Top Rated 8 Hour Offshore Fishing Charter Daytona Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targets big game pelagic speciesFull equipment package includes tackle, bait, ice and cleaningProfessional crew accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Looking for the real deal when it comes to offshore fishing? Full Time Fish delivers exactly what serious anglers crave – a full day on the water targeting the kind of fish that make for legendary stories back at the dock. Our 8-hour deep sea charter puts you right where the big pelagics roam, miles off the Daytona Beach coast where the continental shelf drops into blue water paradise. We're talking about the zone where sailfish cruise the surface, king mackerel patrol structure, and mahi-mahi schools light up the fish finder. With everything handled for you – tackle, bait, ice, cleaning, and bagging – you can focus on what matters most: getting lines wet and fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight solid hours gives you the chance to work different areas, adjust tactics when conditions change, and really dial in on what's biting. We'll start early, running out to our prime spots while the water's calm and the fish are active. The boat's rigged with top-shelf gear – outriggers for trolling spreads, downriggers for precise depth control, and enough rod holders to keep multiple lines working. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading current breaks, temperature changes, and bird activity to put you on fish. The guest capacity stays at six anglers max, so there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. No crowded boat situations here – just serious fishing with space to work.
Offshore fishing here means covering water efficiently, and trolling is the name of the game. We'll pull a spread of lures and rigged baits designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Circle hooks on all live bait rigs ensure solid hookups and better fish survival for releases. The boat runs ballyhoo, cedar plugs, spoons, and skirted lures at different positions – short riggers, long riggers, flat lines, and sometimes a few down deep on wire line. When we mark fish or find floating structure, we'll switch gears to live bait fishing or chunk baits in the current. GPS marks years in the making guide us to productive ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. The tackle box stays stocked with everything from 20-pound spinning gear for mahi-mahi to heavy conventional setups capable of handling big kings and wahoo that test your drag system.
Atlantic Sailfish represent the crown jewel of our offshore fishery, and Daytona's waters offer some of Florida's most consistent action. These acrobatic billfish average 6-8 feet and put on aerial displays that'll have your heart pounding. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them close to shore. The fight combines blistering runs with spectacular jumps, and catching your first sail on light tackle is a bucket-list experience every angler should have.
Tarpon earn their nickname as the "Silver King" for good reason – these prehistoric giants can exceed 100 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They show up consistently from May through September, rolling on the surface and crushing live baits fished under kites or free-lined in the current. When a tarpon eats, you'll know it immediately. The hookset is critical, and the fight that follows tests both angler skill and tackle limits. Multiple jumps, long runs, and sheer power make tarpon one of the most respected gamefish in our waters.
King Mackerel, locally called "smoker kings" for their screaming runs, provide non-stop action throughout the warmer months. These toothy speedsters range from schoolie-size 10-pounders to trophy fish pushing 40+ pounds. They're structure-oriented, relating to ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Kings hit trolled baits with authority and make blistering runs that test your drag settings. The bigger fish often show up on the edges of the Gulf Stream, and a 30-pound king on 20-pound tackle is a serious battle.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical colors and acrobatic fights to our offshore lineup. These stunning fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. When you find a good school, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups common. Mahi average 10-20 pounds but bulls can push 40+ pounds and provide spectacular fights with their signature head-shaking jumps. They're excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to combine sport with great eating.
Wahoo represent the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60+ mph and making runs that empty spools in seconds. These streamlined predators prefer deeper water along the shelf edge and respond well to high-speed trolling with wire line. A wahoo strike is unmistakable – they hit like a freight train and immediately head for the horizon. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their incredible speed makes them one of the most exciting fish to hook in these waters. Most wahoo range 20-40 pounds, but the occasional giant over 60 pounds shows up to test tackle and angler skills.
Eight hours on the water targeting world-class gamefish doesn't happen every day, and spots on our best-producing charters fill up fast. The boat's equipped, the captain knows where to find them, and all your gear is handled. Just bring your appetite for adventure, proper sun protection, and a cooler full of food and drinks – we'll take care of everything else. From first light to afternoon, this charter gives you the time needed to experience what Daytona Beach offshore fishing is really about. Whether you're after your first sailfish, a personal-best
Meet Tree Money, our 32-foot Regulator that's built for serious offshore fishing action! This fishing machine cuts through Daytona's Atlantic waters with a smooth ride while giving you plenty of room to battle those big pelagic species. She's fully rigged for deep-sea fishing with a top-notch fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for those hazy morning runs offshore. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long fights with mahi, tuna, and whatever else is biting out there. When nature calls, you've got a private head and shower onboard. With space for up to 6 anglers, Tree Money gives everyone room to cast, fight fish, and enjoy 8 hours of serious offshore fishing without feeling cramped. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats and the marina, so we can share intel on where the fish are feeding. This Regulator was designed by fishermen for fishermen - every feature serves a purpose when you're 20+ miles offshore chasing game fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 35 mph. These silver-blue beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that gives them their name. They cruise in 30-65 feet of water near the surface, following baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Best fishing here is during our cooler months when they migrate through. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump repeatedly and make long runs that'll test your endurance. The meat's decent but most folks release them. Pro tip: when trolling, use a stinger hook rig since they often hit baits tail-first and can throw the hook easily during those spectacular jumps.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver torpedoes with razor teeth typically run 20-30 pounds, but we see 50+ pounders regularly. They hunt in 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs and structure. Peak season is fall through spring when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-75°F. Kings are fantastic table fare with firm, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. The fight is all about speed - they'll scream line off your reel on the initial run. What makes them tricky is those knife-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. Always use wire leaders, and when trolling, keep your speed up around 8-10 knots. Kings love fast-moving baits that mimic fleeing baitfish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold, green, and blue that changes like a light show when they're fighting. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in 100+ feet of water. Best fishing is spring through fall in warm water temps. These fish are pure gold on the dinner table - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're aggressive feeders and incredible jumpers. What's really fun is finding a school - where there's one, there's usually more. The trick is to leave one hooked fish in the water while others cast to the school. Keep one on the line and the whole school often stays around, giving everyone a shot at these beautiful fish.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is pure muscle wrapped in armor-like scales. These giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach over 200. They're famous for their aerial shows - jumping 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, harbors, and around structure during warmer months. Peak season here runs April through September. Tarpon are strictly catch-and-release - they're full of bones and not great eating. What draws people is the challenge. These fish can live 50+ years and fight like nothing else. The key is patience and strong gear. Here's the trick: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This prevents the line from going tight and breaking during their acrobatics.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the ocean, clocking up to 60 mph. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet and 30-50 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes. They patrol open water in 60+ feet, often near drop-offs or floating structure. Peak season runs July through November when they follow baitfish migrations. The meat is outstanding - white, flaky, and mild, perfect for grilling or fish tacos. Their initial run is pure power that'll smoke your drag. What makes wahoo special is their unpredictability - they hit hard and fast, often when you least expect it. The secret is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Those teeth will slice through anything else like butter.
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