One would think that the offshore fishing slows down during the winter out of Port Aransas. This is partly true only due to the weather conditions. When the cold fronts come through, it will keep boats from venturing offshore for a few days before and after the front. If the high pressure builds in for a few days after the front, that is the weather window that needs to be taken advantage of. If you happen to get offshore, there are a few species that seem to hang around the rocks and deeper rigs. Past reports show that some of the biggest catches have occurred during February. Some species to target are cobia, which can be found around some of the rigs past 200 feet. Other fish to go after are the amberjack and wahoo. It is not uncommon to come across numerous wahoo around the rigs or deep water flotsam. The best chance to numerous shots at the wahoo is to troll diving plugs or ballyhoo at first light around the cut-off rig at Southern or the Baker rigs. Don’t be surprised to have a large mako bite a few of the wahoo off while you are fighting them. The mako sharks seem to hang out with the wahoo this time of year so have a rod setup to try and catch one of these acrobatic denizens of the deep.
Yellowfin Tuna caught off the Texas coast at the spar rig Perdido.
Besides the previously mentioned species, kingfish can be found around the rocks, as well as beeliners, and atlantic sharpnose sharks. Do not be surprised if you happen to catch a few blackfin tuna, especially if you are chumming around the rocks at Southern or Baker. Out deeper at the floating rigs, it is prime time to go after yellowfin tuna. The recent reports include yellowfin tuna up to 125 pounds caught at Perdido, and even a hooked blue marlin. This will continue through the month of February.
A big congratulations to a Texas boat that caught a 142 pound wahoo. It is a new state record and Gulf of Mexico record.
Remember to be safe and have fun on the water!
Get Hooked Up!!
