Port Aransas Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
812 hour offshore charters targeting sailfish and marlinEarly 6 AM departure maximizes deepsea fishing timeProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
If you're serious about fishing and ready to chase trophy fish in the deep blue waters off Port Aransas, this extended charter is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about 8 to 12 hours of pure fishing action, targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Gulf of Mexico. With a 6 AM departure, you'll have the entire day to work the best fishing grounds and maximize your chances of landing that fish of a lifetime. Our boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With 8 to 12 hours on the water, we can really put you on fish and give you the time to work different techniques and locations. We'll start before sunrise to take advantage of those prime morning bite windows when predators are most active. The Gulf waters off Port Aransas offer incredible diversity – from the nearshore structure where king mackerel patrol, to the deep blue water where sailfish and marlin cruise. You'll experience everything from fast-paced trolling action to bottom fishing over productive structure. The extra time means we can adjust our strategy based on conditions and what the fish are doing that day. Some days we'll spend more time working the color changes for pelagics, other days we might focus on structure fishing for bottom species. The beauty of an extended trip is the flexibility to adapt and put you on the best bite.
We run a serious spread when trolling for pelagics – typically 6 to 8 lines working at different depths and positions. Our outriggers will have ballyhoo or artificial lures targeting sailfish and marlin, while we'll run deeper lines for mahi and kings. All tackle is provided, and we're talking quality gear that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. For the big billfish, we use 30 to 50-pound tackle with circle hooks to ensure proper releases. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll drop down heavy jigs and live bait rigs to target red snapper and other bottom dwellers. The key to success out here is reading the water – looking for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks where predators congregate. We've got all the electronics to find fish-holding structure and bait, plus the local knowledge to know which spots produce based on wind, current, and season.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Port Aransas waters host some fantastic sailfish action, especially from spring through fall. These fish average 6 to 8 feet and put on an aerial display that'll get your heart pumping. They're ambush predators that work bait schools, often in groups, so when you hook one, be ready for multiple hookups. The fight is pure electricity – long runs, multiple jumps, and that distinctive sail flashing in the sunlight. Most anglers choose to release these magnificent fish, making for great photos and conservation.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as we call the big ones, are year-round residents that can exceed 40 pounds in these waters. They're aggressive trolling fish that hit hard and make blistering runs. Kings are structure-oriented, relating to oil rigs, reefs, and temperature breaks. The bigger fish often cruise deeper water, while smaller "school kings" work closer to shore. These fish are excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. When you find one mahi, there are usually more in the area since they travel in schools. They're incredible jumpers and their colors are absolutely stunning – brilliant gold, green, and blue that changes as they fight. Mahi are also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. These fish can reach 5 feet and are known for their explosive hits and acrobatic fights. They're ambush predators that lurk around structure, making them exciting targets when bottom fishing or trolling near reefs. Their toothy grins make for memorable photos, and their aggressive nature means they'll often hit lures that other fish ignore.
Red Snapper are the king of bottom fishing in the Gulf, and the deeper waters off Port Aransas hold some real slabs. These fish are structure-oriented, living around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom. They're smart fish that require finesse – the right bait presentation and quick hook sets when they bite. Red snapper season is regulated, but when it's open, these fish are highly prized for both their fight and incredible table quality. A big red snapper pulling drag and trying to get back to the rocks is one of the most satisfying fights in saltwater fishing.
This extended charter represents the ultimate Port Aransas fishing experience – enough time to really work the water and target multiple species using different techniques. Whether you're after a trophy sailfish for the wall, a cooler full of kings and mahi for the table, or just want to experience world-class Gulf fishing at its finest, this trip delivers. The 6 AM start time means you'll be fishing during prime hours when these predators are most active. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for groups of serious fishermen who want to maximize their time on the water. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Reserve your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
This 40-foot Topaz sportfisher is built for serious offshore fishing in Port Aransas waters. Twin 660HP Cummins engines push this 2003 beauty to 40 knots, getting you to the deep water fishing grounds fast. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you target sailfish, marlin, and bottom fish like tilefish and barrelfish. When you're not fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin equipped with a full kitchen, refrigerator, and comfortable bed for those long 12-hour trips. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while the fish finder and radar help locate schools and navigate safely. With an icebox for your catch and drinks, plus a multimedia system and full head, this boat has everything needed for a productive day chasing trophy fish in the Gulf waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese billfish are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 20-30 mph when they're worked up. Most run 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen some push over 100. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, following baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes them special is that iconic dorsal fin and the way they light up different colors when hunting - blues, blacks, and stripes. The fight is pure adrenaline - they'll jump, dive, and test every bit of your stamina. Here's a local trick: when you see one lit up and following your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run first, then come tight. They like to mouth baits before committing.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's muscle cars - built for pure speed and armed with serious teeth. These silver bullets average 3-4 feet but can push 6 feet and 50+ pounds. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and structure from the surface down to about 100 feet. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall see the biggest concentrations. What hooks people is the explosive strike and that initial blazing run - they'll hit 35 mph in short bursts. The fight is intense but brief since they burn out quick. They're curious fish that'll often follow lures right to the boat. Fair table fare, though many folks release them. Here's the trick: use a wire leader and keep that drag loose on the initial run. When they jump (and they will), bow to the fish to keep tension off - those teeth can cut through anything if they get leverage on your line.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the Gulf's ultimate speed merchants - fast, aggressive, and built for long runs. Average fish go 20-30 pounds, but we regularly see 40-50 pounders, especially during winter months when the big females move through. They cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish stack up. Fall and winter are prime time when water cools and they feed heavily before spawning. What guests love is the initial screaming run - these fish can strip 200 yards in seconds. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that grills perfectly. The key trick here is using a wire leader with two hooks - one through the nose of your bait, another trailing behind. Kings have razor teeth and often hit bait from behind, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down the most colorful fish we target, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're fired up. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, though bulls can hit 50-plus. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, sargassum lines, and any structure in blue water. Spring through fall brings the best action when they follow the warm currents. What makes them special is that color show when hooked - they literally light up like neon signs. The meat is some of the best eating in the ocean, mild and firm. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep a bait in the water near the boat. The hooked fish will often call in the whole school, and you can load the cooler quickly if you stay ready.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the Gulf's prize bottom fish - thick, strong, and absolutely delicious. Most fish run 2-5 pounds, but we regularly hook 10-15 pounders around deep structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, loving those rocky areas where they can ambush baitfish. Summer's our prime season during the federal season, though regulations change yearly. What guests love is the solid thump when they bite and that bulldog fight straight down to structure. The meat is legendary - mild, sweet, and perfect for any recipe. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait presentation. My go-to trick is using circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and keeping just enough tension to feel the bite. When they hit, let them load up before setting - circle hooks work best when the fish hooks itself on the run.
Corpus Christi