Offshore Fishing Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore charter targets sailfish and swordfish in deep watersOvernight trips available with beds and full galley onboardComfortable vessel accommodates up to six guests per charter
When you're ready to leave the bays behind and test your skills against the biggest fish in the Gulf, Gulf Magic fishing has exactly what you're looking for. Our offshore fishing charters out of Port Aransas put you right in the heart of some of Texas' most productive blue water fishing. We're talking about the kind of fishing that makes your drag scream and gets your heart pumping - targeting billfish like sailfish, blue marlin, white marlin, and swordfish in waters that stretch beyond the horizon. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. We head out to the deep blue where the big boys live, and with our overnight capability, we can stay out there until we find them. Our boat sleeps six comfortably with three beds and a full galley, so you can focus on what matters most - getting hooked up with the fish of a lifetime.
Once we clear the jetties and start making our way to the deep water, you'll feel the difference immediately. The Gulf opens up in front of you, and depending on conditions, we're looking at a run anywhere from 20 to 60 miles offshore to reach the prime fishing grounds. The water changes from that familiar green to deep blue, and that's when you know we're getting close to billfish country. We'll be trolling most of the time, which means setting out a spread of baits and lures behind the boat as we cruise at trolling speed. This is where patience meets preparation - we're covering water, looking for temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that holds baitfish. When a sailfish or marlin decides to crash the spread, everything changes in an instant. The reel starts screaming, someone's yelling "Fish on!", and suddenly everyone on the boat is part of the action. Don't worry if you've never fought a billfish before - we'll coach you through every step, from setting the hook to working the fish to the boat.
Out here in the deep water, trolling is king, and we run a serious spread designed to attract the attention of every billfish in the area. We'll typically have six to eight lines out, with a mix of ballyhoo, artificial lures, and teasers working at different depths and distances from the boat. The outriggers keep the baits spread wide, while the center rigger and flat lines work closer to the boat. We're using heavy tackle - 50 and 80-pound class gear that can handle whatever decides to eat our baits. The key to successful offshore trolling is maintaining the right speed, usually between 6 and 9 knots, and constantly adjusting the spread based on what we're seeing and the conditions. When we're targeting swordfish, things change completely - we're talking about deep dropping with heavy weights, often fishing at night when these incredible fish come up from the depths to feed. The gear is beefed up even more for swords because these fish can top 200 pounds and fight like nothing else in the ocean.
Atlantic Sailfish are the stars of the offshore show here, and for good reason. These fish are pure energy wrapped in silver and blue, with that iconic sail that they flash when they're fired up. Sails typically run between 20 and 60 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they're some of the most acrobatic fish in the ocean. When a sailfish eats your bait, get ready for a show. They'll come completely out of the water, tail-walking and jumping in a display that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their cameras. The best sailing is typically from May through September when the water temperatures are right and the baitfish are thick. What makes sailfish so special is that combination of speed, jumping ability, and the way they light up with colors when they're fighting.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. These are the fish that legends are made of, and Port Aransas waters hold some real giants. Blues can range from 100-pound schoolies to fish pushing 500 pounds or more. When a blue marlin decides to eat your bait, you'll know it instantly - the rod bends over, line starts melting off the reel, and everyone's adrenaline goes through the roof. These fish are incredibly strong and smart, often making long runs followed by spectacular jumps. The best blue marlin fishing typically happens during the summer months when the water is warmest and the fish are most active. Landing a blue marlin is a team effort and an achievement that'll have you talking for years.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring a different kind of excitement to the offshore scene. These fish are absolutely beautiful - bright gold and green with that distinctive blunt forehead on the bulls. Mahi are schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, which makes them a favorite target for many anglers. Mahi typically run from 10 to 40 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 50 or more. They're attracted to floating structure - anything from sargassum weed lines to debris - and they'll often put on an aerial show when hooked. The great thing about mahi is they're usually cooperative, so when we find a school, we can often put everyone on the boat onto fish.
White Marlin might be smaller than their blue cousins, typically running 40 to 80 pounds, but they're every bit as exciting to catch. These fish are incredibly fast and acrobatic, often making multiple jumps and long runs that test both angler and tackle. White marlin are often found in the same areas as sailfish, and they have a similar preference for temperature breaks and current edges. What makes white marlin special is their aggressive nature - when they're turned on, they'll attack baits with a vengeance. The peak season for whites is typically summer into early fall, and they're particularly active around structure and temperature changes.
Get ready to chase billfish in the deep blue waters off Port Aransas aboard this fully-equipped 40ft Luhrs Express! This offshore fishing machine seats 6 anglers comfortably and comes loaded with everything you need for serious fishing - fish finder, GPS, radar, and VHF radio to keep you connected and on the fish. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting sailfish and swordfish action. What sets this charter apart is the overnight capability with 3 beds, full galley, bathroom with shower, and air conditioning to keep you cool between battles. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long runs to the fishing grounds. Whether you're targeting pelagic species or just want to experience what offshore fishing is all about, this boat has the range and comfort to make it happen. Perfect setup for multi-day adventures when the fish are biting far from shore.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 30+ mph with that signature dorsal fin fully extended. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen 100+ pounders out here. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, hunting baitfish in small groups. Peak season runs April through September when water temps hit that sweet 75-80°F range. What makes them special? Pure athleticism - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have you questioning if your drag is set right. The meat's decent, but most folks release these fighters. Here's a local tip: when you see one "lit up" with those electric blues and blacks, get ready - that's a fired-up fish about to eat.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of our billfish world - females can push 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300. These deep-water hunters prefer the blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually 100+ miles offshore. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What sets them apart is sheer power and those legendary jumps that'll test every piece of gear you own. The meat's excellent, though many prefer the trophy photos over the dinner table. Out here in Texas waters, we typically see them following the warm currents from late spring through early fall. Pro tip: when a blue marlin shows up behind your spread, don't change a thing - let that bait swim naturally and be ready for the most intense fight of your fishing life.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the perfect combo of beauty and taste, averaging 15-30 pounds with brilliant gold and green colors that change like a light show when they're hooked. These fast-growing fish love floating debris, weed lines, and warm surface waters. They're most active during spring and summer months when water temps climb above 70°F. What guests love? They fight hard, jump often, and make outstanding table fare with firm, mild white meat. Schools often travel together, so catching one usually means more action. They mature quickly and reproduce heavily, making them a sustainable choice. Local secret: when you find floating sargassum or debris, work it thoroughly - mahi will hold tight to structure and multiple fish often lurk underneath.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the night shift gladiators, averaging 100-200 pounds with that distinctive flat bill and powerful build. These deep-dwelling predators live 800-1,500 feet down during daylight, then rise to 200-400 feet after dark to feed. Peak season runs year-round in the Gulf, but summer months offer the most consistent action. What draws anglers? The mystery and challenge of deep-drop fishing, plus exceptional table fare that's firm and meaty. They fight differently than other billfish - more bulldogging than jumping, but with incredible power. Most fishing happens at night using heavy tackle and bright lights to attract squid and baitfish. Pro tip: patience is everything - drops take 20+ minutes to reach fishing depth, and you might wait hours between bites, but that first screaming run makes it all worthwhile.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the crafty hunters of the billfish family, averaging 60-80 pounds and known for their intelligence and wariness. These apex predators roam deep offshore waters, typically 200+ feet, following temperature breaks and current edges. Peak action happens late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding on flying fish and squid. What makes them special is the chess match - they'll inspect baits, follow spreads, and test your patience before committing. The fight is spectacular with multiple jumps and long runs. Most are released for conservation. They're constantly moving to breathe, making them nomadic and challenging to pattern. Here's the key: watch your spread carefully, not just the baits - white marlin often appear like ghosts behind the boat before striking.
Port Lavaca