Port Aransas 12-Hour Deep Sea Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12hour deep sea charter targeting premium offshore speciesEarly 6:30 AM departure maximizes prime fishing hoursExpert guides lead small groups up to 6 anglers
Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime with Southwest Sportfishing's top-rated 12-hour deep sea adventure. We'll have you on the water by 6:30 AM, heading out to the productive blue water off Port Aransas where the big pelagics roam. This isn't your typical half-day bay trip – we're talking about a serious offshore expedition targeting some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish. With only 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of rod time and personalized attention from our experienced crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
This 12-hour marathon gives us the range and time to really chase the good fishing. We'll start early to beat the crowds and get to the prime offshore structure where the action happens. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might run anywhere from 20 to 50+ miles out to find the best water. The boat is rigged with top-quality tackle, outriggers, and all the gear you need to tangle with everything from screaming wahoo to jumping sailfish. Don't worry about experience level – our crew will put you on fish whether you're a tournament angler or picking up a rod for the first time. We'll adjust techniques throughout the day based on what we're seeing, from high-speed trolling in the morning to maybe some live bait fishing later if conditions are right. Pack plenty of sunscreen and bring your appetite for adventure because we'll be covering serious ground.
Our bread and butter technique is trolling the offshore waters with a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. We run a mix of skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at different speeds and depths to cover the water column. The outriggers let us spread lines wide and present a natural bait school that predators can't resist. When we mark fish on the electronics or see birds working, we'll adjust our approach – maybe switching to live bait or circling back through productive water. The 12-hour timeframe means we can afford to be patient and really work an area when we find fish. We'll also keep an eye out for floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where game fish like to congregate. The crew handles all the rigging and will coach you through the fight when you hook up, but be ready for some serious battles when these offshore warriors decide to eat.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as some folks call them, are absolute crowd pleasers and one of the most reliable catches in our Gulf waters. These fish are stunning to look at with their brilliant gold and green colors, and they put on quite a show when hooked – jumping, tail-walking, and making blistering runs. Most mahi we catch range from 10-25 pounds, though we see some real bulls that can push 40+ pounds, especially in late spring and summer. They love floating debris, weed lines, and warm water, often traveling in small schools. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find one, there's usually more around. They'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs, and their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table too.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph and testing your drag system to its limits. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and a serious attitude, making for some of the most exciting fights you'll ever experience. We typically see wahoo from fall through early spring, with peak action during cooler months when they move closer to shore. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around oil rigs, hard bottom, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Wahoo strikes are violent and immediate – one second your line is trolling peacefully, the next you're fighting a fish that's peeling drag like there's no tomorrow. Most run 20-50 pounds, though we occasionally hook into real monsters that can top 80 pounds.
Blackfin Tuna might be the smaller cousins of their bluefin relatives, but don't let size fool you – these fish are pure muscle and fight way above their weight class. Running 10-30 pounds on average, blackfins are built for speed and endurance, making long, powerful runs that will test your stamina. They're year-round residents in our Gulf waters, though they're most active during cooler months. These fish are schoolers, so when you find one, there's usually more underneath. They respond well to both trolled baits and chunk fishing techniques, and their dark red meat is prized by sashimi lovers. The beauty of blackfin fishing is the consistency – while other species might be hit or miss, these tuna are reliable producers that keep the action going throughout the trip.
Atlantic Sailfish are the true prize of our offshore waters, and hooking into one of these majestic billfish is a bucket-list experience for any angler. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their spectacular aerial displays, often jumping multiple times and tail-walking across the surface when hooked. Sailfish are typically most active during spring and fall migrations, though we see them year-round in our area. They're curious fish that will often follow baits for long distances before deciding to eat, making for some heart-pounding moments at the boat. Most sailfish run 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds, and while many anglers choose to release these magnificent fish, just seeing that distinctive sail and having the chance to fight one is an experience you'll never forget. They're intelligent predators that require patience and skill to hook, making every sailfish encounter special.
Southwest Sportfishing's 12-hour deep sea charter represents the best value in Port Aransas offshore fishing. You're getting a full day with experienced guides who live and breathe these waters,
Your home base for the day is a classic 1979 Chris Craft Convertible that's built for serious offshore fishing. This 36-footer runs on twin 250HP Caterpillar engines, cruising at a solid 25 knots to get you to the fishing grounds efficiently. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with a spacious flybridge that gives your captain excellent visibility for spotting birds, bait, and structure. Below deck, you'll find everything needed for a full day on the water - air conditioning to escape the Texas heat, a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a clean head. The onboard refrigerator and icebox keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long haul. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate productive water and navigate safely back to port. The convertible design means plenty of cockpit space for fighting fish, with easy access to the gunwales when that big tuna makes its run. Whether you're targeting blackfin tuna in the morning or hunting marlin in the afternoon, this boat provides a stable platform for landing trophy fish in Gulf waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the acrobats of offshore fishing, averaging 7.5 feet and 50 pounds with that massive dorsal fin they use for herding baitfish. These billfish cruise warm surface waters 30-65 feet deep but will dive to 650 feet when hunting. They're most active during winter months, especially around South Florida's "Sailfish Alley." What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and run repeatedly, testing your endurance and skill. They can change colors from blue to black with stripes when communicating during hunts. While not typically kept for eating, the challenge and photo opportunity make them bucket-list fish. Use 12-15 weight tackle with large 5/0-7/0 hooks. Local tip: when you see them "lit up" and feeding, tease them with bright pink and white flies or fresh squid, then be patient - let them take the bait fully before setting the hook.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size. They average up to 39 inches and 46 pounds, with dark backs, silver bellies, and distinctive yellow side bands that fade when they die. You'll find schools of them in warm offshore waters over 68°F, usually near continental shelf edges. They're most active during fall, winter, and spring months. Anglers target them because they're fierce fighters with excellent meat quality - great fresh, grilled, or canned. They school up with skipjack tuna and can be cannibalistic when feeding gets competitive. For best results, try vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards for chum. Keep your leaders light - #30 fluorocarbon with 5/0-6/0 circle hooks - because these fish have sharp eyesight and will spook easily from heavy tackle.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are stunning fish with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when you hook one. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds. These surface dwellers love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in warm offshore waters. We see them best during summer months when water temps are up. What makes them so popular is they fight hard, taste amazing with that mild, sweet white meat, and they're absolutely gorgeous. The name means "very strong" in Hawaiian, and they live up to it. Here's a local tip: when you spot frigate birds working floating debris, get your ballyhoo ready and start trolling - mahi are likely feeding underneath. Make your bait skip on the surface to mimic flying fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 3-5 feet long, but can reach 8 feet and 184 pounds. We find them around oil platforms and drop-offs in 30-200 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they move closer to shore. What anglers love about wahoo is that blistering initial run and the premium table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning "delicious." High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders since their teeth will slice through mono like butter. Pro tip: run your lures deep and fast - wahoo won't chase a slow bait, but they'll hammer something screaming by at full throttle.
Corpus Christi