Epic Offshore Fishing in Port Aransas Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi and Goliath GrouperAll fishing gear provided with 6:30 AM departure timeAccommodates up to 6 guests with Coastal Charters crew
Looking for a serious offshore adventure that'll test your skills against some of the Gulf's most sought-after game fish? This 10-hour charter with Coastal Charters puts you right in the action, targeting trophy species like Goliath Grouper and Mahi Mahi in the deep blue waters off Port Aransas. We're talking about a full day of fishing that starts before dawn and keeps you busy until the sun's getting low. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. All the tackle's provided, but you'll need to bring your own Texas fishing license, plus food and drinks for the day.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 a.m. sharp from the Port Aransas marina. We're not messing around with this early start - it gets you to the productive waters while the fish are still actively feeding and before the afternoon winds pick up. The run out to the deep water structure takes about an hour, depending on where the fish have been biting lately. Our captain monitors the fishing reports and knows which reefs, rigs, and drop-offs have been producing. You'll be fishing anywhere from 60 to 120 feet of water, sometimes deeper if that's where the action is. The Gulf of Mexico off Port Aransas is famous for its underwater structure - oil rigs, natural reefs, and ledges that hold baitfish and attract the predators we're after. Ten hours gives you real time to work different spots and adjust tactics based on what's happening that day.
This charter runs multiple fishing techniques depending on conditions and target species. For the Goliath Grouper, we're talking heavy bottom fishing with stout rods and reels that can handle 50-80 pound fish in deep water structure. You'll be dropping big baits - whole bonito, large pinfish, or cut bait - right down to the bottom near ledges and artificial reefs. The Mahi Mahi fishing is completely different - we're trolling with colorful lures, looking for floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where these fish cruise. When we find a school of dolphin fish, we'll switch to live bait or jigs and work them fast. The Cobia often show up around the same structure as grouper but closer to the surface, so we'll have medium-heavy spinning gear ready for sight fishing when they cruise by. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, but these are serious fish that require serious gear - expect to use 30-50 pound class tackle most of the day.
The Goliath Grouper around Port Aransas are absolute monsters that can easily hit 100-200 pounds or more. These fish live around the deeper reefs and structures, usually in 80+ feet of water. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, and what makes them so exciting is the initial run when they feel the hook - pure power heading straight back to their hole in the reef. Keep in mind these are protected, so it's catch-and-release only, but getting one to the boat for photos is a lifetime memory. The Mahi Mahi bite is best from late spring through early fall, with peak action in summer. These fish run 10-30 pounds typically and are known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and change directions like crazy. Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize fish out here, with most fish running 100-400 pounds. They're around year-round but summer gives you the best shot. The Great Barracuda are aggressive predators that hit lures hard and make blistering runs - they're fun on lighter tackle and great eating if you want to keep a few. Cobia are another favorite, running 20-50 pounds and known for their curious nature - they'll actually swim up to the boat to check you out before deciding whether to eat your bait.
This offshore charter gives you a real shot at some of the Gulf's top game fish with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Ten hours on the water means you're not rushed - there's time to try different techniques, move between spots, and really work the fish when you find them. The early start gets you out there when conditions are typically best, and the 6-person limit keeps the boat from getting crowded. Remember to bring your Texas saltwater fishing license, plenty of food and drinks for the long day, sunscreen, and a cooler if you plan to keep any fish. The weather can change quickly offshore, so pack a light jacket even in summer. This is serious offshore fishing that can produce trophy fish and lifelong memories - but you've got to book your spot to make it happen. Coastal Charters has the experience and equipment to put you on fish, but these prime offshore dates fill up fast during peak season.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this beautifully restored 56' Hatteras Convertible, built to handle everything the Gulf throws at you. Twin 1798HP MAN engines power this classic sportfisher through offshore waters with authority, while the spacious layout keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable during those long battles with Mahi Mahi and monster Goliath Grouper. The boat comes loaded with serious fishing amenities—advanced fish finder to locate the action, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and plenty of cold storage for your catch and refreshments. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full galley, comfortable sleeping quarters, and head. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water and plenty of room to work multiple lines. Your 10-hour adventure starts at 6:30 a.m. with all tackle provided, targeting Cobia, Great Barracuda, and whatever else is biting in Port Aransas waters. Just bring your fishing license, food, and drinks—this Hatteras handles the rest.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - females can hit 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds, though males stay smaller around 350. We find them in the deeper Gulf waters, usually 20+ miles out where the water's blue and warm. Summer through early fall is prime time here in the Gulf. These fish put on a show with their jumps and runs, making them a bucket-list catch for serious anglers. You need industrial-grade tackle because they'll destroy light gear without thinking twice. We troll with both live bait and artificial lures, keeping them skipping on the surface. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't get too excited on the first run - let the fish tire itself out with those acrobatic jumps before you start putting serious pressure on.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown, shark-looking fish that average around 30-50 pounds, though they can hit 100+. They're loners most of the time, cruising near the surface around buoys, rigs, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time - that's when they move through our area heading north. What makes them special is the combination of great fighting ability and being some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Their white, flaky meat rivals any restaurant fish. We sight-fish for them a lot, spotting their dark backs near the surface. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait like crabs or eels is hard to beat. Pro tip: when you see one, don't get too excited and spook it - make a long, quiet cast ahead of where it's swimming.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive grouper can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the biggest in the Atlantic. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-150 feet of water. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the fight is worth it - that first pull can literally drag you across the deck if you're not ready. They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat sometimes. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. Bring heavy tackle - 50-80 class gear minimum with 400-600 pound line. My tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough that you can pull them away before they break you off in the rocks. Bounce your bait off the bottom to create some noise.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are built for speed - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts and grow up to 6 feet long. These silver torpedoes hunt near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and grass flats, usually in 20-80 feet of water. They're active year-round here, but spring and summer give you the most action. Guests love them because they're aggressive strikers and put up a wild fight, though they tire quickly. Their razor-sharp teeth and fearless attitude make every hookup exciting. We catch them trolling spoons or casting jigs around structure. Fair warning - they're not great table fare due to potential toxins, so most folks release them. My advice: use a wire leader and keep your hands away from that mouth when landing them. They'll jump and can bite even when you think they're done fighting.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll catch - bright gold sides with electric blue and green that light up like a rainbow when they're fighting. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere birds are working in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is your best bet out here. What guests love is the combination - they're beautiful, great fighters, and excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. We usually troll ballyhoo or squid, making them skip on the surface since mahi love chasing flying fish. Here's my trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water and work fast - where there's one mahi, there's usually more, so get multiple lines ready.
Corpus Christi