Capt Andy – Yellowfin Tuna
Capt Andy LoCascio, Mitch Wergiles, and Steve Palmo were fishing in over 5000ft of water more than 50 miles outside of Venice, LA. They were fishing with Capt Rimmer Covington of Mexican Gulf Fishing Company when the big yellowfin tuna turned on.
All the anglers had already caught a fish or two when the crew decided it was time to force the anglers to do everything. The deal was that the angler had to hook, strap-in, fight, gaff, and land your own fish. Capt Andy shows how to get it done in less than 7 minutes (note the drag position on the reel – full/full).
To make sure they had the best possible chance of hooking the fish and releasing (if they so choose), they were using the incredible Mustad (39950) 7/0 Demon Circle Hook.
The back harness is from Braid, but the plate is a Black Magic “Equalizer” (they also a matching harness) but we did not have it with us. That plate has a unique design that ensures the rod gimbal stays in place throughout the fight.
Capt Andy LoCascio was fishing with Mitch Wergiles and Steve Palmo over 5000 feet of water more than 50 miles outside of Venice, LA. They were accompanied by Capt Rimmer Covington of Mexican Gulf Fishing Company.
Capt Andy caught a large yellowfin tuna during the fishing trip offshore Venice, LA. The tuna appeared when they were fishing deep in the Gulf of Mexico.
The anglers used Mustad (39950) 7/0 Demon Circle Hooks to increase their chances of hooking the fish properly and allowing for safe catch and release if desired.
The anglers used a Braid back harness combined with a Black Magic 'Equalizer' plate designed to keep the rod gimbal stable throughout the fight, enhancing control during the catch.
This rule means that each angler must personally hook the fish, secure themselves to the harness (strap-in), fight the fish on their own, gaff it, and finally land the fish without assistance, promoting full engagement in the fishing process.
Capt Andy demonstrated how to land a large yellowfin tuna in less than 7 minutes by properly managing the reel drag in the full/full position, highlighting an effective fighting technique.
The fishing trip took place more than 50 miles outside of Venice, Louisiana, in over 5000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico, indicating deep-sea offshore fishing.