Private 8 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting trophy speciesExpert guidance provided for all experience levelsMaximum six guests for personalized fishing experience
Get ready for a full day of serious fishing in the deep waters off Grand Isle. This 8-hour private charter takes you and up to 5 friends into the heart of Louisiana's premier offshore fishing grounds, where the Gulf of Mexico serves up some of the best big game action on the coast. You'll be targeting the heavy hitters – Yellowfin Tuna, Greater Amberjack, Cobia, Swordfish, and Red Snapper – while exploring productive oil rigs, following active shrimp boats, and working the structure that holds these trophy fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to step up your game or an experienced angler ready to tangle with something serious, this trip puts you right where the action happens.
Your day starts early as we head out from Grand Isle, one of Louisiana's top launching points for offshore adventures. The run to the fishing grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to set up tackle and get your game plan sorted. We'll be working depths from 60 to over 200 feet, hitting proven spots around oil platforms, natural bottom structure, and wherever the bait shows up on the fish finder. The Gulf waters here are loaded with baitfish most of the year, which draws in the predators we're after. You'll spend your time alternating between different techniques depending on what's biting – some days it's non-stop action, other days require patience and persistence. That's offshore fishing for you. The boat comes equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Just remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and drinks since we'll be out there for the long haul.
Offshore fishing around Grand Isle means adapting your approach based on conditions and what the fish are telling you. We'll be trolling with spreader bars and skirted baits to cover water and locate schools of tuna, then switching to live bait or jigs when we mark fish. The oil rigs are Amberjack magnets, so we'll drop heavy jigs and live baits down to the structure where these bruisers hang out. For Cobia, we'll work the rigs visually, looking for fish cruising near the surface, then pitch live crabs or eels their way. Swordfish require a completely different game plan – we'll be deep dropping with squid and cut bait in 800-plus feet of water, using electric reels to handle the extreme depths. Red Snapper fishing means precision bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait around structure. The tackle ranges from 30-pound spinning gear for smaller species up to 80-pound conventional setups for the big tuna and sword. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the techniques – that's what your captain is there for.
Yellowfin Tuna are the crown jewel of Gulf offshore fishing, and Grand Isle puts you right in their neighborhood. These fish show up year-round but peak from spring through fall, with the biggest ones – we're talking 100-plus pounders – showing up in summer and early fall. They're fast, strong, and absolutely relentless fighters that will test your tackle and your stamina. What makes them so special is their incredible speed and the way they sound when hooked, taking hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The meat is also top-shelf – perfect for sashimi or searing.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the oil rigs, with fish over 50 pounds being common around Grand Isle's offshore structure. These fish are available year-round but fishing is best from fall through early spring when they're most aggressive. They fight dirty, using their broad sides and the rig structure to try to break you off. Landing a big Amberjack requires patience and knowing when to pressure them and when to let them run. They're also excellent eating when prepared properly.
Cobia are some of the most exciting fish to target because you can actually see them coming. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise around oil platforms and floating debris, often in small groups. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through our area, with 40-plus pound fish being realistic targets. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shot after shot if you don't spook them. Their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge – fishing in 1,000-plus feet of water for a fish that might weigh over 100 pounds. Night fishing produces the most consistent action, but daytime deep dropping can also work. These prehistoric-looking fish are rare catches that most anglers never experience, making them true bragging rights fish. The fight is unlike anything else – long, powerful runs combined with impressive jumps.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing when they're in season. These bottom dwellers hang around structure in 60-150 feet of water and provide consistent action when other species aren't cooperating. They're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely phenomenal on the dinner table. Peak season runs from June through July, though regulations change yearly.
An 8-hour private offshore charter from Grand Isle gives you the time and flexibility to really work the water properly. You're not rushed to get back to the dock, which means you can travel to the best spots and stay on the fish when they're biting. The private boat setup means your group sets the pace and targets the species you're most interested in. These trips book up fast during peak season, especially on weekends, so don't wait if you've got your dates picked out. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, family fishing trip, or just want to treat yourself to a serious day of fishing, this is your chance to experience what Gulf offshore fishing is all about. Contact Bentrod Fishing Charters today and get your trip on the calendar – the fish are out there waiting.
Your ride to the deep waters is this 32-foot Twin Vee catamaran, built to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you. Twin 300 HP Suzuki engines push this center console up to 40 knots, cutting through chop like butter while you chase tuna and amberjack around the oil rigs. The cat hull design keeps you stable when you're fighting fish, and with room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, radar helps when weather rolls in, and the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where the bite is hot. This boat was made for serious offshore fishing - comfortable enough for the long haul to deep water, tough enough to handle big fish and rough seas.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the most exciting fish we target because you can actually see them cruising the surface before you cast. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds and can hit 60+ pounds. They love hanging around our oil rigs, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting that dark shadow gliding just under the surface gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that tastes amazing grilled or blackened. Here's the key: when you see one, get a bucktail jig or live bait in front of them fast but don't land it right on their head. Drop it a few feet ahead and let them come to it naturally.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are powerful fighters that'll test your gear and your arms. These bluish-gray bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds around our oil rigs and deep structures. You'll find them holding tight to bottom structure in 80-200 feet of water, especially around the rigs we fish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run - they'll strip line fast and fight dirty, diving straight back to cover. The meat's firm and tasty, perfect for the grill. My tip: when you hook one, get them up and away from structure quick. Use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around the rig and break you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing - beautiful red fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 2-8 pounds, but we regularly see 15+ pounders around our deeper rigs and reefs. They live on hard bottom structure in 60-200 feet of water, holding tight to the cover. Summer is prime time when the federal season opens, typically June through August. What guests love is the steady action - once you find a good spot, you can catch them all day. They're also the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The key is getting your bait to the bottom fast before other fish steal it. I use a chicken rig with fresh cut bait or live pinfish, and always bring extra weights since these fish live right in the structure where you'll lose tackle.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate nighttime challenge - these massive predators can weigh 200-400+ pounds and fight like nothing else in our Gulf waters. We target them in 1,000+ feet of water over deep drop-offs and seamounts, usually starting at sunset when they rise from the depths to feed. The season runs year-round, but summer and fall produce the most consistent action. What draws anglers is the sheer size and power - hooking a big sword means a multi-hour battle that'll test every muscle you have. The meat is also top-shelf, with those thick steaks perfect for grilling. Night fishing adds to the adventure with lights and anticipation. My go-to setup uses heavy tackle with bright glow sticks and fresh squid dropped 300-500 feet deep. Patience is key - swordfish bites can be subtle, so watch your rod tip closely.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - fast, strong, and absolutely delicious. These torpedo-shaped speedsters average 30-80 pounds but can push well over 100 pounds in our deeper Gulf waters. We find them in 200+ feet around current breaks, floating debris, and oil rigs. Summer months are peak season when the water's warmest. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll scream line off your reel at 40+ mph. Plus, you can't beat the sashimi-grade meat for the dinner table. They're perfect for grilling as steaks too. The trick is chunking - cut up some skipjack or bonita and toss pieces overboard to bring them up from the depths. Once you see that yellow fin flash in your chum line, get a hook in some fresh bait and drop it back quick.
Grand Isle