 cc, 42 Bertram, and with capt Mike Frennete and sons. Coming back in with the 23 could indeed get hairy at sw pass. Best talk with locals for easiest inlet if weather kicks up. would definitely fish it again someday.