Near Shore / Offshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Atlantic reef fishing targeting snapper, mackerel, and cobiaHalfday offshore trips accommodate up to four passengersAll gear, licenses, and fish cleaning services included
Picture this: you're heading out from Ponce Inlet at first light, the Atlantic stretching endlessly ahead as we make our way to some of Florida's most productive reefs and wrecks. This isn't your typical dock fishing trip – we're talking about real offshore action where the big boys hang out. Our half-day adventures put you right in the heart of the action, whether you're dropping lines on structure-rich bottom or pulling lures through blue water corridors where pelagics cruise. The 2023 23' C-Hawk gives us the perfect platform to work these waters comfortably, and with just four anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from your captain.
We kick things off bright and early with our 7am departure, or if you prefer sleeping in, our 1pm trip works just as well. Either way, you're looking at 4-5 hours of solid fishing time targeting the Atlantic's most sought-after species. The beauty of fishing out of Ponce Inlet is the quick run to productive water – we're not burning half our day just getting there. Once we hit our spots, we'll be working both bottom structure and open water, switching between techniques based on what's biting. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to fresh bait and all the terminal tackle. Your Florida fishing license is covered, and we'll even clean your catch so you can head home with restaurant-quality fillets. Just bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and we'll handle the rest.
We fish smart out here, using two main approaches depending on conditions and what's active. Bottom fishing is where we really shine – dropping baits down to the reefs and wrecks where snapper, grouper, and other structure-loving species set up shop. We're talking about using circle hooks with live and cut bait, working the current, and reading your rod tip for those subtle bites that separate the pros from the weekend warriors. When it's time to cover water, we'll pull out the trolling spread. This means running a variety of lures at different depths and distances, targeting the pelagic species that cruise these offshore waters. King mackerel absolutely hammer well-presented spoons and planers, while cobia often surprise us by coming up behind the boat to investigate our spread. The key is staying versatile and reading the water – some days the bottom bite is on fire, other days the trolling action steals the show.
Grey snapper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing game, and these Atlantic reefs hold some serious fish. We're talking about 3-8 pound snapper with plenty of 10+ pounders mixed in during peak season. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. What makes them special is their fight-to-size ratio – a good grey snapper will test your drag and make multiple runs before coming to the boat. Best action typically happens during moving water, and they're not picky eaters if you present bait properly. Lane snapper add consistent action to the mix, smaller but aggressive biters that keep rods bent when the bigger fish get finicky. They school up heavily around structure and provide great action for anglers of all skill levels. King mackerel bring the speed and power that gets hearts racing. These toothy pelagics cruise the offshore waters in schools, and when we connect with a good group, it's game on. Kings average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ during peak season from late fall through early spring. They hit hard, make blistering runs, and test both your drag system and stamina. Cobia are the wildcards that make every trip interesting. These brown sharks of the fishing world are curious, powerful, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They often cruise solo or in small groups, investigating structure and following rays along the bottom. When a big cobia shows up, everything else stops – these fish can push 30-50 pounds and provide some of the best fights in these waters. Red snapper round out our target list when regulations allow, and these deep-water favorites are worth the wait. They're structure-specific fish that provide excellent table fare and solid fights on appropriate tackle.
This is exactly the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Florida's east coast year after year. You're getting legitimate offshore action without the expense and time commitment of a full-day trip. The C-Hawk gives us the range and stability to fish the good spots comfortably, while the four-angler limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of opportunities with the rod. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just enjoy a morning or afternoon on the water with friends and family, these trips deliver the goods. The fact that everything's included – gear, bait, licenses, ice, and cleaning – means you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the bite. Ready to get out there and see what's biting? These spots don't fish themselves, and the best days on the water are always the ones you actually book.
Step aboard our 2023 23' C-Hawk and head straight to the productive Atlantic reefs just off Ponce Inlet. This stable fishing platform, powered by a reliable 150hp Suzuki, cuts through the waves with ease while you and up to 3 other anglers target keeper-sized Mangrove Snapper, Lane Snapper, King Mackerel, and hard-fighting Cobia. The boat's design handles both bottom fishing over structure and trolling the blue water perfectly. With professional-grade GPS to mark the hot spots and all tackle provided, you'll spend your time focused on what matters – putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're working jigs on the bottom or watching the outriggers, this rig delivers the goods on every half-day trip to Florida's offshore waters.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown, shark-looking fish are some of the most exciting targets we chase offshore. Cobia average 20-40 pounds but can easily top 60 pounds, giving you a serious workout on medium tackle. They're loners that cruise around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-80 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time, especially May through July when they're moving through our area. What makes them special is that they're often caught sight fishing - you'll actually see them swimming near the surface before making your cast. The meat is firm and white, some of the best eating you'll find. They fight hard and long, using their broad tail to pull drag. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't get excited and slam your jig right on top of it. Lead them by a few feet and work the bait naturally past their nose - they're curious but easily spooked by aggressive presentations.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these copper-red fish are perfect for our reef trips. They typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but the ones we find on the offshore wrecks can hit 5-8 pounds. Look for them around any structure - they love hanging near the bottom of our Atlantic reefs and shipwrecks in 40-100 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warm. What makes them special is that white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also nocturnal feeders, so our afternoon trips often produce better than morning runs. Here's a local tip: once your bait hits bottom, reel up just a foot or two. These fish are opportunistic but spooky - too much movement and they'll swim away. Let that shrimp or small baitfish just sit there and wait for them to commit.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese silver speedsters are what trolling dreams are made of. Kings typically run 15-30 pounds off Ponce Inlet, though we see some real bruisers pushing 50+ pounds during peak season. They cruise the 40-120 foot range along temperature breaks and current edges near our offshore reefs. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, especially April through June and September through November. What guests love is that initial screaming run - nothing quite matches a king mackerel's first dash when it hits your spread. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. They're also great fighters that'll test your drag system. One key trick I always share: when trolling, use a wire leader with two hooks - one through the bait's nose and a stinger hook trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of your bait, and that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus SynagrisThese colorful little snappers are a favorite on our reef trips. Lane snappers average 10-14 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. You'll find them on coral reefs and sandy bottom areas in 30-100 feet of water. They're active year-round in Florida, but spring through early fall gives you the most consistent action. Their pink and yellow striped bodies make them easy to identify, and that sweet white meat is perfect for a fish fry. They're aggressive biters that aren't too line-shy, making them great for beginners and kids. They also feed heavily at night, so our afternoon trips often outproduce morning runs. Here's what works best: small hooks with fresh shrimp or cut squid. Keep your bait close to the bottom but watch for that quick tap-tap bite. Once hooked, they'll dart for cover, so keep steady pressure to steer them away from the reef.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of bottom fish, red snapper are what many anglers dream about when they book offshore trips. These bright red fighters typically run 3-8 pounds in our area, though we occasionally boat some real trophies over 15 pounds. They hold tight to structure in 60-150 feet of water - our offshore reefs and wrecks are perfect habitat. The federal season usually runs summer months, but regulations change yearly so we stay current on dates. What makes them special is they're true warriors that'll give you a real scrap, often trying to cut your line on the structure below. Plus, that sweet, mild white meat is restaurant-quality eating. My go-to trick is using circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook - just start reeling steadily and let the circle hook do its work. Fighting them straight up prevents break-offs on the reef.
Port Orange, FL