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
