Half Day Deepsea Fishing in Daytona Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Four-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting cobia and red snapperExpert Captain Brad guides up to three guests aboard custom boatProfessional first mate ensures safe and memorable fishing experience
There's nothing quite like heading offshore into the deep blue waters of Daytona Beach for some serious fishing action. Captain Brad Curtsinger has been running these waters for years, and his 25' Dorado Custom is built for comfort and catching fish. This four-hour adventure takes you out where the big ones live - we're talking Cobia, Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Greater Amberjack, and those toothy Great Barracuda that'll give you a fight to remember. With room for just three anglers, you get personalized attention from Captain Brad and his professional first mate, making this perfect whether you're bringing the kids for their first offshore trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Florida trophy species to your list.
Your day starts at 1012 Highland Park Terrace where you'll meet Captain Brad and get familiar with the boat. The Dorado Custom is maintained to the highest standards - clean, safe, and equipped with everything you need for a successful day of offshore fishing. We'll head out beyond the breakers where the water turns that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart pumping. Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where the fish like to hang out. The first mate handles all the rigging, baiting, and net work, so you can focus on what you came here for - fighting fish. The intimate three-person capacity means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting in line to get your turn at a good fish.
We run a combination of techniques depending on what's biting and where Captain Brad marks the fish. Trolling is our bread and butter for species like King Mackerel and Barracuda - we'll pull a spread of spoons, plugs, and live bait behind the boat at different speeds and depths. When we find structure holding Snapper and Amberjack, we switch to bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh cut bait or live pinfish. For Cobia, we might sight-fish when conditions are right, or work the wrecks and reefs where they like to cruise. All tackle, bait, and terminal gear is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own favorite rods if you prefer. The first mate keeps everything organized and helps with hook-ups, gaffing, and getting fish in the box while Captain Brad works his magic finding the bite.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, typically running 15-40 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 50-plus. They hit fast and run hard, making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Best fishing is usually spring through fall when they're following bait schools along the beach. You'll love the way they crash a trolled bait and immediately go airborne trying to throw the hook. Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that can weigh anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They live around wrecks and hard bottom, and once you hook one, it's a straight-up tug-of-war as they try to get back to their rocky home. Red Snapper are the table fare champions, averaging 3-8 pounds with beautiful red coloration and excellent eating quality. They're structure-oriented fish that require precise bottom presentation, and there's something deeply satisfying about feeling that classic snapper thump on the other end of your line. Cobia are the wild cards - these brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can show up anywhere from 20-60 pounds and are curious fish that will often follow the boat or cruise just under the surface. They're excellent fighters and even better eating, with white, flaky meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. Great Barracuda bring the excitement factor with their impressive teeth and aggressive strikes. These silver bullets can reach 4-6 feet long and will absolutely destroy a trolled lure, making spectacular jumps and putting on a show that gets everyone on the boat excited.
Captain Brad's half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's cooperating. Four hours gives you enough time to work different spots and techniques without wearing out the kids or newcomers to offshore fishing. The small group size means you get the kind of personal attention and instruction that makes the difference between just going fishing and actually catching fish. Whether you're after a family adventure, planning a guys' trip, or want to introduce someone special to the world of offshore angling, this charter delivers the goods. The 25' Dorado Custom provides a stable, comfortable platform that handles the offshore conditions while Captain Brad's local knowledge puts you on fish consistently. Book your dates now and get ready for some world-class fishing action just minutes from the Daytona Beach coastline.
Captain Brad's 25-foot Dorado custom center console is your ticket to serious offshore action in Daytona Beach waters. This 2012 beauty packs a 300HP Suzuki 4-stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 55 knots. Built tough for Florida's offshore conditions, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive half-day chase after cobia, snapper, and whatever else is biting. The GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating schools, while the radar keeps you safe when weather rolls in. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, and the wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly when targeting spooky fish. With room for three anglers plus Captain Brad and his experienced first mate, you'll have plenty of space to work without getting tangled up. The flybridge gives great visibility for spotting bait schools and birds working the surface. This isn't just a boat ride – it's a properly equipped fishing machine designed to put you on fish in the deep blue waters off Daytona Beach.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the best-eating fish we target, with firm white meat that's restaurant quality. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds and are usually found alone rather than in schools. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action, especially May through July when they're spawning. What makes them special is they're sight-fishers - you can often spot them cruising near the surface. They're aggressive feeders and strong fighters that'll make long runs. Since they're solitary, each fish is a trophy. My go-to technique is a bucktail jig in any color, worked near structure. Be patient and watch the water - spotting one swimming is half the battle.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 3-5 feet long and put up a wild, acrobatic fight that'll get your heart pumping. They hang around the surface near reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs, making them perfect for our offshore trips. You'll see them year-round, but warmer months bring more surface activity. Guests love the visual excitement - you can often see them following lures before they strike. They're also curious fish that'll check out the boat. The fight is all about speed and jumps rather than deep runs. One tip: use a wire leader since those razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. And keep your fingers clear when landing one!
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 30-40 pounds but can push 60 or more. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and any hard bottom structure in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer give you the most consistent action. What guests love is the raw power - these fish will test your back and your tackle. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The challenge is keeping them off the bottom once hooked since they'll try to cut you off in the structure. My advice: use heavy tackle, at least 50-pound test, and crank hard right after hookup. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese fast-moving fish are some of the most exciting targets we go after off Daytona. Kings typically run 20-30 pounds, but we regularly see bigger ones that'll test your drag system. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that blistering speed - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's decent but it's really about the fight. Pro tip: when trolling, use a wire leader and keep your baits moving fast. Kings love to hit from behind, so that second stinger hook can save the day when they short-strike your bait.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard for bottom fishing - excellent table fare and a solid fight. These bright red fish typically run 2-8 pounds in our area, though bigger ones show up on deeper wrecks and reefs. They live on hard bottom structure in 60-200 feet, holding tight to ledges and artificial reefs. Summer gives you the most consistent bite during our open season. What anglers love is the combination of good action and great eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also scrappy fighters for their size. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom where they feed. Use circle hooks with cut bait or live pinfish, and be ready to muscle them up quickly before they duck back into the structure.
Daytona Beach, FL