Full Day Offshore Charter New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targeting bottom fish and trollingAll tackle, bait, licenses, and safety equipment includedAccommodates up to four passengers with professional fish cleaning
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Capt. Doug Hicks delivers exactly what New Smyrna Beach anglers have been raving about. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to the deep blue, where the real action happens. You'll head out past the nearshore structure into blue water territory, armed with everything you need for a world-class fishing experience. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the tug of a big fish, this charter sets you up for success with professional-grade tackle, fresh live bait, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day kicks off early from New Smyrna Beach, where you'll meet Capt. Doug and get the rundown on what's been biting lately. The boat's rigged and ready with top-rated equipment, Coast Guard safety gear, and everything needed for both bottom fishing and trolling techniques. You're looking at a solid 8-10 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to work different depths and structures. The captain provides all fishing licenses, so you can focus on what matters – getting your lines wet and bringing dinner home. With space for up to four anglers, there's room to spread out and work your preferred techniques without stepping on each other's toes. Fish cleaning is included, so your catch goes straight from the boat to your cooler, ready for the table.
This charter gives you the best of both worlds with bottom fishing and trolling opportunities. When we're bottom fishing, you'll be working vertical presentations over wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-120 feet of water. We're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and live bait that gets down fast to where the big snappers, groupers, and cobia hang out. Trolling is a completely different game – we'll be covering water at 6-8 knots, pulling lures and rigged baits behind the boat to intercept pelagic species like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts techniques throughout the day, switching between bottom structure and blue water trolling based on what's producing. You'll learn both approaches and see firsthand how offshore fishing strategies change with depth, current, and target species.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of New Smyrna Beach offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are absolute dynamite on the line – they jump, they run, and they put on a show that keeps anglers coming back for more. Most mahi here run 10-30 pounds, with bulls pushing 40+ during peak season from May through September. They school up around floating debris, weedlines, and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets for trolling. What makes mahi special is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find one, you've usually found a school. The fight is spectacular, and the eating quality is second to none.
Wahoo fishing off New Smyrna Beach is all about speed and precision. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and will test your drag system like no other fish. Most wahoo here range from 20-50 pounds, with occasional giants topping 70 pounds during winter months. They're typically caught while high-speed trolling with wire leaders and diving plugs. The bite is violent – wahoo don't nibble, they demolish whatever they hit. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a customer favorite for anglers who want an adrenaline rush.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the offshore scene, known for their curious nature and powerful fights. These chocolate-brown fish average 30-50 pounds off New Smyrna Beach, with monsters exceeding 60 pounds during spring migration from March to May. Cobia are sight-fishing targets – you'll often see them cruising near the surface around structure or following rays and sharks. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky, requiring precise presentations with live bait or soft plastics. When hooked, cobia make long, powerful runs and have a habit of heading straight for the boat's hull or any nearby structure.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of New Smyrna Beach offshore fishing, offering world-class light tackle action from December through April. These billfish average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, but their aerial displays and speed make them seem much larger. Sailfish are typically caught while kite fishing with live baits or slow-trolling with rigged ballyhoo. The sight of a sailfish coming up behind a bait, lit up in full color with its sail raised, is something every angler should experience. They're catch-and-release fish that provide memories lasting a lifetime.
New Smyrna Beach offshore fishing delivers year-round action, but the best days fill up fast with repeat customers who know what Capt. Doug brings to the table. This full-day charter gives you the time and techniques needed to target multiple species and really learn these waters. With all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included, you're getting tremendous value for a complete offshore experience. Remember to bring cash – it's the preferred payment method, and you'll avoid the credit card upcharge. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or solo adventure, this charter puts you in the best position to experience what makes New Smyrna Beach a renowned offshore fishing destination.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing with that massive dorsal fin and lightning speed. These billfish average 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, but can reach 10 feet and 142 pounds. We find them in 100-400 feet of blue water, typically cruising 30-65 feet down. Winter months are prime time here, especially December through March when they migrate through our area. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a display like no other fish. Most are catch-and-release since they're not great table fare. The key is trolling with live bait or circle hooks, and when one lights up, grab the camera first because the show is about to start. Don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the dark brown torpedoes that'll fool you into thinking shark at first glance. These bruisers average 6 feet and 100 pounds, living up to 12 years. They're loners, cruising reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet, though we find them shallow as 15 feet during spring migration. Best action runs April through July when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What makes cobia special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but pull like freight trains. The meat is outstanding, firm and sweet like premium grouper. They're curious fish, so sight fishing works great. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's swimming, let it sink, then work it slowly back. Cobia can't resist a well-presented jig.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolute show-stoppers with their brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs. These fish average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds. What makes them special is that color-changing light show when you bring them boatside - they flash through blues, greens, and golds before fading. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Best fishing runs April through September when water temps climb above 70°F. They fight hard with long runs and acrobatic jumps, plus the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep trolling because mahi often travel in schools. That first fish might bring his buddies to the party.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - they're basically underwater rockets that can hit 60 mph. These sleek fish average 3-5 feet but can stretch to 8 feet and 180+ pounds. You'll spot them by their blue-striped silver sides and razor-sharp teeth. We target them in 50-200 feet around structure and blue water drop-offs. Peak season runs July through November when they're feeding aggressively. What guests love is the blistering initial run followed by multiple screaming drag pulls. The meat is premium eating - white, flaky, and mild like high-end tuna. For wahoo, speed up your trolling to 12-15 knots and use wire leaders because their teeth will slice through anything else. When one hits, it's usually game over before you know what happened.
New Smyrna Beach