Referred to as the US’s “third coast,” the Gulf of Mexico is a paradise for anglers. With over 27,000 oil rigs, this rich body of water attracts a range of baitfish and larger predators, giving you the chance to battle it out with the fish of your dreams. Come deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to the Florida Keys, and you’ll be in for a memorable trip!
What to Expect
There are few other locations that provide a diverse range of fish in such huge numbers. Get ready for a thrilling day, battling it out time and time again with monster species. Land yourself a tasty treat to take home for dinner, or catch that trophy fish as you go big game fishing.
Tough-fighting beasts like Wahoo rub shoulders with monster Marlin, stunning Sailfish, and delicious Tuna and Mahi Mahi, giving you a wide choice of fish to target. Each of them promises to put up a fight before coming aboard, so get ready for a workout.
Depending on where you head out from, you’ll be fishing from either an offshore sportfishing boat or center console. The crew will set up the trolling lines with bait or lures, so get ready to leap into action as you’ll have a fight on your hands right away.
Where and When to Go
Florida
If you’re looking for a deep sea Gulf experience in Florida, then you’re in luck. From the Keys to the Panhandle, via the Gulf Coast, there’s plenty on offer. Board a charter year round out of the Keys, and you can spend as little as 4 hours or up to a full day battling it out with prized fish.
It’s a similar story in the Panhandle. Hop aboard a Destin or Pensacola charter and you’ll be out in the deep in no time. Heading out of the west coast, though, you’ll need more time to get on the fish. Come in summer and spend at least 10 hours aboard to make the most of the peak fishing season.
Alabama
Despite its narrow access to the water, Alabama definitely punches above its weight when it comes to deep sea fishing. The deep waters run much closer to shore than you’d expect, so head out to the rigs from Orange Beach and get your hands on monster fish on a full day trip.
Louisiana and Mississippi
While the Pelican and Magnolia States are better known for their river and bayou fishing, they’re also prime locations to get offshore. Biloxi is a haven for offshore anglers in MI, with Venice holding most of LA’s deep sea fishing charters. Spend anywhere from half a day on a small boat to a few days aboard an impressive sportfishing vessel, and get your fish on.
Texas
With over 300 miles of Gulf Coast, Texas is a prime destination for deep sea fishing, but your experience will differ depending on where you go. A trip out of the southeast of the state will require at least 12 hours, while the southwest is just a short hop from productive deep waters. The good news is that fishing takes place year round in the “Lone Star State,” so there’s no need to miss out!
How to Prepare
Wherever you choose to board your Gulf of Mexico deep sea fishing charter, you’ll have everything you need for a productive day out. Licensing laws vary from state-to-state, so check with your captain if you need to purchase one before coming aboard. Other than that, all you’ll need to do is bring your own drinks and snacks and make yourself at home.
There’s never a bad time to visit the Gulf, and with plenty of opportunities to go deep sea fishing, why not make it your next trip? Come aboard and battle it out with some of the ocean’s most prized creatures!
