Afternoon Offshore Action in Port Aransas
Captain Herb Broussard knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and his afternoon fishing trips are pure gold for anyone looking to get into some serious offshore action without burning the whole day. This 4-hour adventure kicks off at 1:00 PM sharp, giving you plenty of time to sleep in or grab lunch before heading out. We're talking prime afternoon fishing when the bite really turns on, running up to 20 miles offshore where the big boys hang out. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Herb's got the experience to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're heading to the deep blue where the real action happens. The afternoon departure is money because that's when species like cobia, greater amberjack, king mackerel, mahi mahi, and red snapper are actively feeding. Captain Herb runs a tight ship with room for up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowds. The boat's equipped with everything you need tackle-wise, but make sure everyone in your group has a valid Texas fishing license before you show up. Kids should definitely wear life vests, and bringing a cooler with drinks and snacks is a smart move since no meals are included. The captain's hands-on approach means you'll learn proper techniques whether you're a pro or picking up a rod for the first time.
Trolling and Bottom Tactics
Out here in the Gulf, success comes down to reading the water and using the right approach for each species. Captain Herb switches between trolling for pelagics like mahi and kings, then dropping down to structure for snapper and amberjack. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and spoons run at different depths to cover the water column. When we find floating debris or weed lines, that's where mahi love to hang out, and the captain knows exactly how to work these spots. For bottom fishing, we're talking circle hooks with live or cut bait, dropped down to rocky ledges and artificial reefs where the big snapper and amberjack live. The key is staying flexible – some days the fish want movement, other days they want bait sitting still on the bottom.
Top Catches This Season
King mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit, often found around bait schools in 60-100 feet of water. These toothy predators can stretch up to 40 inches and will test your drag system with blistering runs. Spring through fall is prime time for kings, and they're a favorite because of their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare when prepared right. Mahi mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter, flashing brilliant gold and green as they jump and dive. These fish love floating structure and can show up anywhere from 15-30 pounds in our waters. Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the bunch, using their broad shoulders to pull hard toward structure once hooked. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months, often weighing 20-50 pounds. Cobia are the gentle giants, curious fish that will actually follow the boat and can be sight-casted to when conditions are right. Red snapper remain the gold standard of Gulf fishing, with their bright red color and excellent eating quality making them a must-catch species during open season.
Time to Book Your Spot
This afternoon trip hits the sweet spot for anyone wanting quality offshore fishing without the commitment of a full day. Captain Herb's local knowledge and patient teaching style make this perfect for mixed groups with different skill levels. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target various species while still getting you back to the dock with evening plans intact. With only 4 spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. Don't wait around – grab your crew, make sure those licenses are current, and get ready for some of the best offshore action Port Aransas has to offer.