Port Aransas Full Day Spearfishing Charter
Looking for a fishing adventure that'll push your limits and get your heart pumping? This full-day spearfishing charter out of Port Aransas takes you into the deep blue Gulf waters where the big pelagic fish roam. We're talking about a proper offshore hunt for some of the fastest, hardest-fighting fish in Texas waters. With Coastal Charters, you'll head out beyond the jetties into prime fishing territory where king mackerel, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and amberjack are waiting. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're going after the trophy species that make anglers' dreams come true.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off early 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 load up the 6-person boat with all the gear you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and everything in between. The boat heads out through the famous Port Aransas jetties, and once we clear the shallow waters, it's a run to the offshore structure where the action happens. These trips typically cover 20-40 miles offshore, hitting oil rigs, natural reefs, and deep-water drop-offs where the predator fish hunt. The Gulf of Mexico here drops off quickly, giving us access to blue water fishing without burning half the day getting there. You'll spend about 8 hours on the water, giving everyone plenty of time to get their lines wet and hopefully boat some serious fish.
Spearfishing Setup & Tactics
This charter focuses on spearfishing techniques, which means we're targeting fast-moving pelagic species using high-speed trolling and live bait presentations. The crew will set up a spread of lines behind the boat, typically running a mix of ballyhoo, rigged squid, and artificial lures at different depths and distances. We'll also have live bait ready – pilchards, cigar minnows, and sometimes bigger baits like bonito or small tuna for the trophy fish. The key to spearfishing success is covering water and staying mobile, so expect to move between different structures and depth changes throughout the day. When fish are located, we'll often stop to drift fish or anchor up if the bite is hot. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but they'll teach you the techniques if you're interested in learning the finer points of offshore fishing.
Top Catches This Season
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Port Aransas offshore fishing, and these silvery speedsters put up a fight that'll test your drag system. Kings typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus pounds. They're most active in the warmer months from April through October, and they love structure like oil rigs and artificial reefs. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run – when you hook one, it'll scream off 100-200 yards of line before you even know what hit you. They're also excellent eating, especially the smaller "smoker kings" in the 15-25 pound range.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the deep structure, and catching one is like arm wrestling with a bulldozer. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and will head straight for the rig pilings or reef structure the moment they feel the hook. AJ's are year-round residents but fish best in the cooler months when they move up in the water column. They're ambush predators that love live bait, and once you get one away from the structure, they make multiple powerful runs that'll leave your arms burning. The meat is fantastic when prepared properly, though larger fish can have worms that are easily removed.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphin fish, are pure gold when you find them in Texas waters. These colorful fighters are typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks in the blue water. Mahi are most common during the summer months, and finding a school can result in multiple hookups and non-stop action. They're known for their acrobatic fights, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, but bull dolphin can push 40-plus pounds. They're also considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph and making lightning-fast runs that'll burn your drag. These fish are built like torpedoes and have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders. Wahoo are less common than the other target species but are highly prized for their fight and excellent table fare. They're typically caught while high-speed trolling and prefer the deeper blue water areas. When you hook a wahoo, the initial run is so fast and violent that many anglers think they've snagged the bottom until the fish starts jumping.
Cobia are the wild cards of Gulf fishing – these curious brown sharks often approach the boat and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. They're powerful fighters that make long, steady runs and are notorious for diving under the boat at the last minute. Cobia can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in Port Aransas waters. They're most active during the spring and fall migrations but can be caught year-round around structure. The meat is outstanding, often compared to shark or mahi-mahi in texture and flavor.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full-day spearfishing adventure gives you the best shot at landing the fish of a lifetime in some of Texas's most productive offshore waters. With all fishing equipment included and a crew that knows exactly where to find the fish, you just need to bring your fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and be ready for an epic day on the water. Port Aransas is renowned for its worl