The big yellowfin tuna are making their initial appearance of the year in the Gulf of Mexico, with Capt. Scott Leger of Paradise Outfitters in Venice hooking up and boating a 230-pound yellowfin on Feb. 8.
On the rod that day was Ohio native Mark Frazier, who outlasted the huge tuna after an 80-minute battle.
The fish was caught on a chunk of king mackerel in 250 feet of water around the Horseshoe Lump southeast of Venice.
“This is the beginning of our lump season; it’s just getting kicked off,” said Leger, who pilots a 41-foot catamaran for Paradise Outfitters. “We hope those big fish continue to show up through March.”
You can book your trip with Paradise Outfitters at www.venicefishing.com.