Deep Sea Fishing Port Aransas | 8 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore fishing adventure departing at 6:30 AM dailyTarget kingfish, sharks, mahi mahi, cobia, and red snapperSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboard
If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing, this 8-hour deep sea charter out of Port Aransas is where you want to be. We're talking about a full day on the water with Southwest Sportfishing, starting at 6:30 AM when the fish are most active and the Gulf is at its best. This isn't some quick half-day trip – we're heading out to the real fishing grounds where the big boys hang out, and you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. With just 6 anglers max, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with a cooler full of fish.
Your day starts early at the marina, but trust me, once you see that sunrise over the Gulf and feel the boat settle into its rhythm, you'll know it was worth the wake-up call. We'll be running out to productive waters where Kingfish, Sharks, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, and Red Snapper are actively feeding. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we're not rushed – if the bite is hot at one spot, we can stay and work it. If things slow down, we've got time to move and find where the fish are holding. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while teaching you the local tricks that separate the weekend warriors from the real anglers. Pack your own lunch and drinks since meals aren't included, but focus on light stuff – you'll be too busy reeling in fish to think about food anyway.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Live bait fishing with cigar minnows and blue runners is deadly for Cobia and Kingfish, especially around structure. When we're working the bottom for Red Snapper, we'll drop down with cut bait on heavy tackle – these guys fight hard and don't give up easy. For Mahi, we might troll ballyhoo or work floating debris where they like to hang out. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle anything from 20-pound Kings to 40-pound Cobia, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. If you've got your own gear and want to bring it, that's cool too – just make sure your drag is smooth and your line is fresh. The Gulf can be unforgiving on equipment, and you don't want to lose the fish of a lifetime to a bad knot or worn line.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Port Aransas fishing, and for good reason. These brown sharks with attitude can push 40-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're moving through our waters in good numbers. What makes Cobia so special is their curiosity – they'll come right up to the boat to check you out, giving you that heart-stopping moment before they either take your bait or disappear back into the blue. When you hook one, get ready for multiple runs and some serious arm burn. Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and our local population is healthy and aggressive. These guys hang around structure in 60-120 feet of water and hit hard when they're feeding. A good Red Snapper will go 5-15 pounds of pure muscle, and they're arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf. The key is getting your bait down fast before the smaller fish pick it apart. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the old-timers call them, are pure excitement when they show up. These bright yellow and green speedsters love warm water and floating cover, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump and run, making them a favorite for anglers who love a good show with their fishing.
This 8-hour deep sea adventure gives you the real Port Aransas fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. You're getting access to proven fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and enough time on the water to really make it count. Whether you're chasing your first Cobia or trying to break your personal Red Snapper record, this trip delivers the goods. The small group size means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn – when the fish are biting, you're fishing. Southwest Sportfishing has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water, regardless of experience level. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions – the best fishing trips happen when you're actually on the water, not thinking about it from the couch.
Get ready to hit the deep waters of Port Aransas aboard our classic 36-foot Chris Craft Convertible! This vintage 1979 sportfisher packs serious power with twin 250HP Caterpillar engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 25 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing kingfish, sharks, mahi mahi, cobia, and red snapper in the Gulf's productive waters. The boat features all the essentials - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, enjoy the air conditioning, grab a snack from the galley kitchen, or head up to the flybridge for killer views. There's even a comfortable cabin with a bed and head facilities for those long offshore runs. This well-equipped fishing machine is your ticket to some of the best angling Port Aransas waters have to offer.
Rachycentron CanadumThese dark brown bruisers average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, though they can get bigger. What makes them special is they're usually solo travelers - no schools to find, just individual fish cruising near buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our waters for spawning. They'll often be hanging out in 30-70 feet, sometimes right at the surface where you can sight-fish them. Guests love the strong fight they put up and the excellent table fare afterward - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you spot one, have a bucktail jig ready to drop. Color doesn't matter much, but that 4-8 oz jig will get their attention fast. These fish are aggressive and will hit hard.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see - bright gold, blue, and green that changes like a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is best when they're cruising our offshore waters. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight and excellent eating - firm white meat with a sweet taste. They're fast swimmers that love to jump and run. Local trick: troll ballyhoo or squid near any floating sargassum you see, and make the bait skip on top. Frigate birds diving on debris usually means mahi below. Use 30-50 pound tackle - they're strong.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the classic bottom fish that keeps anglers coming back. Most of what we catch runs 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can push 35+ pounds and live over 20 years. You'll find them around structure in deeper water - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet. May through October is spawning season when fishing really picks up. What guests love is the solid fight they give and how good they taste - mild, nutty flavor that's restaurant quality. These guys are smart and will try to cut your line on structure, so keep steady pressure. My tip: use fresh squid or live pinfish on a heavy rig, and don't hesitate to horse them up once hooked. They're tough fighters that deserve respect.
Corpus Christi