When Blue Marlin Are Around Venice
Blue marlin fishing out of Venice, Louisiana, runs to deepwater canyons, lumps and rigs off the delta. Paradise Outfitters and Super Strike say the fish are around year-round. Mexican Gulf Fishing Co.’s species page says the bite is best in summer. The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic is held in late May.
The sources agree that fish are caught here and differ only on when the bite peaks. For general biology and behavior, see the blue marlin species guide. Tournament months are listed under Tournaments below.
Where Boats Run From Venice
Boats run to the deepwater canyons off the delta. The Cajun Canyons tournament names the Mississippi Canyon and the Green Canyon. For the regional picture, see the guide to the northern Gulf (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
| Canyon | Position | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Canyon | About 12 mi from the river mouth | FishingBooker |
| Green Canyon | 18 to 20 mi west | FishingBooker |
| De Soto Canyon | About 12 mi east | Capt. Morgan |
Mississippi Canyon
FishingBooker puts the Mississippi Canyon about 12 miles from the river mouth. Super Strike lists depths of 1,000+ ft. The Cajun Canyons tournament names it as one of its two canyons, and the floaters sit along it (see Grounds and Structure).
Green Canyon
FishingBooker puts the Green Canyon 18 to 20 miles west. The Cajun Canyons tournament names it as the second of its two canyons.
De Soto Canyon
Capt. Morgan puts the De Soto Canyon about 12 miles east.
Grounds and Structure That Hold Marlin
Marlin are reported occasionally around the lumps. The canyons and rigs below are the plottable spots.
| Ground | Distance | Depth | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Canyon | About 12 mi from the river mouth | 1,000+ ft | FishingBooker (distance); Super Strike (depth) |
| Green Canyon | 18 to 20 mi west | FishingBooker | |
| De Soto Canyon | About 12 mi east | Capt. Morgan | |
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | About 190 ft; 200 to 250 ft; within 200 ft of the surface | FishingBooker; Salt Water Sportsman; Paradise Outfitters | |
| East Lump (Horseshoe Lump) | |||
| Cognac platform | About 40 mi southeast of Venice | More than 1,000 ft | |
| Floaters (Mississippi Canyon) | About 40 to 65 mi out |
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
Sources put the crest of Midnight Lump at about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman), or within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters). Confirm the crest on your own sounder and chart, since chart layers are not for navigation. Marlin are reported occasionally around the lumps.
East Lump (Horseshoe Lump)
East Lump, also called Horseshoe Lump, is the second named lump near Venice. Marlin are reported there occasionally as well.
Cognac Platform
The Cognac platform stands in more than 1,000 ft of water, about 40 miles southeast of Venice.
The Floaters
The floating rigs along the Mississippi Canyon sit about 40 to 65 miles out and are fished from late spring through summer. Local crews call them the floaters.
How Marlin Are Fished Out of Venice
Marlin fishing out of Venice means big-game trolling, mostly run through the charter fleet and the summer tournament circuit.
Trolling
Marlin out of Venice are fished by big-game trolling. Paradise Outfitters’ site mentions trolling for marlin around the rigs.
Local Charters
Three Venice operators list blue marlin, and their boats show what the local billfish charters run:
- Paradise Outfitters marlin trips: 42′ Catamaran, Blue 41′ FinCat, Black 41′ FinCat, and a 36′ Yellowfin.
- Super Strike Charters fleet: 37 ft Freeman and 36 ft Yellowfin options.
- Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. (MGFC): Freeman Boatworks catamarans, including the 42 ft Wild Bill.
For the wider picture, see the billfish charters guide.
Tournaments
Four billfish tournaments target blue marlin out of Venice, from May through August, and all use a modified-release format.
| Tournament | Usual month |
|---|---|
| Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic | May |
| Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic | May |
| Faux Pas Lodge Invitational | July |
| New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament | August |
FAQ: Blue Marlin Fishing Out of Venice
Is there a blue marlin season out of Venice?
Sources describe it two ways. Paradise Outfitters and Super Strike say year-round, while Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. says best in summer. The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic is held in late May.
How far is the Mississippi Canyon from Venice?
FishingBooker puts the Mississippi Canyon about 12 miles from the river mouth, and Super Strike lists depths of 1,000+ ft. The Green Canyon is 18 to 20 miles west. Capt. Morgan puts the De Soto Canyon about 12 miles east.
How deep is Midnight Lump?
FishingBooker gives a crest of about 190 ft. Salt Water Sportsman gives 200 to 250 ft. Paradise Outfitters says within 200 ft of the surface. Confirm on your own sounder and chart, since chart layers are not for navigation. Marlin are reported there occasionally.
Where are the floaters?
The floating rigs sit along the Mississippi Canyon, about 40 to 65 miles out, and are fished from late spring through summer. The Cognac platform stands in more than 1,000 ft, about 40 miles southeast of Venice.
Which tournaments target blue marlin out of Venice?
Four do. The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic and the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic run in May, the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational in July, and the New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament in August. Cajun Canyons names the Mississippi and Green canyons.
How do Venice tournaments handle blue marlin?
Venice tournaments use a modified-release format. Federal HMS rules and Louisiana’s rules both apply. Check NOAA and the state before fishing.
