48 Hour Deep Gulf Expedition
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
48-hour offshore expedition targeting trophy tuna, wahoo, mahi, and marlinExclusive 4-angler limit ensures personalized experience at remote oil rigs60-100 mile journey includes trolling action en route to fishing grounds
Picture this: you're 60-100 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by nothing but blue water and oil rigs that hold some of the most aggressive pelagic species on the planet. This isn't your weekend bay fishing trip – this is a serious offshore adventure designed for anglers who want to test their skills against the Gulf's apex predators. Limited to just 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fight fish and access to prime spots on the boat. We're talking about a bucket-list experience where trophy yellowfin tuna, screaming wahoo runs, and acrobatic mahi battles are just part of the daily routine.
We'll depart in the evening and make the long run out to the deep water while you get settled in for the night. The journey itself is part of the adventure – we'll be trolling high-speed lures on the way out, and it's not uncommon to hook into wahoo or mahi during the transit. Once we reach the oil rigs, you'll understand why these structures are legendary among Gulf anglers. These man-made reefs create an entire ecosystem, attracting baitfish which in turn draw the big predators we're after. The rigs offer structure fishing opportunities you simply can't find anywhere else, with massive schools of tuna often holding in the shadows underneath. Between the trolling action and live bait fishing around the rigs, you'll experience multiple fishing techniques and have shots at different species throughout the trip.
This trip combines the best of both worlds – high-speed trolling and precision live bait fishing. On the way out, we'll pull a spread of cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and diving plugs to cover different depths and attract wahoo and mahi. Once we're at the rigs, we switch gears to live bait fishing using circle hooks and 50-80 pound tackle. We'll deploy a mix of goggle eyes, blue runners, and whatever bait we can catch fresh at the rigs. The key is matching your bait to the depth and current – sometimes the tuna are holding deep at 200 feet, other times they're cruising just under the surface. We use downriggers and kites to present baits at multiple levels, giving you the best shot at connecting with whatever's feeding. The boat is rigged with outriggers, a fighting chair, and all the heavy tackle you'll need to battle these fish in deep water.
Yellowfin Tuna are the crown jewel of Gulf offshore fishing, and the oil rigs are where the biggest ones live. These fish are pure muscle – a 100-pound yellowfin will test your endurance and your drag system. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, but around the rigs, they can be caught throughout the day. What makes yellowfin so special is their speed and power; they'll make long, blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line before you know what hit you. The larger fish, often called "cows," are usually found in deeper water around the rigs and require heavy tackle and serious skill to land.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting trolled baits at over 40 mph. These sleek predators are known for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. They're most active during low-light conditions and are often caught while trolling at high speeds between fishing spots. A wahoo bite is unmistakable – the rod will load up instantly, and the fish will make a screaming run that'll have your reel smoking. They're excellent table fare and provide some of the most exciting moments you'll experience offshore.
Mahi Mahi bring the acrobatics to offshore fishing, with their spectacular jumps and brilliant colors. These fish are opportunistic feeders and will often travel in schools around floating debris or structure like oil rigs. They're particularly exciting because once you hook one, there are usually more in the area. Mahi are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and will often compete for baits, leading to multiple hookups. Their rapid color changes during the fight – from brilliant gold to electric blue – make them one of the most visually stunning fish to catch.
Swordfish represent the ultimate deep-water challenge, typically caught while deep-dropping at night or in very deep water around the rigs. These prehistoric-looking predators can exceed 200 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Swordfish require specialized techniques and heavy tackle, but landing one is considered a major achievement among serious offshore anglers. They're more commonly encountered during nighttime fishing sessions when they rise from the depths to feed.
Red Snapper provide consistent action around the rig structure, particularly during their open season. These bottom dwellers are known for their hard pulls and excellent table fare. While not as large as the pelagic species, red snapper fishing around oil rigs can be incredibly productive, with fish ranging from keeper-sized snappers to true giants over 20 pounds. They're perfect for filling the cooler between battles with larger pelagic species.
This 48-hour deep Gulf expedition represents the pinnacle of offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. With only 4 spots available, you'll have personalized attention, premium fishing real estate, and the best shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. All meals are included, so you can focus entirely on fishing and soaking up the experience. The combination of long-range trolling, live bait fishing around legendary oil rigs, and shots at multiple trophy species makes this trip a must-do for any serious angler. Don't let this opportunity slip away – these limited-capacity trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
This 48' offshore sportfisher is built for the serious angler ready to battle the Gulf's biggest game fish. With twin outriggers rigged and ready, she'll cut through swells like butter as you troll toward those legendary oil rigs 60-100 miles out. The spacious cockpit gives you room to fight monster tuna and marlin, while the flybridge offers prime visibility for spotting bait schools and working birds. Air conditioning keeps you cool between battles, and the full galley means hot meals during your 48-hour adventure. Advanced fish finder and radar ensure you'll locate the action even in tough conditions. The clean head and icebox handle the essentials, while rod holders and live wells are positioned for maximum efficiency. Four anglers max means everyone gets their shot at trophy fish without crowding the deck when the bite gets hot.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. They love hanging around floating debris and oil rigs in 60-200 feet, making them perfect targets for our deep water trips. Best fishing runs May through October when water temps climb. What makes them special? They put on a show - jumping, color-changing, and fighting hard right to the boat. Plus, they're amazing table fare with that sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your spread out. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area fast before they spook.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of the rig fishing - those classic red beauties that every Gulf angler wants in the box. Most run 2-8 pounds around the rigs, but 15+ pounders lurk in the deeper structure. They hug bottom around 80-200 feet, right in the rig's sweet spots. Season runs June through July typically, but check current regulations. Why everyone loves them? They fight smart, not just hard - using every beam and cable to try breaking you off. And that white, sweet meat is pure gold on the dinner table. Best advice: use circle hooks and fish right on bottom with fresh squid or cigar minnows. When you feel that thump, don't jerk - let the circle hook do its job as you reel tight.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate challenge - mysterious giants that hunt the deep water around our offshore rigs. These prehistoric-looking fighters average 100-200 pounds but can push 400+. They live in 800-1500 feet during the day, coming up to 300 feet at night to feed. Year-round fishery, but summer nights are most productive. What makes them special? It's like hooking into a submarine - long, powerful runs that'll test everything you've got. The meat's firm, meaty, and perfect for steaks. Here's the secret: use bright lights and drop your squid baits deep. They've got huge eyes adapted for the dark depths, and that glow will draw them in from way out in the black water.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - hitting 60 mph and razor-sharp teeth to match. Most run 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, though we've seen 100+ pounders around the rigs. These silver bullets with blue stripes cruise the blue water and structure in 50-200 feet. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're most active. Anglers love them for the blistering runs and that distinctive "ono" taste - Hawaiian for delicious. The meat's white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the grill. Key tip: use wire leaders, always. Their teeth will slice through mono or fluoro like butter. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs gets their attention.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of deep water fishing - built like torpedoes and fighting like freight trains. Out here, most run 40-80 pounds, but 100+ pounders roam the deeper rigs. They cruise the top 300 feet around structure and blue water edges. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when water temps hit 70+. What draws people back? Pure power. These fish will test your drag, your back, and your patience. The payoff is some of the finest sushi-grade meat in the ocean - that deep red flesh is restaurant quality. My advice: when they're finicky, try chunking with whatever baitfish are around. Sometimes you need to bring them up before they'll commit.
Fort Walton Beach, FL, United States