5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting sailfish, tuna, and wahooAll fishing equipment, bait, and fish cleaning services includedExperienced captain and crew assist with rigging and handling
Picture this: you're 60 miles out in the Gulf, the Texas coastline just a distant line behind you, and your drag is screaming as something big takes off with your bait. That's what you get on this world-class full day offshore charter departing from Pirates Landing Fishing Pier. Captain Roy and his experienced crew know these deep Gulf waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're chasing billfish or looking to fill the cooler with table fare, this 12-hour adventure gives you the best shot at multiple species in some of the most productive offshore waters along the Texas coast.
Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp from Pirates Landing, where you'll meet your captain and first mate who've been working these waters for years. The boat heads out into the Gulf, covering serious ground to reach prime fishing spots up to 60 miles offshore. You're not just fishing close-to-shore structure here – this is big water fishing where the pelagics roam and the bottom dwellers grow fat on deepwater forage. The crew provides all your rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on what matters: fighting fish. With room for up to four anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time without feeling crowded. The captain and mate stay busy rigging lines, adjusting drags, and helping land fish, so you're always fishing effectively. When the day's done, they'll clean and fillet your legal catch, so you head home with dinner ready for the table.
This charter runs the full playbook of offshore fishing techniques. You'll spend time trolling the open blue water with spreads of ballyhoo, lures, and rigged baits to pull in fast-moving pelagics like sailfish, wahoo, and mahi. When the trolling bite slows, the crew switches gears to bottom fishing over structure and wrecks where amberjack, snapper, and grouper stack up. They've got both light tackle for the sporty fights and heavy gear for the bruisers that live in 200+ feet of water. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels matched with appropriate rods for each technique. Live bait, dead bait, jigs, and lures – whatever's working on any given day, they've got it covered. The first mate stays busy keeping lines in the water, adjusting spreads, and making sure your terminal tackle is dialed in for each species you're targeting.
"Captain Roy was awesome. Great trip and great memories." - Rico
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Padre's offshore scene, and these acrobatic billfish put on a show like no other gamefish in the Gulf. Ranging from 30 to 80 pounds, sails are most active from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 78 degrees. They feed aggressively on ballyhoo, squid, and small tunas in the top 50 feet of the water column. When a sail takes your trolled bait, expect multiple jumps and blistering runs that test your drag and your nerves. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with these magnificent fish, making for great photos and conservation.
King Mackerel patrol these offshore waters year-round, but summer and fall offer the best action for trophy-sized fish. These silver bullets range from 15-pound schoolies to 50-pound smokers that can strip line like it's going out of style. Kings love live bait, especially cigar minnows and blue runners, but they'll also smash trolled spoons and diving plugs. They're notorious for their sharp teeth and sudden direction changes during the fight. The meat is excellent when bled and iced properly, making kings a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as locals sometimes call them, are pure excitement on light tackle. These colorful fighters average 10 to 25 pounds but can reach 40-plus in deeper waters. Mahi are structure-oriented, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or following shrimp boats. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Their aerial displays rival those of billfish, and their flaky white meat makes them one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world, using their broad shoulders and stubborn nature to test every component of your tackle. These reef dwellers commonly reach 40 to 80 pounds around South Padre's offshore structure, with true giants exceeding 100 pounds lurking in the deepest waters. Amberjack are year-round residents but bite best during cooler months when they move up in the water column. They'll eat live bait, large jigs, and cut bait, but once hooked, they immediately dive for the bottom. The fight is all about power and endurance – yours and theirs.
Cobia are the chameleons of the offshore world, changing colors as they cruise near the surface hunting for crabs and small fish. These bronze-backed bruisers average 20 to 50 pounds but can reach 70-plus pounds in Gulf waters. Cobia are sight-fishing targets during spring and summer months, often found following rays or cruising around floating structure. They're curious fish that respond well to live bait and large jigs. The fight combines the power of amberjack with the aerial ability of tarpon, and their firm white meat rivals that of any offshore species.
This top-rated South Padre offshore charter delivers everything serious anglers want: experienced crew, quality tackle, productive fishing grounds, and species variety that keeps every cast interesting. With
This center-console fishing boat is built for serious offshore action in the Gulf waters around South Padre Island. With a spacious deck and smooth ride, you'll have plenty of room to fight those big sailfish, tuna, and wahoo up to 60 miles out. The boat comes loaded with all the essentials - GPS navigation, radar, and fish finder to locate the best structures and schools. Store your gear in the tackle compartments while the icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long battles. When you need a break from the action, there's shaded seating, plus onboard facilities including a bed and head for comfort during the full-day adventure. The multimedia system adds a nice touch between fishing spots. With modern electronics and a clean setup, this boat handles both trolling the blue water and dropping down on bottom structure for snapper and grouper. Everything's designed to maximize your fishing time while staying comfortable in Gulf conditions.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - these beautiful fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and electric blue coloring. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, but they'll dive deeper when hooked. They're fast swimmers that hunt in schools, using their fins to herd baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes them special? The fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits moving and be ready - when a sailfish hits, it's going to try shaking that hook immediately.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of our waters - brown, shark-like fish that average 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet long, but can push 80+ pounds. They're loners, usually found alone around reefs, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is best when they move into shallower water. What makes them special? They're curious fish that often approach the boat, plus they're probably the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. They fight hard but fair, making long runs without the crazy jumps. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait is deadly. Pro tip: when you spot one near the surface, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your lure slowly back - they like to investigate before they bite.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - thick, powerful fish that average 30-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds and 5 feet long. These bronze-striped bruisers live around offshore structure, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Spring spawning season (April-May) offers the best action, but they bite year-round in our warm Gulf waters. What guests love about them? Pure power - they'll test your arms and your drag system with deep, stubborn runs straight down. The meat's excellent too, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky - live bait, jigs, and trolled lures all work. Here's the secret: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump-and-wind. If you let them get their head down and sulk on the bottom, you'll be in for a long fight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf - only wahoo can match their speed. These silver bullets typically run 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and open water. They're most active spring through fall when water temps stay between 68-84°F. What makes them fun to target? Pure speed and power - they'll smoke your drag on the initial run. The meat's great too, though watch the mercury if you're feeding kids. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, spoons, and trolled lures. Here's the key: use a wire leader with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of their prey, so that back hook is your insurance policy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the rainbow fish of the offshore world - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we see some pushing 40+. They're surface dwellers, hanging under floating debris, weedlines, and structure in warm water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps are right. What makes them special? They're aggressive fighters that jump and run hard, plus they're fantastic eating - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. Look for frigatebirds working floating debris - that's your sign. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep a second rod ready. The commotion often fires up the whole school.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Roy was awesome. Great trip and great memories.
South Padre Island