Private 8 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure targeting trophy speciesExpert guidance provided for all experience levelsSixguest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
When you're ready to push past the nearshore waters and get into the real deal, this full-day offshore trip from Grand Isle puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about 8 solid hours targeting the heavyweights - Yellowfin Tuna, Greater Amberjack, Cobia, and if the conditions are right, even Swordfish. This isn't your typical bay fishing; we head out to the deep blue where the Gulf of Mexico shows off its best. You'll fish around oil rigs, follow shrimp boat trails, and work the structure that holds trophy fish year-round. With space for up to 6 anglers, this private charter gives your group the freedom to fish your way without sharing the action with strangers.
Your day starts early - we're talking pre-dawn departure to make the most of these 8 hours. The run out to the fishing grounds takes about an hour depending on conditions and where the fish are biting. Once we reach the offshore structure, you'll see why Grand Isle is considered one of Louisiana's top fishing destinations. The oil rigs create artificial reefs that attract baitfish, and where there's bait, there are predators. We work these structures methodically, reading the fish finder and watching for diving birds that signal feeding activity. The Gulf can serve up everything from flat calm seas to moderate chop, but that's all part of the offshore experience. Your captain knows these waters and will adjust the game plan based on what's happening that day. Bring your appetite for action because when the offshore bite is on, it's non-stop.
Offshore fishing means heavy tackle and proven techniques. We're rigged with quality conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test because when a big Yellowfin grabs your bait, you need gear that won't quit. Trolling is a go-to method out here - we'll pull a spread of lures at different depths to cover water and locate active fish. Once we mark fish on the bottom machine, we switch to vertical jigging or drop down live bait. The jigs we use are heavy enough to get down in the current, usually 6-12 ounces depending on conditions. For live bait fishing, we'll catch our own pogies or use quality frozen baits like squid and cigar minnows. Circle hooks are the standard for most situations - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking. When we're targeting Swordfish, we break out the electric reels and drop baits down 1,000+ feet. It's a different game entirely, but the payoff is worth it.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef. These bruisers average 30-60 pounds but can push over 100, and they fight like they're twice their size. They love hanging around oil rigs and wrecks in 80-200 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the biggest fish showing up during cooler months. What makes Amberjack so popular is their willingness to eat and their never-give-up attitude once hooked. They'll take you straight to the bottom, then circle the structure trying to cut your line. It's a tug-of-war that gets your heart pumping every time.
Cobia are the wildcards of offshore fishing. These brown sharks (as locals call them) cruise the surface around rigs and floating debris, making them perfect sight-fishing targets. They average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+, and they're curious fish that will often follow the boat. Spring migration brings the biggest numbers through Grand Isle waters, but you can find them offshore most of the year. Cobia fight hard with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. Plus, they're considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Yellowfin Tuna are the speed demons everyone wants to tangle with. These fish are pure muscle, built for speed and endurance. Out here in the deep water, we typically see fish in the 30-100 pound range, though larger specimens cruise these waters. Summer brings the most consistent action, but Yellowfin can show up any time conditions are right. They travel in schools and feed aggressively, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Their fighting ability is legendary - long screaming runs that test your drag system and your back muscles. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, whether you prefer it seared or as sashimi.
Swordfish are the holy grail of deep water fishing. These prehistoric predators live in the depths during the day, feeding along the bottom in 1,000+ feet of water. Night fishing or deep daytime drops can connect you with these gladiators, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. Swordfish average 50-150 pounds in these waters, with monsters over 300 pounds always a possibility. The fight is unlike anything else - powerful runs combined with aerial displays that will leave you speechless. Swordfish are available year-round, but fall and winter often produce the biggest fish.
Red Snapper might be the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf. During the federal season (which varies each year), we target these ruby-red beauties around rigs and natural bottom in 60-150 feet. They're smart fish that require finesse - light leaders and natural baits work best. Red Snapper average 5-15 pounds but can reach 20+, and they're prized for their excellent table fare. The season is limited, so when it's open, Red Snapper fishing becomes a top priority. They school around structure and once you locate them, limits come quickly with the right approach.
This 8-hour offshore adventure gives you the time
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this serious fishing machine. This 32-foot Twin Vee catamaran cuts through Gulf waters with twin 300 HP Suzuki engines, hitting speeds up to 40 knots to get you to those productive oil rigs and shrimp boat trails fast. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish, while the stable catamaran hull keeps you comfortable even when the seas pick up. GPS and fish finder help locate the hotspots where Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjack, and Cobia are biting. Radar keeps you safe in changing conditions, and VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore. With space for 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different depths. This boat handles both inshore runs and deep water offshore adventures, perfect for those 8-hour trips where you want to cover serious water and put multiple species in the cooler.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most exciting fish we target - they're curious, aggressive, and fight like nothing else. Most run 30-50 pounds and can stretch over 4 feet long. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise solo around shallow structure, oil rigs, and floating debris, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, but we catch them all summer long. What guests love is sight fishing for them - watching these big fish come up to investigate the boat before crushing a bucktail jig. The meat is top-notch, firm and clean tasting. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast past it and work your jig back slowly. They're curious but spooky, so let them come to you rather than dropping bait right on their head.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are powerful fighters that typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen them push 60+ out here. These bruisers love hanging around our oil rigs and deeper structures in 80-200 feet of water. You'll recognize them by that distinctive amber stripe and the way they'll test your drag on the first run. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially when the water warms up. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and the way they'll dive straight for structure once hooked. They're solid eating too - firm, white meat that grills up nice. Pro tip: when you feel that first hit, tighten your drag quick and pull them away from the rig. Let them run to structure and you'll be retying.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing - beautiful red fish that make excellent table fare. Most run 2-8 pounds, though we catch some pushing 15+ around the deeper rigs. They live on hard bottom structure and artificial reefs in 40-150 feet of water. Season runs June through July typically, and they're aggressive biters when it's open. What guests love is the consistent action and how good they taste - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They'll fight harder than their size suggests, diving straight for cover when hooked. The key to big snapper is fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish dropped right to the bottom. Use a heavy enough weight to get down fast, and set the hook hard when you feel that tap - they'll spit the bait quick if you hesitate.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate trophy - these prehistoric-looking giants average 100-200 pounds and can push 400+ in our deep waters. We target them in 1,000+ feet, usually at night when they come up from the depths to feed. Summer through early fall gives you the best odds. What makes swordfish special is everything - that iconic bill, the sheer size, and the way they'll greyhound across the surface when hooked. The meat is firm and meaty, perfect for steaks. It's specialized fishing that requires patience and heavy tackle. Most action happens between 10 PM and 3 AM using deep-dropping techniques with squid baits and lights to attract them. Here's what works: use multiple light sticks on your rig and be ready to wait. When one hits, it's game time - these fish don't give up easy.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the ultimate offshore target - fast, strong, and absolutely delicious. Most of what we catch runs 30-80 pounds, but 100+ pounders show up regularly. These torpedo-shaped fish with bright yellow fins cruise the open Gulf in the top 100 feet, often around floating debris and current breaks. Summer months from May through September are peak season. What makes them special is that blistering first run and the way they'll sound deep when hooked. Plus, you can't beat fresh tuna sashimi on the boat. The fight is relentless - they're built for speed and endurance. My go-to tip: when we're marking fish but they won't bite the trolling spread, switch to chunking with live bait. Cut up some bonita and start a chum line - often brings them right up.
Grand Isle