12 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip in Corpus Christi
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing charter with experienced Captain Andres YamboTarget red snapper and grouper in Corpus Christi watersSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Andres Yambo has been working these Gulf waters for over twenty years, and it shows in every cast, every spot he marks, and every fish that hits the deck. This 12-hour offshore charter takes you deep into the productive waters off Corpus Christi, where red snapper, gag grouper, and kingfish are waiting. With room for up to four anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. Yambo knows where the fish are holding, when they're biting, and exactly how to put you on them.
Your day starts early – that's just how offshore fishing works if you want to make the most of your time. Captain Yambo will have you headed out before sunrise, running to his proven spots while the water's still calm and the fish are active. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the Texas coastline fade behind you. Once you hit the fishing grounds, it's all business. Yambo's got decades of local knowledge, from the structure that holds fish to the seasonal patterns that determine where they'll be feeding. You're not just getting a boat ride – you're fishing with someone who's made his living reading these waters. The boat's set up for serious offshore work, with quality tackle, plenty of ice, and all the gear you need to handle whatever comes up from the depths.
Offshore fishing in the Gulf means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Yambo runs a mix of bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, plus trolling and live bait fishing for kingfish. The bottom rigs are heavy enough to get down fast in 60+ feet of water, with circle hooks that help with proper releases when needed. For kings, expect to see live bait on spinning tackle or trolling with spoons and diving plugs. Yambo provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – he knows what works in these waters and keeps his gear in top shape. You'll learn to read the electronics, understand how structure holds fish, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler even after you're back on shore. The captain's not just running the boat; he's coaching you through every hookup, teaching you how to work fish up from deep water without losing them.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Corpus Christi offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder. They're typically found around structure in 40-80 feet of water, and when you find them, you'll often find them in numbers. Red snapper average 3-8 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish always possible. They're most active during spring through fall, with summer being prime time. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is the combination of steady action and the occasional surprise – you never know when a 10-pounder is going to grab your bait.
Gag grouper are the heavy hitters that keep anglers coming back for more. These fish can push 20+ pounds and will test your tackle and your technique. Gags are ambush predators that hide in structure and grab anything that looks like an easy meal. They're found in similar depths to snapper but tend to hold tighter to cover. The fight is different too – grouper will try to get back to their hole, so you've got to turn them fast and keep them coming up. Fall and winter are typically the best times for gags, when they're feeding heavily and moving into shallower water. Landing a good grouper is one of those experiences that makes a 12-hour day feel worth every minute.
Northern kingfish, or king mackerel, bring speed and aerial acrobatics to your offshore day. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Kings are typically caught trolling or with live bait, and when they hit, you'll know it. They're known for their runs and jumps, and a big king will peel line off your reel like you wouldn't believe. Spring and fall migrations bring the best kingfish action to Corpus Christi waters, with fish ranging from 10-30+ pounds. What makes king fishing exciting is the variety – you might catch a dozen schoolies or hook into a smoker king that changes your whole perspective on what these fish can do.
Captain Yambo's 12-hour offshore charter gives you the full Gulf experience – enough time to fish multiple spots, try different techniques, and really get into the rhythm of offshore fishing. With over two decades of local experience, he's dialed in on what works in these waters and when. The four-person capacity means you're not fighting for rod time or the captain's attention. You'll leave the dock with high hopes and come back with stories, photos, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to fish with someone who's made offshore fishing his life's work. Book your spot and find out why anglers keep coming back to fish with Captain Yambo year after year.
Captain Andres Yambo's 2008 Robalo R-240 is built for serious offshore fishing in the Gulf waters around Corpus Christi. This 25-foot center console runs on reliable twin Yamaha 150 engines that'll get you out to the deep water red snapper and grouper spots efficiently. The spacious deck gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work without getting tangled lines. Essential gear includes GPS and radar for navigation, VHF radio for safety, plus a fish finder to locate those productive bottom structures where the big ones hang out. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 12-hour days on the water. With over 20 years fishing these Texas waters, Captain Yambo knows exactly where to find the fish and how to get you on them.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are bottom dwellers that love hiding around offshore structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges in deeper water. Most run 15-25 inches, but the big bulls can hit 50+ pounds and make your arms burn. They're ambush predators with powerful jaws, so once hooked, they'll try dragging you straight into the rocks. The fight is what makes them special - pure bulldogging power. The meat is firm and white, perfect for grilling. These fish change from female to male as they age, which is pretty unique. My advice: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut squid, and the moment you hook up, keep that rod tip low and muscle them away from structure. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are smaller Gulf fighters that pack a punch for their size. Most run 10-14 inches and rarely top 2 pounds, but they're scrappy little bottom feeders with attitude. You'll find them in sandy shallows and around piers, especially during late summer when they move closer to shore. They've got a whisker under their chin that helps them hunt crabs, shrimp, and worms on the bottom. What makes them fun is their surprising fight - they're quick and feisty when hooked. The white meat is tasty and flakes nicely. Light tackle works best since they're small but smart. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh bloodworms or cut clams, and fish right on the bottom where they're rooting around for food.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - these crimson beauties average 1-2 feet but can push 35 pounds. You'll find them hugging bottom structure in 30-200 feet, especially around rocks, reefs, and wrecks. They're scrappy fighters that'll bolt for cover the second they feel the hook, so keep your drag locked tight. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active. The meat is incredible - mild, sweet, and flaky white flesh that's restaurant quality. Here's a local trick: use fresh cigar minnows and keep your bait right on the bottom. These fish are smart, so if you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard and reel fast before they dive into structure.
Corpus Christi