Deep Sea Fishing Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Red Snapper, Amberjack, Kingfish, and Mahi offshore waters6:00 AM departures accommodate up to 6 guests comfortablyYearround charters welcome both novice and experienced anglers
Port Aransas sits right on the edge of some of the Gulf's most productive fishing waters, and Gulf Magic Fishing knows exactly where to find the big ones. When you step aboard our charter at 6:00 AM, you're heading out to waters that consistently produce trophy-sized red snapper, hard-fighting cobia, and those beautiful mahi mahi that make every angler's heart race. We keep our boats small with just 6 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room when that fish of a lifetime hits your line. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, our captains know how to put you on fish year-round.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active. We'll cruise out past the jetties and into the deep blue where the bottom drops off and the real action begins. The ride out takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the sun come up over the Gulf. Our boats are rigged with quality tackle and we provide everything you need - rods, reels, bait, and tackle. The Gulf waters off Port Aransas are known for their clarity and the incredible variety of species that call these depths home. You'll be fishing in 80 to 150 feet of water over structure that holds snapper, grouper, and amberjack, while also staying ready for those pelagic species like mahi and cobia that cruise the open water. The action can be non-stop when conditions are right, and our captains have been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to position the boat for the best results.
We fish two main ways depending on what's biting. For the bottom dwellers like red snapper and gag grouper, we'll anchor up over structure and drop down with cut bait or live bait on circle hooks. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom where these fish are holding. You'll feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap of a snapper before they commit, then it's time to set the hook and start cranking. For the pelagic species like mahi mahi and cobia, we'll troll artificial lures and live bait around floating structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks. When a mahi hits a trolled bait, you'll know it immediately - they come up hot and put on a spectacular aerial show. Our captains carry a variety of tackle from light spinning gear for smaller snapper to heavy conventional reels for those big amberjack and grouper that want to head straight back to the rocks. We'll match your tackle to the conditions and target species, and our crew is always there to help with everything from baiting hooks to landing fish.
Mahi Mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish you can catch in the Gulf. These brilliantly colored fighters show up in our waters from late spring through fall, often traveling in schools around floating debris or weed lines. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds, though we see bigger ones regularly. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail walk, and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat cheering. They're also fantastic table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling. The best time to target mahi is during the warmer months when they're most abundant, and they respond well to both trolled lures and live bait presented around structure.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the Gulf, and Port Aransas waters produce some real giants. These brown sharks of the fishing world can exceed 50 pounds and will test your tackle and your endurance. They're most active from March through October, often found around floating debris, buoys, or even following rays and sharks near the surface. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll chase down a lure or live bait with determination, and once hooked, they'll make powerful runs that strip line off your reel. They're curious fish too, often coming up to investigate the boat, which can lead to some spectacular sight fishing opportunities when conditions are right.
Red Snapper remain the king of Gulf bottom fishing, and when they're in season, there's nothing quite like hooking into a big red. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. A good red snapper will run anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds in our waters, with the occasional monster pushing 30 plus. They're found around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and oil rigs where they feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. The key to consistent red snapper fishing is understanding the structure and getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish strip it clean. When a big red hits, you'll feel solid weight and steady pulling rather than the erratic fight of other species.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef, and landing a big gag is a true test of angling skill. These powerful fish can exceed 40 pounds and inhabit the same rocky areas as red snapper, but they fight completely differently. When you hook a gag, your first job is to turn its head and get it away from the structure before it cuts you off. They're ambush predators that lie in wait around rocks and wrecks, striking with lightning speed when prey comes within range. Gag grouper are most active during the cooler months and provide some of the best eating you'll find in Gulf waters. Their fight is characterized by short, powerful runs and a stubborn determination to reach the safety of the rocks.
The Gulf Magic Fishing difference comes down to local knowledge, quality equipment, and a genuine passion for putting our guests on fish. Our captains have been working these waters for years, and they know how to adapt to changing conditions to give you the best shot at success. With trips running year-round an
Our 40-foot Luhrs Express is built for serious offshore fishing adventures in the Gulf waters around Port Aransas. This comfortable sportfisher handles the deep blue with ease while you target red snapper, kingfish, cobia, and mahi mahi. The spacious cockpit gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the lines, 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 featuring a full galley with refrigerator, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a complete head with shower. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long days on the water. Advanced electronics including GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder help locate the best fishing grounds and ensure safe navigation back to port. Whether you're after bottom fish on the offshore rigs or trolling for pelagics in blue water, this well-equipped vessel provides everything needed for productive fishing trips in Gulf waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are true bruisers that average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds out here. They're dark brown with a shark-like silhouette that fools a lot of folks at first glance. Spring migration from April to June is prime time when they cruise shallow over structure and wrecks in 30-70 feet of water. These fish are loners, so we sight-fish for them on the surface or target reefs and rigs where they hang during summer. They fight like freight trains with powerful runs straight to the bottom. The meat rivals cobia as table fare - firm, white, and delicious. My go-to trick: use a heavy bucktail jig and don't be gentle when you set the hook - they've got hard mouths.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that hide around rocks, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet of water. They average 10-20 pounds but the big males can hit 40+ pounds and are darker with distinctive patterns. Fall and winter months are best when they move to deeper structure. These fish are bulldogs that immediately dive for cover when hooked - expect a serious tug-of-war. The fight is all about power, not speed. Excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for any preparation. We use live pinfish or cut bait dropped right to the bottom. Critical tip: lock that drag tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll get into the rocks and cut you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when we bring them to the boat. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls hit 40+ pounds. They hang around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks usually within 20 miles of shore. Spring through fall gives us our best action when water temps warm up. These fish fight hard with spectacular jumps and long runs that'll test your arms. The meat is firm, white, and sweet - perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you spot one, there's usually more around, so keep multiple lines ready and work the area thoroughly.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of our Gulf fishing when season opens. These ruby-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds around the deeper rigs and reefs. We target them in 80-200 feet of water over hard bottom structure where they stack up thick. Season typically runs summer months, and they put up a solid fight with steady pressure toward the bottom. The meat is legendary - mild, sweet, and flaky white flesh that's perfect any way you cook it. They're smart fish that spook easily, so we use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows. Key tip: keep steady pressure and reel fast once hooked - they'll head straight for cover to break you off.
Port Lavaca