Afternoon Offshore Action in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore trip targeting snapper, mackerel, and cobiaExpert Captain Herb provides guidance for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get ready to chase snapper and king mackerel aboard our reliable 31-foot Century walkaround! This 1997 cabin cruiser packs serious punch with twin Yamaha V6 engines pushing 500HP, getting you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's built for comfort during those afternoon battles with Gulf Coast gamefish. The walkaround design gives everyone room to work while fighting fish, plus you've got all the essentials covered - GPS and fish finder to locate the hotspots, radar for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. Captain Herb knows these waters like the back of his hand and where the cobia and mahi hang out. The onboard kitchen, head, and even a bed mean you can focus on what matters - getting lines in the water and bringing home dinner. This boat handles the Gulf chop beautifully and gets you out to productive offshore structure where the big ones live.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These loners average around 30-50 pounds and love shallow structure - wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they move through our area to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature and excellent table fare - firm white meat that rivals any fish. They're visual hunters, so sight fishing is common when they cruise near the surface. The fight is strong but steady, not as flashy as other species. Best tip I can share: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's heading and work it with slow hops. Color doesn't matter much - they're aggressive feeders. Just be patient with your presentation.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bruisers of the deep, averaging 39 pounds with some reaching over 100. These grey-blue fighters with their signature amber stripe live around wrecks, reefs, and oil platforms in 60-200 foot depths. Spring spawning season (April-May) offers the hottest action, but they bite year-round. What makes AJs so popular is their bulldogging power - they'll test every ounce of your tackle and drag system. The white meat is excellent eating, though larger fish can carry ciguatera risk. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and spoons with equal enthusiasm. My go-to technique: drop a heavy jig down fast to beat the smaller fish, then work it with sharp upward jerks. When you feel that thump, hold on tight and start pumping - these fish don't give up easy.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are one of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These olive-backed speedsters with silver sides love the 40-150 foot depths we fish, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is rich and flaky when fresh, though it's high in oils so ice it down quick. Here's a pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that stinger hook back there will save you from a lot of missed strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fish you'll encounter - brilliant gold and electric blue sides that put on a light show when they come up. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. They're not related to dolphins despite the name confusion. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - jumping and tail-walking across the surface. The white, flaky meat is outstanding table fare with a mild, sweet flavor that grills beautifully. Best fishing happens in warmer months when water temps climb. They're curious fish, so once you hook one, keep others around by leaving the hooked fish in the water while rigging up another rod. The school will often stay with their hooked buddy, giving you multiple shots.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, with their bright red color and excellent table fare. Most run 2-8 pounds, though 20+ pounders are possible around deeper structure. These bottom dwellers love rocky areas, wrecks, and reefs in 40-200 feet of water. Summer season offers the best action, especially during the federal season when regulations allow. What guests love is the consistent bite and outstanding eating - mild, nutty white meat that's hard to beat. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut your line on structure. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before other fish grab it. Use a heavy sinker with fresh squid or live pinfish. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and pump them up fast - let them get back in the rocks and you'll lose them every time.
Port O'Connor, TX, USA