Ultimate Offshore Fishing Adventure in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing adventure targeting marlin and tunaMultiple techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishingFamilyfriendly trip with fish keeping privileges included
Get ready for 12 hours of pure offshore action that'll have you talking for years. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking sunrise to sunset fishing in some of the Gulf's most productive waters. Captain and crew from Coastal Charters know exactly where the big fish are hanging out, and with only 6 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between stories and fish photos. Port Aransas sits right at the gateway to deep blue water, meaning less travel time and more lines in the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first taste of offshore fishing, this full-day adventure delivers the kind of non-stop action that keeps people coming back season after season.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize fishing time in the prime morning bite. The boat heads straight for the deep water structure where marlin cruise and tuna schools gather. You'll cover serious ground throughout the day, moving between productive spots as conditions and fish activity dictate. The crew keeps multiple rods working at all times, switching between techniques based on what's biting and where we're fishing. Expect to see flying fish scattered across the surface, diving birds marking bait schools, and that heart-stopping moment when a big fish crashes the spread. The pace stays high all day long – when one technique slows down, we're already switching gears and trying something different. Kids do great on these trips because there's always something happening, whether it's reeling in a colorful mahi or watching the captain work a marlin that's putting on an aerial show.
This charter runs the full playbook of offshore techniques to put you on fish throughout the day. Trolling covers water fast and triggers strikes from marlin, tuna, and mahi that can't resist a well-presented spread of lures and baits. When we mark fish on the bottom machine, it's time to break out the jigging gear and work those vertical presentations that drive amberjack and cobia crazy. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle puts red snapper and lane snapper in the box, especially around the natural and artificial reefs scattered throughout Port Aransas waters. Spinning gear gets the call when we find surface action – nothing beats the fight of a blackfin tuna on lighter tackle. The crew handles all the technical stuff like rigging baits, adjusting drag settings, and reading the electronics, but they'll teach you the tricks if you want to learn. Live bait, dead bait, artificials – whatever it takes to get bit, that's what goes in the water.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Port Aransas offshore fishing, and these speed demons pack serious punch for their size. Most fish run 15-25 pounds, but don't let that fool you – blackfins are pure muscle and attitude. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often mixing with skipjack tuna and bonito. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the hottest action happening during summer months when bait is thick. What makes blackfins so special is their willingness to bite and their incredible fight on appropriate tackle.
Blue marlin are the ultimate prize in these waters, and Port Aransas consistently produces fish in the 200-400 pound range. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, following bait schools and temperature gradients. Summer brings the best marlin fishing, particularly during the warmer months when Gulf Stream influence is strongest. Blues are notorious for their spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Even smaller marlin put up fights that anglers remember forever, and the larger fish become true battles of endurance and skill.
Greater amberjack are the bruisers of the deep structure, and Port Aransas waters hold some monsters. These fish commonly exceed 40 pounds, with trophy-class fish pushing 60-80 pounds or more. AJs live around wrecks, reefs, and oil platforms where they ambush smaller fish. They bite year-round but peak during spring and fall when they're most active. What makes amberjack fishing so addictive is their immediate, powerful response to jigs and live baits – there's no mistaking when a big AJ grabs your offering.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anywhere, anytime during the warmer months. These chocolate-colored bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can grow much larger. Port Aransas cobia follow rays, cruise structure, and often free-swim in open water. Spring and early summer bring the best cobia action as fish move through the area during their annual migration. Cobia are sight-fishing targets that will eat live bait, jigs, and even topwater plugs when they're fired up.
White marlin bring speed and acrobatics to the offshore scene, typically running smaller than their blue cousins but making up for it with pure energy. These fish love the same waters as blues but often show up in better numbers during peak season. Port Aransas white marlin fishing peaks in summer, especially around full moon periods when bait activity increases. Whites are perfect for anglers who want to experience marlin fishing without the extreme tackle requirements of larger billfish.
This 12-hour offshore adventure represents serious value for anglers who want to experience the best of Port Aransas fishing. You're getting a full day with an experienced crew, access to prime fishing grounds, and the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. The 6-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. You'll head home with a cooler full of fresh fish, photos of the ones that fought the hardest, and stories that get better every time you tell them. Port Aransas offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this – book your spot with Coastal
This 36' Yellowfin center console is built for serious offshore action in Port Aransas waters. Triple 275HP Mercury engines push this beast to 59 knots, getting you to the blue water fast where marlin and tuna patrol. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you work everything from bottom rigs for snapper to trolling spreads for billfish. GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy, while the fish finder marks schools of blackfin tuna and mahi. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 12-hour battles. With a head onboard, you can stay focused on the bite without heading back to port. This 2007 Yellowfin delivers the speed, space, and reliability you need to hunt big game fish in the Gulf's deep waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, usually running 20-30 pounds and up to 39 inches. They're gorgeous fish with that distinctive golden stripe along their sides that fades once landed. You'll find them in the warmer Gulf waters, typically schooled up with skipjack. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. These fish are absolute rockets - they'll test your drag and give you a serious workout. The meat is top-shelf too, perfect for sashimi or steaks. Here's the trick: scale down your tackle. They've got sharp eyes, so I run 30lb fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging works great, but don't overlook chunking with live pilchards to get them fired up and close to the boat.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - females can hit over 1000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males top out around 350. These giants cruise the deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, usually 100+ feet deep. The Gulf gives us year-round shots at them, but summer months are prime time when the water's warmest. What makes them special? Pure power and those aerial shows when hooked. They'll jump, run, and test every piece of gear you've got. The fight can last hours on a big fish. Most guests do catch-and-release since the meat can have mercury concerns. My advice: use industrial-grade tackle - 50lb+ line minimum. When trolling, rig your ballyhoo on circle hooks and watch the area around your baits, not just the baits themselves. Blues are sneaky strikers.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite targets - they're like the retriever dogs of the ocean. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and are usually cruising alone near the surface around buoys, rigs, and wrecks. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes them special? They're curious fish that'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate. The meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild. They're sight-fishing at its best. We'll spot them cruising just under the surface in 30-70 feet of water. Bucktail jigs work great, but honestly they're not picky - crabs, eels, or live bait all work. Here's the key: when you see one, get your bait in front of it quickly but don't splash it down. Cobia spook easy but once they're interested, they usually eat.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef - thick-bodied fish that average 30-40 pounds but can push 100+. They're aggressive predators with that distinctive amber stripe running down their sides. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, hitting both live bait and jigs hard. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests love them because they fight dirty - straight down to the structure trying to break you off. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and white. Fair warning though - bigger fish can carry ciguatera, so we usually keep the smaller ones. Pro tip: when you hook one, tighten that drag and horse them up fast. Give them time to think and they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world, typically running 50-80 pounds with lightning speed and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. They cruise the deep blue water in 100+ feet, hunting flying fish and small tuna along temperature breaks and current edges. Summer months are our best shot at them when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll jump, dive, and put on a show like no other species. Most anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the population. They're tricky to hook since they're smart hunters themselves. I troll dead ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, but here's the secret: don't watch the bait, watch the water around it. White marlin are sneaky strikers. When one hits, don't set the hook immediately - let it eat for a few seconds before coming tight. Patience pays off with these apex predators.
Corpus Christi