Epic 12HR Offshore Fishing in South Padre Island

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island, TX
$1,410 - $2,820 price range
Updated Date: August 1, 2025

Summary

This 12-hour private fishing trip off South Padre Island is tailor-made for serious anglers looking to spend a full day on the water. You'll head out into the Gulf, targeting some of the most sought-after offshore species like Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. The exact catch will depend on the season and what's biting, but you're in for a real challenge with these big game fish. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring along your fishing buddies for an epic day of reeling in trophy catches. The extended trip length gives you plenty of time to find the hot spots and really get into the action. Just keep in mind there might be additional fuel charges for heading far offshore. This is a chance to test your skills against some of the Gulf's most exciting fish – perfect if you're after that once-in-a-lifetime catch.

Epic 12HR Offshore Fishing in South Padre Island

Big Gulf Catches

Offshore Fishing in Texas Waters

Crevalle Jack, 28-inch fishing catch in TX

South Padre fishing: thrill and chill

Anglers caught 8 big fish while fishing at South Padre Island

Saltwater dreams come true here

Anglers with a bountiful catch of 9 fish in TX

Chasing the big one in South Padre

Epic 12-Hour Gulf Adventure: South Padre's Best

Ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Buckle up, because this 12-hour private charter off South Padre Island is the real deal. We're talking serious offshore action, targeting the big boys of the Gulf. From hard-fighting tuna to the majestic marlin, this trip is all about putting you on the fish that'll make your arms ache and your stories legendary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to step up your game, our experienced crew will get you hooked up with some of the most exciting pelagics swimming the deep blue.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't your grandpa's bay fishing - we're heading way offshore where the water turns that cobalt blue and the fish get big. You'll be aboard a well-equipped sport fisher, rigged and ready for battling the beasts of the Gulf. The day starts early, so come caffeinated and ready to put in work. We'll run anywhere from 30 to 100 miles out, depending on where the bite's hot. Expect a mix of trolling, live baiting, and maybe even some kite fishing if conditions are right. The crew's got years of experience reading the water, finding the bait, and putting you on the fish. Just be ready when that reel starts screaming!

Top Catches This Season

Out here, it's all about playing the game fish grand slam. We're talking yellowfin and blackfin tuna busting topwater lures, acrobatic mahi-mahi lighting up the spread, and the chance at hooking into a billfish that'll test every ounce of your angling skills. Wahoo are like underwater rockets - blink and you'll miss 'em. And depending on the season, we might even tangle with some hefty amberjack or grouper on the deep drops. The Gulf's got a little bit of everything, and on a 12-hour trip, we've got time to try it all. Just remember, offshore fishing can be feast or famine, but that's all part of the adventure.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these waters for years, and there's nothing quite like the rush of a good day offshore. It's not just about filling the box (though we do our best to make that happen). It's about being out there where the horizon meets the sky, feeling that salt spray on your face, and knowing that any minute, your next personal best could be on the end of the line. Our repeat customers? They come back for the whole package - the thrill of the hunt, the quality of the boat and gear, and yeah, the chance to put some serious fish on the deck. Plus, with a private charter, you're calling the shots. Want to focus on tuna all day? No problem. Determined to raise a billfish? We'll put in the time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blackfin Tuna: These little powerhouses might not get as big as their yellowfin cousins, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. They school up thick around oil rigs and seamounts, often mixed in with bonito and skipjack. When they're fired up, it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. Best time to target them is fall through spring, and they make for some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste.

Blue Marlin: The holy grail of sportfishing. Blues in the Gulf can push 500 pounds or more, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs that can dump hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Peak season is typically late summer through early fall, but they can show up any time the water's right. Even if you don't boat one, just seeing a lit-up blue in the spread is worth the price of admission.

Wahoo: If speed kills, wahoo are apex predators. These streamlined torpedoes can hit 60 mph in short bursts, and when they strike a lure, it's like somebody hit the afterburners. We target them by trolling at a good clip with specialized lures, often around drop-offs and underwater structures. They're around all year, but winter tends to be prime time. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like wahoo on the grill - some of the best eating in the ocean.

Yellowfin Tuna: The crown jewel of the Gulf's pelagics. Yellowfin in these waters can easily top 100 pounds, with some monsters pushing well past that. They're notorious for long, powerful runs that'll have you seeing the bottom of your spool if you're not careful. We find them around floating debris, temperature breaks, and sometimes busting on the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons, but a good captain can put you on them year-round.

White Marlin: The smaller, more acrobatic cousin of the blue marlin. What white marlin lack in size, they make up for in aerial prowess. These fish love to dance on their tails and are absolute masters at throwing hooks. We usually target them with lighter tackle, which makes for an incredibly sporty fight. Late summer and early fall are prime time, often coinciding with good mahi-mahi action. It's not uncommon to raise several in a day when they're thick.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're still reading this, you're probably already imagining yourself out there on the blue, bent rod in hand, battling the fish of a lifetime. This 12-hour trip is the real deal - it's for anglers who are serious about putting in the time and effort to tangle with some of the Gulf's most prestigious gamefish. We provide the boat, the gear, and the know-how. You just need to bring your A-game and maybe a bit of luck. Remember, the ocean doesn't give up its treasures easily, but that's what makes it so rewarding when everything comes together. So what are you waiting for? Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Get in touch, lock in your date, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of big game fishing in the Gulf, you'll be hooked for life.

Learn more about the animals

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, typically reaching 3 feet and 40 pounds. You'll find them in the warmer Gulf waters, often hanging around oil rigs and other structures. These little powerhouses are a blast to catch - they put up a serious fight for their size. We usually target them in the fall and winter months when they're most active in our area. Blackfin make excellent eating too, with a rich, slightly sweet flavor that's great for sashimi or grilling. When we're after them, I like to use smaller lures and lighter tackle than you'd use for their bigger cousins. A good trick is to look for birds working the surface - that often means there's a school of Blackfin feeding below. Just be ready for a lightning-fast strike and an impressive run when you hook one.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin are the heavyweight champs of the billfish world. These monsters can top 1,000 pounds, though we mostly see them in the 200-400 pound range here. They're true ocean roamers, following warm currents and baitfish schools. Your best shot at hooking one is during the summer months when they come closer to shore. Blues are known for their incredible aerial displays - when one jumps, it's a sight you won't forget. They're smart too, often circling the boat and eyeing your spread before striking. Trolling with a mix of artificial and natural baits is our go-to method. If you're lucky enough to hook up, be ready for a long, grueling fight. These fish can go for hours. My tip? Stay patient and don't try to muscle them in. Let the fish tire itself out, and you'll have a better chance of landing a trophy.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean. These sleek, striped fish can hit 60 mph in short bursts, making for some epic strikes and screaming reels. They typically range from 20 to 80 pounds around here, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them near drop-offs and around floating debris. Fall and winter are prime Wahoo seasons in the Gulf, when the water cools a bit. Anglers love Wahoo not just for the fight, but for the table too - their meat is firm, white, and delicious. High-speed trolling is the name of the game for these fish. We'll often run lures at 12-15 knots to trigger their chase instinct. Wire leaders are a must - their teeth will slice through mono like butter. If you see one following your lure, a quick speed-up can often trigger a strike. Just hold on tight when they hit!

White Marlin

White Marlin are the acrobats of the billfish family. They're smaller than Blues, typically 60-80 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in aerial displays. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often near underwater structures or following bait schools. Late summer and early fall are usually the best times to target them here. White Marlin are catch-and-release for most anglers, prized for the challenge and the spectacle rather than for eating. Trolling with a spread of small lures and ballyhoo is the standard approach. These fish are known for their finicky bites - they'll often just slap at the bait with their bill. My tip is to use circle hooks and let the fish run with the bait before setting. It takes patience, but it'll increase your hookup ratio. When you do hook one, get ready for some incredible jumps and runs.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are the powerhouses of the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped fish can weigh over 200 pounds, though 60-100 pounders are more common on our trips. They're found in the open water, often around temperature breaks or floating debris. Spring and fall are usually the best times to target them here. Yellowfin are prized for both their fight and their eating quality - there's nothing quite like fresh yellowfin sashimi. When we're after them, we'll often start by trolling, but chunking can be deadly effective too. If you see them busting on the surface, casting poppers can lead to some explosive strikes. One trick I like is to use kite fishing when the conditions are right. It keeps your bait on the surface and can trigger some incredible topwater bites. Just be ready for a long, hard fight - these fish don't give up easily.

About the 35 ft Bertram Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 24

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 320

Ready for a serious fishing adventure? This 12-hour private trip takes you deep into the Gulf for a full day of offshore action. You and five friends will have the chance to target some real heavyweights - we're talking Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. Depending on the season, there may be other big game fish in the mix too. This isn't a casual cruise - it's designed for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and have a shot at landing a trophy catch. The extended trip gives you plenty of time to find the fish and try different spots. Just keep in mind there might be extra fuel charges for heading way offshore. If you're up for an epic day of fishing and ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf's most prized catches, this is the trip for you. Bring your A-game, some snacks, and get ready for 12 hours of non-stop fishing action.

Sitemap