Venice, Louisiana, a renowned yellowfin tuna destination, witnessed a historic catch on March 7th. A group of anglers, guided by Captain Matt Moranda of The Mexican Gulf Fishing Company aboard the “Wild Bill,” landed a 265.5-pound yellowfin, the largest ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico.
Finding the Strike Zone:
Captain Moranda located pods of menhaden approximately 18 miles offshore, where tuna were actively feeding. Utilizing heavy spinning tackle, 100-pound braided line, and large surface plugs, the anglers cast into the feeding frenzies.
“The bait and tuna were off the rigs in about 200-feet of water,” Moranda recounted. The aggressive strikes of these powerful fish are legendary, known for their violent jolts and immense strength.
The Epic Battle:
At approximately 8 a.m., angler Jason Streeval cast a Daiwa Saltiga “Cuddler” plug into a bait pod. A massive tuna struck, initiating an intense struggle.
Streeval, unable to move the fish or reel the handle, battled the tuna for 10 minutes as it stripped 400 yards of line. The fight was so demanding that the rod was passed between three anglers, who collectively fought the fish for over an hour.
Finally, the tuna was brought alongside the “Wild Bill,” where Captain Moranda and his deckhand, Matt Carrin, secured it with gaffs. The sheer size of the fish required the combined effort of the crew to haul it aboard.
A Record-Breaking Catch:
Back at Venice Marina, the yellowfin weighed 265.5 pounds, with a length of 71 inches and a girth of 56 inches.
While the involvement of multiple anglers disqualified it from IGFA record certification, this catch surpasses the previous Gulf record of 258 pounds, also caught with Captain Moranda in 2019.
“The big tuna show off Louisiana in November, and stay around until spring,” Moranda explained. “They are something special and tough.”
Ready to Challenge the Gulf’s Giants?
This record-breaking catch highlights the incredible yellowfin tuna fishing opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re an angler seeking the ultimate challenge, plan your trip to Venice, Louisiana, and experience the thrill of battling these magnificent fish firsthand. Share your own Gulf tuna fishing stories and inspire others to pursue their own record-breaking adventures!
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
