Port Aransas Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing trip targeting reef species beyond 30 miles.Natural banks and rocks offer amberjack, snapper, and jack varieties.Small group charter accommodates up to six guests maximum.
When you're ready to leave the crowds behind and chase some serious fish, this 8-hour offshore charter with Blue Water Excursions is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about heading 30+ miles out into the Gulf, where the water runs deep blue and the fish are hungry. Port Aransas has earned its reputation as one of Texas's premier fishing destinations, and this trip puts you right in the heart of the action at the natural banks and rocky structures that hold some of the Gulf's best reef fish.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're going where the big boys live. The captain will have you out of the harbor early, making the run to the offshore banks while you're sipping your morning coffee and watching the sun come up over the Gulf. These natural rock formations and reefs sit in 80-120 feet of water, creating perfect habitat for the species that make offshore fishing so addictive. You'll be fishing with a small group of just 6 anglers max, which means plenty of room to work and personalized attention from the crew. The boat stays positioned over productive structure, and you'll be dropping baits down to where amberjack patrol the edges and snapper hug the bottom. Between the steady action and the camaraderie that develops during a full day on the water, eight hours will fly by faster than you think.
Bottom fishing is the name of the game out here, and the crew will have you rigged up with everything you need. We're talking heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, because when a big amberjack decides to make a run for the rocks, you need the muscle to turn them. The standard setup is a knocker rig or fish finder rig with circle hooks, perfect for presenting cut bait or live offerings near the structure without getting hung up constantly. Fresh squid, cigar minnows, and cut mackerel are the go-to baits, though don't be surprised if the crew breaks out some live bait when conditions are right. The key is keeping your bait in the strike zone – that sweet spot just off the bottom where these reef fish do most of their feeding. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pickup and bottom contact, and once you dial in that technique, you'll be hooking up consistently.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons of the reef, and they'll test both your tackle and your stamina. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds out here, with the occasional bruiser pushing 40+. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, and they have this habit of hitting hard and immediately trying to wrap your line around the nearest piece of structure. What makes them so fun to catch is their pure athleticism – they fight like a fish twice their size, making multiple runs and never giving up until they're in the boat. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh, with a firm texture that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf reef fishing, and for good reason. These ruby-colored beauties are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. During snapper season (typically June through August), they stack up on these offshore structures in impressive numbers. A good red snapper will run 8-15 pounds, though 20+ pounders show up regularly. They're notorious for their ability to cut you off in the rocks if you don't keep pressure on them, and they have a habit of shaking their heads violently when hooked, often throwing the hook if your drag isn't set properly. The anticipation of seeing that distinctive red flash coming up from the depths never gets old, and the table fare is simply outstanding.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and landing one is a real accomplishment. These fish can easily top 50 pounds out here, with some monsters exceeding 70-80 pounds. They're most prevalent from late spring through early fall, and they have a reputation for testing every piece of equipment you've got. A big AJ will make multiple deep runs, often heading straight for the structure to try and break you off. The fight can last 20-30 minutes with a really good fish, and by the time you get them boatside, your arms will know you've been in a battle. While they're not the best table fare compared to snapper, the smaller ones (under 35 inches) are quite good, and the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Eight hours of offshore action targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species – that's what you get with this Port Aransas charter. The combination of productive fishing grounds, experienced crew, and small group size makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with snapper for a fish fry or test your tackle against a trophy amberjack, these offshore banks deliver the goods consistently. Blue Water Excursions has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and this deep-water adventure showcases exactly why Port Aransas remains a top destination for Gulf Coast fishing. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – book your spot now and get ready for the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
This fishing machine is built for serious anglers heading to Port Aransas' productive offshore waters. Equipped with top-notch fish finder technology to locate those prime fishing spots 30+ miles out where the big ones hang around the natural banks and rock formations. The GPS and radar systems keep you on course even when conditions get sketchy, while the VHF radio ensures you stay connected with other boats and marine traffic. Perfect for targeting amberjack, red snapper, and various reef species that call these deep waters home. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The onboard facilities including a head make those long 8-hour fishing days comfortable so you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the cooler. This boat handles the Gulf waters like a champ and gets you to the productive fishing grounds where the action happens.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bruisers of the offshore rocks - big, strong fish that'll give you a workout. These guys commonly run 20-40 pounds and can stretch over 5 feet long. They patrol those deep structures we fish, usually holding near bottom but they'll come up to feed. Spring through summer is prime time when they're most active. What draws people to them is the pure fight - they've got the power to test heavy tackle and the stamina to keep pulling. The meat's good eating too, though bigger fish can be a bit strong. Here's what works: drop live bait or heavy jigs right to bottom near the structure. When you hook up, use that 50-pound gear and don't give them an inch early on. They'll try to get back into the rocks, so you need to turn their head fast and keep steady pressure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our deep water trips - beautiful fish that fight hard and eat even better. Most run 2-8 pounds out here, but we see some real doormat 15+ pounders that'll make your day. They live right on bottom around those rocky structures 30+ miles out, so you need to get your bait down where they are. The bite's best May through October during spawning season. What makes them special? That sweet, mild meat that's perfect any way you cook it. Plus they're smart fish - they'll test your drag and try to cut you off in the rocks. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, keep steady pressure, and don't try to muscle them up too fast. They'll wrap you around the bottom structure if you give them slack.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook out at the rocks - they'll test your tackle and your arms. These sleek fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ if you're lucky. You'll spot them by their bright yellow fins and that torpedo-shaped body built for speed. They cruise around those offshore structures we hit, usually mid-water to bottom, feeding on squid and small fish. Summer through early fall gives you the best shots when water temps are up. The meat's excellent - oily and rich, perfect for the grill. Here's a tip: when you hook one, don't horse it. Let them make their first run, then work them steady. They'll try to wrap you around the structure, so keep pressure on but stay patient. Live bait works best, but they'll hit jigs too.
Port Aransas, TX