Nearshore Gulf Fishing - 9 Miles Out
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target red drum, king mackerel, and sharks offshoreFish from 27foot center console catamarans with shadeSmall groups of four guests maximum per trip
Looking to test your mettle against some serious Gulf of Mexico gamefish? Oilfield Outkasts Charters runs a top-rated nearshore fishing trip that puts you right in the action just 9 miles offshore. You'll be fishing from one of their three 27-foot center console power catamarans - stable platforms built for battling big fish with T-tops for shade when the Gulf sun gets brutal. With a max of 4 anglers per boat, you get that personalized attention that makes the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with fish.
The Gulf 9 miles out is where things get interesting. You're far enough offshore to escape the weekend boat traffic but close enough that you're not burning half your fuel getting there. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on structure that holds fish year-round. Each catamaran comes equipped with a multimedia system, so you can crank some tunes while waiting for that next bite. The twin-hull design cuts through Gulf chop better than most boats, keeping everyone comfortable even when conditions aren't perfect. Tell the captain what species you're after, and they'll tailor the day around your target - whether that's pulling big king mackerel on the troll or bottom fishing for red snapper when they're in season.
Nine miles offshore puts you in prime trolling territory for pelagic species like kings and sharks. The crew typically runs a spread of planers, downriggers, and surface baits to cover the water column effectively. When targeting bottom species, they'll anchor up on productive structure using heavy tackle - you'll need it when a big red drum or snapper tries to get back to the rocks. Live bait works best out here, and the crew keeps a good supply of cigar minnows, sardines, and whatever bait fish are running. Circle hooks are standard for most applications - they hook fish better and make releasing easier if you catch something out of season. The catamarans' stability really shines when you're fighting fish; you can plant your feet and battle without worrying about getting thrown around.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're open. These crimson fighters average 5-15 pounds but can push 20-plus if you're lucky. They're structure-oriented fish that live around artificial reefs, oil rigs, and natural bottom. Snapper season typically runs summer through early fall, and when it's on, it's some of the best fishing in the Gulf. They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and 9 miles out puts you right in their wheelhouse. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 30-50 pounds and will test your tackle to the limit. They're most active during warmer months and love to follow bait schools along temperature breaks. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. The crew typically trolls for them using planers and live bait, and when one hits, you'll know it instantly.
Redfish (red drum) are beloved by anglers for their bulldog fight and copper-colored flanks. In the nearshore Gulf, you'll find both slot-size fish perfect for dinner and oversized bulls that can exceed 40 inches. These fish are year-round residents and will eat both live and cut bait. They're notorious for making long, powerful runs when hooked, and their stamina will surprise you. The bigger bulls are catch-and-release only, but they provide some of the best fights you'll find.
Spinner sharks bring the aerial show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These acrobatic sharks earned their name from their habit of leaping and spinning when hooked. They're common in Gulf waters and will readily take both live and cut bait. Most spinners run 4-6 feet long and put up a spectacular fight with multiple jumps. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Bonnethead sharks are the smaller cousins of hammerheads but don't let their size fool you - they're scrappy fighters that will bend your rod. These unique sharks are year-round residents and are known for their unusual diet that includes seagrass along with crabs and fish. They typically run 2-4 feet and are perfect for anglers wanting to experience shark fishing without the intimidation factor of larger species.
Blacktip sharks are another crowd favorite, known for their impressive jumps and strong fights. These sharks are common in Gulf waters and will aggressively take live bait. They average 3-5 feet but can get larger, and they're notorious for their speed and athletic ability. Blacktips often hunt in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
This world-class nearshore fishing trip offers the perfect balance of accessibility and action. You're not committing to an all-day offshore marathon, but you're still getting into legitimate Gulf gamefish that will test your skills. The experienced crew at Oilfield Outkasts knows how to put you on fish, and their well-maintained catamarans provide the stable platform you need to battle them effectively. With only 4 spots available per trip, these customer-favorite charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience what Gulf fishing is all about, this nearshore adventure delivers the goods without the commitment of longer offshore trips.
Meet Revelry, your ticket to serious offshore action 9 miles out in the Gulf. This 2003 power catamaran stretches 26'6" and cuts through the water at up to 42 knots, but more importantly, she rides smoother than anything else when the seas get choppy. The twin-hull design means you'll stay stable while fighting big reds, kings, and sharks instead of battling seasickness. She's loaded with everything you need to find and land fish - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for when the weather gets sketchy, VHF radio to stay connected, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows when multiple rods start bending. Whether you're targeting red drum in the shallows or heading deeper for snapper and kings, Revelry gets you there fast and brings you back comfortable.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world and absolute crowd favorites. These sleek sharks typically run 4-6 feet and 40-60 pounds, easily identified by those distinctive black-tipped fins. We find them year-round 9 miles out, usually in 30-100 feet cruising along structure and following bait schools. They're most active during warmer months when bait is thick. What gets people excited is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during the fight, sometimes even landing in the boat! They're strong, fast fighters that make sizzling runs. They hunt by smell, so oily baits work best. Here's a guide secret: pound up some mackerel or herring for chum, then fish fresh sardines or cut mackerel on circle hooks. The oil slick will bring them in from a long way off.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the gentle giants of the hammerhead family, perfect for families and first-time shark anglers. These small hammerheads typically run 2-3 feet and 5-15 pounds, with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them easy to identify. We find them in schools of 5-15 fish in shallow areas, usually 10-30 feet over grass flats and sandy bottom. Spring and summer are best when they move into our nearshore waters. What makes them special is they're completely harmless to humans and often travel in groups, so when you find one, you'll likely catch several. They're surprisingly strong fighters for their size. The meat isn't bad eating either. Pro tip from years of guiding: fresh blue crab cut in half is absolutely deadly on these guys. Hook it through one of the legs and let it sit on bottom - bonnetheads can't resist it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your arms. Out here 9 miles offshore, we typically see fish in the 20-40 pound range, though 50+ pounders show up regularly. These silver bullets cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring through fall are prime months when they're actively feeding and moving through our area. What guests love most is the raw power - Kings make blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, then come up jumping and tail-walking. The meat's decent eating too, though a bit strong. Here's a local trick: always rig with a stinger hook about 6 inches back from your main hook. Kings love to bite baits in half, and that second hook will nail them when they come back for the head.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch out here 9 miles offshore, usually running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some real trophies pushing 20+ pounds. These deep red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet of water - think oil rigs, artificial reefs, and hard bottom. They're seasonal in the Gulf, with prime time being late spring through early fall when regulations allow. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, sweet, and flaky. Plus that bright red color makes for great photos. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure. Use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and get ready for a real tug-of-war.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or Red Drum, are real crowd-pleasers that put up a serious scrap. While you might expect these copper-colored fighters in shallow water, we find good numbers 9 miles out, especially the bigger bulls ranging 20-40 pounds. These fish cruise structure and soft bottom in 20-60 feet, feeding on crabs and baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when larger fish move offshore to spawn. What makes them special is that trademark bulldog fight - they'll make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you the whole way up. The smaller ones are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail. Here's something most folks don't know: when targeting the big bulls offshore, fresh blue crab cut in half works better than any artificial lure.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinner Sharks put on a show like no other fish out here. These gray and bronze sharks average 4-6 feet and 80-120 pounds, and they're famous for their spectacular leaps - spinning up to 3 times in the air when feeding or hooked. We find them in our 9-mile zone during warmer months, typically in 30-100 feet of water following bait schools. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're actively feeding. What guests love is watching them hunt - they'll charge through schools of bait with their mouths open, then launch skyward spinning like torpedoes. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is worth it. They rely heavily on scent since their eyesight isn't great. Here's the key: use oily baits like bonito or king mackerel chunks, and don't be afraid to chum heavy. Fresh blood in the water brings them in fast.
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