When mahi are off Venice
Mahi-mahi fishing out of Venice is typically best from spring to early summer, per Paradise Outfitters. Boats leave from Venice, and once you’re offshore, the ground you run to matters more than the calendar. For the wider picture, see the Gulf-wide mahi picture (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
Spring to early summer
Paradise Outfitters puts the best window at spring to early summer, so plan around it first. The floaters along the Mississippi Canyon are fished late spring through summer, which suits anyone who wants the farther structure.
Winter at the Midnight Lump
Mahi were also reported around the Midnight Lump in winter. If you’re already running to the Lump for other species, keep a line out for them.
Where boats run for mahi out of Venice
Boats run to the rigs and the Midnight Lump. Four kinds of structure matter: fixed rigs, floaters (floating rigs), lumps and canyons.
| Ground | Depth | Distance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Canyon | 1,000+ ft | About 12 miles from the river mouth | Super Strike (depth); FishingBooker (distance) |
| De Soto Canyon | About 12 miles 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 | |
| Cognac platform | More than 1,000 ft | About 40 miles southeast of Venice | |
| Floaters, Mississippi Canyon | About 40 to 65 miles out |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
The rigs
The rigs are one of the two main runs for mahi out of Venice. Decide which of the Venice rigs you want to work and fish the structure itself rather than the open water between.
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
Sources disagree on the crest depth. FishingBooker’s Venice fishing overview puts it at about 190 ft, Salt Water Sportsman says 200 to 250 ft, and Paradise Outfitters says it rises to within 200 ft of the surface. Mahi were also reported here in winter.
East Lump (Horseshoe Lump)
East Lump, also called Horseshoe Lump, is another named lump in the Venice grounds.
Cognac platform
Cognac sits in more than 1,000 ft of water, about 40 miles southeast of Venice.
Floaters along the Mississippi Canyon
Floating rigs, or floaters, along the Mississippi Canyon sit about 40 to 65 miles out. They are fished late spring through summer.
Mississippi, Green and De Soto canyons
The Mississippi Canyon reaches 1,000+ ft per Super Strike, about 12 miles from the river mouth per FishingBooker. De Soto Canyon is about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan. Green Canyon is the third canyon within reach of Venice.
How mahi are fished from Venice
The rigs, the floaters and the Midnight Lump hold the fish out of Venice, so most of the planning comes down to choosing which one to run to and when.
Technique for mahi (dolphinfish) follows the same rules as anywhere else. For general mahi tackle and tactics, start there.
Who fishes for mahi out of Venice
Several charters and tournaments run out of Venice. The charters here list mahi alongside other offshore gamefish.
Charters
- Paradise Outfitters: 42′ Catamaran, Blue 41′ FinCat, Black 41′ FinCat and a 36′ Yellowfin.
- Super Strike Charters: 37 ft Freeman and 36 ft Yellowfin options.
- Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. (MGFC): Freeman Boatworks catamarans, including the 42 ft Wild Bill.
- FishNLA (FishN La Venice Fishing Charters and Lodging)
Tournaments
- Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic: usually May
- Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic: usually May
- Faux Pas Lodge Invitational: usually July
- New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament: usually August
FAQ for mahi fishing out of Venice
When is mahi-mahi fishing out of Venice best?
Spring to early summer is typically best, per Paradise Outfitters. The floaters along the Mississippi Canyon are fished late spring through summer.
Can you catch mahi off Venice in winter?
Mahi were reported around the Midnight Lump in winter. Treat that as a report rather than a guarantee.
How deep is the Midnight Lump?
It is also called Sackett Bank. FishingBooker says the crest is about 190 ft, Salt Water Sportsman says 200 to 250 ft, and Paradise Outfitters says it comes within 200 ft of the surface.
How far out are the floaters from Venice?
About 40 to 65 miles, along the Mississippi Canyon. The Mississippi Canyon reaches 1,000+ ft about 12 miles from the river mouth, and Cognac is about 40 miles southeast in more than 1,000 ft of water.
Which Venice charters list mahi?
Paradise Outfitters, Super Strike Charters, Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. and FishNLA.
Which tournaments out of Venice include mahi?
The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic and Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic are usually in May. The Faux Pas Lodge Invitational is usually in July. The New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament is usually in August.
