Blackfin tuna fishing out of Venice runs year-round, per FishingBooker. The lumps carry the winter fishing, and the Mississippi Canyon and the floaters sit within reach of the river mouth. Canyon distances below are measured from the river mouth. Venice has the launch, marina and departure detail, and the species guide covers blackfin biology and habits.
When blackfin are around Venice
Blackfin are available year-round per FishingBooker. What changes through the year is which structure holds the fish.
Winter fishing centers on the lumps. Salt Water Sportsman and Paradise Outfitters both describe winter lump fishing off Venice as the main pattern for the port. From late spring through summer, the effort moves to the floating rigs (floaters) along the Mississippi Canyon. Schools also turn up in open water, where jumping fish give them away.
Where boats run and the structure that holds blackfin
The grounds below run roughly in order of distance where a distance is known.
| Ground | Depth | Distance | When fished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Canyon | 1,000+ ft (Super Strike) | About 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker) | |
| De Soto Canyon | About 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan | ||
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | Crest about 190 ft to 250 ft, by source | Winter | |
| East Lump (Horseshoe Lump) and the eastern lumps | Winter | ||
| Cognac platform | More than 1,000 ft | About 40 miles southeast of Venice | |
| Floaters along the Mississippi Canyon | About 40 to 65 miles out | Late spring through summer | |
| Green Canyon |
The lump crests and canyon edges read clearly on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Mississippi Canyon
The canyon drops to 1,000+ ft (Super Strike) about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker), which makes it the closest deep edge to the river mouth. For grounds beyond Venice’s range, see the wider Gulf blackfin picture (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide).
De Soto Canyon
De Soto Canyon sits about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan.
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
Midnight Lump is fixed bottom structure and the main winter ground. Sackett Bank is the same feature. Sources give three crest figures: about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman), and within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters).
East Lump (Horseshoe Lump) and the eastern lumps
Boats run to Midnight Lump and the eastern lumps in winter. East Lump is also known as Horseshoe Lump.
Cognac platform
The Cognac platform stands in more than 1,000 ft of water, about 40 miles southeast of Venice.
Floaters along the Mississippi Canyon
The floating rigs lie about 40 to 65 miles out along the Mississippi Canyon. They are fished from late spring through summer, the warm-season counterpart to the winter lumps.
Green Canyon
Green Canyon is a named canyon ground in the Venice range.
How blackfin are fished out of Venice
Fixed structure suits a chum slick, and moving schools suit casting.
Chumming at the lumps
Chumming is the local method at the lumps. Because the lumps are fixed structure, the boat works a known spot instead of searching. Captains set up over Midnight Lump or one of the eastern lumps and let the slick draw fish.
Running at jumping schools
One captain runs at jumping blackfin schools and casts small plastics and poppers on light spinning gear. In open water the fish give away their position by jumping, so watch the surface. This is one captain’s method and not a rule for the port.
Who fishes for blackfin out of Venice
These Venice charters list blackfin tuna.
Paradise Outfitters
Paradise Outfitters in Venice runs a 42′ Catamaran, Blue 41′ FinCat, Black 41′ FinCat, and a 36′ Yellowfin.
Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. (MGFC)
Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. (MGFC) runs Freeman Boatworks catamarans, including the 42 ft Wild Bill.
Relentless Sportfishing
Relentless Sportfishing is run by Capt. Joey Davis.
FAQ
Are Venice blackfin around all year?
Yes, year-round per FishingBooker. Winter fishing centers on the lumps, and the floaters are fished late spring through summer.
How deep is the top of Midnight Lump?
Sources differ: about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman), and within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters).
How far is the Mississippi Canyon from Venice?
About 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker), in 1,000+ ft of water (Super Strike).
What do local captains use for jumping blackfin?
One captain runs at jumping schools and casts small plastics and poppers on light spinning gear. Chumming is used at the lumps.
How does blackfin compare with other tuna fishing out of Venice?
Blackfin is one of the tuna fished from this port. The other species are covered in our tuna fishing guides.
