Full-Day Big-Game Fishing in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore adventure targeting marlin, tuna, and sharksMultiple fishing techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishingFamilyfriendly charter accommodating up to 6 guests
Picture yourself eight hours deep into the Gulf waters off Port Aransas, lines tight with the fight of a lifetime. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip—we're talking serious offshore action where the big fish live. With Coastal Charters, you'll be chasing trophy species like Blue and White Marlin, massive Red Snapper, and lightning-fast Blackfin Tuna. The boat holds up to six anglers, making it perfect for families wanting to create those once-in-a-lifetime fishing memories. Kids are absolutely welcome aboard, and here's the kicker—you get to keep your catch. Nothing beats the taste of fish you fought for yourself in the deep blue waters of the Texas Gulf.
Your day starts before sunrise at the Port Aransas marina, where you'll meet your captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll cruise out past the jetties and into the open Gulf, where the real adventure begins. The boat is equipped with top-rated gear and electronics to put you right on the fish. Don't worry about bringing tackle—everything from heavy trolling rigs to light spinning setups is provided. The crew will have you rigged up and ready whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time holding a rod. Eight hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. Some days they want live bait, other days they're crushing lures—we'll figure it out together.
We're not messing around out there—this charter uses every trick in the book to put fish in the boat. Trolling is huge for covering water and finding active schools of Mahi and Tuna. We'll pull a spread of lures at different depths and speeds until we find what they want. When we mark fish on the bottom, we switch to heavy bottom rigs loaded with circle hooks and fresh bait to target those monster Red Snapper and Amberjack. Jigging comes into play around structure where the big predators hang out—nothing gets your heart pumping like a 40-pound fish slamming a jig on the drop. The spinning gear gets its turn when we find surface action or need to make precise presentations. Deep-sea techniques mean using downriggers and wire line to get baits down to where the marlin cruise. The crew knows when to use each method based on conditions, time of year, and what species we're targeting.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Port Aransas sits right in prime marlin territory. These fish can push 300 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and determination. Summer months bring the best marlin action when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. The fight is legendary—long runs, jumps, and bulldogging power that'll leave your arms shaking. White Marlin are smaller but arguably more acrobatic, putting on aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They're more common than their blue cousins and just as much fun on lighter tackle.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and these Port Aransas reds are absolute slabs. We're talking fish in the 8-15 pound range that fight like they're twice that size. They live around structure and won't give up easy—expect a tough battle from the bottom to the boat. Peak season runs from June through August, and the meat is world-class table fare. Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, often hitting 30-50 pounds around here. They'll take your bait straight into the rocks if you let them, so it's a chess match from the first strike. These fish are pure muscle and attitude. Lane Snapper are smaller but incredibly abundant and tasty—perfect for kids to get in on the action while the adults battle bigger fish.
This full-day charter represents the best offshore fishing Port Aransas has to offer. Eight hours gives you the time needed to really work the water and find the fish, while the family-friendly atmosphere means everyone can get in on the fun. The fact that you keep your catch makes this trip pay for itself in fresh fish for months. Summer dates book fast when the marlin bite is hot, so don't wait if you want a shot at a trophy. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to offshore fishing or check a Blue Marlin off your bucket list, this charter delivers the goods. Contact Coastal Charters today and let's get you hooked up with the fishing trip you'll be talking about for years to come.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this fast 36' Yellowfin center console! Triple 275HP Mercury engines push this beauty to 59 knots, getting you to the deep blue waters where the big ones live. Built for serious offshore action, she comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around. The spacious center console design gives everyone access to the action whether you're trolling for marlin, jigging for tuna, or bottom fishing for snapper. Modern fish finder helps locate schools, while GPS and radar keep you on target and safe. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with monster fish. Plus there's a head onboard for comfort during 8-hour adventures. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience real deep-sea fishing in Port Aransas waters where blackfin tuna, mahi mahi, tiger sharks, and trophy marlin roam.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the real deal when it comes to big-game fishing - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males top out around 350. These apex predators cruise the warm Gulf waters year-round, hunting tuna and mahi with that signature spear-like bill. You'll find them in deep blue water, usually following temperature breaks and current lines. What makes them special? That legendary fight - they'll jump, dive, and test every piece of your gear. The meat's decent but most folks go for the bragging rights. Here's the trick: when trolling, don't watch your bait, watch the water around it. Blues are sneaky and can strike from behind before you know it. Once hooked, let them run initially - fighting too early usually means a lost fish.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bruisers of the reef - thick-bodied fish that can stretch 6 feet and weigh 40+ pounds. Look for that amber stripe running down their bluish-grey sides. These guys love structure: wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 80-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer gives you the best action when they're most active. What guests love is the raw power - once hooked, they'll dive straight for the bottom trying to cut your line on the reef. The meat's excellent, firm and white, perfect for the grill. My tip: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test and get them up fast. The longer you fight, the more likely they'll find something to wrap your line around and break off.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snapper are the perfect family fish - colorful pink and silver with those distinctive yellow stripes that give them their name. Most run 10-14 inches and a few pounds, making them great for kids to handle. You'll find them around reefs and sandy areas with vegetation in 70-230 feet, though they come shallower at night. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their March-September spawning season. What makes them popular is they're aggressive biters and excellent eating - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters either, taking shrimp, squid, or small jigs readily. Pro tip: they bite best after dark, so if the action's slow during the day, try the same spots once the sun goes down.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - bright red beauties that can reach 35 pounds, though most run 2-10 pounds. These bottom dwellers love hard structure: reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas in 60-200 feet of water. Best bite happens during their season (check current regulations) over summer months. What guests love is the combination of steady action and table fare - red snapper is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They'll fight hard for their size, diving straight down trying to get back to cover. My advice: use heavy enough tackle to turn them away from structure quickly. Fresh squid or live pinfish work great, but keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are smaller than their blue cousins - averaging 80-180 pounds - but they're acrobatic fighters that love to jump and tailwalk. These silver-sided billfish cruise the warm Gulf waters, especially around underwater structure like canyons and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps are right. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll attack trolled ballyhoo or small tuna with serious attitude. The fight is all about speed and jumps rather than raw power. Here's what works: when trolling dead bait, make it swim naturally with the right rigging. Watch behind your spread, not just at the baits - whites are ambush predators that strike fast and can disappear just as quick if you're not ready.
Corpus Christi