36 Hour Rig Run: Deep Gulf Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Epic 60100 mile offshore adventure to legendary oil rigsTarget trophy tuna, wahoo, mahi, and marlin with live baitExclusive 4angler limit ensures personalized fishing experience
When you're ready to leave the weekend warriors behind and fish where the real monsters live, this 36-hour rig run is calling your name. We're talking about a serious offshore push 60-100 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, where the oil rigs rise from the deep blue like magnets for every predator fish worth catching. This isn't your typical day trip – it's a marathon fishing adventure that separates the casual anglers from the ones who live for that screaming reel and bent rod. With just 4 spots available, you'll have plenty of room to work and all the personal attention you need to boat the fish of a lifetime.
The adventure kicks off with a long haul offshore, but don't think you're just burning fuel to get there. We'll be trolling the entire way out, working spreads of lures through some of the most productive blue water in the Gulf. The anticipation builds with every mile as we leave the brown water behind and watch that Gulf blue get deeper and clearer. Once we reach the rigs, you're entering a different world entirely. These towering structures create their own ecosystems, with baitfish stacked up in the shadows and trophy predators patrolling the edges. The fishing action can be absolutely wild – live bait gets crushed within seconds of hitting the water, and the variety of species you'll encounter keeps everyone on their toes. Between the all-day fishing, hearty meals, and bunking down under a blanket of stars, this trip delivers the full offshore experience that serious anglers dream about.
We run a proven combination of techniques that cover all the bases out here. On the troll to the rigs, we'll pull a spread of high-speed lures – think cedar plugs, feathers, and diving plugs that trigger reaction strikes from wahoo, mahi, and tuna cruising the open water. Once we're working the rigs, it's all about live bait presentation. We'll deploy a mix of goggle-eyes, blue runners, and whatever bait we can catch or net up around the structure. The key is keeping those baits lively and getting them to the right depth where the big fish are holding. We use circle hooks for better hookup ratios and fish survival, plus heavy tackle that can handle the punishment these Gulf monsters dish out. The rigs themselves provide incredible structure fishing – we're talking about fishing in 200-400 feet of water with massive steel beams creating current breaks and ambush points that concentrate gamefish like nowhere else.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd pleasers out here, and for good reason. These fish are pure energy – when you hook one, you're in for aerial displays that'll have everyone grabbing their cameras. Around the rigs, mahi often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more where that came from. They're especially active during the warmer months and love to hang around any floating debris or structure. The colors on these fish are absolutely stunning when they're fresh out of the water, and they make for some of the best eating you'll find offshore.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of blistering runs that'll test your drag settings and your nerves. These fish are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire if you're not careful. They're year-round residents around the rigs, but seem to be most active during the cooler months. Landing a wahoo is always special because they're such efficient predators – sleek, fast, and absolutely gorgeous with their distinctive blue stripes. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate test of angler skill and endurance. These fish are pure muscle and stamina, capable of long, punishing runs that can take you well into your backing. The yellowfin around the Gulf rigs can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 100 pounds being caught regularly. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, but can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right. The fight is legendary – these fish just don't quit, and landing one is a badge of honor among serious offshore anglers.
Swordfish fishing adds a whole different dimension to the trip, especially when we're fishing the overnight hours. These prehistoric-looking predators come up from the depths after dark to feed, and hooking one is like connecting to a submarine. Swordfish require specialized techniques and heavy tackle, but the payoff is worth it. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide some of the most memorable battles you'll ever experience. The meat is prized by restaurants and home cooks alike, making swordfish a true trophy in every sense.
Red Snapper might seem out of place on this deep water list, but the larger rigs hold some real trophy-class fish that rarely see a hook. These aren't your typical nearshore snapper – we're talking about big, old fish that have been living on the rigs for years. They're smart, structure-oriented, and require precise presentations to fool. When you hook a big rig snapper, you're dealing with a fish that knows every beam and cable on that structure and will use it all to try to break you off.
This 36-hour rig run represents the pinnacle of Gulf Coast fishing adventures. With world-class fishing grounds, comfortable accommodations, and all meals included, you're getting incredible value for a true bucket-list experience. The limited capacity means you'll get the personal attention and space you need to fish effectively, without the crowds that plague larger boats. Whether you're chasing your first triple-digit tuna or looking to add a swordfish to your life list, this trip delivers opportunities you simply can't find on shorter runs. The combination of trolling action on the way out and live bait fishing around the rigs gives
This 48' offshore sportfisher is your ticket to the legendary oil rigs 60-100 miles out in the Gulf. Built for serious blue water fishing, she's equipped with outriggers, radar, GPS, and fish finders to locate those monster pelagics. The spacious cockpit gives you room to battle tuna, wahoo, and marlin, while the flybridge provides excellent visibility for spotting birds and baitfish. Air conditioning keeps you cool between fights, and the full galley and onboard head mean comfort during your 36-hour adventure. With an icebox and refrigerator, your catch stays fresh and drinks stay cold. Limited to 4 anglers for maximum fishing space and personal attention. This is where trophy dreams come true in the deep blue Gulf waters.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful fighters average 15-29 pounds but can hit 50+ on our rig trips. You'll spot them by their brilliant gold sides and electric blue backs - they put on a real light show when hooked. Mahi love floating debris and structure around the oil rigs, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Best action happens during warmer months when they're feeding heavy on flying fish and squid. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and change colors the whole time. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out there with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic Gulf bottom fish, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though 20+ pounders prowl the deep rigs. These bright red beauties live on structure from 30-600 feet, with the bigger fish holding in deeper water around platforms. Season runs May through October, but the deep rig fish bite year-round. What anglers love is the hard fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that'll test your patience, often picking at baits. Use heavy tackle with multiple hooks and fresh squid or cigar minnows. Pro tip: when you hook one, get it up quick - they'll run straight back to the structure and cut you off every time.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the true giants of the deep, averaging 400 pounds with that unmistakable flat sword extending from their head. These nocturnal hunters live in 1,500+ feet of water but come up to feed at night around 300 feet. They're year-round residents in the Gulf, but peak action is April through September during spawning season. What makes them legendary is the sheer size and power - hooking a "sword" is a bucket-list experience. The meat is firm, meaty, and restaurant-quality. They're primarily night feeders, so we fish them after dark with deep-drop rigs and lights. Key tip: use 9/0-11/0 hooks on 80-120lb line with squid or barracuda chunks. Be patient - swordfish bites can take hours to develop.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 50+ mph with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut right through mono. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet but can stretch to 8 feet, with that distinctive blue-striped silver body. They cruise the open water around rigs and platforms, typically in the upper 60 feet. Prime time is during cooler months when they're most active. What draws anglers is the explosive strike and blistering runs - they'll peel line like nothing else. The meat is white, mild, and perfect for the grill. Essential tip: always use wire leaders, at least 2 feet of 80-100lb wire. Their teeth will slice through anything else in a heartbeat, and you'll lose both fish and expensive lures.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing, averaging 60 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise the top 300 feet around structure and blue water. Peak season runs May through August in our Gulf waters when they're spawning and feeding hard. What makes them a favorite is the raw power - they'll test your tackle and stamina with long, deep runs. The meat is premium grade, perfect for sushi or searing. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more. My go-to technique: when fish are marking deep but won't bite the spread, bring in the trolling gear and drop jigs. Sometimes that vertical presentation is what triggers them.
Fort Walton Beach, FL, United States