Ultimate Offshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting yellowfin tuna and mahi mahiAll fishing gear provided for groups up to 6 guestsMultiple species available including amberjack, grouper, and swordfish
Get ready for a full day of serious offshore action in the Gulf of Mexico's most productive fishing grounds. This 12-hour charter puts you right where the big fish live, targeting everything from massive Yellowfin Tuna to colorful Mahi Mahi in the deep blue waters off Port Aransas. We've got all the tackle and gear sorted, so you just need to show up with your fishing license, some snacks, and whatever drinks you want for the day. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip is perfect for groups looking to get into some world-class fishing without the crowds.
This charter takes you way beyond the nearshore waters into the real deal - the deep Gulf where the trophy fish cruise. We'll be running anywhere from 20 to 60 miles offshore depending on where the fish are biting and what the conditions look like. The boat is rigged with top-rated electronics to mark fish and structure, plus we've got downriggers, outriggers, and everything needed to present baits properly in the blue water. Expect to be trolling spread patterns most of the day, but we'll also do some bottom fishing over structure for Grouper and Amberjack when the bite calls for it. The Gulf can be unpredictable, so we stay flexible and go where the action is hottest. Most days you'll see other charter boats working the same general areas, but there's plenty of water and fish for everyone out there.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques depending on what we're targeting. For the pelagic species like Tuna and Mahi, we'll have a spread of lures and rigged baits running at different depths and distances behind the boat. The outriggers let us cover more water, while the downriggers get baits down to where the Yellowfin are cruising. When we hit structure for bottom species, we switch to heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. All the rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided - we're talking quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle whatever we hook into. The boat carries a full selection of lures from cedar plugs to diving plugs, plus live and cut bait. If you've got favorite lures or techniques you want to try, bring them along, but our setup has been dialed in over years of fishing these waters.
Yellowfin Tuna are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Port Aransas puts you in prime territory for these speed demons. These fish average 30-80 pounds but can push over 200, and they'll test every piece of gear on the boat. Yellowfin are most active during the cooler months from October through March, though we see them year-round in the deeper waters. They're incredibly strong fighters that make long, powerful runs, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf for sashimi or steaks. When you hook into a decent Yellowfin, you'll know why anglers travel from all over the country to fish the Gulf.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to your fishing day. These beautiful fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, with occasional bulls pushing 40-plus. Mahi are most abundant from late spring through early fall, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit both lures and baits. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Plus, where you find one Mahi, you'll often find a whole school, so the action can get pretty wild when you locate a good concentration.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to try to drag you back into the structure where they live. These fish commonly reach 40-80 pounds in the Gulf, and the bigger ones will absolutely smoke your drag system. They're most active during the warmer months and can be found around oil rigs, artificial reefs, and natural bottom structure. AJs are notorious for their initial run straight back toward cover, so you've got to turn them quick or risk getting cut off. They're also excellent eating when prepared properly, though watch out for ciguatoxin in the larger specimens.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate test of angler skill and tackle strength. These massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and live around the biggest structures in 60-200 feet of water. Due to regulations, all Goliaths must be released, but the experience of hooking into one of these giants is something you'll never forget. They use their incredible bulk and knowledge of the bottom to try to break you off immediately. The fight is more about leverage and persistence than speed, as these fish will try to wedge themselves into caves and crevices. Goliath encounters peak during the summer spawning season when they aggregate around specific structures.
Swordfish add an element of mystery to any offshore trip, as these deep-water predators are typically targeted during specific conditions and times. While not as common as the other species on day trips, Swords do come up from the depths occasionally, especially when we're fishing the deeper waters or during low-light periods. These prehistoric-looking fish are incredibly powerful and can reach impressive sizes, with their distinctive bill making them one of the most recognizable catches in offshore fishing. When conditions are right and we mark fish in the deeper water, we'll definitely give them a shot.
This 12-hour offshore charter gives you the best shot at connecting with Gulf Coast gamefish in their natural habitat. The combination of experienced local knowledge, quality gear, and access to prime fishing grounds makes this trip a customer favorite among serious anglers. Whether you're looking to check Yellowfin Tuna off your bucket list, loa
This beautifully restored 56' Hatteras Convertible is built to handle serious offshore fishing in the Gulf waters around Port Aransas. Twin 1798HP MAN engines power you out to the deep blue where yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi are waiting. The spacious cockpit gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work, while the flybridge offers excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait schools. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with full kitchen, comfortable bed, and head. The fish finder helps locate promising structure, and there's an icebox plus refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. A multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the longer runs to productive fishing grounds. This classic sportfisher delivers the smooth ride and reliable performance you need for a successful 12-hour charter targeting everything from amberjack to swordfish in Port Aransas waters.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive groupers are true giants of the Gulf, reaching up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 50-150 feet of water. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the experience is wild. These fish aren't shy - they'll actually follow divers and investigate boats. The initial pull when you hook one will test your gear and your grip on the rod. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is their curious nature and sheer power. My tip: use heavy tackle with 20/0 circle hooks and position your boat close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll test your arms and your drag. These bluish-grey bruisers average 20-40 pounds around here, but we see plenty over 50. They hang around offshore structure, wrecks, and oil rigs in 80-200 feet. Spring and summer are peak times, especially April through June. What makes them popular is that relentless, hard-pulling fight - they just don't quit. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Most of the time we're vertical jigging or fishing live bait near bottom structure. The trick is using heavy tackle - at least 50-pound line - because these fish will head straight back to the structure to cut you off. My tip: when you hook up, immediately start pulling them away from the bottom and don't give them any slack to run back to cover.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with brilliant gold and blue colors that really show when they're fighting. We typically find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps climb above 70°F. What guests love is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. The key is covering water fast with trolling spreads, but when you find one, there's usually a school. My go-to trick: once you boat the first fish, immediately get a line back out with a small lure - the school often stays fired up and you can catch several more.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - we're talking 1000+ feet in the blue water canyons. These prehistoric-looking fighters average 100-200 pounds but can push 400+. Night fishing is prime time since they come up to feed after dark, though daytime deep-dropping works too. What draws people is the mystery factor - you never know what size might grab your bait down there. They're also top-shelf eating, similar to mahi but meatier. We use heavy tackle with 80-120 pound line, big circle hooks, and lots of weight to get squid baits down deep. The bite is usually subtle, not the screaming run you'd expect. My secret: use a couple of underwater lights on your rig - swordfish have big eyes adapted for the deep, and that glow really draws them in from a distance.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons of the offshore world, built like torpedoes and hitting 50 mph when they want to. We target them in blue water 20-100 miles out, usually in 600+ feet where the water's that deep blue color. Most run 30-80 pounds, but triple-digit fish show up regularly. Peak season is late spring through early fall, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special is that explosive strike and long, screaming runs that'll empty your reel if you're not careful. Plus, they're primo sashimi-grade fish. We troll spreads with rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures, but chunking can really fire them up when they're finicky. Pro tip: when trolling, watch for bird activity and floating debris - tuna often cruise underneath feeding on baitfish pushed up by the structure.
Corpus Christi