Is there’s one species of fish that really gets the adrenaline flowing — for nearly all anglers — it’s the shark. Capt. Jordan Ellis has caught plenty in his decade long career as a professional guide, and many more as he grew up fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Jordan put two charter groups on thresher sharks recently while fishing out of Venice Marina in the Gulf of Mexico.

Thresher sharks are strange and weird looking creatures. Average lengths are 12-15 feet long, with weights in the 200-400 pound range most common. They’re good fighting fish, though protected so it’s catch and release only. The unique thing about thresher sharks is their tail — it can be almost as long as their body — which makes it a sight to see once you realize what you’ve got on the line, and as you get it close to the boat.

There are three species of thresher sharks: the common thresher, bigeye thresher, and pelagic thresher sharks. They love warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico and can be found swimming at a wide ranges of depths.

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Golden Tilefish are caught throughout the Gulf of Mexico and in Atlantic waters, and the tilefish fishery off the coast of Venice, LA isn’t much different from other places the species is found — meaning it’s in deep water, it’s in cold water, and the fish are funny looking creatures. Tasty, but funny looking creatures.

We get requests for golden tilefish from anglers in the know. Mostly, they’re a curiosity because the fish are something different. We don’t book charters solely for tilefish because they can be caught before or after targeting more common and action packed big game species, but they’re always something interesting to add to a charter trip, and they’re always in deep cold waters, usually around 600-700 feet, but sometimes 900 feet or below.

Captain Colin Byrd and Capt. Billy Wells had several charter groups asking for tilefish on recent trips. They’re both happy to oblige, saying “you’ll get a tasty fish to take home and serve up to your family. I’m all about catching some tilefish, so long as first, we target the tuna,” (as he gives a wink and a nod).

Tilefish are one of our most beautiful fish. Their sides are aqua-blue with light green highlights, and their backs a blend of blue-yellow and blue-green. They have a reddish pink band that runs down each sides, which then blends into a silver-yellow belly. Golden, indeed they are, and the same accolades can be given for their taste — pure gold — tilefish is delectable.

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Capt. Zach Lewis has been in love with the water for as far back as he can remember. Born and raised in Ocean Springs, MS, his family had him out on the water since birth. He grew up fishing and hunting with his dad at every possible opportunity. And now, he provides these services professionally to anglers and outdoors folks who wish to have an excellent time on open water out of Venice, LA.

His boat, Contagious, is a 2014 39′ ST Contender powered by triple 300 HP Yamahas. He believes in offering his customers the best possible accommodations. His boat is not only fast and fuel-efficient, but also offers a comfortable ride and ample room.

Contagious sports the latest in Simrad electronics, Yamaha outboards, and tackle by Shimano and Mustad.

Zach is a member of the Yamaha and Simrad Pro Staff.

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There are plenty fluorocarbon brands available, but the captains at MGFC use Seaguar fluorocarbon — because it’s the best on the market. Best on the market means it’s the only fluorocarbon on our boats.

MGFC prides itself on making the best gear available to its offshore charter fishing customers. From Seaguar fluorocarbons to Shimano rods and reels, the MGFC makes sure you’re fishing with the best from end-to-end.

If it’s yellowfin tuna you’re after, you really want to be using Seaguar fluorocarbon. Same goes when you’re bottom fishing for snapper, and it’s especially true when you’re after swordfish and marlin.

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Looking to book offshore fishing charters? Looking to book offshore fishing charters in Venice, LA? Look no further than The MGFC.

We offer full day offshore fishing charters from Venice Marina at the Southern tip of Louisiana. We’re just minutes from open water. In fact, our location makes a charter with Mexican Gulf Fishing one of the shortest trips you’ll take to reach deep, blue water.

Looking for yellowfin tuna? Heard about our daytime swordfish action? Want to catch ice chests full of mahi mahi? We’ve got the answer.

Want some big wahoo? We’re your ticket. Whether it’s red snapper season or sharks you’re after — the experienced and licensed captains at MGFC have your goals and best interests top of mind.

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