Full Day Offshore Charter New Smyrna Beach
Captain Doug Hicks knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard for a full day offshore charter from New Smyrna Beach, you're getting decades of local knowledge working in your favor. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a complete offshore experience where you'll target some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish while enjoying the personalized attention that comes with a smaller boat. With everything from licenses to live bait included, you can focus on what matters most: fighting fish and making memories on Florida's Space Coast waters.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at the New Smyrna Beach inlet, where Captain Doug has everything rigged and ready to go. This top-rated charter accommodates just two anglers, which means you're not fighting for rod time or competing with a crowded boat. The intimate setting lets Doug tailor the trip to your experience level and preferences, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to boat a personal best or a newcomer who needs some coaching on technique. You'll head out through Ponce Inlet and make the run to productive offshore waters, where the Gulf Stream's influence creates prime conditions for pelagic species. The boat comes equipped with all US Coast Guard approved safety gear, quality tackle, and fresh live bait – Doug's got the technical side covered so you can concentrate on the fishing. Most trips combine both bottom fishing and trolling techniques, giving you the best shot at a variety of species throughout the day.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Doug runs a versatile operation that adapts to conditions and what's biting. For bottom fishing, you'll be working structure and reefs where cobia hang out, using circle hooks and live or cut bait to entice these bronze bulldogs up from the depths. The trolling spread is where things get exciting – Doug sets up a pattern of lures and baits that covers different zones in the water column. Ballyhoo on wire leaders for wahoo, colorful skirted lures for mahi, and the occasional live bait slow-trolled for sailfish. The captain reads the water constantly, adjusting speed, direction, and lure selection based on water color, temperature breaks, and bird activity. When a rod starts screaming, Doug's there to coach you through the fight, whether it's keeping steady pressure on a powerful cobia or managing the acrobatic runs of a hooked sailfish. All tackle is tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever the offshore waters throw at you, and Doug maintains his gear meticulously because he knows a lost fish due to equipment failure ruins everyone's day.
Top Catches This Season
The mahi mahi fishing off New Smyrna Beach has been nothing short of phenomenal, with Doug's guests regularly hooking into schools of these colorful fighters. These fish are pure excitement on the line – they'll jump, run, and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Mahi typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, though bigger bulls occasionally show up to test your drag system. They're most active during the warmer months when weed lines and floating debris concentrate closer to shore, creating perfect ambush spots for feeding fish. What makes mahi so special is their willingness to eat – they'll hit trolled lures, live bait, and even flies if you're into that kind of challenge. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Wahoo represent the speed demons of the offshore world, and New Smyrna's proximity to the Gulf Stream makes it prime wahoo territory. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and the ability to strip line faster than you'd think possible. Doug targets wahoo with high-speed trolling, pulling lures at 15-20 knots to trigger strikes from these aggressive predators. A typical wahoo runs 20 to 40 pounds, though 50-pounders show up often enough to keep things interesting. The bite is usually instantaneous – one second you're trolling along, the next your reel is singing and a silver torpedo is tail-walking across the surface. Wahoo are excellent table fare, with meat that's similar to king mackerel but milder in flavor.
Cobia season brings some of the most visual fishing you'll experience in these waters. These curious fish often cruise near the surface, following rays, sharks, or floating debris. Doug's got a keen eye for spotting cobia, and when he sees one, the game plan switches to sight fishing. You'll pitch live bait or jigs to individual fish, watching their reaction and adjusting your presentation accordingly. Cobia are powerful fighters that use their broad tails and stocky bodies to test your technique. They average 30 to 50 pounds, with fish over 60 pounds caught regularly during peak season from April through June. The meat is fantastic – often compared to shark but with a cleaner taste and better texture.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of New Smyrna's offshore scene, offering world-class light tackle fishing right in your backyard. These acrobatic billfish provide some of the most exciting fishing action you'll find anywhere, with their signature jumps and long runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Doug knows how to work the sailfish bite, whether it's slow-trolling live bait along temperature breaks or working schools of baitfish where sails are feeding. Most sailfish run 6 to 8 feet long and weigh 30 to 50 pounds, but their fighting ability far exceeds their size. The captain practices catch and release for sailfish, ensuring these magnificent gamefish remain available for future generations of anglers to enjoy.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Doug Hicks has built his reputation one satisfied angler at a time, and this full day offshore charter represents the best value in New Smyrna Beach fishing. With all tackle, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning included, you're