Golden tilefish fishing out of Venice starts with a short run: Mississippi Canyon drops past 1,000 ft about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker). This page lists the named deep structure within reach of Venice, Louisiana, with depths and run distances attributed to the source that reported each one. For biology, depth range and season in general, see the species guide. The wider picture is in the golden tilefish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
When the Fish Are Around and How Far Boats Run
Distance is the first number to plan around. These are the run distances for the named grounds in range:
- Mississippi Canyon: about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker)
- De Soto Canyon: about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan
- Cognac platform: about 40 miles southeast of Venice
- Floaters: about 40 to 65 miles out along the Mississippi Canyon, fished late spring through summer
For spawning and seasonal timing of the fish themselves, use the species page. Run distances are measured from the river mouth, so add the run down the river to your fuel estimate.
Grounds and Structure Off Venice
The table covers the named deep structure in range, grouped as lumps, canyons, then platforms and floaters. Depths and distances are given as each source reported them.
| Ground | Depth (source) | Distance (source) |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | crest about 190 ft (FishingBooker); 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman); within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters) | not listed |
| East Lump (Horseshoe Lump) | not listed | not listed |
| Cognac platform | more than 1,000 ft | about 40 miles southeast of Venice |
| Floating rigs (floaters) | not listed | about 40 to 65 miles out along the Mississippi Canyon; fished late spring through summer |
| Mississippi Canyon | 1,000+ ft (Super Strike) | about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker) |
| Green Canyon | not listed | not listed |
| De Soto Canyon | not listed | about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan |
Canyon edges and lumps show on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
Three sources give three crest depths: about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman), and within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters). Check your own sounder when you get over it.
East Lump (Horseshoe Lump)
East Lump, also called Horseshoe Lump, is named shelf structure near Venice.
Mississippi Canyon
Mississippi Canyon drops to 1,000+ ft (Super Strike) about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker). The floaters line this canyon.
Green Canyon
Green Canyon is a deepwater canyon within Venice’s range.
De Soto Canyon
De Soto Canyon sits about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan.
Cognac Platform
Cognac stands in more than 1,000 ft of water, about 40 miles southeast of Venice.
Floating Rigs
The floaters sit about 40 to 65 miles out along the Mississippi Canyon and are fished late spring through summer.
How Golden Tilefish Are Fished Out of Venice
Locally, golden tilefish are fished by deep dropping. The Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. fishing index lists golden tilefish as a Venice species and shows it with a deep-drop photo. For rigs, reels and deep-drop technique, see the deep-drop guides.
Who Fishes for Them From Venice
Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. (MGFC) lists golden tilefish among its Venice species. Its fleet is Freeman Boatworks catamarans, including the 42 ft Wild Bill.
FAQ: Golden Tilefish Fishing Out of Venice
How far is Mississippi Canyon from Venice?
About 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker), in 1,000+ ft (Super Strike).
How deep is Midnight Lump?
The crest is about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman), and within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters).
How far out are the floaters?
About 40 to 65 miles out along the Mississippi Canyon, fished late spring through summer.
How far is the Cognac platform?
About 40 miles southeast of Venice, in more than 1,000 ft.
Which Venice charter lists golden tilefish?
Mexican Gulf Fishing Co., which runs Freeman Boatworks catamarans including the 42 ft Wild Bill.
