b'Saltwater RecreationGettingOffshoreThe13,000-foot-deepSigsbeefusedalong with Bluefin Tuna, Mahi Mahi (aka Dora- The Dolphin, The La Pesca, The Dolphin Express and Deep that stretches from 200 miles south of Browns- do and Dolphin Fish), Red Snapper and Tarpon, whichthe Captain Paul. Four to 12-hour daily trips range ville, eastward across the middle of the Gulf of Mexicowas the original name of Port Aransas. inpricefrom$65to$160.TexasSafariTripsrun for more than 400 miles, is among the deepest oceanFor those who want to go deep sea fishing in the Gulffrom 30 to 80 hours and range in price from $355 basins on earth. In the summer months, sub-currents ofof Mexico, its important to understand the options,to $825. Nine-hour private charters are available for the Gulf Stream circulate counterclockwise up the Tex- and like most things in life, and especially on vaca- one to 15 anglers for $2,785 plus fees if applicable. as Gulf Coast, bringing what we call blue water thattionyou get what you pay for. There are party boats,300 W. Cotter Ave.(800) 393-3474originates in the cold depths of the Sigsbee Deep. Withfrom about $70 per angler and $40 for riders, and there that water comes the best offshore fishing of the year. are private charters, from around $2,000 these days,FishermansWharfTheoldestandmoststoried While ample marina space exists on the back side of Pa- considering the record high cost of fuel. Most privatesportfishingcenterintheCoastalBendishome dre Island, on Laguna Madre, virtually all boats mooredcharters allow for four to six anglers. At least 15 and uptothebiggestoffshorepartyboats,thetwin72-there and launching from those locations are inshoreto 50 anglers will be fishing on the party boats. footcatamarans,theWharfCatandtheScatCat, and not offshore. The Packery Channel bridge is notThese sportfishing centers are located in Port Aransason which six-, nine- and 12-hour trips are offered, high enough for most of the big, offshore fishing yachtson Cotter Avenue: rangingfrom$90to$145foradults,and$45to to pass into the gulf. Until a marina is built on Lake Pa- Deep Sea HeadquartersA fleet of three medium-sized$72 for kids 12 and under. Private charters are of-dre, from where almost any sized boat can access theparty boats accommodate up to 40 anglers each: The Pelican,feredfortwototenanglers,priceonrequest. gulf unobstructed through Packery Channel, optionsThe King Fisher and the Gulf Eagle. Five-hour offshore trips are900 Tarpon St.(361) 749-5448for offshore charters are limited to Port Aransas. offered starting at $89 for adults and $68 for kids under 11.Bait and tackle are provided on all offshore trips, and Themostpopulargamefishspeciesthatarepulled440 W. Cotter Ave.(361) 749-5597 personal ice chests are generally prohibited. Most im-out of the Gulf of Mexico off the Coastal Bend in theDolphin DocksA fleet of four offshore boats of- portantlybring cash for concessions and deck hand summer are Sailfish and Marlinwhich are often con- fer a wide variety of fishing charter options, aboardtips!116THECOASTALBENDMAGAZINE TheCoastalBend.com'