Deep Sea Fishing Adventure in Galveston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10.5hour offshore charter targeting red snapper and king mackerelJourney 65 miles into Gulf waters with experienced guidesAccommodate up to 5 guests with toptier fishing equipment
Ready to push past the nearshore crowds and get into some serious Gulf action? This 10½-hour offshore charter takes you 65 miles out into the bluewater where the real monsters live. We're talking about a full day on the water targeting everything from trophy red snapper to hard-fighting king mackerel, with plenty of surprises mixed in. Five anglers max means everyone gets prime real estate at the rail, and with that much time on the water, you're going to see what deep sea fishing in Texas is really about.
This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip – we're heading way out to where the water turns that deep blue and the bottom drops off into serious depth. You'll be up early for the ride out, but trust me, watching the sun come up over the Gulf while you're making the run to the fishing grounds is something special. The boat's equipped with everything you need: quality rods and reels, a full spread of tackle, and coolers packed with ice for your catch. Plan on being out there from dawn to well past sunset, so bring layers because it can get chilly on the ride back. The captain knows these offshore structures like the back of his hand – oil rigs, wrecks, and natural bottom that holds fish year-round.
Out in 200-plus feet of water, we're fishing completely different than you would in the bays. We'll be dropping heavy jigs down to amberjack on the deep structure, trolling for kings and mahi when we're running between spots, and working the bottom with big baits for red snapper and grouper. The tackle is stepped up too – we're talking 50-80 pound class gear because these fish have the whole Gulf to run in. You'll learn how to work a butterfly jig in 300 feet of water, how to tell when a big amberjack is coming up from the depths, and why timing your hook set on a deep-water red snapper can make or break your day. The crew will show you the ropes, but be ready to put some muscle into it when something big grabs on.
Mahi-mahi are the golden beauties of the offshore world, and when you find them, you've usually found a whole school. These fish are pure excitement – they'll come up hot on a trolled bait and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing for their phones. Best action is typically spring through fall when the water warms up, and they love floating debris and weed lines. A good mahi will run 10-20 pounds, but we see bulls pushing 30-40 pounds out there. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the oil rigs and deep wrecks. These fish will test your arms and your drag system like nothing else. They make long, powerful runs straight down, trying to get back to the structure where they can cut you off. A typical amber runs 30-50 pounds, but the big spawning fish in spring and fall can push 70-80 pounds. They're year-round residents out there, but the bigger fish show up when the water temperature starts changing in spring and fall.
Great barracuda might not be what you're targeting, but when a 4-foot cuda smashes your bait at 30 miles per hour, you'll understand why they're respected out there. These fish are pure speed and teeth, and they'll clear the water multiple times trying to throw the hook. They're around the rigs and wrecks year-round, but summer brings the biggest fish up from deeper water. Don't let anyone tell you they're trash fish – a fresh cuda on the grill is outstanding.
Cobia are the brown submarines of the Gulf, and they're one of the most prized catches out there. These fish cruise around alone or in small groups, often following rays or sharks. Spring migration brings schools of big cobia through Texas waters, and that's when things get exciting. A good cobia will run 30-50 pounds and fight like a cross between a shark and a grouper. They're curious fish too – sometimes they'll come right up to the boat to check you out.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and the deep water fish are completely different animals than their shallow water cousins. Out on the deep rigs and hard bottom, these fish grow big and fat, with 5-10 pound fish being common and occasional monsters pushing 15-20 pounds. They're smart too – they've seen every bait in the book, so sometimes you need to downsize your tackle and get creative. When snapper season is open, there's nothing better than a cooler full of these beautiful red fish.
This kind of offshore fishing is what separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. You're going to cover a lot of water, see some incredible Gulf scenery, and have shots at fish that most people only see in magazines. The 5-angler limit means you're not fighting crowds, and 10½ hours gives you time to really work different areas and techniques. Whether you're looking to check some bucket list species off your list or just want to see what serious offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait around – give Fishin Addiction Charters a call and get your name on the boat. The deep water is waiting.
This restored 2017 Contender 36-footer is built for serious Gulf fishing, powered by twin 350HP Suzuki engines that'll cruise you to the deep blue at 45 knots. The center console design gives everyone room to fish while the captain navigates with GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you on the best spots 65+ miles offshore. Keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox along with cold drinks for the long haul. Perfect for targeting red snapper, king mackerel, amberjack, and whatever else is biting in Galveston's productive waters. This boat handles Gulf swells like a champ and gets you to the fish fast, leaving more time with lines in the water. Whether you're after trophy kings or a cooler full of snappers, this rig has the range and reliability for a productive day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our favorite targets because they fight hard and eat even better. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 50-60 pounds and grow up to 6 feet, cruising alone near the surface around our offshore rigs and buoys. They're curious fish that'll often come right up to the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through our area. The meat is outstanding—firm, white, and sweet—some say it's the best eating fish in the Gulf. Since they're solitary, every fish is a trophy. Best technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, make your cast count—they don't always give you a second chance.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 35 mph in short bursts with those torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see plenty pushing 5-6 feet that'll give you a real workout. They patrol the surface around our offshore structure, always on the hunt with those razor-sharp teeth. These fish are curious by nature and will often follow lures before striking. Spring and summer offer the best action when they're most active near the surface. While the meat isn't great due to potential toxins, the fight makes them worth targeting. They're tenacious but burn out quick, so be ready for jumps and head shakes. Use a wire leader and landing net—those teeth will slice through mono like butter, and you don't want them near your hands.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf—thick, powerful fish that'll test your arms and your tackle. These bluish-grey bruisers average around 39 pounds but can push well over that, living up to 17 years around structure. We find them holding near our offshore rigs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 100+ feet of water. They're not picky eaters, hitting both live bait and heavy jigs with equal enthusiasm. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. The meat is excellent, though larger fish can carry ciguatera, so we usually keep the smaller ones for the table. My advice: use 50-pound tackle minimum and be ready for a straight-down fight. They'll try to cut you off on structure, so keep steady pressure and pump hard.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. We typically find them around floating debris and weed lines in our deeper Gulf waters, usually running 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches. They're fast-growing fish that love to eat, making them aggressive fighters when hooked. The meat is fantastic—firm, white, and mild—so they're perfect for the dinner table. Best fishing is during warmer months when they follow the currents. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others nearby since they often travel in small groups. Don't be surprised if we get doubles!
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing—beautiful red fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most of what we catch runs 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones are out there if you know where to look. They live around structure in 60-200 feet, hugging the bottom near our offshore rigs, reefs, and hard spots. The season typically runs June through August, and timing is everything with these regulated fish. They're smart and can be finicky, but once hooked, they'll give you a proper fight straight down to the bottom. The meat is premium—mild, flaky, and perfect for any recipe. Use heavy tackle with 6-8 ounce weights to get down fast, and fish cut squid or cigar minnows right on the bottom. Keep steady pressure; they love to run back into structure and break you off.
Galveston, TX, United States