Private Charter: Cobia, Kingfish & Red Snapper
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour private charter targets Cobia, Kingfish, and Red Snapper offshore.All fishing gear, bait, and tackle provided for groups.Designed for experienced anglers seeking efficient Gulf species fishing.
When you want to get serious about offshore fishing in the Gulf, South Padre Island delivers some of the most consistent action you'll find along the Texas coast. This 6-hour private charter is built for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to target the big players – Cobia, Red Snapper, Kingfish, and whatever else is biting in season. You're looking at world-class fishing grounds where the water drops fast and the fish run big. Captain provides all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need to make it count.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're heading into the deep blue where serious fish live. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on structure where big Cobia cruise, reefs where Red Snapper stack up, and blue water edges where Kingfish patrol. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so bring your crew or book it solo if you want the whole deck to yourself. Plan on leaving early to maximize your time on the productive water. The Gulf can get sporty, but these boats are built for it, and your captain reads conditions like a pro. Expect to cover some serious ground – sometimes the fish are 20 miles out, sometimes they're practically in your backyard.
Your captain runs a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. For Cobia, you might find yourself sight-casting to big shadows cruising the surface or working live bait around oil rigs and structure. Red Snapper fishing means dropping baits to the bottom around hard structure – think chicken rigs with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. When Kingfish are running, expect to troll with live bait or pull artificials at different depths until you find the school. The boat carries everything from conventional reels for bottom fishing to spinning gear for sight-casting. Bait selection changes with conditions – live shrimp, cut mullet, cigar minnows, and whatever the captain thinks will trigger bites that day. He'll adjust the game plan based on what's working, and that local knowledge makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world, and when they show up in South Padre waters, usually during warmer months, they put on a show like no other fish. These bulls can push 40 pounds and turn into airborne missiles the second they feel the hook. They school around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. What makes them special here is how aggressive they are – once you find a school, you can often pick off multiple fish before they wise up. The meat is top-shelf too, with that sweet, flaky texture that makes them a favorite on dinner plates.
Wahoo are the speed demons that'll test your drag system and your reflexes. These torpedo-shaped predators can stretch over 5 feet and hit lures at 40+ mph. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb. They're notorious for cutting lines with those razor teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. Landing a big Wahoo feels like hooking a freight train, and their distinctive runs will have your reel screaming. The eating quality rivals any fish in the Gulf – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are the curious giants that'll swim right up to the boat and look you in the eye before deciding whether to eat your bait. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can top 50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Spring migration brings the biggest numbers to South Padre waters, but resident fish stick around year-round. They love structure – oil rigs, wrecks, and floating debris. What makes Cobia fishing addictive is the visual aspect – you'll often see them before you cast, which turns every encounter into a chess match.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore prize, combining incredible speed with serious size. The smaller schoolies provide fast action, while the bigger fish can push 100+ pounds and fight for hours. Summer months bring the most consistent action when water temperatures peak. These fish are built for endurance, so expect long battles that'll test your stamina. They school in open water around temperature breaks and current edges, making fish-finding skills crucial. The sashimi-grade meat makes every Yellowfin worth the effort.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and South Padre's offshore structure holds some genuine monsters. These reef fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. The summer federal season brings the most opportunities, though regulations change yearly. They're structure-oriented, so expect to fish around oil rigs, artificial reefs, and natural hard bottom. What anglers love about Snapper fishing is the consistency – when you find good structure, you can often fill the cooler. Their firm, white meat makes them a table fare favorite that's hard to beat.
Six hours of private offshore fishing with a top-rated South Padre captain is your ticket to some of the best action in the Gulf. Whether you're chasing that trophy Cobia, filling the cooler with Snapper, or testing your tackle against a screaming Wahoo, these waters deliver consistently. The captain handles all the details – gear, bait, fish cleaning, and local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters. Remember to confirm any fuel surcharges upfront, and consider longer trips if the bite is hot. Book now while prime dates are still available – the best fishing and the best captains fill up fast during peak season.
The Angler's Dream is a classic 35-foot Bertram Convertible that's perfect for serious offshore fishing around South Padre Island. This restored 1982 sportfisher runs on twin 320HP Caterpillar engines, cruising at 24 knots to get you out to the productive Gulf waters where Cobia, Red Snapper, and Kingfish are waiting. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish and birds, while the fish finder and GPS help locate the best spots. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out whether you're fighting a big King or working the bottom for Snapper. The boat comes equipped with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus radar for those foggy Gulf mornings. A private head keeps everyone comfortable during the 6-hour trips. This is a working fishing boat built for anglers who want to get after it in the Gulf's deeper waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet of water, though they also cruise open water. Spring migration from March through June is prime time, with spawning fish moving through our area. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll actually follow the boat and investigate lures. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. When sight-fishing for them, cast ahead of where they're swimming and work a bucktail jig slowly. Don't overwork it - cobia prefer a steady, natural presentation.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll hook in these waters. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 30-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes mahi special is their amazing colors - brilliant blues and golds that flash like neon underwater - plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, sweet meat. They fight hard with lots of jumps and runs. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep working the same area since they often travel in small schools. Leave your hooked fish in the water while you cast to its buddies nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic Gulf bottom fish - thick, powerful, and smart. Most run 3-8 pounds, but 15+ pounders lurk around the best structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-200 feet of water. Federal season typically runs a few days in June, so timing is everything. What makes snapper fishing addictive is their strong fight and incredible table quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also challenging since bigger fish get line-shy over heavily fished spots. Fresh cut bait like cigar minnows works best, but live pinfish will pull the biggest ones. Key tip: when you feel that thump-thump bite, set the hook hard and winch them up fast - they'll run straight back to structure and cut you off every time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph when they want to. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see them up to 80+ pounds on good days. They cruise open water from the surface down to about 200 feet, often near oil rigs and current edges. Cooler months from October through March give us the best shots at them. What draws anglers back is that blistering first run - nothing else strips line quite like a wahoo. Plus, the meat is premium eating - firm, white, and mild. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Speed is key when trolling for them - we run lures at 12-15 knots to trigger strikes. When you see one follow your bait, don't slow down or change direction.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built for speed and power - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50 mph and most weigh 40-100 pounds, though giants over 200 exist. They roam open water from the surface to about 300 feet deep, following baitfish and current lines. Peak season runs May through September when they spawn in Gulf waters. What hooks anglers is their bulldogging fight - pure muscle and endurance that'll test your tackle. The meat is world-class too, perfect for sushi or steaks. We catch them trolling, jigging, and chunking with cut bait. When they're finicky, try switching from trolling to vertical jigging - sometimes that change in presentation triggers reluctant fish. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for long runs.
South Padre Island, TX