Venice, LA USA

 The tuna bite continues to be red hot.  Fished with Bill Colville on Friday and put a pounding on the yellowfin.  Sure made it nice to catch 7 of the 12 in the first hour. Also, had the pleasure of fishing on the side of the Pale Horse.  Which as many of you already, is always funny on the radio.

 Fished again on saturday with a different crew.  We were the first boat there and it payed off.  Made bait easily and it didn't take long.  First bait out got robbed.  As I was reeling that line in the other line went off.  We fought that fish for a hour before sinking the gaff it.  During that hour the wind was steadily picking up.  Did manage to catch 3 more yellowfin and 3 dolphin before heading to the barn around noon.

  We do have a couple of days open next week, if anybody wants to get in on this great tuna bite

Capt. Chris Helveston
www.duesouthfishing.com
(337) 256-1299
tunamanchris@yahoo.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 @ 10:44:55 AM

Venice, LA USA

 The tuna bite continues to be red hot.  Fished with Bill Colville on Friday and put a pounding on the yellowfin.  Sure made it nice to catch 7 of the 12 in the first hour. Also, had the pleasure of fishing on the side of the Pale Horse.  Which as many of you already, is always funny on the radio.

 Fished again on saturday with a different crew.  We were the first boat there and it payed off.  Made bait easily and it didn't take long.  First bait out got robbed.  As I was reeling that line in the other line went off.  We fought that fish for a hour before sinking the gaff it.  During that hour the wind was steadily picking up.  Did manage to catch 3 more yellowfin and 3 dolphin before heading to the barn around noon.

  We do have a couple of days open next week, if anybody wants to get in on this great tuna bite

Capt. Chris Helveston
www.duesouthfishing.com
(337) 256-1299
tunamanchris@yahoo.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 @ 10:29:03 AM

Lafayette, LA USA

3 Tuna Trips with Capt. Chris (Heavy)
Helveston:

Trip 1- Fourth and Fifth of July   
    Capt. Chris, Bill C. and Michael (Pink Pirate) Savoy headed south to the Tuna grounds.  Pulled up at 2 different rigs and watched with dismay as all boats except us were hooked up with fish after a couple hours of this, Capt. Chris screamed "no mas" (or something like that) and we headed off to the Buffalo Hole.  On the way there, we ran across a whale shark and pulled 2 nice Dolphin off his back.  We continued on to the hole.  Upon arrival, 2 live baits are sent out and 'BAM' Marlin on one bait and Tuna on the other. (About 2:30 in the afternoon) The Marlin didn't cooperate and spit the hook, while the Tuna wasn't so lucky, on the board.  We picked up 4 more Tuna quickly and watched in amazement as a 600 plus pound Marlin (Yes! 600 plus) took off with an unfortunate hardtail.  I grabed the rod and set the hook, and she Rose up out of the water to show her displeasure and also show off her massive body.  Capt. Chris told me that if I didn't want the Rod, he would take it. RIGHT! It would have taken more than Chris and the Pink Pirate to wrestle that Rod away from me.  Chris backed down our 33 World Cat at full Throttle as water came over the 300's and into the boat (Damn the motors, they were still under warranty)!  We fought the fish for an hour and were treated to numerous spectaular runs before finally getting the leader to the Rod and Breaking her off.  High Fives celebratory brews, and back to the Barn.
    Day 2 we arrived at the hole early and Boated 6 more large yellowfin.  Enough already, headed home at 11:30 a.m.

    Trip #1  Eleven large yellowfins  1 Extremely Large Blue Marlin.

Trip #2  Mid August
    Capt. Chris, Bill C., Buzzy and Steven Thomson and Friend Hunter headed out to the Green Canyon at 8:00 a.m. for an overnighter.  Had a hard time catching bait, but finally ran across the Rip 80 miles offshore and loaded the livewell.  Made it to the Rig about 3:00 p.m. and put out the baits.  Boom non stop action on yellowfin, blackfin and Dolphin.  We had the terrible misfortune of filling up all available space of the boat with fish.  Time to abort the overnighter and head home (8:30 p.m. - not even dark yet).

   Final Score   11 Yellowfins
4 Dolphins
Numerous Blackfin

Trip #3 September 3rd
    Capt. Chris, Bill C., Doug
(Barrell Grouper) Stutes, and Michael
(Pink Pirate) Savoy heading offshore early A.M. Saw a beautiful sunrise (all of us except the Pirate, who was feeling the effects of Rum and sleeping it off) about 40 miles offshore, arriving at our destination, we proceeded to fill both live wells with hard tails and were ready to fish.  After catching barely legal size yellowfins (releasing most) for 2 hours, we decided to search for something much larger.  Bingo- immediately after putting out baits at our new spot.  Fish on (actually 3 Fish on) we landed 2 of the 3 (much nicer fish -80 to 90 lbers).  Next pass, Double again.  Doug (Barrell Grouper) Stutes lost his Tuna virginity and was treated to a Tasty Tuna heart.  Other boats moved in and our non stop action slowed down.  Then, the highlight of the day.  A Blue Marlin pounced on a bait, behind the motors, but disappeared leaving only the hook.  So close.  We finished out our limit and headed home.

    Final Score  12 Yellowfins

    Do the math, 3 Trips, 34 Yellowfins and 1 Large Blue Marlin.  I don't think it can get any better, but you can Bet we will keep trying.  For a great Tuna Trip, call Capt. Chris Helveston.  You probably won't regret it.
      Phone #337-256-1299

                Bill Colville
                Lafayette

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 @ 9:00:00 AM

Venice, LA USA

Well...all I can say is that it's really nice to be back on the water. We fished with the same group Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of this week and had a great time with the Georgia Boys. Day 1 we made bait easily and while catching bait we caught a couple of medium sized dorado. We headed to the tuna hole and managed four nice yellowfin before the day was done. Day 2, bait was a little harder to come by for us, however, it seemed a little easier for others. Once again, we happened upon a school of dorado while catching bait and caught dolphin after dolphin until the Georgia Boys had had enough! By this time it was noon and we ran to the closest rig for some tuna fishing, but we could only produce a few small yellows. Day 3, all the stars were in line. Bait was easy to come by, and we only had to make one stop for tuna. We caught yellows until the customers cried uncle and we finished the day with 12 yellowfin, 11 in the 30 lb. range and 1 going 80 lbs. We also had a little bonus of 4 additional mahi. All in all, a great 3 days!
If you want to get in on this type of action, we do have a couple of days available next week, so please give us a call at 337.256.1299 or email tunamanchris@yahoo.com Due South Fishing Capt. Chris Helveston (337)256-1299

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 @ 10:28:33 PM

Venice, LA USA

Sunday was a day that started out choppy. We were doing a TV show with Blair Wiggins of Addictive Fishing. Perfect bait was easy to come by, but our first stop only produced a shark and one blackfin, so we proceeded to head South. We ran across a tree on our way, and as soon as we stopped, the dorado were thick. While pitching live baits to the dorado, we had a visit from the man in the blue suit who was attempting to eat the mahi hiding under our boat. We never could get a hook in him, though, so after catching several nice dolphin, it was on to the next rig. Seas were steadily increasing, but we did manage to get one small yellowfin in the boat before hooking a really nice yellow only to have him pull the hook after an hour-long fight that drug us a mile and a half from the rig. After losing the fish, it was time to make the trek back North. We did manage to get some good TV footage out of a pretty rough day.
We will be back out on the water this weekend, and are looking forward to nice weather and calmer seas. We have two days (Wed/Thurs) available next week and the fishing should be getting back on track. Give us a call! Captain Chris Helveston Due South Fishing 337.256.1299 tunamanchris@yahoo.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008 @ 9:39:37 PM

Venice, LA USA

Oh, the joys of Hurricane Season in South Louisiana! Although Gustav rained on our parade a little last week, it looks like we will be spared from Ike.
That means we're ready to go fishing! Power should be restored any day now in Venice, and we're looking forward to getting back out there to fight the tuna! Attached are a few pictures from our last trip before the storm. Fishing has been great all summer, and should only get better in the next few weeks.
Give us a call if you are interested in getting in on some awesome tuna action!

Capt. Chris Helveston
337.256.1299
tunamanchris@yahoo.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 @ 9:04:24 PM

Venice, LA USA

This was my Second trip to Venice fishing for Tuna with longtime friend Richard Draper "Bowed Up" and his good friend and Teacher of Tuna for the Venice area Chris Helveston with Due South Fishing www.duesouthfishing.com.  In addition, three of my best friends were in attendance as well, Steve, Jim & Sean.   Thursday, we fished two different rigs.  The first rig was a bit slow yet brought in one really nice yellow fin.  Then headed off to another rig south of our first stop; upon arrival at the second rig it was not long before we had 3 on and fighting to stay in the boat!  We caught 7 yellow fin and a 400lb blue marlin.  On Friday, after a long steady search for live bate we hit the mother load with some great live bate to work with after going 30 miles off course just to find them.  It was worth every mile!  We got into some great yellow fin and a couple over 100 lbs with one pushing 140; we iced 8 yellow fin.  So after two days of hardcore fishing we iced about 1500lbs of Sushi grade yellow fin!!!

On my first trip to Venice we fished at night with top water and I thought that I'll never experience another like it.  We'll although it's tough to beat 40-70lb tuna hitting top water I must say this trip was equally as awesome!

Not to mention in my book between Richard and Chris you can't put two better fishermen on one boat!  These guys are magical when it comes to fishing!  See you soon.

Highly recommend Due South Fishing!

Respectfully submitted,

Newly appointed "Human Winch"


Capt. Chris Helveston
(337)256-1299
tunamanchris@yahoo.com

Monday, August 25, 2008 @ 2:16:29 PM

Jeanerette, LA USA

Fished with Captain Chris Helveston on the Due South out of Cypress Cove Marina in Venice. It was a pleasurable experience as always, Capt Chris really knows his Tuna Fishing. Fished East of the river and landed 3 Yellow fin in the first two hours. Had Three rookies on the boat, and all three landed fish and got christened by eating raw, still pumping Tuna heart, gotta love it. I view Chris as one of the top Captains when it comes to Tuna, he is quite determined to put them on board.

Monday, August 25, 2008 @ 7:37:49 AM

Venice, LA USA

The fishing has been nothing short of great.  Had the pleasure of fishing with long time friend and customer Richard Draper from Houston.  On Thrusday, fished two different rigs.  The first stop produced one nice yellowfin, so headed south.  When we pulled up to the second rig, it game on.  We were rewarded for the long run with the last fish of the day being a nice blue marlin.  No matter how many you catch, it is still a sight to see a live bait trying to get away from a hungry blue.  Ended up with 7 yellowfin and one blue marlin.  On Friday, the tuna bite was pretty steady again.  Finished up friday with 8 yellowfin, with the biggest weighing in at #129.

Have a few days open in Septmeber, if anyone wants to get in on a great tuna bite.

Capt. Chris Helveston
(337)256-1299
tunamanchris@yahoo.com   

Sunday, August 24, 2008 @ 8:35:51 PM

Montgomery, TX USA

Went out on a 2 day tuna trip w/ Chris Helveston; Due South Fishing 8/9-8/10 out of the Venice Marina. We enjoyed some EXCELLENT fishing w/ Chris despite less than desirable conditions on the 9th. Chris worked extremely hard to put us on the yellowfins which paid off with great action both days. Let me tell you the man lives and breathes tuna fishing 4 man fishing group took 14 yellowfins collectively in the 60-100 lb class with 27 hook ups total. We also had a hook up with a bruiser Blue Marlin that spit the bait after a good 100-150 yard sprint. I HIGHLY recommend Chris and Due South to anyone looking for a trip. He is extremely knowledgeable and without a doubt went the extra mile to ensure a memorable trip and that we got our moneys worth. By far the best $$ I've spent chasing tuna out of Venice. Let Chris' experience fill your coolers/freezers!!

Monday, August 11, 2008 @ 11:17:52 AM

Venice, LA USA

Hello everyone!!  Well my Blue Fin experience is over and it was rather interesting.  After the hurricanes, i left for the Northeast for blue fin. Well i was blown out for a week with winds the locals said had never lasted that long. (figures). I came home and regrouped for the Blue Fin run in North Carolina.  Things started slow and remained slow.  Over the course of a month we had about 10 hook ups landing 3 fish with only 2 of those being legal size (72"or > ).  Again, locals said it was the worth season they have ever seen.  Boats were up for sale.  Women screaming for their husbands to get a REAL, not REEL, job. It was so bad that even on flat calm days boats stayed in to rather than waste money.  The fishing was not good but I learned a ton from some very good captains.  I met a bunch of great people and some friendships that will last forever.  The one things that I am sure of is, I am glad to be back in GODS country.  When you leave the Louisiana coast to fish elsewhere, you start to appreciate the fishery we have here!  The boat is just about ready and i am very ready to get back to smoking the yellow fins.  We plan on being ready by the weekend to put a full assault on the lump.  Look forward to fishing with my great customers and meeting new ones.  See ya on the water in GODS country.

Capt Chris

(504) 481-1327

Monday, January 23, 2006 @ 8:26:14 AM

MIS-PLACED, LA USA

Hello everyone!!!  Really glad to see the site up and running again.  We made it through the storm fairly well considering what could have happened.  We were able to save the catamaran but did lose the bay boat.  I am currently in Cape Cod honing my skills on the massive Blue Fin tuna.  I will probably finish out this year on the east coast.  All plans are to be back in GOD's country for the lump season. We see you all on the lump next year!!!!!

Capt Chris

Thursday, October 13, 2005 @ 9:09:14 AM

Groesbeck, TX USA

FISH ON!!! These are two words that we heard all day long when Capt. Chris Helveston of Due South Fishing put us on the Yellow Fin Tuna this past Sunday. My brother and I purchased a trip with Due South Fishing through the Mississippi CCA banquet this year and boy was it worth it. Besides my brother and myself my brother's wife also joined us, and my pretty 10 year old neice Hayley which was the best fisherman in the boat. It was all of our first times getting to land Yellow Fin Tuna and Capt. Chris knows his fishing. Like my brother already said in another article Capt. Chris donated this trip so he made nothing and you would have never known it. The best catch of the day was getting to watch my neice land her 65 lb. Yellowfin with Capt. Chris' help, Capt. Chris was just as excited as we were to assist Hayley in landing her first Yellowfin and was very patient in doing so. We landed 4 more Yellowfin weighing from 80-90 lbs, with our arms tired and legs like Jell-O we told Capt. Chris we had had enough. If you or someone you know is considering an offshore fishing trip do not pass Capt. Chris Helveston and Due South Fishing up, I highly recommend them to anyone not scared to land lots of fish. Great Job Capt. Chris! Thanks!  

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 @ 7:38:27 PM

Venice, LA USA

Well the tuna bite continues!!!  Friday we had a crew from Florida and the wanted tuna a night.  That is just what the got.  Arrived at the rig just before dark and managed several yellowfin on live bait and a nice bull dolphin.  It did not slow when the sun fell. The bite continued on yummee flynfish and poppers. Were back at the dock by midnight with 7 yellowfin between 50-80 lbs.  Sunday we had a CCA trip and it was non stop action.  All the fish were caught on live bait.  10 year old Hayley was ready to strap into a tuna and she got what she asked for.  She did a great job getting the fish in. It is great to watch kids catch their first yellowfin.  If you just catch one and the child catches it, the memories of that one fish will last a lifetime. We ended the trip early with 5 yellowfin and were back at the dock by mid afternoon.  Catching 5 50-80 lb yellowfin in a short time will wear you out if you have never done it!!!  Great job by both crews.

We do have a few weekdays open this week and next week so give us a call while the are biting the bait right behind the motors!

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 @ 8:19:40 AM

Madison, MS USA

Several months ago I attended the CCA Mississippi Banquet and purchased quite a few fishing and hunting trips at their auction. One of the trips I purchased was a tuna trip with Capt. Chris Helveston of Due South Fishing. I finally took some time off from work and booked the trip with Due South this past Sunday. My wife, brother, and 10-year old daughter made the trip with me. It was our first time fishing for tuna and it was unbelievable! Capt. Chris put us on the fish and we managed to get five yellow fin (all in the 60 - 80 lb range) in the boat while many other charters fishing around us went home with nothing. We probably could have caught more but physically couldn’t handle it and asked Capt. Chris to take us to the dock. Capt. Chris was very patient with us and really encouraged my wife and daughter. The greatest part of the trip was watching my 10-year old daughter land a 60lb yellow fin with the help of Capt. Chris. What’s even more amazing is Capt. Chris did all of this knowing he was not getting paid. That’s right; he donated the trip to CCA Mississippi for their auction. Capt. Chris went above and beyond on this trip. He really knows his stuff and I would highly recommend him to others. His number is 337-256-1299 and has a link on this website.

Troy Brooks

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 @ 12:42:26 AM

Venice, LA USA

What an unbelievable day.  We had the big dogs from Zebco/Quantum on board yesterday to get their taste of yellowfin.  It started out as normal.  Off to the bait hole and bait came easy.  First stop was a short run and first bait out BAM!! fish on but only to be lost. Then, the fish just turned off. Picked up and ran to the next stop.  The fish were busting but simply would not hit anything.  We tried everything in the boat and nothing.  We made the decision to run and try to catch bait that was just a bit smaller and try that.  We made another run to catch bait.  Started catching bait and a single yellowfin busted behind the boat.  Slipped a bait out the back and fish on.  Got him in the box and start letting another one out.  This bait did not make it far before it was crushed! We land that fish and catch more bait.  Put 2 lines out this time and double hook up.  Now as we are fighting this fish, the water 360 degrees around the boat 500 yards out is nothing but yellowfin!!!!  The were so close to the boat you could have free gaffed them.  One yellow jump towards the boat and every just ducked.  We literally thought is was going to land in the boat.  Thank god, I think, it missed and landed right between the pontoons.  All this time we are still fighting 2 fish.  One of the other guys throws a popper and when the bait its the water fish on.  The original two fish or put in the box and the fight continues on the top water fish. He about gets him to the boat when the line break. At the same time the other guy is throwing a top water.  He never knew the fish broke off but is working his bait across the top.  His treble hook actually catches one of the other treble hooks on the fish the broke off!!!  He proceeds to reel that fish in for a seconed time!  At 2:15 we had 0 fish.  We turned north before 5 with 7 yellowfin in the box and 1 released.  The guys just looked at each other and said why in the world do we go to Florida to catch tarpon?  This is what we SHOULD have been doing.  Just when you think you have seen it all, you realize you have not.  That is the beauty of offshore big game fishing.  It is always an adventure and you have a new experience everyday.  I guess that is what I and so other many people love about it.

Give us a call for some yellowfin action.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Thursday, July 28, 2005 @ 8:03:20 AM

Venice, LA USA

More ups than downs fishing for us since the last post.  Most trips have been very productive. We did have one bad day last Thursday on a CCA trip.  Just had a tough time all day.  It was just plain bad but that is fishing and you have to move on.  Other than that trip, we have caught a lot of yellowfin with some trips producing over 20 yellowfin (releasing many).  Saturday we had 4 teenagers on board and action was the game plan. Stopped and caught bait easily and turned south.  We came across rip and spotted some chicken dolphin which is perfect to get the kids started on.  Put out some baits and numerous times all the lines went off!!  Lines and rods everywhere and chicken dolphin flopping all over the boat. We stopped at about 20 and left for the tuan. The tuna "bite" started great but we went 1 for 3 on the first 3 baits out.  During this time had a little excitement as a marlin knocked one of the live baits out of the water and made a short run.  It did not last long but it always gets the blood pumping.  But, boy was this marlin hungry.   Al Walker had him on for a while just before we pulled up and then he it us then hit all again 2 more times!!!  The boats started moving in (6 or 7) by this time so we headed south.  Not much happening out there but did manage to put a wahoo in the box.  On the way in, we stopped and picked up 6 rainbow runners.  Good trip overall but you always want more yellowfin!  Yesterday was a different story. We had Richard Draper and crew from Houston. Stopped and caught bait then headed straight for the rig we fished Saturday.  Different day different story. Non stop action from the first line out. We were back  at the dock by around noon with 8 nice tuna in the box.  All of the tuna have been coming on live bait on light line and small mustad circle hooks. Our most success on dolphin has been on Carolina Lures blue/white tuna buster skirted with a ballyho which is also the lure the wahoo fell for. Will be back on the water for the rest of the week looking for tuna.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Tuesday, July 26, 2005 @ 8:11:52 AM

Venice, LA USA

For the most part, the tuna fishing has been outstanding.  Sunday was the only "slow" but we still managed 2 yellowfin, wahoo, dolphin and some blackfin.  Yesterday was a day all to itself.  It started out slow as we left the dock late.  We stopped and caught bait then made our way to the first stop.  Capt Devlin was there and we watched the whole ordeal with the marlin.  The fish was free jumping and crashing bait.  It was a sight to see.  We headed south to the "honey" hole and it lived up to its name.  We immediately started hooking tuna from the first bait out.  They were just sitting behind the motors waiting on a bait to come back and smash it. One time we were able to get 2 baits back and it was a double hook.  The tuna were simply everwhere!  Sometimes they would come up and we were surrounded by busting tuna.  The great thing about all of these fish was that they were in the 70-100 lb range, ALL of them.  It got so bad the drag would just run while they fought over who had to reel this one in!!!!  At 4:30, they said "do not put another bait out, head north now!!"  In the end we boated 12 yellowfin, keeping 8. The largest fish went about 120lbs.  They were all caught on live bait.  It is a day we will never forget and one the customer will talk about for a long time.

I have a few picture from Sundays trip with Mike Munnerlyn and Crew.

Capt Chris
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com
337-256-1299

Thursday, June 30, 2005 @ 8:11:39 AM

Venice, LA USA

The fishing over the last week has been nothing short of outstanding.  We have been running mostly offshore trips with a few inshore mixed in.  Most of the tuna trips have been to the floaters.  We have been most successful with live bait which has been easy to come by on the grass patches.  WE have had a lot of hook ups on every trip with many double and triple hook ups and numerous dolphin and wahoo while trolling.  Most of the fishing trolling are hitting a cedar plug or blue/white tuna buster with a ballyhoo.  The fish on live bait have been on the larger size for this time of the year.  Most of the fish have been right around or just over the 100lb mark. Some of the greatest fish caught are the ones caught by the tuna virgins especially the kids.  In the past week, we have had 5 kids catch their first tuna and one was as young as 10 years old!!  There is nothing that makes you happier than to see their smile when the fish hits the deck!  We have had some over night trip but most trips barely made it into darkness.  The ice chest have been full so we hook a few just so they can see the awesome strike at night. At night, we are casting poppers and floating yummee birds back in the current where they are getting crushed. One suggestion people who are coming tuna fishing for the first time, bring enough ICE CHESTS!!!!  One crew brought one 54 quart ice chest.  When they left Venice, they were the proud owners of a new 120 and 90 quart ice chest.  These fish yield a lot of meat and it dont take long for 4-5 100lb tuna filets to fill an ice chest.  

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Friday, June 24, 2005 @ 8:07:43 AM

Venice, LA USA

Not sure where to begin. Crazy few days before the wind picked up and now back to the chaos.  Thursday before the weather picked up we had Tom Fles and crew out for some action (tuna, dolphin) whatever as long as it pulled.  The showers made us bump around a bit but the day was very productive.  Landed yellowfin, blackfin, and many dolphin with the largest around 40lbs. We also did a little rig fishing. Most of the fish were hitting a blue/white cedar plug and blue/white tuna buster skirted with a ballyhoo.

Yesterday we were with Blair Wiggins filming an episode for Addictive Fishing.  The current was tremendous but the fish were there.  First pass trolling, knock down.  Second pass was a triple hook up.  We landed 3 yellowfin and 12 black fin.  The black fin were just thick.  We were gaffing a fish and had left the feather jig sitting in the water. A black fin exploded on it just sitting there.  One of the yellow fins spit the hook right at the boat but we were quick on the gaff and free gaffed him.  It was on tape and should make great footage. We also caught some fish on chum but most trolling cedar pugs, daisy chains and feather jigs. In 4 hours, the camera man had all he need and Blair wanted a little night time top water action.  4 cast 4 hook ups and it was time to go to the house.

We will be on the water a bunch in the next few weeks wind permitting.

Capt Chris
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 @ 1:26:12 PM

Venice, LA USA

Sounds like the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic was a great success!  Unfortunately, we were unable to fish because of a hold up with some paperwork on the new boat.  But, everything is in order and we are back on the water.  The 33'Tournament Edition World Cat is just an absolute machine!!  This book will give us many more fishing days and more comfort for our customers.  We drove it in from Paradise Marine on Friday.  My mom has done so much for me and she has never been here to fish with me.  So, it was only fitting that she be on the boat for the maiden voyage and be the first to put a fish in the chest.  Her and my dad came down on Saturday and about midday we went to the rip for her to catch some dolphin.  As soon as we got there, we were catching chicken dolphin.  Then on the next pass, a nice dolphin hit and she fought it like an old pro.  Most of the dolphin hit the blue and white tuna buster skirted with ballyhoo.  After putting the dolphin in the ice chest, the baits were back out.  It did not take long for more action!!!  Mom was in the front and my dad running the boat when a dark shadow came darting through the spread. I knew immediately what it was, MARLIN.  He hit the left outrigger with great force and the line started screaming.  The fight was over quick but it is still a great thrill.  Needless to say my mom is hooked and may become a regular.  

Capt Chris
337-256-1299
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 @ 8:45:55 AM

Venice, LA USA

It has been a while since our last post.  Between inshore and offshore, we have stayed on the water.  We have been having nice catches offshore both during the day and at night.  During the day, we have had good success chumming at the platforms but we have caught tuna trolling and with live bait when we had it. At night, we have been throwing poppers and yummee flying fish (glow and regular).  Last trip out we made a long run south for some night time top water tuna action.  We hooked many fish.  The tuna won quite a few battles but we managed to put 5 nice yellowfin in the box.  Had a number of 100 lb + fish on but on spinning tackle they will win their share of fights.  Going to be on the water, weather permitting, for the next several days.  Looking forward to fishing the Cajun Billfish Classic next weekend.

The brand new 33' TE World Class Catamaran is at Paradise Marine as I am typing this report.  The engines are being mounted and electronices installed.  The plan is to have it ready for the Billfish Classic next weekend.  This boat will give us more fishing days and our customers more room to enjoy their trip.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Friday, May 27, 2005 @ 11:08:19 AM

Venice, LA USA

SMACK DOWN!!   Last night was just plain ugly.  Left the pass and pointed the bow south.  After a few hours, we stopped to make bait.  Bait was easy to catch and we also noticed a few dolphin cruising around so we put out the lures.  It took a few passes but we landed a dolphin and a few blackfin.  We had a little time before dark at the rig so we put out the spread and and made a few laps.  The water was cyrstal blue and 78 degrees.  The yellowfin would not hit the troll but we were able to pick up a few black fin.  We night fell it was ON!!!!  The yellowfin were not "busting" but the bait was flying and the water boiling.  EVERY cast produce a yellowfin strike.  We threw yumme fly n fish, and other assorted top water poppers and plugs.  It did not matter.  Over the next few over, we lost count of the yellowfin we hooked up on.  Most fish were between 30-50 lbs and a few close to 75.  The largest was one well over 100lb that broke the line just outside gaff range.  That is a large fish to catch on spinning tackle.  On the way in, we decided to stop at one rig "just to see".  Killed the engines, grab the rod and we were hooked up.  4 cast 4 hook ups 3 landed.  We called it a night as we were low on ice and completely out of ice chest space.  The final count in the box was 10 yellowfin, 5 blackfin and 1 dolphin.

When the weather allows, the top water action for tuna is on. Give us a call to catch these bruisers on top water with spinning tackle.  It is a whole new adventure.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Monday, April 4, 2005 @ 3:55:05 PM

Luling, LA USA

Fished Friday out of Grand Isle. Made a short stop in the 22 block for Mangroves with no luck with cut pogies. Tuned in the Radar to pierce the fog and made the way out to GI 78 and 82 picked up on a nice 35 lb. Ling , a nice 39 lb. Gag Grouper and a 5 lb. Speckled Hind with limited lived bait. No Aj's at all with Dimond jigs or live bait. Dropped some diving baits in and trolled with several strikes and several tackle malfunctions from cut leaders to multiple pulled split rings on strech 30's and 1 stretch broke off at the bill. Still not sure if it was kings or Hoos, we did boat a 17 lb king but it did not put up near the fight as the others that broke off did. Packed it up and ran north to a Ling hole and picked up a lone 48 pounder in 80 foot of water. All in all, not a bad day.

Do I need to replace the factory split rings when I replace the factory hooks? if so, what size?
Thanks in advance,
 
Joshua M. Savoie
On A Mission
Fishing Team
 Luling, La

Monday, March 28, 2005 @ 9:38:30 PM

Venice, LA USA

Funny how the day can go.  Saturday was a bit bumpy going out as we decided to make the long run south.  Fished all day next to Capt Rimmer who was just simply wearing us out on the yellow fin. I believe he landed 4. He seemed to get strike after strike. But, he did leave us one good fish. Fished all day with very little happening. Then, at 3:30 something rolled one of the hard tails.  We started feeding line and he sucked it up this time. It was JoB Lerays birthday trip so he grab the rod.  This fish ran down at first then the line ran out.  This was followed by some great aerial jumps. We were a little nervous as we had the fish on a Quantum protype offshore 30 class reel. In the end, the reel did the job. When we got him to the leader the first time, he was bigger than we thought.  We estimated the blue at about 300 lbs.  We had our first marlin of the year and JoB's first every and on his birthday to top it off. We have some good video footage and are in the process of trying to convert it for the computer. There are no good pictures of the marlin!!  I sure hope we continue to catch fish, because we certainly do not have a future in photography! The long day of slow fishing seemed to be way behind us now.  We finished out the trip picking up 10 blackfins also.

The warmer water is not too far south and tuna can be caught with some patience.  The days are booking fast so give us a call

Due South Fishing
337-256-1299

Monday, March 7, 2005 @ 8:15:34 AM

Venice, LA USA

Back to the dock early today.  Not only because of the weather.  The crew just had enough.  Mark Landgrave had his trip cancelled a few weeks back so when we had an opening become available i called.  It did not take long for him to get here.  Got on the hook at around 8:30 and picked up the anchor at 11:45.  In that time, they landed nearly 30 tuna. The bite was fast and furious.  We kept 8 yellow fin and 12 black. This was really a good group (crazy LOL) but they deserved this great day on the water.  Hopefully the weather will clear up soon and the seas allows us back on the water.  I will post pictures later

DUE SOUTH FISHING
337-256-1299

Wednesday, February 23, 2005 @ 3:03:27 PM

Venice, LA USA

Just got off the phone with our customers for tomorrow.  They had 2 people back out and are looking for 1-2 to fill in.  If you are interested, contact Mark at 337-232-7120 or 337-349-0701.

The fishing has been a little tougher lately.  Really looking for it to turn back around.  I guess we have been spoiled to the great yellowfin bite.  We have had some action just not what we are used to.  Black fin have been hitting the box and a few other odd fish to produce a good bit of filets.  But no doubt, we all like the aggressive yellowfin bite. When, the line barely makes it pass the motors!!!  Well we will be there when it turns back on.  We do have some days available in early March

Due South Fishing

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 @ 10:21:01 AM

Venice, LA USA

More tuna in the box from the lump.  Tuesday, Ken Comfort with World Cat was on board.  Things were a little slow but we managed to land a few.  We were working 2 lines when one starting screaming and running towards the other line.  Both lines took off and the the fight was on.  It did not take long to figure out that one fish hit both baits.  We got the 90lb yellow to the boat "quickly" with 2 circle hooks perfectly in the corner of his mouth.  The last hookup was a nice fish with a fight that lasted for 1 1/2 hours.  We saw some color then all of a sudden the line went slack, the hook came out.  This would have been the big fish of the day going well over 150lbs as we got a pretty good look at him. The final results were 2 yellowfin and 7 blackfin.

Yesterday we got a late start trying to let the fog lift a little.  We arrived at the lump around 10am.  The bite was back on.  It did not take long for the action to begin.  It was kind of funny to be around so many boats and not see any but you could hear reels screaming everywhere including ours!  Melissa had the big fish and completed the fight solo. The fish weighed 144 lbs.  The next biggest fish was 139 lbs.  With 4 yellowfin and 6 blackfin in the box everyone had enough and was ready to head in.

The weather dont look promising over the next few days but lets hope there is a change for the better.  Also, a few of the pictures are not the best quality as there is a problem with the camera.

Due South Fishing
337-256-1299

Thursday, February 17, 2005 @ 8:26:08 AM

Venice, LA USA

Here are the pictures from yesterday. The final tally was 6.5 yellowfin as a mako decided that half of a 60 yellowfin would make a great snack.  We also had 5 more pull hooks.  Always hate the ones that pull the hook but that is fishing.

We will be on the lump today with Ken Comfort with World Cat and his wife.  Fog is thick this morning so be careful.

Due South Fishing
337-256-1299

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 @ 7:40:42 AM

Venice, LA USA

The bite was back on today.  Had a late start but it did not matter.  We only got in 4 hours of fishing but the crew did not have much left in them anyway.  From the first drop to the last, it was on.  There were mulitple hooks several times.  Not sure of the exact number because Capt Chris called me on his way in, but he put at least 6 yellowfin in the boat and lost 4-5 more not far from the gaff. The last was a double hook up of 2 yellow over 100lbs. He said "It is the fastest action I have seen in a while". I will have full details later followed by pictures.

Tomorrow we will have Ken Comfort with World Cat on board tomorrow. Also, it wont be long before we are in our new 33' Tournament Edition World Cat!

Due South Fishing
337-256-1299

Monday, February 14, 2005 @ 6:18:02 PM

Venice, LA USA

Had to cancel a few to weather but did make it out to the parking lot, i mean lump on Saturday.  Earl Parrish made the trip down.  He made a successful over night trip with us last summer and wanted to give the lump a try.  The fishing was slow but we made the most of it. Picked up 1 yellowfin, 2 blackfin and 10 beeliners and a few kings for the fight.   Looks like there will be a few days this week where we will not be blown out.  Also hope the warmer water moves back and turns the bite hot again.

Due South Fishing
337-256-1299

Monday, February 14, 2005 @ 12:28:26 PM

Venice, LA USA

Well on Monday our customers for Tuesday cancelled so we just needed to make a few calls.  Called Karl from Atlanta, who fishes with us often, and Dr Ron from New Orleans.  Before I could hang up the phone they were both on the way. We left the dock early and made our way through the fog.  When we arrived at the lump, we threw out the diving baits and pulled for a little while.  It did not take long for a hook up and a nice wahoo was in the boat.  Pulled some more and had a few more knock downs and put another wahoo in the box. Both wahoo hit the pink stretch. Found our mark and we dropped the hook.  Oh boy, were the tuna on.  We had non stop action.  The first tuna managed to hang in the anchor rope but we had their number after that.  It was bite after bite. The bait would not drift back 10ft before it was inhaled by a tuna.  We ended the day with the ice chest full.  5 yellowfin (largest 144) 6 blackfin, 2 wahoo, 2 beeliners and 3 amberjack.  Hopefully the weather will allows us to stay on the water a little more over the next few weeks.  

Due South Fishing

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 @ 7:50:35 AM

Clarksville, TN USA

Have a charter with Capt Chris, Due South Fishing for the 12th Feb 05, one of my guys had to drop out. Am looking for one person to fish with us on the 12th Feb. Share and share alike cost and fish.
Can be contacted at (931) 358-2914 Ask for Earl or FISHHOOK.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005 @ 6:43:01 PM

Venice, LA USA

After watching the wind blow on Sunday, it was hard to believe that it would lay down enough to make it out of Monday.  Well it did lay down and off we went with a crew of first timers: Will, Lou, Jody and "wahoo" Tim.  The plan was for yellowfin but after hearing the radio chatter, out went the stretch and mirrorlures.  The baits were not in the water 5 minutes before the first knock down.  This continue for the next hour as we had 10 knock downs.  We had a double hook up( landed 1 ) and a triple hook (landed 2).  We put 3 wahoo, 1 black fin, and 1 yellowfin in the box trolling.  We decided to set the hook and chase the yellowfin.  First line out did not make 15ft before a 20+ black fin was off and running.  The bonito were thick and it took some doing to get under them.  Once you got past them there was a layer of 20+ lb black.  We put 9 of these in the box.  There is no telling how many wahoo we lost to cut leader.  We did get lucky and land the largest wahoo of day chumming. Somehow the mono survived and the fish came to gaff. The wahoo weighed in at 81 lbs.  On the last two lines of the day we got past the bonito and black fin and landed a double on yellowfin.  Final tally for the day was 4 wahoo, 10 black fin and 3 yellowfin.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005 @ 8:25:13 AM

Venice, LA USA

Headed back to the lump yesterday with more good results.  Found our mark, set anchor, started a slick and dropped back lines and immediately began catching fish.  The yellowfin were all running between 50 - 90 lbs for us today.  We landed 5 yellowfin and 12 blackfin.  The black fin were 20+ lb models.  While some were fighting tuna, others dropped down and picked up amberjack.  They took turns doing this until all had an amberjack.  During all the tuna bites, we hooked and landed 3 hammerheads.  Everyone went home with smiles and full ice chests.
Have some days available in January but very few left in FEB

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 @ 5:24:20 PM

Venice, LA USA

Well had another good day yesterday.  It did not take long for the first hook up.  We hook up and had to throw the anchor ball.  Half way into the fight another captain called and said our ball is floating away. Landed the fish on a 90 lb yellowfin.  Capt Kevin Beach called and offered his spare anchor.  THANKS BEACH!  Threw out or "new" anchor and dropped the lines back. Bam another one on. Landed that fish about 70lbs. Had a double hook up and they crossed the lines and we lost them both.  Caught and few more fish. Ended the day going 3 for 6 on yellowfin and 2 black fin.  Back to the anchor.  Went to pull up the borrowed anchor and it was stuck. Finally got it unstuck and up came 2 anchors.  Yes, it was the same one we had lost earlier.  Returned Capt Beach's anchor and went home to clean fish.
Give us a call to get in on the hot tuna action

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Sunday, January 9, 2005 @ 10:53:48 AM

Venice, LA USA

It has been quite a while since our last post as it has been a while since we have been offshore.  We have spent the winter in the duck blind in the morning and chasing specks and reds in the afternoon.  We enjoyed a tremendous ducks season and many great catches of specks and reds.  But with the tuna showing up at the lump, it was time to put down the shotguns and speck pulls and take out the big rods.
What a way to start the new year.  Had a group in from Georgia that fishes with us a lot and the wanted some more big tuna and they had all the action they could handle.  It was none stop action all day.  We started the morning out with the biggest fish.  We estimated the fish at over 180 lbs which later at the dock was 171 lbs on the scale.  Had one the same size to the side of the boat but lost him, another broke the rod and had several that size behind the boat.  Over the next few hours we put 4 more yellowfin in the 80 lb range and 5 blackin in the boat.  We also caught and released an 8 ft hammerhead which is always sort of fun.  Back on the water today and will post results as soon as I can.
Pictures "may" follow if we can figure out what is wrong with the camera!!  Feels good to be back on the water in the World Cat.

Give us a call to get in on the lump action.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Saturday, January 8, 2005 @ 4:06:27 PM

Venice, LA USA

The tuna fishing remains on fire!!  We have been making the long run and it is paying off.  Had a group from Arkansas for a over night trip on Friday night.  Decided you go where we tore them up a few days earlier.  The fish HAD been on the smaller side there but we had a 12yo on board who had never caught a yellow fin.  We put the lines out and in no time 2 strikes.  One on the tuna buster and one on the squid chain.  The one on the tuna buster came off so we strapped Junior in the belt on the other.  The more the fish fought we knew it was not he size of the ones from the last time.  Junior had his 1st yellowfin weighing in at about 70lbs.  On to the night fishing.  When the sun went down, the down started exploding everywhere.  Took out the spinning gear and went to work.  Every cast was a strike.  One time we had 3 yellows on. 2 of them just broke everything after long fights.  We landed the other going about 80lbs.  We got good looks at the others and they were well over 100 lbs. When you fight fish that size on spinning tackle ,they will win their share.  But, it is worth it to see the strike and land one on that gear.  We fished that night from 7-10 and then they finally said no more.  It had been strike after strike.  Junior did get to catch one on top water also.  A little over 3 hours on fishing and we had 4 yellow, 2 blacks and many hook ups.  

Headed to the same rig last night and nothing had changed.  They were still there and we capitalized on them.  Same presentation - yummee bird on spinning gear.  Same thing as the night before, strike after strike.  Ended last night with 4 yellow, 22 black and some more break offs.

Back on the water tonight and we will be heading to the same place for sure!!!

Give us a call to get in on the hot top water bite

Capt Chirs
337-256-1299

Monday, August 30, 2004 @ 11:21:35 AM

Venice, LA USA

Where to begin?  We fished overnight trips on Thursday, Friday and Sunday!!!  Thurday night we made a long run south west.  Put the baits out to do a little trolling before dark and in no time marlin on.  The fight did not last long as he spit the hook.  Five minutes later something just destroyed the Yummee flying fish chain.  When night came, so did the storms.  We spent most of the night running from them but we did put 2 yellows and 6 blacks in the box.

Friday night we had a complete crew of tuna virgins.  Headed to a different spot tonight and we we arrived at the rig around 5 pm the tuna where busting.  Put out the trolling lures and were hooked up to yellow fin.  The first two where on the smaller side and had to be released.  Got set up for the top water action for the night.  The tuna where chasing the flying fish everywhere.  These guys were in amazement at the power and speed of these fish.  There was steady action the whole night.  We landed 1 yellowfin and 6 blackfin.  We had broke off another 3-4 yellows.  We know it is going to happen from time to time on the spinning tackle.  They hooked foul hooked the biggest yellow and it took over an hour to land.  This fish actually fought himself to death.  The baits of choice at night were chug n spits and yummee flying fish.  As morning came, we put the trolling lures back out and nothing had changed.  Every pass we had a knock down.  We landed 10 yellow fin in the morning but 8 of them were 22"-26".  We also had a good dolphin come up and hit the tuna buster lure from Carolina Lures.  We caught yellow fin, black fin and dolphin on this one bait.  Final catch for Friday night was 13 yellow (10 released), 6 black and a dolphin.

Last night was simply crazy!  Before midnight the action was steady but mostly blackfin.  Then around midnight, some one rang the dinner bell as the BIG yellowfin started rolling right beside the boat.  Every cast of the yummee flying fish and top waters produced a "blow-up".  Here were these 100 lb+ fish and we were fighting them on spinning gear.  To say the least, they won a few of the battles.  We were completely spooled 3-4 times and broke off just as many.  It got so bad they said they were not going to cast any more because they might hook one!!  These have fished many other places and they said they never knew it was like this in Venice.  This will be their only desination from now on.  Ended last night with 4 yellows in the 80lb range and 9 blackfin.

The tuna bite is hot right now!!

Give us a call to get into the tuna action

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Monday, August 23, 2004 @ 8:19:57 AM

Clarksville, TN USA

On 20 Aug 04, myself, my Son Lee (from Tulsa,. OK), a friend from Clarksville, Leroy  and his friend Arnie from Baton Rouge started a 24hr trip with Capt Chris and his brother Billie, the mate, and do it all for Due South fishing. We departed the dock at 3:00pm. We ran for approx 4 hrs to the spot we were going to fish, we immediately caught two yellowfins by trolling, but were to small to keep. We trolled some more and caught a couple blackfins than it started to get dark and the ocean was almost like glass.  We stated fishing with spinning tackle, using top water poppers.  The fishing was fantastic, we fished all night and caught lots of tuna, some to small to keep and we lots about 6 - 7 that got away for some reason or the other. We landed one yellowfin that was about 60 lbs, but it over an hour to get it to the boat, it had hit the popper and was hooked in the back, and when we finally got it on the boat it died with out our doing anything to it, it was like it had fought its self to death. By daylight we were four pooped fishermen. We than started trolling, we caught one dolphin , two more yellowfins in the 25-30lb range and 4 more blackfins up to 20lbs.
And so our day ended. We asre looking forward to a repeat trip in the future.  

Sunday, August 22, 2004 @ 3:24:41 PM

Venice, LA USA

Here are a few pics of the white marlin that won us 1st place t/r at the Texas International Fishing Tournament. There were a 142 offshore boats and only 9 billfish landed. Boy if we could have had things go our way with that big blue, that would have been the icing on the cake.

Tuesday, August 10, 2004 @ 11:50:05 AM

Venice, LA USA

Well I am on my way back to Venice after fishing the Texas International Fishing Tournament in South Padre.  This was a huge tournament with over 1400 registered anglers.  During the pre-fish days we were able to find some temperature breaks that were holding a lot of bait.  During those days before the tournament will landed many dolphin, blackfin, wahoo and a few small yellowfin.  The first morning of the tournament we ran back to the bait and put out the spread in seach of billfish.  It did not long to raise a white marlin.  He hit the out rigger and let it go.  We fed the bait back to him 3 times before he sucked it up for good.  In 10 minutes, we had a white tagged. Not a bad way to start the tournament.  The rest of the day was slow as far as billfish.  We got into a school of dolphin but they were all out of the same mold of about 20lbs, where as prefishing we caught some in the 40 lb range.  Day two was back to the same spot.  Again it did not take long for a billfish to hit the same lure as the white the day before.  The results of this were a little different.  We had a penn 130 with 80# line and 26 lbs drag.  In a matter of seconds, the beast spooled off a 1000 yards and the line just split in the middle??  With all the lures in the spread, both billfish hit the same bait.  A blue/white hawaiian eye rigged with a horse ballyhoo.  The rest of they day was filled with yellowfin, blackfin, wahoo and dolphin.  A number of the tuna where caught on the YUMMEE FLY'N FISH and the other fish hit the marlin baits.  In the end the lost billfish cost us some money but we did take home the tag/release white marlin trophy.  It was a great trip and experience.  But now back to Venice, and I am ready to hit the tuna hard.  We have a lot of trip scheduled in August but we do have some weekdays open.

Give us a call

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Monday, August 9, 2004 @ 10:41:59 AM

Venice, LA USA

We have been on the water just about every day over the last week.  Most of the trips have been inshore for redfish.  3 and 4 man limits have been coming easy down river on spinner baits.  A few mornings we had 20 reds in the boat by 9am and would continue to catch a release for a while just for the fun!  Offshore we had a trip Friday night with a group from Dallas.  The fishing was a little slow to the east but they had their chances.  The first stopped produced some rainbow runners,1 yellow fin and a few black fin.  The current was almost zero so we drifted away to catch a nap. We decided to set out a glow stick and try our luck at a sword.  After about an hour, something pounded the line.  Not really sure what it was because the fight did not last long as it broke us off.  Headed to another rig and the flying fish were going crazy!!  The customers started casting and strikes came easy. The part that was giving them trouble was keeping the hooked up.  That is fishing.  We had 6-7 yellowfin on and none to the boat because of pulled hooks..  We will be on the water this week filming some promotional videos with Quantum and this weekend we have the VP of World Cat coming for an overnight trip.

We have some weekdays available in August and a few weekend days in Sept.  Give us a call.

Capt Chris

Monday, July 26, 2004 @ 7:59:41 AM

Venice, LA USA

We had a good trip this weekend with a great group of guys from Tennessee.  Larry, Gary, Dan and his sons Garrett and Brandon were some hard core fisherman.  We left Cypress Cove around 11 am headed for the rip.  IT was not hard to find as you could walk from boat to boat. There were reports of marlin being tagged so we put out the spread.  It was not 10 minutes into trolling that a big blue rocked the left flat.  He it a blue and silver Joe Yee tipped with a bonita belly.  The results though were not good as he broke the 300lb wind on leader!  The dolphin were all over but did not want to hit on the troll.  We eased over to the grass line and went to work on them.  By this time there were only two boats there.  We had the big bulls right next to the boat.  We were hand feeding them and picking the ones we wanted.  We left the rip with 11 dolphin and 8 of those in the 20lb range.  Started to head south and the water turned green so we redirected east back to good water.  Put out a live bait and in a few minutes the line went off but we could not get him to take it all the way.  There were 8 boats there to off we went.  Next stop the first 2 cast were a 20lb blackfin and 70-75 lb yellowfin.  It slowed greatly after that so off to another rig.  It was slow here also.  We did pick up a few black fin and had a dolphin on popper at night. That was fun to see.  Right before daylight things picked up. The Yellow fin started hitting, of all things,a diamond jig.  Had several good hook ups but the pulled off. Then we got one to stick.  The fight lasted 45 minutes on spinning tackle and Brandon handled him solo the whole time.  He weighed 85 lbs.We called it a day and headed in. The final tally was 11 dolphin, 3 yellow fin (one released) 3 black fin and a lost marlin.  Hats off to these guys as it was their first tuna trip and they did great.
I will post some pictures later
Give us a call to book your first or next tuna trip.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Monday, July 12, 2004 @ 9:03:31 AM

Venice, LA USA

Wow where do I start!!  It has been a while since our last post.  We have been on the water every day either inshore or offshore.  We have been doing very well with the dolphin, wahoo and tuna offshore. One group from Oklahoma were true die hards. They arrived one morning and wanted redfish. So, by early morning we had our limit and swithed boats and gear for an overnighter offshore.  Ended the overnighter with yellowfin, blackfin,bigeye, and dolphin.  The were troopers and had full ice chest to show for it. We had another offshore group from Mississippi that loaded the boat.  They ended the trip with 8 doplhin, 2 wahoo, 2 yellowfin, 10 blackfin and lost a marlin after a good fight.  They have already booked again for this summer!!!  Just returned from fishing Walkers Cay for the last week.  The place is beautiful and they have a lot of fish.  I was still ready to get back to what I think is the richiest fishery in the world "VENICE".  Inshore is as steady as ever.  We are running an average of 7-8 boats daily with good catches of specks and reds. We did have a cancellation for July 17th.  As of right now that is the only open weeked date for offshore fishing until the end of August!

duesouthfishing@yahoo.com
337-256-1299

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 @ 11:27:48 AM

FLORENCE, MS USA

Fished with captain chris helveston with due south fishing out of venice capt. Chris runs a first class operation ! we cought 8 bull dolphin lots of chicken dolphin 2 80 lb yellow fin and several black fin and a nice wahoo . I hooked a blue marlin but he won the fight when he straighten the hooks . I cant say enough good about capt chris and his first mate jason .Their hard work payed off.  

Tuesday, June 8, 2004 @ 10:30:51 AM

Venice, LA USA

Well it has been a while since our last post but we are still here and catching fish.  It is just that with the wind and seas they way they are we have been catching specks and reds!!  The trout action has been steady with some catches of 6-7 lbs trout and that is only going to get better as we move into May.  Redfish have been unbelievable as we have been in shallow ponds picking the reds we want to hook.  We have made a few tuna trips this month we fair to good results.  The blackfin plentiful with mid size yellow fins mixed in. The tuna action is fixing to pick up along with the dolphin.  It is not far until those big blue fin roll though and all you here on the radio is "something just spooled my 80?"  Cant wait for the offshore fishing to be in full swing for the summer.  

We do have a few opening towards the in of July and beginning of August so give us a call to catch some fish. Specks, reds, tuna or snapper just give us a call and we will put you on them

Capt Chris
337-256-1299

Thursday, April 29, 2004 @ 9:10:47 AM

Venice, LA USA

The final total for the group from Florida was 3 yellow fin and numerous black fin.  At first light at the lump, the slick filled with kings and bonito. It took a little while but then a good bite came.  After untangling the line out of the anchor rope, the #100 yellow fin was in the box.  Decided to pull anchor and head south.  First stop, second pass, bam! #90 yellowfin on a daisy chain.  Black fin hitting every pass and yellow jumping all over but they were very picky in their bite.  Moved again and pretty much the same thing with more black fin and yellow fin busting but not really wanting to eat.  Did manage to pick up another #80 yellow on top water.  Had to move and try different things but it turned out to be a good trip.  The customers were happy and are already planning their summer trip!!

337-256-1299
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Friday, March 12, 2004 @ 10:44:49 AM

Venice, LA USA

Here are a few pics of the 143# our customer caught on tuesday.  Capt Chris was on the water again yesterday but it was a long day and I have not got a full report yet.  I know he had 3 yellow fin, 80#,90# and 100# in the boat and was looking to get the 4th angler his fish.  As soon as I get the full report, I will post again.

Give us a call you get in on some these big tuna.

337-256-1299
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Friday, March 12, 2004 @ 8:36:37 AM

Venice, LA USA

Had a good day on the water yesterday with Brian and his group from New Iberia.  The bonito quickly came into the chum and it was not long after that the yellows showed up.  First good strike resulted in a short run before the hook came out.  The second strike came and this was a good fish.  We were pulled across the lump with this one only to have part the line after an hour.  Third strike, we hand fed the bait and watched him take it.  Again we were taken across the lump and were fearing another chaffed line.  Well after hour and half the fish was brought to gaff.  The line was chaffed badly about 10 feet from the hook.  The fish weighed in a 143 lbs.  This brought us into the afternoon and the seas building, we decided to head in.  Not a bad fish to catch for your first yellowfin.  Will be back on the water Thursday with a group from Florida.  We will start out at the lump but may run offshore to see what is happening.

Capt Chris
337-256-1299
duesouthfishing@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 10, 2004 @ 7:54:45 AM