Recommendations of Offshore Charter

[Jhua]

Dad is rewarding me for making pharmacy school. Originally we were going to stay at Bay Flats Lodge but now that I think of it, I want to catch other species besides the inshore species. Any recommendations? How do I choose a good day and all? Thanks!

[Ibtsoom]

Cowboy Charters out of Freeport -- Capt Mike Jennings

[SCHU]

Watch the bay and gulf forecast and the weather conditons and the weatherman and pray the forecast is right. Problem is when you book a charter, no garantee what nthe weather will be that day. If I was a bettin' man, I'd go with the last 2 weeks in August. "Usually" the most settled time of year, barring any storms... good luck!

[Milkjug]

NWS forecast, pick a day with <2.5 seas. Wait until within 2 days to schedule if you can

Go in at least another week to make red snapper season, and before it closes.

I'll let someone else suggest charters, but you might want to specify your dad's price range. Are you looking for a "head boat" quick trip for <$100, or something on a smaller charter boat with a small group of buddies?

[Jhua]

NWS forecast, pick a day with <2.5 seas. Wait until within 2 days to schedule if you can

Go in at least another week to make red snapper season, and before it closes.

I'll let someone else suggest charters, but you might want to specify your dad's price range. Are you looking for a "head boat" quick trip for <$100, or something on a smaller charter boat with a small group of buddies?

At most 4-5 people. It would be a private charter. He was willing to spend around 1000 on Bay Flats so maybe somewhere in that range.

[Swells]

Cowboy Charters, Mike Jennings, Galveston, center console speedy boats

http://www.cowboycharters.com/boats.html

Adam's Sportfishing, Durwood Adams, Freeport, a twin diesel sports fisher

http://www.adamssportfishing.com/about.html

Bluefin Charters, Freeport, larger 17-person head boat, might ask about sharing with another party (nice boat)

http://www.bluefinfreeport.com/

Freeport Offshore Fishing, Marc Wilkerson, center console catamaran (haven't been out on this one)

http://www.freeportoffshorefishing.com/

Don't forget to tip the captain/crew if the fishing is good, they clean and bag them, and so forth.

Snapper season starts June 1 and runs 40 days. Amberjack season starts August 1. Take your pick. Personally, I like to chase blackfin tuna in September and October - not the way offshore yellowfin tuna, but the smaller inshore ones by the shrimp boats.

Sounds like you'll be in school then so congrats!

[Curmudgeon]

Sounds fun. Congrats twice!

[Muddskipper]

Offshore is not what is used to be .... bottom fishing gets old ...

trolling is cool ... and tossing topwaters at Tuna at night is bad to the bone .... but both are tough to do on a day charter

If you want fish ... charter AP for one of his summer trips, in his not so secret spot ... and wack some specs .... bring 3 guys and put 30 in the box before noon over the summer .... do it two days in a row .... and I promise it will be easier and you will catch more fish than offshore

[Jhua]

Offshore is not what is used to be .... bottom fishing gets old ...

trolling is cool ... and tossing topwaters at Tuna at night is bad to the bone .... but both are tough to do on a day charter

If you want fish ... charter AP for one of his summer trips, in his not so secret spot ... and wack some specs .... bring 3 guys and put 30 in the box before noon over the summer .... do it two days in a row .... and I promise it will be easier and you will catch more fish than offshore

That's true. But I haven't gone offshore in over a decade (in my short life thus far) and I want to mix it up. Plus, after I mentioned it, my dad wants to go as well. Last Fall, my dad and I had some great trips and i'm pretty sure I can get him on em again, but it's the thrill that we are looking for. Thanks though!

[aqua pimp]

Capt. Mike Lowe of Saltwater Assault Guide Service.... 713-818-1296.

AQUA PIMP

[Milkjug]

I'm with you on that one. I catch more inshore fish that I care to eat, paying to hammer a bunch with a guide doesn't appeal to me that much.

One bit of advice, be very clear with what you want out of the trip. One group of buddies went out of LA, but one of them was a newb and backlashed their rods badly twice. Well, after that, the captain forced them all to sit and wait, they weren't allowed to touch a rod until the deckhand hooked the fish and handed it off. This is just an example.

If you want snapper, specify that. You should be able to get everyones limit quickly. Let them know you want to troll or hit weedlines after that if that is the case. Just make sure everyone is on the same level. Not sure you are gonna get into wahoo or tuna fishing range, but maybe you can get some kings or even mahi in the boat after snapper limits.

[Gilbert]

I recommend going with Capt. Leaf and do what milkjug say's no matter who you go with. Always make sure both you and the captain are clear on what you are wanting out of the trip. Also take a trout rod incase you get into a school of chicken dolphin. They are a blast to catch on light tackle.

http://www.texassaltwaterfishingguide.com/index.html

[Swells]

The beach and bay is the same o' same o' every day in the summer, and often quite crowded and potlicked. There are many fine charters in the offshore game, and I like to get outside once or twice a year although I usually go with friends. Problem is, my friends all want too much bribe money in addition to the fuel & ice shares!

For some intermediate fun, try running out the jetties in a bay boat to hit the area for Dawn Patrol, preferably middle of the week. You need a calm day but I've fished 10 miles offshore in a Shallow Sport "scooter." Tarpon, jacks, mackerel, ling, oversize reds, and all kinds of fun should be running around. Shark are everywhere if you're nuts. Watch your birds and bait, and come in early if the potlickers and wind starts giving you any trouble.

Now that's poor-boy offshore fishin'!