Short Offshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna, and snapper speciesMultiple fishing techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishingFamilyfriendly trip accommodating up to 6 guests with keeper fish
Get ready for four solid hours chasing some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish right out of Port Aransas. This offshore charter puts you on prime fishing grounds where Blackfin Tuna, Blue and White Marlin, Red Snapper, and more are actively feeding. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, fishing buddies, or anyone looking to experience what makes these Texas waters legendary. You'll keep whatever you catch, so bring your cooler and get ready to fill it with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Your captain knows these offshore waters like the back of their hand, and they'll get you to the productive spots where the fish are biting. The trip starts early to maximize your time over structure and current breaks where predator fish hunt. You'll be fishing in 80 to 150 feet of water, depending on conditions and what's biting that day. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait - everything you need to hook into something special. Kids are absolutely welcome, and the crew loves getting young anglers hooked on their first big fish. Just bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and maybe some snacks since meals aren't provided on this charter.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore techniques. You'll start with trolling to cover water and locate active schools of tuna and marlin. The crew sets out a spread of lures at different depths and speeds to mimic baitfish. When you mark fish on the bottom, it's time to switch to bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks to target snapper around structure. Jigging is deadly effective here too - vertical jigs worked through the water column trigger aggressive strikes from tuna and other pelagics. Spinning gear gets deployed when you need to cast to breaking fish or work topwater lures. The crew teaches you each technique as conditions change throughout the day, so you'll leave knowing how to fish these waters like a pro.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, running anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds with excellent table fare. They're most active during spring and fall migrations but can be caught year-round in these waters. What makes them special is their fight - they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system. Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, with fish ranging from 200 to over 500 pounds. Peak season runs from May through September when they follow warm water currents. Landing one is a bucket-list experience that most anglers never forget. White Marlin are smaller but incredibly acrobatic, often jumping multiple times during the fight. They prefer the same waters as their larger cousins but are more numerous. Red Snapper are the most sought-after bottom fish here, with their season typically running from June through July. These 15 to 25-pound fish are excellent eating and put up a solid fight on lighter tackle. Lane Snapper are smaller cousins to reds but are available year-round and make fantastic table fare, especially for kids who love catching multiple fish.
Port Aransas offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this. You're getting access to some of the Gulf's most productive waters with an experienced crew who knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're after your first marlin, want to fill the cooler with snapper, or just need a day away from the dock, this charter delivers. The four-hour timeframe is perfect for families or anglers who want to sample offshore fishing without committing to a full day. Book early, especially during peak seasons, because word travels fast among local anglers about which boats are producing consistent results.
This 36-foot Yellowfin center console is built for serious offshore action in Port Aransas waters. Triple 275HP Mercury engines push this beauty to a 59-knot cruise, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back to dock even faster. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with plenty of room to work the lines whether you're trolling for marlin or dropping bottom rigs for snapper. Fish finder and GPS keep you on the fish, while radar ensures safe navigation in changing conditions. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Built in 2007, this center console combines proven reliability with the performance needed to chase tuna, mahi, and whatever else is biting in the Gulf. The onboard head means longer days on the water without heading back early.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 20-30 inches and weighing up to 30 pounds around here. They're fierce fighters that love to school up in the warmer Gulf waters, especially during fall through spring when water temps hit 68°F or better. You'll find them cruising near the continental shelf in blue water, often mixed with skipjack. What makes them popular is the combination of a serious battle and excellent table fare - their meat is firm and flavorful. They've got sharp eyesight, so I always scale down to lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. Pro tip: use live pilchards for chum and try vertical jigging when you mark a school. They're aggressive feeders but spook easily with heavy tackle.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the Gulf - females can push over 1,000 pounds while males rarely break 350. These apex predators cruise deep blue water along drop-offs and current breaks, hunting tuna and mackerel. Summer through early fall gives us the best shots when water temps climb above 75°F. What draws anglers is pure adrenaline - nothing matches a marlin's acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs. They're catch-and-release fish for most, but the experience lasts a lifetime. We troll large baits like rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures at 6-8 knots. Here's the key: when one shows up behind your bait, don't change speed or direction. Let them decide to eat. Heavy tackle is essential - 50-80 pound class with quality drags.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are colorful reef fish with distinctive pink and yellow stripes, typically running 10-14 inches and 1-3 pounds. They hang around coral reefs and sandy areas with vegetation in 20-100 feet of water. March through September is prime time during their spawning season when they're most aggressive. Guests love them as bonus fish - they're scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also great for kids since they bite readily. We target them with small hooks and light tackle using shrimp, squid, or cut bait. Night fishing produces the best action since they feed more actively after dark. Keep your baits small and on the bottom - these guys aren't shy about eating but they have small mouths.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds with occasional giants pushing 20-plus. They live around hard structure like oil rigs, reefs, and rocky bottom in 40-200 feet of water. Summer season brings the best fishing when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and world-class table fare - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're smart fish that require finesse. I use fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish on circle hooks. Here's the secret: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook. Let them load up the rod, then start reeling steadily. They'll hook themselves and you'll avoid pulling the bait away from a hesitant fish.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are smaller billfish, averaging 40-80 pounds, but they're acrobatic fighters that make up for size with attitude. They hunt in deeper offshore waters around underwater structure like canyons and ledges, preferring temps above 70°F. Spring through summer offers the best action when they follow baitfish migrations. Anglers love them for spectacular jumps and long runs - they're scrappy fighters that test your skills. Most are released to fight another day. We troll small baits like rigged ballyhoo or small lures at moderate speeds. The trick is watching behind your baits, not at them - white marlin are sneaky and often appear from nowhere. When you get a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let them eat the bait first, then come tight.
Corpus Christi