Gulf of Mexico Deep Sea Guided Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper and Mahi in federal watersCaptain Mark Ueding provides 6 years licensed experience with quality tackleFullday Gulf Coast adventure accommodates groups up to 6 guests
Captain Mark Ueding's 10-hour offshore charter out of Port O'Connor gives you the real deal when it comes to Gulf fishing. This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a serious deep sea adventure that heads straight for federal waters where the big boys hang out. With 6 years of licensed experience under his belt, Captain Mark knows exactly where to find the honey holes that produce consistent action on Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and more. The flat rate covers your entire group of up to 6 anglers, so you can split the cost and make it an affordable day for everyone. We'll pick you up at the Fish and Center bright and early, so expect that wake-up call to come pretty early – but trust me, it's worth every minute when you're pulling in keeper after keeper.
This charter is built for anglers who want the full offshore experience without cutting corners. The 10-hour window gives us plenty of time to make the run out to productive federal waters, fish multiple spots, and still get back to the dock with enough daylight to clean your catch. Captain Mark provides all the high-quality tackle and covers fuel costs, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or calculating gas money. The boat is equipped to handle 6 anglers comfortably, with enough space for everyone to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. You'll want to bring your fishing license, plenty of snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. The Gulf can be unpredictable, so pack sunscreen, rain gear, and extra layers – weather changes fast out there, and being prepared makes all the difference between a good day and a great day.
Captain Mark runs a mixed bag approach that keeps the action hot all day long. We'll start with trolling spreads to target the pelagic species like King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Cobia that cruise the blue water. The captain sets up multiple lines with different lures and baits to cover various depths and speeds, giving us the best shot at connecting with whatever's moving through the area. When we hit structure or productive bottom spots, we'll switch gears to vertical jigging and bottom fishing with circle hooks for Red Snapper, Greater Amberjack, and other reef dwellers. The tackle provided includes heavy conventional reels paired with stout rods that can handle the drag-screaming runs these Gulf species are famous for. Don't worry if you're not experienced with offshore gear – Captain Mark will get you set up properly and coach you through fighting these powerful fish. The key is letting the equipment do the work while you focus on keeping steady pressure and following the captain's guidance.
Red Snapper remains the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and these Port O'Connor waters consistently produce quality fish in the 5-15 pound range, with occasional slabs pushing 20 pounds or more. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, hanging around oil rigs, artificial reefs, and natural bottom contours in 80-200 feet of water. The best bite typically happens during dawn and dusk periods, but these 10-hour trips give us multiple feeding windows to work with. What makes Red Snapper so special is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and the Gulf of Mexico population here runs strong from spring through fall. These toothy predators average 15-25 pounds but can easily hit 40+ pounds when conditions align. They're notorious for their blistering initial runs that can strip 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are the most beautiful fighters you'll encounter out here. These electric green and gold beauties average 10-20 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They school up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets for our trolling spreads. Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – thick-shouldered brutes that test your endurance and tackle to the limit. These fish commonly hit 30-50 pounds and immediately head for the bottom structure when hooked, making for epic battles in heavy current. Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anywhere from shallow water to deep offshore structure. These curious fish often approach the boat for a look, giving us sight-fishing opportunities with jigs and live bait. They're excellent table fare and typically run 20-40 pounds when we connect with them.
Captain Mark Ueding's deep sea charter represents exactly what Port O'Connor offshore fishing is all about – professional guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive Gulf waters in Texas. The 10-hour format gives you real value compared to shorter trips that barely scratch the surface of what's possible out there. With federal water access and multiple target species available year-round, every trip offers something different based on seasonal patterns and daily conditions. The flat rate pricing for up to 6 guests makes this an outstanding deal when you split costs among your fishing crew. Make sure to contact Captain Mark directly to confirm your early departure time and get any last-minute intel on what's been biting. These extended offshore trips book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around if you want to experience world-class Gulf fishing with one of Port O'Connor's top-rated charter operations.
Hit the Gulf's prime fishing grounds aboard our fast 34' Fountain center console, designed to slice through Texas waters and get you to the snapper action quickly. This offshore machine combines speed with rock-solid stability, making those longer runs to federal waters smooth and efficient. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of deck space to work the bottom for trophy red snapper and fight those hard-pulling mahi. Modern electronics keep us on the fish while the spacious layout gives everyone room to cast, fight, and land their catch. Captain Mark knows exactly where to find the productive spots, and this boat gets you there fast so you can spend more time with lines in the water instead of just running. Perfect setup for serious Gulf fishing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater submarines - dark brown, solitary hunters that can reach 40-60 pounds. They cruise shallow waters around 30-70 feet, often near buoys, wrecks, and floating debris. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes them exciting is the sight fishing - you'll actually see these fish cruising just under the surface. The meat is outstanding, firm and mild like shark but better. Being solitary fish, they're not easy to find, but when you do, it's usually a quality fish. Here's what works: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're swimming. Don't splash it right on their head - spook them and they're gone. Lead them like you're duck hunting.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the deep, averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 60 pounds not uncommon. These bruisers live around structure in 80-200 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them popular is the pure power - they'll test your arms and drag like nothing else. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Heavy tackle is a must - think 50+ pound line and strong reels. My go-to technique is dropping live bait or heavy jigs right to the bottom near structure. When you hook one, the key is getting them up fast before they can wrap you around the rig. Once they get their head down, it's game over.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in the Gulf, typically running 15-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These silver rockets cruise depths from 40-150 feet around structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them special is that lightning-fast run when hooked - they'll peel line like few other fish. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. Here's a local tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Hook your bait through the nose and let a second treble hook dangle free - kings love to bite the tail end of their prey, and that trailing hook will nail them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch out here, flashing gold, green, and blue before fading after the fight. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deep water. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're following the warm water. What guests love most is watching them light up during the battle - it's like hooking a rainbow. Plus, mahi are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water and cast around the area quickly. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. We've had days where one hookup turns into a dozen fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds with occasional trophy fish pushing 15+ pounds. These bottom dwellers live around hard structure in 60-200 feet - reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas. Summer season is when they're most active, though we target them year-round in federal waters. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make the best table fare in the Gulf - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly with enough weight to beat the current. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work great. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a few seconds - snappers are notorious for stealing bait if you're too eager.
Port O'Connor