Private Offshore Fishing Trip - New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore fishing charter accommodates up to three guestsTarget red snapper, kingfish, amberjack and triggerfish speciesFour to five hour duration exploring local reef systems
Picture yourself 10-15 miles offshore from New Smyrna Beach, lines in the water over some of Florida's most productive reefs. This private 4-5 hour charter puts you and up to two buddies on fish that'll bend your rod and test your drag. We're talking about the real deal here - structure fishing where the bottom is alive with snapper, kingfish, and amberjack that haven't seen a hook in weeks. Your captain from Daytona Beach Fishing Charter knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the bite of a lifetime. Pack your cooler with ice, bring some sandwiches, and get ready for arms that'll be sore tomorrow from all the fish you'll be cranking up from 60-80 feet of water.
This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're heading to the real fishing grounds where the big boys live. Your day starts with a 20-30 minute run to the reef systems that dot the ocean floor off New Smyrna. These aren't just random spots; they're proven fish magnets that local captains have been working for decades. The boat rides smooth in most conditions, but you'll feel that ocean swell that reminds you you're in deep water. Once we hit the first spot, it's game on. You'll be dropping baits to the bottom, working jigs through the water column, and keeping your eyes peeled for diving birds that signal baitfish schools. The action can be steady all day, or it might come in waves - that's fishing. But when it's on, it's really on, and you'll understand why anglers drive hours to fish these waters.
We fish these reefs with medium-heavy spinning gear and conventional outfits that can handle 20-40 pound fish without breaking a sweat. Bottom rigs with circle hooks and 3-6 ounce sinkers are the bread and butter for snapper and grouper, while we'll switch to wire leaders and trolling spoons when the kings show up. Live bait works magic out here - pinfish, grunts, and sardines that we'll catch fresh or pick up at the dock. Cut bait like bonito strips and squid are just as deadly when the bite gets picky. Your captain will rig everything and show you the techniques, but don't be afraid to ask questions. These reef fish are structure-oriented, so we're fishing tight to the bottom most of the time, feeling for that telltale thump that means dinner just grabbed your bait. GPS and fish finders help us stay on the sweet spots, but reading the water and watching for signs is still part of the game.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of these reefs, and hooking one is like tying into a Volkswagen. These prehistoric-looking fish can push 200-400 pounds and will test every ounce of your tackle and technique. They're catch-and-release only, but the photo opportunities are legendary. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active around structure. The fight is pure power - no fancy runs, just straight down pulls that'll make your arms burn. Landing one is a team effort and a memory you'll talk about for years.
King Mackerel patrol these waters looking for baitfish, and when they hit, they hit hard. These silvery speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can push 40-50 on a good day. Spring and fall are prime time when they're migrating along the coast. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll peel line off your reel and jump clear out of the water trying to throw the hook. Wire leaders are a must because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and for good reason. These bronze-colored bruisers average 20-40 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They live around structure and make powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they're present year-round. What makes AJ fishing exciting is the initial hit - they slam baits with authority and immediately try to get back to their rocky homes. It's a tug-of-war that tests your drag settings and your back muscles.
Great Barracuda are the opportunists of the offshore scene, showing up when you least expect them. These toothy predators can reach 3-4 feet and are lightning fast. They're curious fish that often follow other hooked fish to the boat, giving you a chance for a bonus catch. Summer months see the biggest numbers, and they're suckers for shiny lures and live bait. The fight is all about speed and sharp turns - they'll make short, powerful runs and try to cut you off on structure.
Red Snapper are the prize of the reef when they're in season. These ruby-colored fighters are pure table fare and put up a respectable fight for their size. They're structure-huggers that require precise bait placement and quick hook sets. During open season, they're aggressive biters that'll hit everything from live pinfish to cut squid. What makes red snapper fishing special is the anticipation - you know they're down there, and when that rod tip starts bouncing, your heart rate jumps because dinner just got a whole lot better.
This private offshore trip delivers everything serious anglers want - productive fishing grounds, quality equipment, and the chance at multiple species in a single day. Whether you're after a trophy photo or enough fillets to fill the freezer, these New Smyrna reefs consistently produce. The 4-5 hour window gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques without feeling rushed. With space for just three anglers, everyone gets personal attention and prime
Meet your ride to the fishing grounds – a 25-foot 2012 Dorado center console that's built to get you out to where the fish are biting. This custom boat packs a 300HP Suzuki engine that'll have you cruising at 55 knots, cutting through the waves to reach New Smyrna's productive offshore reefs in no time. With space for three anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without bumping elbows. The captain's got all the tech you need – GPS to mark the hot spots, radar for those hazy mornings, and a fish finder to locate schools holding near structure. There's an icebox onboard to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus a wireless trolling motor for those times when you need to position quietly over a wreck or reef. The flybridge gives your captain a great vantage point to spot birds working or changes in water color that signal fish below. Whether you're dropping baits for snapper and grouper or trolling for kings and amberjack, this boat handles it all. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the ride out, but once those reels start screaming, that's all the entertainment you'll need.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the Atlantic's biggest grouper. You'll find them around our local reefs and structure in relatively shallow water, usually 30-150 feet. They're curious fish that aren't shy - some even follow divers around. The fight is intense but short-lived, and that first run will test your gear and your grip on the rod. Important note: Goliath Grouper are protected, so it's strictly catch and release. Bring heavy tackle - I recommend at least 50-80 class gear with 400+ pound mono because they'll try to get back to the reef and break you off. Pro tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough away to have a fighting chance of pulling them out.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our reefs, built like torpedoes and capable of 35 mph bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can push 6 feet and 50+ pounds. They patrol the surface and mid-water around reefs and structure, often following shiny lures or anything that catches their eye. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring and fall seem most productive. Guests love them for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they jump, thrash, and put on a real show. The meat is decent but watch for ciguatera in bigger fish. They're sight feeders attracted to flash and movement. My favorite setup is wire leader with spoons or tube lures trolled fast. Pro tip: keep that retrieve speed up - slow presentations rarely work with 'cuda.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied fighters that average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. You'll recognize them by that dark amber stripe running from their eye to the dorsal fin, which gets darker when they're fired up. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet of water and aren't picky eaters, hitting both live bait and jigs. Spring is prime time, especially April and May during spawning season. What guests love about AJs is their initial power - they pull straight down and test your drag system hard. The meat is excellent when prepared right. My go-to technique is vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs, but live bait works great too. Key tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you in the reef structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are built for speed and can hit 30+ mph when they take off. Most fish we catch run 10-30 pounds, but the big females can push 50+ pounds. They cruise in 40-150 foot depths around structure and baitfish schools. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps hit 68-84°F. Kings are popular because they fight hard with long runs and jumps, plus they make excellent table fare with their rich, flaky meat. We typically troll with planers or fish live bait on the bottom. Here's a local trick: always use a double-hook rig on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail section of baitfish, so that back hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our offshore reefs - beautiful fish with that classic bright red color and excellent table fare. They typically run 2-8 pounds on our trips, though we occasionally see fish pushing 15+ pounds. They live on hard bottom and structure in 60-200 feet, staying close to the reef. Summer season from June through August is prime time when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a decent fight and some of the best eating you'll find offshore - mild, sweet, and flaky. They're smart fish though, so you need to get your bait down to the bottom quickly. I always use circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish. Local tip: when you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll run straight back to the structure and cut you off every time.
Daytona Beach, FL