Half Day Morning Offshore Fishing in Port Aransas
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Early 6 AM departure for halfday offshore fishing adventureTarget snapper, mackerel, cobia and amberjack up to 20 miles outCaptain Herb provides expert guidance for all skill levels
There's something special about getting on the water before the sun climbs too high – the fish are active, the Gulf is usually calmer, and you've got the whole day ahead of you after landing some serious catches. This half-day morning trip with Captain Herb Broussard puts you right in the sweet spot, heading up to 20 miles offshore from Port Aransas to target some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. We're talking red snapper, king mackerel, cobia, greater amberjack, and if you're lucky, some beautiful mahi mahi. With just four anglers max, you'll get plenty of rod time and personalized attention whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fishing rod for the first time.
Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp – yeah, it's early, but trust me, it's worth it. Captain Herb knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you positioned over productive structure and reefs where the fish like to hang out. The boat ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee while watching the Texas coastline fade behind you. Once we hit our fishing grounds, it's game time. Captain Herb works with anglers of all skill levels, so don't worry if you've never fought a 20-pound amberjack before – he'll walk you through everything from setting the hook to landing your fish. The morning bite is typically strong, and with the smaller group size, everyone gets their fair share of action. You'll want to bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks to keep your energy up, and make sure everyone on board has a valid Texas fishing license.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Bottom fishing over structure is a go-to for snapper and amberjack – we're talking about dropping baits down to reefs and artificial structures where these fish congregate. For the pelagics like king mackerel and mahi, we might troll or drift with live bait and artificials. Captain Herb has all the tackle you need, from heavy conventional reels for the big amberjack to lighter spinning gear for the more finesse fishing. Circle hooks are the norm for most bottom fishing to help with conservation, and he'll have plenty of squid, cut bait, and sometimes live bait depending on what's available. The key out here is being ready to adapt – one minute you might be cranking up a snapper from 80 feet, the next you could be fighting a king mackerel that grabbed your bait on the way down. Life vests are recommended for kids, and honestly, it's just good practice for everyone when you're this far offshore.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and these Port Aransas waters hold some beauties. These fish are structure-oriented, meaning they love hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rock piles where they can ambush baitfish. During snapper season, which typically runs from June through July with some variations, you'll find them in 60 to 120 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders but can be picky, so Captain Herb knows how to present baits to get them fired up. What makes snapper so popular is the fight – they're strong for their size and make great table fare. King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 40+ mph when they're chasing bait. These toothy predators love structure edges and temperature breaks, and they can show up any time from spring through fall. A good king will peel line off your reel in a hurry and put on an aerial show. They're excellent eating when prepared right, though many anglers release the smaller ones. Cobia are the wildcards – these curious, shark-looking fish can appear out of nowhere and follow the boat. They're incredibly strong fighters and can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds. Spring and fall are prime times, and they're known for their white, flaky meat that's often compared to shark. Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – these fish will test your arms and your tackle. They live around deep structure and can exceed 50 pounds, though the 20-30 pounders are more common. They're year-round residents but really turn on during the warmer months. Mahi mahi are the bonus fish that make any trip special. These colorful, fast-growing fish are typically found around floating debris or weed lines, and they put up an amazing fight with lots of jumps and runs. They're not always around, but when they show up, it's pure excitement.
This morning offshore trip gives you the perfect taste of what Gulf fishing is all about without eating up your entire day. Captain Herb's experience and the intimate four-person setup mean you're getting quality fishing time with personalized instruction. Whether you're looking to check red snapper off your bucket list, want to feel the power of an amberjack, or hope to hook into a screaming king mackerel, this trip puts you in prime position to make it happen. The early start means you'll be back at the dock by midday, leaving plenty of time to clean your fish, grab lunch in Port Aransas, or hit the beach. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and the weather's cooperating.
Hit the Gulf waters aboard our reliable 31-foot Century walkaround, perfect for chasing snapper and mackerel in Port Aransas. This 1997 cabin cruiser runs strong with twin Yamaha V6s pushing 500HP, getting you to those productive offshore spots up to 20 miles out at a steady 40-knot cruise. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to work the rails while fighting fish, and the cabin keeps you comfortable during the ride out. GPS and fish finder help locate the best structure, while radar keeps you covered if weather rolls in. The icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With a bed, head, and galley onboard, you've got everything needed for a solid morning of Gulf fishing. Captain Herb knows these waters and will put you on the fish whether you're targeting kings, cobia, or whatever's biting that day.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when you spot them cruising near the surface. They're typically solitary, averaging 20-50 pounds, with some reaching 80+ pounds. We find them around structure like buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water, but they'll also cruise the flats. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're spawning and moving through our area. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that'll often come check out the boat. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and some say it tastes like shark. Here's my favorite trick: when you see one near the surface, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're heading, not right at them. Let it sink and work it slowly. Cobia spook easy, so patience pays off.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. They average 20-40 pounds but can easily hit 60+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs, typically in 60-200 feet of water. Spring spawning season from April through May gives us the hottest action, but they bite year-round. What makes amberjack fishing exciting is their brute strength - they'll head straight for cover and try to wrap you up in the structure. The meat's excellent, firm and white, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My go-to technique is dropping a heavy jig or live bait right to the bottom near structure, then be ready for that initial run. Keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down, or you'll be re-rigging.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. They cruise the Gulf waters 10-20 miles offshore, typically in depths from 40-150 feet where the water temp hits that sweet spot of 68-84°F. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes kings so popular is their blistering speed - they'll rip line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when fishing live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of missed strikes. They've got razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter, with that brilliant gold and green coloration that really shows when they're brought to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ on a good day. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in the top 50 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're moving through our Gulf waters. What guests love about mahi is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, mild white meat. Here's something I always tell folks: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others. Mahi often travel in small schools, so if there's one, there's usually more nearby. Work that area hard before moving on.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - beautiful red fish that make excellent table fare. They typically run 2-8 pounds on our trips, though bigger ones over 15 pounds show up regularly. You'll find them holding tight to structure like reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 50-200 feet of water. Summer season when they're open gives us the best action, but they're down there year-round. What guests love about snapper is they're scrappy fighters that'll head straight for cover, plus they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Here's the key to landing more snapper: get your bait to the bottom fast with heavy weights, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, set the hook hard and get them up quickly. They'll try to cut you off in the rocks if you give them a chance.
Port O'Connor, TX, USA