Private 4 Hour Offshore Port Orange Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4-hour offshore charter targets snapper, grouper, and cobiaCaptain Andrew provides expert guidance up to 9 miles offshoreSmall group experience accommodates maximum 4 anglers per trip
There's nothing quite like heading offshore from Port Orange with Captain Andrew and the crew at Family Custom Fishing Charters. This private 4-hour charter takes you up to 9 miles out into the productive waters off Central Florida's coast, where snapper, grouper, cobia, and sharks are waiting. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for families or small groups looking to get away from the crowds and into some serious fish. Captain Andrew brings years of local knowledge and top-notch equipment, so all you need to worry about is bringing your sunscreen, polarized glasses, and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up.
Your day starts at the Port Orange marina, where Captain Andrew will get you squared away with the gear and give you the rundown on what's biting. The boat ride out takes you through some beautiful coastal waters before you hit the deeper offshore structure where the good fish live. Once you're on the fishing grounds, you'll be working depths that range from 40 to 80 feet, depending on where the fish are holding. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put you on the spots that are producing. Expect to see plenty of action – this isn't a trip where you'll be sitting around waiting for bites. The offshore waters here are loaded with fish year-round, and Captain Andrew's got the local intel to make sure you're fishing the right spots at the right time.
Most of your fishing will be bottom fishing with both live and cut bait, targeting the structure and reefs where snapper and grouper like to hang out. Captain Andrew keeps the boat stocked with quality tackle – heavy enough to handle big grouper but sensitive enough to feel those light snapper bites. You'll be using circle hooks to keep the fish healthy, and the captain will show you the right technique for each species. Live bait is the name of the game out here, and the boat carries a good selection of pilchards, pinfish, and other local favorites that these offshore species can't resist. When the cobia are around, you might switch to sight fishing with live crabs or jigs, which is about as exciting as it gets. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on the fun part – fighting fish.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These crimson beauties typically run 2-8 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones definitely show up. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around the natural and artificial reefs in 50-80 feet of water. The best bite usually happens from late spring through fall, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. What makes red snapper so popular with anglers is their aggressive bite and excellent table fare – they're hard fighters that'll give you a good account of themselves, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They've got sharp teeth and can be tricky to handle, but Captain Andrew will show you the proper technique for landing them safely.
Cobia are the wildcards of this trip, and when they show up, things get really interesting. These bronze-colored bruisers can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, and they're known for their curious nature and powerful runs. Peak season runs from March through June when they're migrating along the coast, but you can find resident fish year-round. Cobia are sight feeders, so when conditions are clear, you might spot them cruising near the surface or following rays and sharks. They're aggressive predators that will eat live crabs, eels, and big jigs, and once hooked, they make long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle and your arms. Landing a nice cobia is a real accomplishment – they're smart fish that know how to use their size and strength to their advantage.
Broomtail grouper round out the target species list, and these guys are the heavy hitters of the reef. Also called yellowfin grouper, they typically range from 3-15 pounds in these waters, with their distinctive yellow fins and mottled brown coloration. They're ambush predators that live in holes and under ledges, so you need to get your bait right down to the bottom where they're hiding. The bite is usually subtle – just a slight tap or the line going slack as they inhale the bait and head back to their hole. That's when you need to set the hook hard and start cranking, because they'll try to cut you off on the structure. Broomtail grouper are most active during cooler months, making them a reliable target from fall through early spring. They're excellent eating and put up a strong, bulldogging fight that's different from the speed runs of cobia or snapper.
Captain Andrew and Family Custom Fishing Charters have built their reputation on putting clients on fish while keeping things safe and enjoyable. This 4-hour private charter gives you the perfect taste of what offshore fishing in Port Orange is all about, without committing to a full day trip. The small group size means personalized attention and more fish per angler, plus you'll have room to spread out and fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to offshore fishing or you're experienced anglers wanting to explore new waters, this trip delivers the goods. The waters off Port Orange are some of Florida's most productive, and with Captain Andrew's local knowledge, you'll be fishing like a pro by the end of the trip. Don't wait too long to book – the good captains fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Captain Andrew's 2006 Cobia 22 center console is your ticket to the productive fishing waters off Port Orange. This reliable 22-footer runs on a dependable 150HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you out to the fishing grounds up to 9 miles offshore at a comfortable 35 knots. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and Sharks – including a fish finder to locate the best spots and GPS to keep you on course. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to work the water and fight fish without getting tangled up. With Captain Andrew's local knowledge and quality gear, you'll be fishing the most productive spots along the Central Florida coast.
Mycteroperca XenarchaBroomtail grouper are the rare gems of our grouper family, named for their distinctive fan-shaped tail that sets them apart from other groupers. These robust fish typically run 25-35 pounds and 2-3 feet, though 60-pounders are possible. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 60-200 feet of water, ambushing prey from cover. While they're more common in southern waters, we do see them here during warmer months. What makes them special? They're a true trophy catch due to their rarity, plus they fight like freight trains with incredible initial power. The meat is excellent - soft and sweet. My tip: once you hook one, immediately apply maximum drag and pump hard upward. Don't give them time to think or they'll drag you straight into the rocks and break you off.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our waters - big, brown, and built for battle. These loners average 3-4 feet and 20-40 pounds, but 6-footers over 60 pounds aren't rare. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around structure, buoys, and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. They're often mistaken for sharks with that dark coloring and single dorsal fin. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they move through our area to spawn. What draws anglers? That raw power and the sight fishing opportunity - plus they're amazing on the table with firm, white meat. These fish are curious and will come up to investigate boats. Here's my tip: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig past it and work it back slowly. They'll usually turn and follow before striking.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our deeper waters, typically running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though monsters over 30 pounds do show up. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet of water - think wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom. They're aggressive bottom feeders that'll give you a serious fight, often making runs straight for cover to cut your line. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? That pure white, flaky meat with a mild, nutty flavor that's restaurant quality. My advice: use a heavy sinker to get your bait down fast, and the second you feel that bite, lift hard and keep steady pressure. Don't give them a chance to reach the rocks.
Port Orange