Daytona Beach Big Game Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Ten-hour offshore charter targets big game pelagic speciesAll tackle, bait, and ice provided by Full Time FishSix-person capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
There's nothing quite like heading out into the deep blue waters off Daytona Beach for a serious offshore fishing adventure. This 10-hour big game pelagic trip with Full Time Fish puts you right where the action is – in those productive offshore waters where trophy fish cruise the blue water columns. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in Florida waters, from screaming sailfish to bulldogging cobia. We've got all the heavy tackle, fresh bait, and ice you'll need, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip – we're talking about a full 10 hours of serious offshore fishing. We'll be running out to the deeper waters where the pelagic species live and feed, often 15-30 miles offshore depending on where the fish are showing up. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, which gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll want to bring your own lunch and drinks since we'll be out there all day, but leave the cooler at home – we've got that covered. Don't forget proper sun protection because you'll be exposed out there on the open ocean. The Florida sun can be brutal, especially with the reflection off the water.
We'll be running a spread of trolling lures and rigged baits to cover different depths and attract various species. Expect to see a mix of skirted trolling lures, ballyhoo rigs, and maybe some live bait when conditions are right. The captain will adjust the spread based on what's biting and where we're seeing fish marks on the sonar. You'll be fishing with quality offshore tackle – think 30-50 pound class gear that can handle the bigger fish we're targeting. When a fish hits, you'll know it. These pelagic species don't mess around, and you'll get your workout fighting them up from the depths. The crew will coach you through the fight and handle the gaff work when it's time to boat your catch.
Blackfin tuna are absolute rockets when they hit a trolled bait. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters and they're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when water temperatures cool down a bit. What makes blackfins so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's a good chance more are around. Their dark red meat is prized by sushi lovers, making them both fun to catch and great on the table.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here. These magnificent fish can reach 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that'll leave you speechless. They're most active during the winter months when they migrate through our waters. Sailfish are notorious for their bill-slashing attacks on baits and their spectacular jumps once hooked. Most anglers choose to release these beautiful fish, and watching one swim away healthy after a good fight is something you'll remember forever.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are speed demons that can strip line off your reel in seconds. The kings around Daytona can push 40-50 pounds, and they're most active in spring and fall. They're ambush predators that love to crush trolled baits, and their initial run will test your drag settings. Kings are excellent table fare when handled properly, and a good-sized king will feed the whole family.
Wahoo are perhaps the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and a mouth full of attitude. They're most common in our waters during the cooler months and typically range from 20-60 pounds. When a wahoo hits your bait, it's like getting struck by lightning – the line just starts disappearing at an alarming rate. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing. These brown sharks look-alikes can show up anywhere from 20 to 200 feet of water, often following rays or sharks. They're curious fish that will sometimes swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. Cobia can reach impressive sizes – 40-60 pounders aren't uncommon – and they fight like freight trains once hooked. Spring is prime time for cobia as they move through during their annual migration, and their firm white meat rivals any restaurant fish.
A 10-hour offshore trip is the real deal for serious anglers who want to experience what Daytona Beach's deep water fishing is all about. You'll be fishing productive waters where trophy fish roam, using professional-grade equipment with an experienced crew who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're after that sailfish of a lifetime, a smoker king for the dinner table, or just want to experience the rush of big game fishing, this trip delivers. The offshore waters off Daytona Beach are some of Florida's most productive, and with Full Time Fish, you'll be fishing them the right way. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come.
Meet Tree Money, our battle-tested 32' Regulator that's built to hunt big pelagic fish in the deep blue waters off Daytona Beach. This fishing machine delivers a smooth ride through offshore swells while giving your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the cockpit when the action heats up. She's loaded with everything serious offshore fishermen need - advanced fish finder to locate structure and bait schools, GPS and radar for navigation, VHF radio to stay connected, plus onboard shower and head for those long 10-hour battles. The spacious icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold while you're chasing mahi, tuna, and whatever else is prowling the Gulf Stream. Tree Money handles rough seas like a champ, so you can focus on what matters most - getting your lines wet and bringing home trophy fish from some of Florida's most productive offshore grounds.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 20-30 mph and putting on aerial shows that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Most run 6-8 feet and average around 50 pounds. They cruise the upper water column from 30-65 feet but will dive deep when hooked. Winter months bring the best action here in Florida waters, especially when baitfish are thick. These fish hunt in groups, flashing colors to communicate while they herd sardines and mackerel. The fight is what keeps people coming back - they'll jump, dive, and make blistering runs that test your drag. My advice: when teasing one up, let it take the bait and run before setting the hook. They'll try to shake it immediately, so patience pays off here.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the true tunas, typically running 20-30 pounds around here, though we've seen some push close to 40. These fish love our warm waters above 68°F and hang out near continental shelf edges. They're fierce fighters that'll test your arms with long runs and sharp turns. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when we find them schooled up with skipjack. The meat is top-notch - firm, red, and perfect for sashimi. Here's a tip that works: scale down to fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks since these guys are sharp-eyed. They'll spook easily if your tackle looks too heavy. Vertical jigging and live pilchards work great when you find a school feeding.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these curious fish average 30-60 pounds and love checking out boats. They're loners most of the year but show up around structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet. Spring migration and summer months give us the best action as they move through our waters. These fish fight dirty - strong, stubborn, and they'll try to wrap you around anything nearby. The meat is what seals the deal though - firm, white fillets that rival any premium fish. Since they're naturally curious, sight fishing works great. When you spot one cruising, drop a bucktail jig right in front of it. Color doesn't matter much, but that 4-8 ounce jig needs to get down quick before they lose interest and swim off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed merchants that average 20-40 pounds, with bigger fish running 60+ pounds during good years. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often hanging near structure like ledges and wrecks. These fish are built for speed - almost as fast as wahoo - and they'll test your drag with smoking runs. Fall through spring gives us our best bite when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot. The fight is fast and furious, but the payoff is some fine eating if you like rich, flaky fish. One trick that's saved me plenty of kings: rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of live baits, so that second hook often seals the deal.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the reef, hitting speeds up to 60 mph and making runs that'll smoke your reel. Most fish here run 30-60 pounds with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor teeth. They cruise open water but love hanging around floating debris and structure in 50-100 feet. Summer through fall brings them closer to shore, though we catch them year-round. The fight is fast and violent - they'll make one or two blistering runs then come to the boat. What really gets people excited is the meat - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. Pro tip: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key. Those teeth will cut through mono like butter, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle. Bullet-head lures work great at speed.
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