interested in diving off venice

[kempd]

I grew up in Panama (the country) and have been impressed with the hunting here in the gulf - I now live in Tallahassee, FL. I would really like to hunt off the coast of venice for the big tuna, wahoo, etc. Any suggestions?

[abutte1]

You should get in touch with Capt. Bill Delabar in Venice. He also grew up in panama (I think) and he is a helluva diver.

Zach

[kempd]

Thanks for the info Zach

[CTFreeDiver]

I just got Bluechart for the area and see literally hundreds of platforms South West of Venice Pass. Are there in fact that many? Of the platforms in the area how many and manned stations (rough percentage?)? The bluechart also shows well head locations.

CT

[ROCK BOTTOM]

CTFD,

When you consider that a thirty-five year old string of pilings in six feet of water in Lake Pontchartrain holds catfish big enough to get some of my club mates in the water at the begining of January, imagine what all those dots on your chart mean. Yeah, not all of them hold fish all the time or have visibility enough for you to see the tip of your spear. But its nice to have that many choices. Unfortunately every one else knows your dive sites.

Yes, there are that many. Most are unmanned. I don't know how many.

Also, viz will vary greatly depending proximity to the river and what stage the river is at. The area south of Venice, known as West Delta is affected heavily by the Mississippi River. It is known for heavy murk and low viz. To the east of the river is Main Pass which usually has good viz and fast current.

Lots of stuff to learn that's not on the charts.

Zz

[abutte1]

I have been researching this for a presentation. There are over 4000 rigs in the North gulf and around 3000 in the waters surrounding Louisiana.

Researchers recently estimated that each platform holds between 10K and 30K adult fish. This is not to mention migratory species. If you want to see some awesome pictures log on to Al Walker's site at www.towersoflife.com.

We are spoiled rotten with all this structure.

Zach

EVERYONE SHOULD GET INVOLVED WITH AL AND HELP US SAVE THE OIL RIGS FROM BEING REMOVED!

[CTFreeDiver]

Thank You both for the replies, that is exactly what I was looking for. I looked into Al W. website and it says that there is an average of 8-25 Adult fish per square meter of sand by each rig. That area must be amazing in safe vis!

The ocean here is 39 degrees this morning :rolleyes:

CT

[Gauge]

Zack,
I have tried to get involved and help Al Walker's cause of keeping the rigs in place. I have emailed him a couple of times asking "how can we help" and have never gotten a response. I completly agree that we should all do whatever we can for this cause. So, how can we help?