Ready to test your skills against some of Florida's hardest-fighting fish? Our 6-hour offshore trip out of New Smyrna Beach is your ticket to epic battles with kingfish, cobia, and more. We'll cruise past the breakers at dawn, chasing the bite when the fish are hungriest. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. Get ready for bent rods, screaming drags, and coolers full of prime fillets!
We'll meet you at the dock before sunrise, around 5:30 AM, to load up and hit the water as the sky starts to lighten. The boat's a 25-footer with plenty of deck space, so you and your crew (up to 4 anglers total) will have room to fight fish without tangling lines. We provide all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, and tackle - plus your fishing licenses for the day. Once we clear the inlet, we'll run anywhere from 5 to 20 miles offshore, depending on where the bite's been hot. Expect a mix of bottom fishing for snapper and jigging for amberjack, plus some trolling for kings and mahi if conditions are right. The crew will be there every step of the way to bait hooks, net fish, and make sure you're having a good time.
Offshore fishing is all about versatility, and we use a range of methods to put fish in the boat. For bottom fishing, we'll drop weighted rigs baited with cut fish or squid to tempt snapper, grouper, and triggerfish off the reefs and wrecks. When we spot schools of baitfish or birds working the surface, it's time to break out the spinning gear and toss jigs or live bait for cobia, kings, and bonito. And if the conditions are right, we might troll some lines behind the boat as we cruise between spots - a great way to hook into a smoker king or big mahi-mahi. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques; our crew will walk you through each one and make sure you're comfortable before handing over the rod.
"Despite hurricane Milton , Troy and Jordan neither having power and Jordan having hurt himself helping w the damage , they still chartered us and couldn't have been any kinder ,very knowledgeable and easy going . We will def be back to charter with them again in the near future" - Carol "My husband and daughter have been on 6 charters with Captain Jordan and always come home with a cooler full of fish! Tell him what you're wanting to catch and he does everything to make it happen! Can't wait to book with Central Florida Fishing Charters a 7th time!" - Amber "I had an amazing experience with Central Florida Fishing Charters! From start to finish, Captain Jordan was incredibly patient and helpful. He provided a prep list before our trip and even brought snacks, which was a thoughtful touch. Jordan offered different approaches to fishing, making sure everyone felt comfortable and included. Despite being inexperienced, we were able to have a fantastic time, thanks to his guidance. Jordan made the day fun and educational, giving us a new perspective on being out on the water. It was truly a life-changing experience, and I can't recommend this service enough!" - Aidan
Atlantic Bonito: These speedsters are like mini tuna, and they fight like fish twice their size. Look for them busting bait on the surface, usually in the cooler months. They'll hit just about any small lure you throw, and once hooked, get ready for some screaming runs. Bonito make great cut bait for bigger predators, but they're also tasty if you bleed them right away and get them on ice.
Greater Amberjack: AJs are the bulldogs of the offshore world. These powerful fish hang around wrecks and reefs, often in water 100 feet or deeper. Drop a live bait or big jig down, and hold on tight - amberjack are known for their initial run straight back to the bottom. They're a true test of an angler's strength and stamina. The bite is best in spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Cobia: These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving sight-fishing enthusiasts a real thrill. Cobia migrate along the coast, following big rays and sharks, so we see them most often in spring and fall. They'll eat just about anything that looks like food, from live bait to bucktail jigs. Once hooked, cobia put up a stubborn fight, often making several strong runs before coming to the boat. And talk about good eating - cobia are some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of bottom fishing, red snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These bright red beauties live around rocky bottoms and reefs, usually in water 60 feet or deeper. The season is tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. Red snapper hit hard and fight all the way to the surface. They're wary of hooks, so light leaders and small baits often work best. There's nothing quite like the feeling of bringing up a big red from the depths.
Lane Snapper: Don't let their smaller size fool you - lane snapper are a blast to catch and delicious on the plate. These colorful fish hang around similar structure to their red snapper cousins but are often found in shallower water. They have a knack for stealing bait, so a light touch and sharp hooks are key. Lane snapper are available year-round, making them a reliable target when other species are scarce. Their sweet, mild flesh is perfect for a variety of recipes.
Look, I could go on all day about the rush of hooking into a big king or the satisfaction of putting a limit of snapper in the box. But the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Our 6-hour trip is the perfect balance of fishing time and value - long enough to get on the good bite, but you'll still be back in time for lunch. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's ideal for a family outing or a day with your fishing buddies. Remember, the $900 price covers everything you need - gear, bait, licenses, the works. All you need to bring is some snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!
October 17, 2024
My husband and daughter have been on 6 charters with Captain Jordan and always come home with a cooler full of fish! Tell him what you’re wanting to catch and he does everything to make it happen! Can’t wait to book with Central Florida Fishing Charters a 7th time!
May 5, 2025
They provided a amazing experience and caught tons of fish
May 19, 2025
Amazing fishing
May 18, 2025
I had an amazing experience with Central Florida Fishing Charters! From start to finish, Captain Jordan was incredibly patient and helpful. He provided a prep list before our trip and even brought snacks, which was a thoughtful touch. Jordan offered different approaches to fishing, making sure everyone felt comfortable and included. Despite being inexperienced, we were able to have a fantastic time, thanks to his guidance. Jordan made the day fun and educational, giving us a new perspective on being out on the water. It was truly a life-changing experience, and I can’t recommend this service enough!
August 19, 2024
These speedy fish are a blast to catch, often mistaken for small tuna with their sleek, silver bodies and dark stripes. Typically 10-20 pounds, bonito school up and feed aggressively near the surface. We find them in coastal waters, especially around bait balls. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Anglers love bonito for their hard fights and acrobatic jumps. They'll hit fast-moving lures, so trolling or casting metal jigs works well. Here's a tip: watch for birds diving – that often means bonito are pushing bait to the surface. When you see that, get ready for some fast action! While not prized for eating, bonito make excellent bait for larger game fish.
Cobia are one of those fish that'll make you do a double-take – they look like a cross between a shark and a catfish. These curious, aggressive fish typically run 20-50 pounds and love hanging around buoys, wrecks, and even big rays or turtles. Spring through fall is prime time, with May and June being peak season as they migrate along the coast. Sight-fishing for cobia is a real thrill – we'll look for them cruising just under the surface. They'll chase down live bait or artificials like big bucktail jigs. Here's a tip: when you spot one, get your bait in front of it fast. Cobia can be finicky, so a quick, accurate cast is key. They put up a great fight and make excellent table fare, so they're always a popular target on our trips.
Amberjacks are powerful fighters that'll test your gear and stamina. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around deep reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Anglers love AJs for their sheer strength – be ready for a serious workout when you hook one. Live bait like blue runners or sardines works well, but big jigs can also entice strikes. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first hit, reel fast and don't let up. If you give an AJ any slack, it'll likely dive back into the structure and break you off. Fresh amberjack makes for some tasty eating too, so they're a great all-around target.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they're just as fun to catch. These pretty fish, with their pinkish color and yellow stripes, usually run 1-3 pounds. You'll find them over coral reefs and rocky bottoms in 30-130 feet of water. They're around all year, but summer and fall are best. Anglers like lanes because they're eager biters and great eating. Small pieces of squid or cut bait on a light bottom rig work well. Here's a tip: when you're catching lots of small ones, try moving a bit deeper – that's often where the bigger lanes hang out. These fish have a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They're perfect for a quick fry-up back at the dock.
Red snapper are the poster child of Gulf fishing – big, beautiful, and delicious. These ruby-red beauties average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them holding tight to reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Summer's the best time, especially during the short federal season. Anglers love snapper for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. Live bait like cigar minnows or pinfish works great, but they'll also hit cut bait or jigs. Here's a local secret: use a double-hook rig with a weight on bottom and two hooks above – it'll help you get through the smaller fish to the big ones. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and start reeling. Red snapper make some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste, so be sure to keep a few for dinner.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Despite hurricane Milton , Troy and Jordan neither having power and Jordan having hurt himself helping w the damage , they still chartered us and couldn’t have been any kinder ,very knowledgeable and easy going . We will def be back to charter with them again in the near future