Six Hour Offshore Charter New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting bottom fish and trolling speciesAll tackle, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedAccommodates up to four passengers with professional captain guidance
Captain Doug Hicks knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his six-hour offshore fishing charter puts you right in the action where the big fish live. Departing from New Smyrna Beach, you'll head out into the blue water where mahi mahi, wahoo, cobia, sailfish, and even massive goliath grouper call home. This isn't your typical near-shore trip – we're talking serious offshore fishing where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and anything can happen on the end of your line.
Six hours gives us plenty of time to work different spots and switch up techniques based on what's biting. Captain Doug runs a tight ship that accommodates up to four anglers, but for this particular trip, we're keeping it intimate with just two guests. That means more room to fight fish, more personal attention from the captain, and better odds that everyone gets their shot at the fish of a lifetime. The boat comes loaded with everything you need – all tackle, live bait, fishing licenses, and Coast Guard safety gear. Captain Doug even cleans your catch at the end of the day, so you walk away with fillets ready for the dinner table. Just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and cash for payment since credit cards come with a 5% upcharge.
We'll be mixing it up out there with three proven methods that consistently produce fish in these waters. Bottom fishing puts us over structure and reefs where grouper, cobia, and other bottom dwellers hang out. We'll drop heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait right to the bottom and wait for those rod tips to load up. Trolling covers water fast and targets the pelagic species like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish that cruise the blue water looking for bait schools. Captain Doug runs a spread of lures at different depths and speeds to maximize our chances. Drift fishing lets us work productive areas more thoroughly, especially when we mark fish on the sounder or find floating debris that holds mahi. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts our approach throughout the day based on what's working best.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and New Smyrna Beach puts you in prime dolphin fish territory. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and put on a show that'll get your heart pumping. Most mahi we catch run 10-25 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a bull that pushes 40 pounds or more. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak season running from late spring into early summer when the fish are thick and aggressive.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-40 pounds in our waters, with trophy fish pushing 60 pounds or better. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes that happen so quick you barely have time to react. Winter months often produce the best wahoo fishing, when cooler water temperatures bring these fish closer to shore and more willing to feed aggressively.
Cobia are like the bulldogs of the sea – strong, stubborn, and built like tanks. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) average 20-50 pounds and fight with incredible power and determination. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you a clear shot with sight fishing techniques. Cobia season peaks in spring when these fish migrate through our area, but we see them throughout the warmer months hanging around structure and following rays.
Goliath grouper represent the true giants of our reef systems, and encountering one of these monsters is something you'll never forget. These fish can exceed 400 pounds and live for decades in their underwater territories. Due to regulations, all goliath grouper must be released, but the battle and photo opportunity make for lifetime memories. They're ambush predators that live around structure, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know immediately you're connected to something special.
Atlantic sailfish bring the acrobatics that make offshore fishing so addictive. These billfish put on aerial displays that rival any gamefish in the ocean, with long runs and spectacular jumps. Most sails we encounter run 40-80 pounds, and their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin makes them unmistakable. Winter months typically offer the best sailfish action as these fish follow bait schools south along our coast. Like all billfish, we practice catch and release to preserve these magnificent fish for future generations.
Captain Doug Hicks has built his reputation on consistently putting anglers on fish, and this six-hour offshore charter represents some of the best fishing value you'll find along Florida's east coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with trophy fish or newer to the sport and wanting to experience world-class offshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of multiple fishing techniques, productive waters, and an experienced captain creates the perfect recipe for an outstanding day on the water. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active and the weather is most cooperative.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the acrobats of offshore fishing - 7-8 feet long, around 50 pounds, with that massive dorsal fin they flash like a flag. We target them in 30-650 feet, but they're usually cruising the surface in warmer water between 70-83°F. Winter months, especially around the holidays, bring the best action as they migrate through our waters. What makes sailfish trips memorable is the aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and dive repeatedly, testing every part of your tackle and technique. The meat's decent, but most folks release them for the sport. We troll slowly with live ballyhoo or tease them up to fly-cast. Once hooked, don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out. The secret is keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard when they're airborne, or they'll throw the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone in 30-70 feet around reefs, wrecks, and buoys. They average around 6 feet and 100 pounds - solid, muscular fish that put up a serious fight. Spring migration and spawning season from June through August gives us the best shots at them. What makes cobia trips fun is the sight fishing - you'll actually see these guys swimming near the surface before we cast to them. They're also top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that tastes amazing grilled or blackened. The fight is aggressive and sustained, not the quick bursts some fish give you. My go-to technique is a 4-8 oz bucktail jig in any color - they're not picky about that. Just make sure your drag is set right because they'll head straight for the nearest structure.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - these monsters can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, living up to 100 years. We find them around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-150 feet where they sit like underwater bulldozers. Year-round fishing, but warmer months bring more activity. What makes these fish special is the sheer power - that first pull can literally drag you across the deck if you're not ready. They're protected now, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but landing one is a bucket-list experience. The fight is short but brutal - they'll try to get back to their hole immediately. You need heavy tackle, 50-80 wide reels, and 400-600 pound line. Key tip: anchor close enough to draw them out but far enough to have a chance of stopping their run back to the reef.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll hook out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, but we've seen bigger. These fish love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 30-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most abundant. What makes mahi special is their crazy acrobatics - they'll jump, dive, and fight hard the whole way to the boat. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, look for others nearby since they often travel in small schools, especially the smaller ones.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, hitting up to 60 mph with those torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 3-5 feet long but can push over 8 feet and 100+ pounds. We find them in open water from 30-300 feet, often near structure like wrecks or platforms. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. What gets anglers hooked is their blistering runs and the quality meat - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. They'll test your drag system and your arm strength. The key is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since those teeth will slice through anything else. When you see that distinctive blue-striped torpedo come up behind your bait, hang on tight because the fight starts immediately.
New Smyrna Beach