12 Hour Offshore Fishing Charter Daytona Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesAll equipment, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning includedMaximum 6 guests with professional crew and gear
When you're looking for serious offshore action, there's nothing quite like a full day on the water targeting some of Florida's most prized gamefish. This 12-hour charter out of Daytona Beach puts you right in the heart of the Gulf Stream where the big boys live. We're talking about those bucket-list fish that'll have you telling stories for years – sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. With everything provided from tackle to ice, you just need to show up ready to fish. Captain and crew handle the rest, including cleaning and bagging your catch so you can take home some serious table fare. Six anglers max means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew.
You'll be hitting the water before sunrise, which is prime time for offshore fishing. The run out to the fishing grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to get rigged up and watch the sun come up over the Atlantic. Once we reach the Gulf Stream edge, that's where the magic happens. The temperature breaks and current lines hold baitfish, and where there's bait, there's gamefish. Expect to spend most of the day trolling different spreads – sometimes we'll pull ballyhoo and feathers for sailfish, other times it's bigger lures for wahoo and tuna. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will adjust tactics based on what's biting. Don't be surprised if we make several moves throughout the day to stay on the fish. That's just good fishing – you go where the action is.
We run a full spread of outriggers, flat lines, and sometimes a few downriggers to cover different depths. The boat's rigged with top-shelf tackle – Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and a tackle box full of proven lures. For sailfish, we'll often pull a mix of ballyhoo with feathers and small swimming plugs. When targeting wahoo and tuna, we switch to bigger lures that can handle the speed – Ilanders, Zukers, and cedar plugs are go-to choices. The crew handles all the rigging and will coach you through the fight when you hook up. Circle hooks are standard for live and dead bait to improve release rates on billfish. If conditions are right, we might even break out some live bait – nothing beats a frisky pilchard or blue runner for getting fish fired up.
Blackfin tuna are one of the most reliable offshore targets here, especially from late spring through fall. These fish typically run 10-30 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked. They school up around temperature breaks and weed lines, often mixed with bonito and small mahi. What makes blackfin special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs and dive deep, testing your drag and endurance. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that deep red meat that's perfect for searing or sashimi.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in these waters. Peak season runs from November through April when they migrate down the coast in good numbers. Most fish here run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 80-plus. The strike is what gets your heart racing – that classic sailfish crash on a bait followed by greyhounding jumps across the surface. We practice catch and release on most sails to keep this fishery healthy, but the photos and memories last forever.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are year-round residents but peak in spring and fall. The Daytona area produces some legitimate trophy fish – 40, 50, even 60-pound kings aren't uncommon. They're aggressive predators that'll crush a bait or lure without hesitation. What's great about kings is they're excellent table fare when handled properly, and a big king can feed the whole family with some left over for fish dip.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing special. These fish show up in spring and hang around through early fall, often under floating debris or sargassum weed. They're absolutely gorgeous – that electric blue and gold coloration is something to see. Bulls can push 40-50 pounds, while the smaller females typically run 10-20. Mahi are curious fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They'll eat almost anything and fight hard with lots of jumps and runs.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they want to. They're more common in cooler months but can be caught year-round along the Gulf Stream edge. Most wahoo here run 20-40 pounds, but 50-60 pounders show up regularly. Their initial run will smoke your reel, and those razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leader. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean – many consider it superior to mahi for the dinner table.
A 12-hour offshore charter is an investment in memories that'll last a lifetime. You're getting access to some of the best fishing grounds on the East Coast with experienced crew who know how to put you on fish. The all-inclusive setup means you can focus on what matters – enjoying the day and hopefully landing some trophy fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, this trip delivers the full experience. The fish cleaning and bagging service means you'll head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets ready for the grill. Spots fill up fast during peak season, especially weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your date. This is the kind of fishing trip that turns into an annual tradition.
Meet Tree Money, our 32-foot Regulator that's built for serious offshore fishing adventures. This fishing machine cuts through Daytona's waters with a smooth ride while giving you plenty of room to fight those big fish. She's completely rigged for deep-sea action with everything you need to target Mahi, Sailfish, Kingfish, Wahoo, Tuna, and monster Sharks. The boat comes loaded with a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and VHF radio to stay connected. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 12-hour trips. Plus, you've got a shower and toilet onboard so you can stay comfortable while chasing fish all day. With space for up to 6 anglers, Tree Money gives everyone room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. She's the perfect platform for making those epic offshore memories.
Istiophorus AlbicansOne of the ocean's most spectacular gamefish, sailfish around Daytona typically measure 6-8 feet and weigh 40-60 pounds. That massive dorsal sail isn't just for show - they use it to corral baitfish while hunting in 30-200 foot depths along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months are prime time here, especially December through March when they migrate through our waters. What draws anglers back is the aerial show - these fish leap, tailwalk, and put on a display like no other. They're also lightning fast, hitting 35+ mph when they want to. The meat's decent but most folks release them for the next angler. My go-to technique: slow-troll live baits at 6-8 knots and always keep your drag light. When one hits, let it run and enjoy the ride.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tunas, blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds around Daytona's waters. These fast-growing fish have striking yellow sides and bronze-tinted fins that make them easy to spot. You'll find them in 40-150 foot depths, often schooling with skipjacks near temperature breaks and structure. Peak season runs fall through spring when water temps hit that sweet spot between 68-75°F. What makes blackfins special is their scrappy fight - they punch way above their weight class. The meat's darker than other tunas but has great flavor when prepared right. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders since these fish have sharp eyes. A 5/0 circle hook on 30lb fluoro with live pilchards for chum usually does the trick.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 20-40 pounds with the occasional trophy pushing 60+. These silver rockets patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along ledges and drop-offs. Summer through early fall is peak season when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes king fishing addictive is their blistering runs - they'll strip line off your reel faster than almost anything else out here. Plus, they make excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. The key is rigging two hooks on wire leader since they've got razor-sharp teeth and tend to hit bait from behind. I always tie a treble hook through the nose of live bait and let another dangle near the tail. Troll at 8-12 knots and hold on tight when that clicker screams.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, with their brilliant gold, blue, and green colors that flash like neon underwater. Most run 15-30 pounds, though bulls can hit 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1000+ foot depths. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps stay above 75°F. What makes mahi trips special is their willingness to bite and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. The meat's firm, white, and absolutely delicious grilled or blackened. Here's the secret: when you hook one, keep the boat in gear and work the school. Mahi travel in groups, so where there's one, there's usually more. Pitch live baits or jigs to the followers while fighting your fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the Ferrari of the fish world - sleek, fast, and built for speed. These torpedo-shaped predators average 30-60 pounds and can hit 60 mph when they want to. You'll find them in blue water from 100-600 feet, often around drop-offs and seamounts. Peak season runs July through November when they follow baitfish migrations through our area. What makes wahoo fishing so popular is the savage strike and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The meat's white, flaky, and some of the best eating in the ocean - perfect for fish tacos. The trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Dark-colored lures work best, and when you get bit, hang on because these fish don't mess around.
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