Full Day Seasonal Fishing Trip in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting snapper, mackerel, and cobiaEighthour deepsea adventure with experienced Captain Herb BroussardSmall group charter accommodating up to four guests maximum
If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in the Gulf, Captain Herb Broussard's full-day charter out of Port Aransas is where the action happens. This isn't your typical half-day run to the nearshore structure – we're talking about a proper 8-hour deep-sea adventure that puts you on prime fishing grounds up to 20 miles from shore. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, you'll have the entire day to work the water for some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish including red snapper, king mackerel, mahi mahi, cobia, and greater amberjack. Captain Herb knows these waters like the back of his hand and tailors each trip to match what's biting and where they're holding. Whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning the ropes, this Port Aransas fishing charter delivers the kind of offshore experience that keeps you coming back season after season.
This full-day trip maximizes your time on productive water, giving you multiple shots at different species as conditions and bite patterns change throughout the day. Captain Herb runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – he'll adjust techniques and locations based on what's working, from live bait fishing over structure to trolling for pelagics in open water. The boat heads out early to beat other traffic to the best spots, and with 8 hours on the water, you've got time to really dial in your technique. Expect to work anywhere from 40 to 100+ feet of water depending on what we're targeting. The Gulf can serve up everything from steady snapper action to explosive topwater strikes from kings and cobia. Pack light with just a small cooler for food and drinks – Captain Herb handles all the fishing gear, bait, and tackle. Make sure everyone in your group of up to 4 anglers has a current Texas fishing license, and bring life vests if you've got kids under 13.
Captain Herb runs a versatile operation that adapts to what the fish want on any given day. You'll likely start with bottom fishing over structure using conventional reels loaded with 20-30 lb test, working live bait or cut bait down to snapper and amberjack. As conditions allow, expect to mix in some trolling with planers and downriggers to cover water for kings, mahi, and cobia. When the bite is hot on top, nothing beats the rush of throwing topwater plugs or live bait on lighter tackle. The captain provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait – he's got everything from heavy conventional setups for big amberjack to spinning gear perfect for mahi and smaller kings. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to improve catch rates and fish survival. If you've got specific techniques you want to try or favorite lures, bring them along – Captain Herb is always game to let experienced anglers work their preferred methods alongside proven boat tactics.
The variety of species available on this Port Aransas offshore trip is what makes it special. Red snapper remain the bread-and-butter target, with these hard-fighting bottom dwellers providing consistent action over rocky structure and artificial reefs. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait, live pinfish, and squid with authority, and their bright red coloration makes them one of the most photogenic catches in the Gulf. Snapper season typically runs from June through July, making summer the prime time for targeting these tasty fish. King mackerel show up in numbers during their spring and fall migrations, offering some of the most exciting fights you'll find offshore. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can stretch 20-40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Mahi mahi or common dolphinfish are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable – these brilliant gold and green gamefish often travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you find them around floating debris or weed lines. Greater amberjack are the muscle of the deep, with fish over 50 pounds common around deeper structures. These bruisers will try to wrap you up in the rocks, making them a true test of angling skill. Cobia round out the target list as opportunistic predators that can show up anywhere from 30 to 100 feet of water, often following rays or sharks near the surface.
Port Aransas offers some of the most consistent offshore fishing on the Texas coast, and Captain Herb's full-day charters put you in position to make the most of it. With only 4 spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The 8-hour format gives you multiple opportunities to connect with different species as the day progresses, and the early 7:00 AM start ensures you're fishing prime morning hours when many species are most active. This is the kind of Gulf Coast fishing experience that creates lifelong memories – scenic offshore waters, diverse species, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with snapper for dinner or hoping to tangle with a trophy king mackerel, this Port Aransas charter delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Herb's local knowledge, productive fishing grounds, and full-day timeframe makes this trip a standout choice for serious offshore anglers.
Get ready to chase snapper and mackerel aboard Captain Herb's reliable 31-foot Century walkaround! This well-equipped fishing machine packs twin Yamaha V6 engines with 500HP, cruising at 40 knots to get you to those productive Gulf waters fast. Built for serious anglers, she features everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to fight fish, while the onboard facilities including bed, toilet, and kitchen mean you can focus on fishing all day long. Perfect for up to 4 anglers heading 20 miles offshore where the big cobia, amberjack, and mahi mahi are waiting.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish - brown sharks with attitude, except they're not sharks at all. These solitary hunters average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and around rays in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration (March-May) and spawning season (June-August) offer the hottest action. What makes cobia special? They're curious fish that'll come check out your boat, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that rivals grouper. Most cobia are caught sight fishing - you literally see them swimming and cast right at them. Bucktail jigs work great, but don't overlook live bait. Here's the key: when you see one, get that bait in front of it fast but don't spook it with a splash.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - thick, powerful fish that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet of water. Best fishing happens April through October when they're spawning and most active. What makes them special? These fish will test your tackle and your back with their bulldogging runs straight for structure. They're also prime table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for steaks or sushi. Amberjack aren't picky eaters - live bait, jigs, even flies work. My best advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch. The moment you feel that thump, start cranking hard and pull them away from the structure before they cut you off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average 30 pounds but can hit 90+. These silver speedsters with olive backs love Gulf waters between 40-150 feet deep, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special? Pure speed and razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through weak tackle in seconds. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Kings hunt by sight, so trolling with live bait or spoons works best. Here's my go-to tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings often strike the tail first, and that second hook saves lost fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are stunning fish that put on a real color show - gold, blue, and green underwater, then flash through rainbow hues when boated. Bulls (males) have that distinctive square forehead while females stay more rounded. They average 15-29 pounds but can reach 80+. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in warm water. Peak season runs May through September when water temps climb. What guests love most? Their acrobatic fights - they jump, tail-walk, and never quit. Plus, mahi are top-shelf table fare with sweet, firm white meat. Look for frigate birds working debris piles - that's where you'll find them. Pro tip: keep one hooked fish in the water while casting to the school. Mahi are curious and loyal to their buddies.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - beautiful red fish that grow to 35+ pounds and live over 20 years. Most caught run 2-8 pounds around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 30-200 feet. Federal season typically runs June-July, but check current regulations. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that'll dive straight for cover, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky white meat. Snapper have excellent eyesight and can be picky, so fresh bait matters. Cigar minnows, squid, and live pinfish work best. My top tip: use just enough weight to hit bottom, then lift your bait a foot or two up. Snapper feed up in the water column, and that slight lift often triggers more strikes than bait sitting on bottom.
Port O'Connor, TX, USA