Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Texas Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing trip targeting multiple premium speciesCaptain Jerry provides expert guidance for up to five guestsTarget Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, and Tuna
Get ready to spend six solid hours chasing some of the Gulf's most prized game fish with Captain Jerry and his seasoned crew. This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a proper extended trip that gives you real time to get into the bite. You'll be targeting the heavy hitters: Red Snapper, Blackfin Tuna, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Greater Amberjack. With a maximum of 5 anglers aboard, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. Jerry's been running these Texas waters for years, and he knows exactly where to put you on fish when they're feeding.
Your adventure kicks off from the dock with a full tank and high hopes. Captain Jerry runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed – this is fishing, not boot camp. The first hour is usually spent running to the grounds, giving you time to rig up and get your sea legs under you. Once we hit productive water, expect to deploy multiple techniques depending on what's biting. The crew will have you set up with the right tackle for each species we encounter. Texas Gulf waters can be generous, but they demand respect and the right approach. Jerry's local knowledge really shines here – he's dialed into seasonal patterns, current breaks, and structure that holds fish consistently. The boat's equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them.
This trip runs the full spectrum of offshore techniques. For the tuna and mackerel, we'll be trolling with both live bait and artificials, covering water until we find active schools. When the bite is on, it's all hands on deck switching to casting and jigging. The snapper action typically happens over structure, so expect some bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks. Mahi Mahi are opportunistic feeders, so we might work weedlines or floating debris where they like to hang out. Amberjack require a different game plan entirely – these bruisers live around reefs and wrecks, and they'll test your drag system for sure. The crew provides all terminal tackle, but bringing your own favorite lures never hurts. We're talking about 20-40 pound class tackle mostly, with heavier gear available for the bigger amberjack. Live bait is typically provided, along with a good selection of proven artificials.
Red Snapper remain the bread and butter of Texas offshore fishing. These crimson beauties typically run 3-8 pounds in our waters, with the occasional double-digit fish making your day. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll be working reefs, artificial reefs, and natural hard bottom. Best fishing happens during slack tide periods when they're actively feeding. What makes snapper special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – there's a reason they're so popular with Gulf Coast anglers.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of this trip. These fish might average 5-15 pounds, but they fight like they're twice that size. Summer months bring the most consistent action, though they can show up year-round when conditions align. They travel in schools and feed aggressively, so when you find them, multiple hookups are common. The meat is outstanding – darker than yellowfin but incredibly flavorful. Their speed and endurance make every hookup a genuine battle.
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are the toothy predators everyone wants to tangle with. Texas waters produce fish from 10-40 pounds, with the larger specimens showing up during cooler months. They're notorious for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Wire leaders are mandatory – these fish will slice through monofilament without hesitation. Kings are also excellent eating when handled properly, despite what some people think.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing. These brilliant fish average 5-20 pounds in our area and are absolutely spectacular fighters. They jump, they run, and they never give up easily. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities, especially around floating sargassum or debris lines. Their dolphin-like profile and golden colors make them Instagram favorites, but their white, flaky meat makes them dinner favorites too.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweights of this fishery. These amber-colored bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will test every knot in your rig. They inhabit deeper reefs and wrecks, making long, powerful runs toward structure when hooked. Fall and winter typically produce the largest fish, though smaller jacks are available year-round. They're incredibly strong fish that demand heavy tackle and a smooth drag system.
Captain Jerry's extended half-day trips consistently deliver the goods for serious anglers who want more than a quick morning run. Six hours gives you real time to work different areas and techniques, maximizing your chances of connecting with multiple species. The small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of photo opportunities with your catches. Remember that the deposit is non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before booking. These trips fill up quickly during peak season, especially weekends. Texas Gulf fishing is world-class, and Jerry's local expertise puts you in the best position to experience it firsthand. Whether you're after your first offshore slam or looking to add to your personal best collection, this trip delivers the platform for success.
Captain Jerry's 32-foot Angler Center Console cuts through Texas waters like a knife, powered by twin 300HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This 2014 beauty tops out at 45 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water than getting there. The spacious center console design gives all 5 anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're battling a king mackerel or bringing in blackfin tuna. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. Cold drinks and fresh bait stay perfectly chilled in the icebox, and when nature calls, there's an onboard head. The multimedia system keeps spirits high between bites. Built for serious offshore fishing, this boat handles Gulf chop with ease while you target amberjack, mahi mahi, red snapper, and more during your 6-hour adventure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're absolute rockets. Most run 15-25 pounds and rarely exceed 40, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and fight. These pelagic fish love warm Gulf waters over 68 degrees and stick to the deeper blue water, usually 20+ miles offshore. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they school up with skipjacks. They're notorious for their sharp eyesight, so scale down your tackle - use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. The meat is outstanding, with a rich flavor that's perfect for searing or sashimi. Here's a local trick: when you find birds diving on bait, get there fast and throw small jigs or live pilchards. These fish move quick, so work the school while you can.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - built thick and ready to drag you down to the bottom. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds around deeper structure. They hang out on wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs, usually in 60-200 feet of water where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes AJs special is that bone-jarring initial strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight down - they'll test your tackle and your arms. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's what works: heavy tackle is a must, at least 50-pound line. Drop live baits or large jigs right on the structure and be ready for that freight train hit. Once hooked, turn up the drag and muscle them away from cover fast, or they'll wrap you up and break off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag and your patience. These silver bullets average around 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them from 40-150 feet, often cruising the edges of structure or following baitfish schools. They prefer water temps between 68-84 degrees, making late spring through early fall prime time in Texas waters. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they're built for speed and will peel line like few other fish. The meat is rich and oily, great for smoking or grilling. Here's the key to landing more kings: rig with a two-hook setup on wire leader. Put one hook through the bait's nose, let the second treble dangle near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, and that stinger hook will save you from a lot of short strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are hands down the most colorful fish we target, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're fired up. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds and max out around 40-50 in our waters. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the open Gulf. Warm water is key - they need temps above 70 degrees, so summer and early fall are prime time. What draws people to mahi is the incredible fight combined with amazing table fare - firm white meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They also put on a color show that'll leave you speechless. The trick with mahi is finding floating structure or sargassum and working it thoroughly. Once you hook one, keep the boat in gear and work the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more. Use skipping ballyhoo or bright lures to get their attention.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into monsters pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially rocky bottoms and artificial reefs. They're year-round residents in Texas waters, but spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps sit in that 60-75 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? They put up a solid fight and make some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf. The meat is sweet, firm, and perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and work it away from structure quickly - these fish love to dive straight back to cover and wrap your line around anything they can find.
South Padre Island, TX