Port Aransas Full Day Atlantic Sailfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing charter targeting Atlantic sailfishExpert guides provide tips for red snapper and kingfishTenhour trip accommodates up to four guests maximum
Looking for the ultimate offshore fishing adventure along the Texas coast? Blue Rush Charters delivers a world-class 10-hour deep sea fishing experience that puts you right in the heart of some of the Gulf's most productive waters. Departing from Port Aransas, you'll head out to proven fishing grounds where Atlantic sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and other trophy species cruise the blue water. With just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention from our seasoned captain who knows exactly where the fish are biting. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing the big ones that make your arms burn and your reel scream.
Your day starts early at the Port Aransas marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on tackle, techniques, and target areas. We'll cruise out past the jetties into the deep blue, where the real action happens. The boat comes rigged with top-shelf gear – heavy spinning reels, trolling outfits, and everything you need to handle whatever we hook up. Don't worry about bringing lunch; you'll want to pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, but there's plenty of cooler space and shade when you need a break from the Texas sun. The captain will work multiple techniques throughout the day, from trolling spreads to live bait fishing, adapting to conditions and what the fish are telling us.
We run a serious trolling spread out here – multiple lines at different depths and speeds to cover water efficiently. The boat's outfitted with outriggers and downriggers, letting us present baits at the exact depths where sailfish and tuna are feeding. You'll work with circle hooks on wire leaders when we're after wahoo, and lighter fluorocarbon setups for the more finicky species. Live bait fishing comes into play when we mark schools of baitfish or find floating structure holding gamefish. The captain reads the water constantly – looking for color changes, temperature breaks, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. When something hits, you're fighting it on quality gear that can handle the punishment these offshore species dish out.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of this charter, and Port Aransas sits right in their migration path during peak season. These billfish typically run 6 to 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at multiple sailfish hookups. Wahoo are speed demons that can peel 200 yards of line in seconds – they're excellent table fare and fight like freight trains. Most wahoo here run 20 to 40 pounds, with occasional bruisers pushing 60. Yellowfin tuna school up in deeper waters, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. These fish are pure muscle, making long runs and testing your endurance on every fight.
Red snapper remain a customer favorite when they're in season, typically found around bottom structure in 80 to 120 feet of water. They're smart fish that require finesse, but the reward is some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf. Goliath grouper are the true giants – these prehistoric-looking beasts can exceed 400 pounds and will absolutely humble you. Most encounters happen around wrecks and hard bottom, and while they're catch-and-release only, the experience of hooking into one is something you'll never forget. The sheer power of a big goliath pulling toward structure will test every component of your tackle and technique.
Port Aransas offshore fishing delivers consistency that's hard to find elsewhere along the Texas coast. The proximity to deep water means less travel time and more fishing time – we're typically in productive water within an hour of leaving the dock. The variety keeps things interesting too; you might start the day trolling for sailfish, switch to bottom fishing for snapper, then finish up working a school of tuna. Our captain's local knowledge makes the difference between a good day and a great day. He's been working these waters for years, building a mental map of productive spots, seasonal patterns, and the subtle signs that separate the pros from the weekend warriors.
The boat itself is set up for serious fishing – plenty of rod holders, a large fish box, and comfortable seating for those moments between bites. With only 4 anglers maximum, you're not fighting for space or waiting in line to use the good gear. Every angler gets quality time with the rod, and the captain can provide individual coaching on technique, whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or this is your first time chasing billfish. The 10-hour timeframe gives us flexibility to move around, try different techniques, and really maximize your chances at multiple species.
This top-rated Port Aransas fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime sailfish season. Blue Rush Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish, and word travels quickly in the fishing community. The combination of experienced guidance, quality equipment, and access to productive offshore waters makes this a best-in-class fishing experience. Whether you're looking to check sailfish off your bucket list, load the cooler with quality eating fish, or just spend a day doing what you love with fellow anglers, this charter delivers. The memories and fish stories from a successful offshore trip will last long after the sunburn fades. Don't wait – secure your spot and get ready for some world-class Gulf Coast fishing action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This dependable motorboat is your ticket to serious offshore fishing action in the Gulf waters off Port Aransas. Built for comfort during those long 10-hour fishing days, she's equipped with everything you need to track down Atlantic sailfish and other trophy species. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation gets you to the hottest fishing spots along the Texas coast. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Gulf sun. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without crowding. The reliable engine powers through offshore swells to reach deeper waters where the big fish cruise. Whether you're battling a sailfish or hauling in red snapper, this boat provides a stable platform for serious fishing. Perfect for experienced anglers and newcomers alike who want to make the most of their time on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the acrobats of offshore fishing, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These speed demons cruise the surface down to about 65 feet, following warm water and baitfish. Winter months bring them closer to our waters as they migrate through the Gulf. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and make long runs that'll test your skills and gear. We target them by slow-trolling with rigged ballyhoo or live bait in that 30-65 foot range. The key is being patient during the fight and not rushing them to the boat. Here's a tip: when a sail comes up behind your bait, don't pull it away - let the fish eat and count to five before setting the hook.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - we're talking fish that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. These massive groupers live around shallow structure, wrecks, and oil rigs in 50-150 feet. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. Important note: these are catch-and-release only by law, but the experience is unforgettable. That first pull will nearly yank you overboard - they're incredibly strong but usually fight short and hard. We use extra-heavy tackle with 600-pound mono and big circle hooks. They'll eat crabs, big live baits, and anything that moves. Local tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough away that you can pull them off the reef before they break you off in the rocks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but we catch plenty of bigger ones around structure. They hang out in 30-200 feet, hugging reefs, rigs, and hard bottom. Season runs during summer months here in federal waters. What makes them special is the fight - they're scrappy and will try to cut your line on structure, plus they're fantastic eating with that sweet, firm white meat. We fish them with heavy tackle and fresh squid or cigar minnows on the bottom. Here's the trick: once you hook one, immediately start pulling hard to get them away from the structure before they wrap you up and break off.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter out here, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with those torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 3-5 feet long, though we've seen bigger ones. They cruise the open water around our oil rigs and platforms, especially during cooler months when they move closer to shore. You'll find them in that 30-60 foot range, but they'll chase bait to the surface. The fight is pure speed - they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, wahoo makes some of the best eating fish out there - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when high-speed trolling, use wire leaders because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono like butter. We usually pull lures at 12-15 knots in a spread pattern.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are built for speed and power, averaging 60 pounds but capable of reaching 400+ pounds. These warm-blooded fish cruise the upper 100 feet of water but can dive deep when feeding. We target them year-round here, but summer months are prime when baitfish are thick. They're absolute fighters - strong, fast, and stubborn. When hooked, they'll make long runs and fight all the way to the boat. The meat is top-shelf too - that's the tuna you see in sushi restaurants. We use everything from trolling spreads with ballyhoo to chunking with live bait. Pro tip: when you see birds working and fish breaking the surface, get ready to cast topwater plugs. Nothing beats watching a yellowfin explode on a surface lure.
Corpus Christi