Private Deep Sea Charter - South Padre Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour private charter targets tuna, marlin, and sailfish offshoreFullday deep sea adventure accommodates up to 6 experienced anglersAll gear, bait, and tackle included with What's On Fishing
When you're serious about fishing and want to target the big guns of the Gulf, this 12-hour private deep sea charter from South Padre Island delivers exactly what experienced anglers are looking for. We're talking about a full day dedicated to chasing blue water species that'll test your skills and push your limits. This isn't your typical half-day bay fishing trip - we're heading to the deep water where the real action happens. Your captain will take you and up to 5 other anglers out to where the tuna run thick, marlin cruise the blue water, and sailfish put on aerial shows that'll have you talking for years.
You'll start your day early at the South Padre Island marina, where your captain will brief you on the game plan and weather conditions. This is a private charter, which means no strangers on board and the captain's full attention on finding your group the best fishing action. The boat comes loaded with all the gear, bait, and tackle you'll need for targeting pelagic species. We're looking at runs that can take us 20-40 miles offshore depending on where the fish are showing up and what the conditions look like. The Gulf of Mexico off South Padre is known for its deep water relatively close to shore, which means less travel time and more lines-in-the-water time. Your captain monitors water temperature breaks, current lines, and bird activity to put you on the fish. Fair warning though - those extended runs to the really deep water can add fuel surcharges to your trip, so make sure you hash that out with your captain when you book.
This is primarily a trolling operation when you're targeting these offshore species. Your captain will set up a spread of lures and baits designed to attract different species at various depths. We're talking about big game tackle here - heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle 30-50 pound test line and the screaming runs these fish are famous for. You'll likely see a mix of artificial lures, rigged ballyhoo, and sometimes live bait when the conditions call for it. The key to success out here is covering water and presenting baits at different levels in the water column. Don't be surprised if your captain switches up the spread throughout the day based on what's biting and what the fish finder is showing. When targeting marlin and sailfish, circle hooks are the standard for better hook-up ratios and fish survival. The boat's fighting chair and gimbal belts become your best friends when you're battling these powerful fish that can strip line faster than you'd believe possible.
The Blackfin Tuna around South Padre are absolute rockets that'll smoke your drag before you know what hit you. These fish typically run between 15-30 pounds and are most active during the cooler months from November through March. They school up in good numbers and once you find them, you can often catch multiple fish in a short window. What makes blackfins so exciting is their speed and the way they fight - they'll make several long runs and keep the pressure on throughout the fight. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that rich, red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail for most offshore anglers, and the Gulf waters off South Padre hold some impressive fish. These apex predators can range anywhere from 150 pounds to well over 400 pounds, with peak season typically running from May through September when the water temperatures climb. Blues are ambush predators that cruise the deeper waters looking for schools of tuna and other baitfish. When a blue marlin hits your spread, there's no mistaking it - they'll often jump repeatedly and put on a show that's worth the trip alone. Most captains practice catch and release with blues to preserve this incredible fishery.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that can hit 60 mph and are notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. These fish typically range from 20-80 pounds in these waters and are most active during the spring and fall months. Wahoo are often caught as bonus fish while targeting other species, but when they hit, you'll know it immediately. They make incredibly fast runs and their strikes are so violent they'll sometimes cut right through your line if you're not using wire leaders. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore world, combining size, strength, and stamina in ways that'll humble even experienced anglers. These fish can range from football-sized school fish to 100+ pound giants that'll test every piece of equipment on the boat. Yellowfins are most consistent during the warmer months but can be caught year-round in the right conditions. They're notorious for their powerful, sustained runs and their ability to sound deep when hooked. The meat quality is outstanding, making them highly prized by both sport and commercial fishermen.
White Marlin may be smaller than their blue cousins, but they more than make up for it with their acrobatic displays and aggressive nature. These fish typically range from 40-80 pounds and are most common during the summer months when the Gulf Stream influence is strongest. White marlin are incredibly active fighters that jump repeatedly and often tail-walk across the surface. They're considered by many anglers to be pound-for-pound one of the best fighting fish in the ocean, and their smaller size makes them more manageable for anglers of different experience levels.
This 12-hour private charter represents serious fishing for serious anglers. You're getting a full day on some of the most productive offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico, with a captain who knows where to find the fish and has the equipment to get you hooked up. The private boat setup means you're fishing at your own pace with your own group, and the captain's focus is entirely on making sure your group has the best day possible. Remember to bring
The Angler's Dream is a beautifully restored 35-foot Bertram Convertible that's ready to chase big game fish in the Gulf waters off South Padre Island. This classic 1982 sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2017 and runs like a dream with twin 320HP Caterpillar diesels pushing her to 24 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for serious offshore fishing - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water, while the onboard head keeps everyone comfortable during those long runs to the deep water where the tuna, marlin, and sailfish roam. Whether you're battling a blue marlin or boxing wahoo, this boat has the power and stability to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you during your 12-hour adventure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 20-40 pounds and up to 39 inches. These fierce fighters love warm Gulf waters over 68°F and cruise the upper water column near continental shelves. Peak season here runs fall through spring when they school up with skipjack. What makes them special is their scrappy attitude - pound for pound, they fight harder than their bigger cousins. Plus, the meat is outstanding - sweet and firm, perfect for sashimi or grilling. They've got sharp eyes, so we scale down to 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. My tip: when we find a school, try vertical jigging with small metals. These fish are cannibalistic, so a silver jig mimicking a small tuna works magic.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 200-300. These apex predators roam deep blue water along current breaks and temperature edges, usually 100+ feet deep. Summer through fall gives us the best shots in the Gulf when water temps climb. What draws people back is the raw power and those legendary jumps - nothing matches a marlin going airborne. The meat's decent but most folks release these beauties. They hunt tuna, mahi, and mackerel, so we troll big ballyhoo or lures at 8-12 knots. Here's the key: when one shows up behind your bait, don't change speed or direction. Let them decide - patience wins more marlin than anything else I've learned in 20 years.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. These 20-80 pounders cruise open water and around structure like oil rigs, usually in the top 60 feet. Fall and winter are prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is that blistering first run and some of the best eating in the ocean - white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving plugs or ballyhoo. The trick is running a tight spread since they're often solitary. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - their soft mouths tear easily. Fresh ballyhoo behind a colored skirt is my go-to setup.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world, typically 40-80 pounds with that classic pointed bill. These hunters work temperature breaks and current edges in 100-500 feet of water, often following schools of flying fish and small tuna. Spring through fall gives us consistent action when they're most active. What hooks people is their aerial show - they jump, tailwalk, and fight way above their weight class. We troll small ballyhoo on circle hooks or pitch live baits around feeding birds. The key difference from other billfish: watch behind your baits, not just at them. White marlin are sneaky and will materialize out of nowhere. When one shows, don't rush the hookset - let them eat the bait before coming tight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing, averaging 60-100 pounds with those signature bright yellow fins. These warm-blooded speed machines cruise the upper 300 feet, often around floating debris or current edges. Summer into fall brings the best action when water temps peak. Anglers love them for their bulldogging fights and world-class sashimi quality - there's a reason they're called "ahi" in sushi bars. They school up and feed aggressively on flying fish, squid, and smaller tuna. We troll rigged ballyhoo or chunk with live bait when they're deep. Pro tip: when trolling isn't working, pull in the spread and drop jigs straight down - sometimes they're feeding below the thermocline and won't come up for surface baits.
South Padre Island, TX