Gulf of Mexico Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing aboard 27' power catamarans with T-top shadeTarget Red Drum, King Mackerel, Shark, and seasonal SnapperSmall group charters accommodate up to 4 guests maximum
Nine miles off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, Oilfield Outkasts Charters runs one of the most popular nearshore fishing operations you'll find. Their fleet of 27-foot center console power catamarans puts you right in the sweet spot where structure meets open water, and that's where the magic happens. With a maximum of four anglers per boat, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with fish.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on what you're after. The 27-foot cat hull cuts through chop better than most boats this size, which means more time fishing and less time getting beaten up. Each boat comes equipped with a T-top for when the sun gets serious, plus a multimedia system to keep things lively between bites. The crew's philosophy is simple: tell them what you want to catch, and they'll put you on the fish. Whether you're dead set on a red snapper dinner or hoping to tangle with a bull shark, these guys know where to find them. The nearshore zone at 9 miles out hits that perfect balance - you're not spending half your day running to the fishing grounds, but you're far enough offshore to get into some serious action.
Depending on the species you're targeting and the conditions, the crew switches between trolling and bottom fishing throughout the trip. For king mackerel, they'll pull diving plugs and spoons behind the boat at varying depths, covering water until you find the schools. When it's snapper season or you're after redfish around structure, they'll anchor up and drop bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait. The shark fishing gets interesting - they'll use heavier tackle and chunk baits, letting you feel every head shake and run these fish are famous for. The crew provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, bring it along. These catamarans have plenty of room to spread out, so you won't be bumping elbows with other anglers when the action heats up.
Red snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf nearshore fishing when they're in season. These bottom dwellers love structure and drop-offs, and at 9 miles out, you'll find plenty of both. A good red snapper will put up a solid fight on the way up, and nothing beats the taste of fresh snapper on the grill. They typically run 3-8 pounds in this area, though bigger fish show up regularly. King mackerel are year-round residents that provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. These speedsters can reach 40+ mph and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall brings the best king fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to smoker kings pushing 30 pounds.
Redfish, or red drum as the locals call them, patrol these nearshore waters in impressive numbers. They're ambush predators that'll slam a bait with authority, then dig hard for the bottom. The slot-size fish (20-28 inches in Louisiana waters) are perfect for the table, while the oversized bulls provide catch-and-release excitement you won't forget. Shark fishing adds a whole different element to your trip. Spinner sharks put on an aerial show that'll have you reaching for your camera, while blacktip sharks are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Bonnethead sharks might be smaller, but they're scrappy fighters that kids especially love to catch.
Red snapper fishing peaks during the federal season, typically running from June through July, though dates change yearly. These fish hold tight to bottom structure in 40-100 feet of water, making the 9-mile zone perfect territory. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat, giving you multiple chances if you miss the first bite. The fight isn't flashy, but it's steady and determined - they'll use every ounce of their body weight to stay deep.
King mackerel fishing stays consistent from spring through fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the cooler months. These pelagic predators follow bait schools and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets for trolling operations. When a king hits, you'll know it - they strike with incredible force and immediately head for the horizon. The smaller "school" kings are excellent eating, while the larger "smoker" kings over 15 pounds are typically released to maintain the fishery.
Redfish are year-round residents that adapt to seasonal patterns. Summer finds them scattered across the nearshore zone, while cooler months see them schooling up in impressive numbers. They're sight feeders with excellent senses, making them challenging and rewarding targets. A slot redfish on light tackle provides some of the best fighting action in the Gulf, with powerful runs and stubborn resistance.
The shark species in this area each bring their own personality to the fight. Spinner sharks earn their name with spectacular jumps and twists that can reach 20 feet in the air. Blacktip sharks are aggressive predators that hit hard and run fast, often jumping multiple times during the fight. Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest of the bunch, but they're part of the hammerhead family and fight with surprising strength for their size. All three species are catch-and-release targets that provide excellent photo opportunities.
Oilfield Outkasts Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while keeping the experience personal and fun. The 4-angler limit ensures everyone gets plenty of action, and the crew's local knowledge means you'll fish the most productive areas for the season and conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or a newcomer wanting to experience Gulf fishing
Jump aboard Revelry, a solid 26'6" power catamaran built for serious Gulf fishing adventures. This 2003 cat cuts through choppy waters at up to 42 knots, giving you the smoothest ride when heading 9 miles out to where the big fish live. Her twin-hull design keeps you stable while fighting red drum, king mackerel, and sharks in open water. The boat's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS to mark the hot spots, radar for those foggy mornings, and VHF radio to stay connected. Plus there's a multimedia system for the ride out and back. With room for 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. The crew knows these Gulf waters and will put you on whatever species you're after, whether it's snapper in season or monster sharks year-round. This cat handles the offshore conditions like a champ, so you can focus on landing your next trophy fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - they'll jump 21 feet in the air when hooked and sometimes even land in the boat! Most average 4-5 feet, but they can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around structure and bait schools. They're here year-round but most active during warmer months. What makes them exciting? That jumping ability and their tendency to get worked up in feeding frenzies when the bite's on. They're also great fighters on medium tackle. They hunt primarily by smell, so oily baits are key. My go-to setup: 20-50 pound braided line with circle hooks and wire leader. Use mackerel or sardine chunks and get a chum slick going. Once you get them fired up, it's game on - just watch your fingers when they start jumping around the boat!
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the gentle giants of the hammerhead family, with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that sets them apart. Most run 3-4 feet long and are pretty docile compared to other sharks. You'll find them in shallower areas, usually 10-30 feet over sandy or grassy bottoms. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. What makes them fun to catch? They're perfect for kids or nervous first-timers since they're completely harmless, plus they fight harder than their size suggests. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Local secret: fresh blue crab cut in half works like magic. Hook it through one of the legs and let it sit on bottom. These guys are crab-eating machines and will pick up that scent from a good distance.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your gear and your arms. These torpedo-shaped fighters average around 30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds out here in the Gulf. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often cruising the edges of structure or following bait schools. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet 68-84 degree range. What gets anglers fired up about kings? Pure speed - they can hit 46 mph and will peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's got good flavor too, though it's on the oilier side. Pro tip from the deck: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Kings love to bite the tail end of baitfish, so that trailing hook will save you from a lot of missed opportunities.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of these Gulf waters, running 1-2 feet on average but capable of hitting 35+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-200 foot depths - think oil rigs, artificial reefs, and hard bottom areas. They're available year-round, but late spring through early fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes guests love targeting these fish? They fight like hell once hooked, often diving straight for cover to cut your line. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table - that mild, sweet meat is restaurant quality. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around structure and you'll lose both fish and tackle.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds offshore are a different animal than their inshore cousins - these bruisers can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. Out here 9 miles out, they're cruising structure and deeper flats in 15-40 feet of water. Fall and winter months are prime time when big schools move through our area. What makes redfish special? That distinctive black spot near the tail and the way they dig deep and pull steady when hooked - no flashy jumps, just pure bulldogging power. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. One thing I always tell guests: when you hook a big red, keep your rod tip up and let the drag do the work. These fish will run hard toward structure, so don't try to horse them in or you'll snap your line every time.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners put on the best show in the Gulf - they'll leap clear out of the water spinning up to 3 times before crashing back down. Most run 6-7 feet and around 120 pounds, but they can hit 200+ pounds. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water, usually following bait schools. Late winter through early spring is prime time when they migrate through chasing spawning fish. What makes them a blast to target? That aerial show plus a solid fight on medium tackle. They hunt by smell more than sight, so oily baits work best. Here's what works: use bonito or mullet chunks on circle hooks with wire leaders. The key is getting that scent trail going - spinner sharks will follow the smell from way off, so be patient and keep that bait fresh.
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