Ready for a full day of rod-bending action off New Smyrna Beach? Our 8-hour offshore fishing charter is your ticket to some of the best angling Central Florida has to offer. We'll hit the water at the crack of dawn, giving you prime time to tangle with hard-fighting pelagics and tasty bottom-dwellers. Whether you're a seasoned salt or just getting your sea legs, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your buddies and let's chase some fish!
We'll push off from the dock at 6 AM sharp, when the bite is often hottest. This private charter's all yours - just you and up to three friends. We'll start by trolling for the big boys - Kingfish, Sailfish, and maybe even some Blackfin Tuna if they're running. Once we've had our fill of the surface action, we'll switch gears and drop lines for some tasty bottom fish. Snapper, African Pompano - you name it, we'll try to put it in the boat. Best part? We provide all the gear, bait, and licenses. Just bring your game face and maybe a cooler for the ride home.
Offshore fishing's a whole different ballgame from inshore, and we'll show you the ropes. For the pelagics, we'll be trolling - dragging lines behind the boat with lures or live bait. It's a game of patience punctuated by sudden, heart-pounding action when a fish strikes. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll use heavier tackle to punch through the current. Expect some arm-burning fights as we winch up fish from the structure below. Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew's always happy to give pointers and lend a hand when it's time to reel in the big one.
"We had a Great time! Captain Jordan and first mate Troy were easy to understand and patient for us first timers! We will be booking again!" - Keavin
Kingfish: These speedsters are the bread and butter of our offshore trips. They'll smoke a reel and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Kings typically range from 10 to 40 pounds, but we've seen some real monsters out there. They're around most of the year, but peak season is late spring through fall. Nothing beats the sight of a King skyrocketing on a bait at the surface!
Sailfish: The crown jewel of offshore fishing, Sailfish are what dreams are made of. These acrobatic billfish are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. They average 6-8 feet long and put on a show like no other. While they can be caught year-round, your best shot is during the cooler months from November to March. Landing a Sail is a bucket-list item for any serious angler.
Mutton Snapper: Don't let their pretty pink color fool you - these guys are bruisers. Muttons are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They typically hang out near reefs and wrecks, and can grow up to 20 pounds or more. We target them year-round, but they really start biting in the spring and summer. If you're looking for a fish that'll test your skills and fill your belly, Mutton Snapper's your target.
Lane Snapper: These tasty little guys might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they make up for it in numbers and flavor. Lanes usually run 1-3 pounds and love to hang out near bottom structure. They're a great target when the bite is slow, and they're absolutely delicious on the grill. You can catch them year-round, but summer tends to be prime time.
African Pompano: These silvery bruisers are a real treat when we find them. They're not as common as some other species, but boy, do they put up a fight! African Pompano can grow up to 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15-30 pound range. They love structure and warm water, so we tend to see more of them in the summer months. If you hook one, get ready for some serious pulling!
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dolphin (the fish, not the mammal!), these colorful speedsters are a favorite among offshore anglers. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and stunning colors - electric blues and greens that seem to glow in the water. Mahi can grow up to 50 pounds, but average 5-15 pounds in our waters. They're most common from spring through fall, often found near floating debris or weedlines. And let's not forget - they're absolutely delicious!
Spadefish: These odd-looking critters might not be on everyone's target list, but they're a blast to catch. Spadefish school up around structure and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They usually run 2-5 pounds, with some pushing 10 pounds. We find them year-round, but they're most active in the warmer months. They're fun to catch on light tackle and make for some great photos with their unique disc-like shape.
Look, there's a reason why folks keep coming back to fish these waters. The variety, the action, the chance at landing that fish of a lifetime - it's all here off New Smyrna Beach. Our 8-hour trip gives you the time and flexibility to really explore what offshore fishing's all about. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty bottom fish or want to test your mettle against a high-flying Sailfish, we've got you covered. So why wait? Grab your crew, book your date, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are out there - let's go get 'em!
December 2, 2024
African pompano are a real treat to catch off New Smyrna Beach. These silvery, round fish can grow up to 50 pounds, though most are in the 20-30 pound range. You'll find adults in waters from 30 to 250 feet deep, often near drop-offs or artificial reefs. They're fast swimmers and can cover a lot of ground, so be prepared for a battle. Spring and fall are good seasons to target them. Anglers love African pompano for their strong fights and tasty fillets. To catch one, try live bait or shiny jigs – these fish are attracted to movement. Here's a local tip: look for bait schools on your fish finder, as pompano often lurk nearby. When you hook one, hold on tight – their initial run can be powerful. The unique shape and long, trailing fins of juveniles make them a memorable catch for any angler.
Lane snappers are a fun catch for anglers of all levels here in New Smyrna Beach. These feisty little fish typically run 10-14 inches long, with a distinctive pink-red color and yellow-striped fins. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy areas with lots of vegetation, usually in depths of 70-230 feet. Lanes are most active at night and during their spawning season from March to September. What makes them great to target is their aggressive nature – they're not shy about taking bait. Use shrimp, squid, or cut bait on a simple bottom rig. Here's a tip: try fishing near structures during the evening hours for best results. While they may not be the biggest fish out there, lanes put up a good fight for their size and make excellent eating. They're often a bonus catch when you're after other snapper species.
Mahi mahi are one of the most exciting fish to target off New Smyrna Beach. These colorful speedsters average 15-29 pounds but can top 80 pounds. Look for them near floating debris and weed lines in offshore waters. Mahi are fast growers and aggressive feeders, which makes for great action. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Anglers love mahi for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. To catch them, troll with ballyhoo or squid, or cast live bait near floating structure. Here's a pro tip: keep an eye out for frigate birds – they'll often lead you right to the mahi. These fish are known for their golden sides and blue-green backs. Once hooked, be ready for explosive runs and jumps. Mahi make for excellent eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.
Mutton snapper are a prized catch in our waters, typically ranging from 15-20 pounds. You'll find them near reefs and rocky bottoms, usually in depths of 130-230 feet. These solitary fish are most active at night, feeding on crustaceans and smaller fish. Anglers love muttons for their tough fight and excellent table fare. Spring and summer are prime seasons, especially during their spawning months. To land one, use fresh bait like squid or small fish on a light sinker. Here's a local trick: try chumming to bring them to the surface, then use flies or jigs. When you hook a mutton, be ready for a strong initial run – they'll try to dive back into structure. Keep your line tight and be patient. The satisfaction of seeing that pink color emerge from the depths makes it all worthwhile.
Spadefish are a unique target here in New Smyrna Beach. These disk-shaped fish typically weigh 3-10 pounds and grow to about 18 inches. You'll find them hanging around structures like reefs and shipwrecks in coastal waters. They're schooling fish, often gathering in groups of 500 or more. Spadefish put up a great fight for their size, which makes them popular with anglers. To catch one, use a small circle hook baited with clam – that's their favorite snack. Cast past the school and drag your bait through. Spring and summer are prime seasons when water temps warm up. Fun fact: young spadefish play dead when threatened, drifting like leaves to escape predators. If you're looking for a tasty catch that'll test your skills, spadefish are a solid bet.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250
We had a Great time! Captain Jordan and first mate Troy were easy to understand and patient for us first timers! We will be booking again!