Port Aransas Full Day Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing charter with Captain DannyTarget Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia, Amberjack, and MackerelSix-person capacity with all fishing gear provided
Ready to hit the deep blue waters off Port Aransas with Captain Danny and the crew at Coastal Charters? This full-day offshore adventure puts you right in the action zone where the Gulf's best game fish hang out. We're talking about getting 20-30 miles out where the water turns that gorgeous blue-green and the real monsters live. You'll spend a solid day chasing mahi, wahoo, cobia, and whatever else decides to bite. Pack light on the extras – we've got all your tackle sorted – but bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and your Texas fishing license because you're going to need the energy for what's coming.
Captain Danny knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish. We launch early – usually around 6 AM – to make the most of your day and get out to the productive grounds while conditions are prime. The ride out takes about an hour depending on where the bite's been hot, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the sunrise paint the Gulf. Our boat handles six anglers comfortably, so you've got plenty of elbow room to work without bumping into each other. The vibe's relaxed but focused – we're here to fish, and Captain Danny's got the eye for reading water, birds, and structure that separates the weekend warriors from the pros. Expect to work different depths and techniques throughout the day as we follow the action.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where we find them. For the pelagics like mahi and wahoo, we'll pull a spread of lures at different speeds – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that cover the water column. When we mark fish on the sounder or find structure, we switch to bottom rigs with circle hooks and live or cut bait. All your gear's provided, from the heavy spinning reels for the big stuff down to the lighter tackle when the action calls for finesse. Captain Danny's particular about his tackle – everything's maintained and ready to handle whatever decides to eat. If you've got your own lucky rod, bring it along, but our setup's dialed in for Gulf fishing and we've got backups for when things get wild.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the bunch – these fish will test your arms and your drag system. They hang around wrecks and hard bottom in 80-120 feet, and when one grabs your bait, you know it instantly. AJs fight dirty, heading straight for structure to break you off, so it's a battle from the first run. Best months are spring through early fall, and a good one will go 40-60 pounds. What makes them special is that raw power – they're like hooking into a freight train that doesn't want to come up.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers with those electric colors that light up when they're fighting. These fish are nomads, following warm water and floating debris where small fish congregate. They're spectacular jumpers and surprisingly strong for their size. Spring through fall brings the best mahi fishing, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s. A typical Gulf mahi runs 10-20 pounds, but the bulls can push 40. They're also fantastic eating, which makes the fight even sweeter.
Wahoo are the speed demons – fastest fish in the Gulf and armed with a mouth full of razor teeth. They hit trolled baits like lightning and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Most wahoo come on the troll when you're covering water, and they prefer the cleaner blue water we find offshore. Fall and winter are prime time for wahoo, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. A good wahoo will go 20-40 pounds and test every knot in your tackle.
Cobia are the opportunists, cruising around looking for an easy meal. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting. Spring brings the big cobia migration through Port Aransas waters, and it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find. These fish are strong, smart, and can weigh 30-50 pounds. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red Snapper are the classic Gulf bottom fish – beautiful, tasty, and always a good fight. When snapper season's open, they're a top target around structure and hard bottom. These fish have personality and will test your patience, often nibbling baits before committing. A good red snapper in these waters runs 5-15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 20-plus. They're the gold standard for Gulf table fare, and there's something satisfying about pulling a bright red snapper up from the depths.
This Port Aransas offshore experience with Coastal Charters gives you everything you need for a proper Gulf fishing adventure. Captain Danny's track record speaks for itself, and his knowledge of these waters will put you on fish when others are scratching their heads. The boat's equipped, the tackle's ready, and the fish are out there waiting. Remember to grab your Texas fishing license online or at any tackle shop – you'll need it before we head out. Book early because the good dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing's hot. Whether you're after that first offshore experience or you're a seasoned angler looking for a solid day on the water, this trip delivers the goods.
The Texas Bet is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Port Aransas waters. This 36-foot Twin Vee catamaran cuts through the Gulf swells with stability that'll keep you comfortable while chasing mahi, wahoo, and cobia in deeper waters. Captain Danny knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand, using the onboard fish finder and GPS to put you right where the action is. The 12-foot beam gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, while the full-size top provides welcome shade during those hot Texas afternoons. When nature calls, there's a proper head onboard, and the icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold all day. The radar system means weather won't shut down your trip, and there's space for multiple coolers to bring home your catch. With room for up to 6 anglers, this cat gives you the perfect platform for targeting amberjack, mackerel, and whatever else is biting in the blue water off the Texas coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants we sight-fish in spring and early summer - brown sharks with attitudes, averaging 30-60 pounds. They cruise near the surface around structure, buoys, and even floating debris in 20-80 feet of water. Peak season runs March through June during their spawning migration. What makes cobia special is the visual aspect - we spot them cruising and cast right to them. They fight like bulldogs and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. These fish are curious but spooky. When we spot one, approach quietly and make your first cast count. Drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose, then be ready - they either eat it immediately or disappear. Keep the boat moving slowly to cover more water.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target - brilliant gold, green, and blue that puts on a light show when they come to the boat. Average catch runs 15-30 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps hit 70+ degrees. Guests love mahi because they jump, run, and fight hard on lighter tackle. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. Here's the trick: when you see one, keep your lines in. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruiser amberjacks average 30-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds out here in deeper Gulf waters. You'll find them around structure - oil rigs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fishing peaks during cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special? Pure fighting power. They'll test your tackle with deep runs and stubborn head shakes that'll make your arms burn. The meat is excellent - firm white fillets that grill beautifully. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They know every bolt and beam on those rigs and will wrap you up in seconds if you give them slack line.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - averaging 3-8 pounds with occasional teens showing up. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and around oil rigs in 40-200 feet of water. Season runs June through August when federal waters open. What makes them special is their reputation as table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They also fight harder than their size suggests, making strong runs toward structure. The key to consistent snapper fishing is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before other fish grab it. Use heavy enough weights to cut through the current, and fish with fresh or live bait like cigar minnows. Once you find a productive spot, mark it well - snapper schools tend to stay put on good structure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore trips - hitting 50+ mph and averaging 30-50 pounds with occasional fish pushing 80. They cruise open blue water and around offshore structure in 100-300 feet. Fall and winter months give us our best wahoo action when they move through following baitfish. What sets them apart is that screaming first run - they'll peel line like nothing else. The meat is premium table fare, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for steaks or sashimi. Speed is key when targeting wahoo. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Once hooked, keep pressure on - they'll throw the hook if you give them any slack during those acrobatic jumps.
Corpus Christi