Six Hour Offshore Charter New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targets bottom fish and trolling speciesAll tackle, licenses, bait, and safety equipment included onboardAccommodates up to four passengers with professional fish cleaning
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing off the Florida coast, Captain Doug Hicks delivers exactly what offshore anglers want. This six-hour charter out of New Smyrna Beach puts you right in the action with bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing techniques that consistently produce results. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters - mahi mahi, wahoo, cobia, goliath grouper, and Atlantic sailfish. With all your gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included, this top-rated charter takes care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most: landing fish.
Captain Doug runs a tight operation that caters to both seasoned anglers and folks just getting their sea legs. The boat accommodates up to four passengers, though this particular trip is set for two, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the captain. You'll head out into the Atlantic where the real action happens - those productive offshore waters where the big fish cruise and feed. The six-hour timeframe gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and try different techniques without feeling rushed. Whether the fish are hitting on the troll or holding tight to structure, Captain Doug knows how to adjust the game plan. All your required safety gear meets Coast Guard standards, and the captain provides everything from tackle to live bait. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and cash for payment - credit cards get hit with a 5% upcharge.
This charter combines three proven methods that work consistently in New Smyrna Beach waters. Bottom fishing puts you right on the structure where grouper, cobia, and other reef dwellers hang out. You'll be using circle hooks with live or cut bait, dropping down to ledges and wrecks where these fish feel comfortable. Trolling covers serious ground and attracts the fast-moving pelagics like mahi mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. The captain runs a spread of lures at different depths and speeds, creating an irresistible presentation that triggers strikes from curious predators. Drift fishing lets you work the water column naturally, following the current while presenting baits at various depths. This technique often produces when the fish are scattered or feeding in mid-water. Captain Doug reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly - if the trolling bite is hot, you'll spend more time covering water. If the bottom fish are cooperative, you'll anchor up and work the structure. The tackle is matched to the target species, from lighter spinning gear for mahi to heavier conventional setups for potential goliath grouper encounters.
Mahi mahi remain the crowd favorite for good reason. These vibrant fighters show up in decent numbers from late spring through early fall, typically running 10 to 25 pounds with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40 pounds or more. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits hard and put on an aerial show that gets everyone excited. The meat is excellent, and they're relatively easy to clean and fillet. Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of peeling line off the reel faster than almost any other fish. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20 to 40 pounds in local waters and are prized for their incredible fighting ability and outstanding table fare. They're more seasonal than mahi, with peak action typically in the cooler months. Cobia are the bruisers that test your tackle and endurance. These brown sharks-lookalikes cruise the waters year-round and can exceed 50 pounds. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you a visual opportunity before the hookup. Atlantic sailfish provide the ultimate light-tackle challenge, with their spectacular jumps and long runs. While catch-and-release is encouraged for these magnificent billfish, the experience of fighting one is something every angler should have. Goliath grouper represent the true giants of the reef. These massive fish can weigh several hundred pounds and provide an arm-burning battle from the depths. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights last forever.
This six-hour offshore charter represents serious value for anglers who want a complete fishing experience. With everything included except your fishing license - which Captain Doug actually provides - you're getting a world-class day on the water without any hidden costs or surprise charges. The two-angler limit means you won't be fighting for rod space or competing for the captain's attention. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience the rush of offshore fishing, this trip delivers both. New Smyrna Beach offers some of the most consistent offshore fishing on Florida's east coast, and Captain Doug knows how to find the fish. Don't let another season slip by wondering what you're missing out there. Book your spot and get ready for the kind of fishing day that reminds you why you love being on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing with their massive dorsal sails and lightning speed. These blue-gray beauties average 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, with the record at 142. They cruise the upper water column from 30-65 feet, following warm water and bait schools. Winter months bring the best action to our area, especially December through March. What sets them apart is their aerial show - jumping, diving, and tail-walking when hooked. They're built for speed and endurance, making every fight memorable. The meat is decent, but most folks release these living torpedoes. Here's my technique: slow-troll live bait or use teasers to get them fired up. Once you see that sail light up with color, they're ready to bite. Keep steady pressure but let them run - trying to horse them in just makes them jump more.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their single dorsal fin fools plenty of folks at first glance. These powerful fish average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, with the record hitting 135. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet, though they roam up to 300 feet deep. Spring migration and summer months are peak times, especially June through August when they're spawning. What draws anglers is their aggressive fight and the fact they're usually loners, making each catch special. The firm, white meat is restaurant-quality. My go-to technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. Color doesn't matter much, but here's the trick: when you see one, get that jig down fast and bounce it off the bottom to grab their attention.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants of the reef can stretch 8 feet and tip the scales at 800 pounds - the biggest grouper in our waters. They're strictly catch and release now, protected by law, but still provide the fight of a lifetime. You'll find them around shallow coral reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-150 feet. They're year-round residents here, but summer months offer the best action. What makes them special is that first pull - it'll test every muscle you have and all your gear too. They're curious fish that aren't shy about investigating divers and baits. My advice: anchor close enough to the structure to draw them out, but far enough to pull them away from the rocks. Use extra-heavy tackle with 400-600 pound mono and 20/0 circle hooks. Remember, these fish can live 100 years, so handle them with care for a quick release.
Coryphaena HippurusThese brilliant golden fish with electric blue-green backs are what every angler hopes to see. They average 15-29 pounds and hit around 39 inches, though the biggest can push 87 pounds. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 30-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action here off New Smyrna. What makes mahi special is their fight - they jump, dive, and never quit until they're in the boat. The meat is firm and sweet, perfect for the grill. My tip: when trolling, make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. Mahi can't resist that action, and once you hook one, keep looking around - they often travel in small groups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. These silver bullets with blue zebra stripes typically run 3-5 feet and can reach 184 pounds. We find them in open water around 66 feet deep, often near floating debris or current edges. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering runs and the way they test your gear to its limits. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish for taste - mild and sweet. Here's the key: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential since their teeth will slice through anything else. When you hook one, hang on tight - that first run will remind you why they're called the ocean's fastest fish.
New Smyrna Beach