Private 10 Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
When you're ready to push beyond the inshore game and test your mettle against the ocean's heavyweight champions, Captain Brad's 10-hour deep sea charter out of New Smyrna Beach delivers exactly what serious anglers crave. This isn't your typical half-day trip—we're talking about a full commitment to the deep blue, where the water runs 80+ feet and the fish fight like they mean it. With just three spots available, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing real estate that makes all the difference between telling fish stories and actually landing them.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off before dawn, meeting Captain Brad at the dock while the coffee's still hot and the bait's fresh. We'll cruise out past the breakers where the continental shelf drops off and the real action begins. Ten hours gives us the luxury of hitting multiple spots—starting with some trolling runs for pelagics like King Mackerel and Mahi, then settling into productive bottom structure for Grouper and Snapper. The beauty of this extended trip is flexibility; if the fish are biting in one area, we can work it hard. If they're being finicky, we've got time to explore different depths and techniques until we find what's working. Captain Brad knows these waters like his own backyard, and with decades of experience reading conditions, tides, and fish behavior, you're in hands that know exactly where to put you on the bite.
Techniques & Tackle
This charter runs the full spectrum of offshore techniques, and Captain Brad comes equipped with everything you need to handle whatever swims up from the depths. We'll start the day trolling with downriggers and planer boards, covering water efficiently while targeting fast-moving species. The boat carries a full spread of lures—ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that trigger strikes from Kings, Cobia, and the occasional Tarpon. When we transition to bottom fishing, we're talking serious tackle: circle hooks on heavy leaders, egg sinkers that'll hold bottom in current, and fresh cut bait that brings the big Grouper and Snapper up from their rocky hideouts. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, bring it along. Just make sure your drag is smooth—these deep water fish will test every component of your setup.
Target Species Breakdown
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of South Florida's reef system, and New Smyrna Beach puts you right in their wheelhouse. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ when you find the right structure. Muttoni are notorious for their wariness—they'll inspect your bait like fish detectives before committing. Best fishing happens during moving tides when they're actively feeding, typically spring through fall. What makes them special is the combination of their beautiful coloration, excellent table fare, and the fact that a big Mutton will make multiple runs that'll have you wondering if you're connected to a small Grouper.
Gag Grouper represent the muscle of the reef, with fish commonly running 10-30 pounds and the occasional heavyweight pushing 40+. These bottom dwellers love ledges, rocks, and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Gags are ambush predators that hit hard and immediately try to get back to their hole—you've got seconds to turn them before they cut you off on the structure. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're staged up for spawning. The fight is pure power, and the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Tarpon fishing off New Smyrna Beach offers a completely different kind of excitement. These silver giants range from 50-150+ pounds and when hooked, they put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Summer months bring the best Tarpon action as they migrate along the coast. What makes Tarpon special isn't the meat—most are released—but the pure adrenaline rush of hooking into a fish that can jump six feet out of the water and strip 200 yards of line on its first run.
King Mackerel, or "Smokers" as the locals call them, are the speed demons of the offshore world. These fish typically run 10-40 pounds and are built for one thing: going fast. Kings hit trolled baits with authority and immediately peel line off your reel in long, screaming runs. Best action happens spring through fall when baitfish are thick along the coast. The key to consistent King fishing is covering water and varying your trolling speeds until you dial in what they want.
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers—smart, spooky, and absolutely beautiful fish that can humble even experienced fishermen. These disc-shaped fighters average 8-25 pounds and are notorious for their ability to straighten hooks and find every piece of structure on the bottom. Permit are year-round residents but peak during warmer months when they're more active. What makes them special is their reputation as one of the most challenging fish to consistently catch, combined with their impressive fighting ability and distinctive appearance.
Time to Book Your Spot
This 10-hour deep sea adventure represents the gold standard of offshore fishing charters. You're not just buying a fishing trip—you're investing in a full day with one of the area's most experienced captains, targeting some of the most sought-after species in Florida waters. With only three anglers per trip, you'll get the personal attention and fishing time that larger groups simply can't offer. Captain Brad's track record speaks for itself, and his knowledge of local waters, seasonal patterns, and fish behavior gives you the best possible shot at the catch of a lifetime. Don't wait until the perfect weather window—these premium spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book now and get ready to test your skills against the deep sea's