98 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE TheCoastalBend.com Saltwater Recreation Getting Offshore—The 13,000-foot-deep Sigsbee Deep that stretches from 200 miles south of Browns- ville, eastward across the middle of the Gulf of Mexico for more than 400 miles, is among the deepest ocean basins on earth. In the summer months, sub-currents of the Gulf Stream circulate counterclockwise up the Tex- as Gulf Coast, bringing what we call “blue water” that originates in the cold depths of the Sigsbee Deep. With that water comes the best offshore fishing of the year. While ample marina space exists on the back side of Pa- dre Island, on Laguna Madre, virtually all boats moored there and launching from those locations are inshore and not offshore. The Packery Channel bridge is not high enough for most of the big, offshore fishing yachts to pass into the gulf. Until a marina is built on Lake Pa- dre, from where almost any sized boat can access the gulf unobstructed through Packery Channel, options for offshore charters are limited to Port Aransas. The most popular gamefish species that are pulled out of the Gulf of Mexico off the Coastal Bend in the summer are Sailfish and Marlin—which are often con- fused—along with Bluefin Tuna, Mahi Mahi (aka Dora- do and Dolphin Fish), Red Snapper and Tarpon, which was the original name of Port Aransas. For those who want to go deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s important to understand the options, and like most things in life, and especially on vaca- tion—you get what you pay for. There are party boats, from about $70 per angler and $40 for riders, and there are private charters, from around $2,000 these days, considering the record high cost of fuel. Most private charters allow for four to six anglers. At least 15 and up to 50 anglers will be fishing on the party boats. These sportfishing centers are located in Port Aransas on Cotter Avenue: Deep Sea Headquarters—A fleet of three medium-sized party boats accommodate up to 40 anglers each: The Pelican, The King Fisher and the Gulf Eagle. Five-hour offshore trips are offered starting at $89 for adults and $68 for kids under 11. 440 W. Cotter Ave. • (361) 749-5597 Dolphin Docks—A fleet of four offshore boats of- fer a wide variety of fishing charter options, aboard The Dolphin, The La Pesca, The Dolphin Express and the Captain Paul. Four to 12-hour daily trips range in price from $65 to $160. Texas Safari Trips run from 30 to 80 hours and range in price from $355 to $825. Nine-hour private charters are available for one to 15 anglers for $2,785 plus fees if applicable. 300 W. Cotter Ave. • (800) 393-3474 Fisherman’s Wharf—The oldest and most storied sportfishing center in the Coastal Bend is home to the biggest offshore party boats, the twin 72- foot catamarans, the Wharf Cat and the Scat Cat, on which six-, nine- and 12-hour trips are offered, ranging from $90 to $145 for adults, and $45 to $72 for kids 12 and under. Private charters are of- fered for two to ten anglers, price on request. 900 Tarpon St. • (361) 749-5448 Bait and tackle are provided on all offshore trips, and personal ice chests are generally prohibited. Most im- portantly—bring cash for concessions and deck hand tips!
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