Full Day Offshore Fishing in Port O'Connor
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing targeting snapper, kingfish, and cobiaPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with expert captainFederal permits included with optional lodging for complete experience
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Captain Scott Pierce and his Epic 22SC are waiting for you in Port O'Connor. This isn't your typical half-day bay trip – we're talking 6 to 8 hours of pure Gulf fishing action, targeting some of the most prized species swimming off the Texas coast. With federal permits in hand and top-tier equipment on deck, Scott knows exactly where to find the fish that'll have you bragging for years. Whether you're bringing the family or rallying your fishing buddies, this private charter accommodates up to six anglers and delivers the kind of offshore experience that keeps people coming back season after season.
Your day starts early at Port O'Connor, one of Texas's premier fishing ports that puts you within striking distance of the Gulf's best fishing grounds. Captain Scott's Epic 22SC is rigged with everything you need for a successful day – quality rods, reels, tackle, and all the gear that separates the pros from the weekend warriors. The boat's designed for offshore work, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a bull red or working a school of kingfish. At $1,300 plus fuel and bait for your group, you're getting a private charter experience that's all about putting fish in the boat. Scott's been working these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding, and his federal permits mean you can target species that inshore guides can only dream about. Plus, if you're traveling from out of town, he can arrange lodging for your entire group – making this a true fishing getaway.
Offshore fishing is a different game than what you'll find in the bays and flats. We're talking about deeper water, stronger currents, and fish that have room to run. Captain Scott sets you up with the right tackle for each species – heavy spinning gear for the snappers down on structure, trolling setups for kingfish and mahi, and specialized rigs when we're working the sharks and cobia. You'll learn proper bottom fishing techniques for working reefs and artificial structure, plus how to read the electronics when we're marking fish. Trolling is a big part of the offshore game here, especially when we're covering water looking for schools of kings or that scattered mahi. The captain handles boat positioning and fish finding – your job is to hang on when something big decides to eat your bait. Live bait and fresh cut bait are part of the package, and Scott knows which baits work best for each target species depending on conditions and season.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and these deep-water beauties are exactly why anglers book offshore trips. During snapper season, you'll find them holding on natural reefs and artificial structure in 60 to 100 feet of water. These fish average 5 to 15 pounds but can push 20-plus when you find the right spot. They're aggressive feeders and fantastic table fare – there's nothing quite like fresh snapper on the grill after a day on the water. The fight is steady and strong, and when you're pulling them up from depth, every fish feels like a prize.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag and your arms. These silver bullets cruise the Gulf looking for schools of baitfish, and when they hit your trolled bait, you'll know it instantly. Kings around Port O'Connor commonly run 15 to 30 pounds, with larger fish showing up during peak season from spring through fall. They're perfect for trolling techniques, and the initial run when you hook one will remind you why offshore fishing gets addictive. Plus, they smoke beautifully if you want to take some home.
Cobia are the gentle giants that make offshore trips memorable. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't find with other species. They average 20 to 40 pounds in these waters and are known for their incredible table quality. Cobia season peaks in spring and early summer, and they're often found around floating debris or following rays. When you hook one, expect a powerful but manageable fight that lets you appreciate every minute of the battle.
Blacktip Sharks bring non-stop action and aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. These athletic predators are abundant in Gulf waters and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll find anywhere. They jump, they run, and they never give up easy. Most blacktips range from 20 to 60 pounds, making them perfect for lighter tackle when conditions allow. They're catch-and-release fish that give you bragging rights and photos you'll treasure.
Mahi Mahi are the rainbow-colored prizes that make offshore fishing legendary. Also called dolphinfish, these beautiful gamefish are known for their incredible colors and acrobatic fights. They school around floating structure and weed lines, often in water that's blue enough to see for miles. Mahi average 10 to 25 pounds in these waters and are considered some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf. When you find a school, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups.
Barracuda are the aggressive predators that keep things interesting between target species. These toothy speedsters hit hard and fast, often cutting off unsuspecting anglers who aren't ready for their razor-sharp teeth. They're abundant year-round and provide excellent action on lighter tackle. While they're not typically kept for the table, barracuda offer some of the most exciting strikes and initial runs you'll experience offshore.
Port O'Connor offshore fishing with Captain Scott Pierce delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – professional guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds. This full-day charter gives you the time needed to really work the water and target multiple species, while the private boat ensures your
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive predators that can reach up to 6 feet, though most we catch run 2-3 feet. These silver torpedoes hunt by sight and are crazy fast - they'll hit lures at 35 mph. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. They're active year-round here in the Gulf, but summer and fall tend to be best when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They put up a solid fight on light tackle. Here's a tip: use a wire leader and keep your lures moving fast across the surface - barracuda can't resist that flash and speed. Just watch those teeth when bringing them in!
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are probably the most exciting shark you can target - they're known for jumping completely out of the water when hooked, sometimes 15-20 feet high. Most run 3-6 feet and 20-80 pounds around here. We find them in 30-100 feet over muddy bottoms and near structure where baitfish gather. Spring through fall are best when they're feeding heavily before their winter migration. What guests love is that spectacular aerial show and strong fight. They're actually pretty timid despite their power. My tip: use heavy braided line with circle hooks and really stinky bait like cut mackerel or sardines. Get that chum slick going and they'll find you. Just be ready for fireworks!
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the Gulf - dark brown, stocky fish that average 20-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. They're loners, not schoolers, so you typically sight-fish for them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet. Spring migration from March to June is prime time when they're moving through our waters to spawn. Guests love them because they fight like freight trains and make excellent table fare - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. Here's what works: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's swimming, let it sink, then work it back with steady pumps. Don't cast right at them - they spook easy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch - bright gold and green colors that change like a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen them push 40+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and anywhere there's current in 100-300 feet. Spring through fall are prime, especially when water temps hit the 70s. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a minute. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Get a second line out quick!
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - beautiful red fish that average 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders aren't uncommon on deeper structure. We target them around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet. Federal season typically runs a few days in June, so timing is everything. What makes them special is they're scrappy fighters that dive straight for cover, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, nutty flavor that's perfect any way you cook it. Key tip: use a heavy sinker to get your bait down fast, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, set the hook hard and reel fast to keep them off the bottom structure.
Lake Livingston