3/4 Day Wreck Fishing in Daytona Beach
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Six-hour fishing adventure targeting redfish and mangrove snappersExplores passes, nearshore reefs, and backwater areas near DaytonaIncludes all licenses, gear, tackle, and equipment for three guests
Ready to experience some of Florida's best wreck fishing? This 6-hour adventure with Jus Chillin Charters takes you to the prime fishing grounds around Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet, where artificial reefs and natural structure hold some serious fish. We're talking about a full day targeting everything from hard-fighting sharks to tasty snappers, all while exploring the diverse waters that make this stretch of coast a angler's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet with wreck fishing, this trip delivers the goods with professional guidance and all the gear you need.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to where the big boys live. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on conditions and what's biting. Some days we'll work the passes near the inlet where the current brings baitfish and predators together. Other times, we'll head to those productive nearshore reefs where structure creates an underwater highway for migrating species. When the weather calls for it, we might even duck into some protected backwater spots that hold redfish and sheepshead. The boat comes equipped with top-shelf electronics to locate fish and structure, plus all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need. Your fishing license is covered too, so just show up ready to fish. With space for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and the captain can give everyone the attention they deserve.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. We'll be using a combination of bottom rigs and live bait presentations to target fish holding around structure. When we're over a good wreck or artificial reef, you'll feel the difference immediately – the fish finder lights up, and you know you're in business. We'll anchor up current from the structure and let our baits drift down naturally, or sometimes we'll drift across productive areas to cover more water. The captain will rig you up with circle hooks and weights appropriate for the depth and current, usually running 20-30 pound test depending on what we're targeting. Live shrimp, cut bait, and small jigs are the go-to offerings, but don't be surprised if we switch tactics based on what the fish are telling us. The key to success is keeping your bait near the bottom where these species feed, but not so tight that you're constantly snagged on the wreckage.
Bonnethead sharks are absolute blast to catch and probably the most consistent species you'll encounter on this trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet long and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They love the sandy areas around structure and are suckers for fresh shrimp. Best part? They're active year-round in these waters, though spring and fall seem to produce the biggest numbers. What makes them so fun is their curious nature – they'll often investigate the boat and give you multiple chances if you miss the first bite.
Blacktip sharks bring the real excitement to wreck fishing here. These guys can push 4-5 feet and will absolutely smoke your drag when they realize they're hooked. They're notorious for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll test your tackle and technique. Summer months are prime time for blacktips, especially when the baitfish are thick around the reefs. They're opportunistic feeders, so live bait or fresh cut fish works great. Just be ready – when a blacktip hits, you'll know it immediately.
Pompano might be smaller than the sharks, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table. These silver bullets love sandy bottom near structure and are particularly active during their spring and fall migrations. They've got small mouths, so we'll downsize the hooks and use fresh shrimp or sand fleas. The trick is feeling their subtle bite – they're not aggressive strikers, but once hooked, they'll make multiple strong runs that'll surprise you.
Bluefish are the aggressive opportunists of the group, and when they're feeding, the action gets hot fast. These voracious predators travel in schools and will hit just about anything you throw at them when they're in the mood. They've got razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match, making them exciting to catch but requiring some care when handling. Fall and winter are typically the best times to find good numbers of blues around the wrecks, especially when baitfish are moving through the area.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this bunch, with mature fish capable of reaching 30+ pounds in these waters. They're bottom huggers that love to hang around structure picking up crabs and other crustaceans. What makes them special is their powerful, stubborn fight – they won't jump or make long runs, but they'll use their bulk and the structure to try to break you off. Fresh shrimp, blue crab, or cut bait works best, and you'll need to be patient since they're methodical feeders. Spring is prime time for big drum, though you can find them year-round.
This 6-hour wreck fishing adventure offers the perfect balance of variety, action, and value that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. With everything included – licenses, gear, tackle, and bait – plus room for up to 3 guests at the base price, it's an outstanding way to experience some of Florida's best fishing without the hassle of planning and preparation. The experienced captain knows how to adapt to conditions and put you on fish, whether that means working the inlet passes, exploring nearshore reefs, or finding productive backwater spots. Don't miss your chance to tangle with sharks, drum,
Pogonias CromisThese bruisers are the heavyweights of the drum family, running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. They're bottom-dwellers with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in our backwater areas, anywhere from super shallow to 30 feet deep. Spring during spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those famous drumming sounds. Guests love the steady, powerful fight - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating; bigger fish get tough. They're year-round residents but much easier to target in spring. Here's my go-to setup: fresh blue crab on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. Fish the incoming tide around oyster beds, and be patient - they take their time inspecting bait before committing.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes right into the boat! These stocky sharks average 5 feet but can hit 9, with those signature black-tipped fins. They patrol our nearshore reefs and passes, usually in 30-100 feet of water, feeding on mackerel, herring, and croakers. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active. Despite being excitable, they're actually pretty timid around other sharks. Guests get a kick out of their jumping ability and aggressive strikes. They're strong fighters but won't take you to the cleaners like a big bull shark. Pro tip: bring heavy braided line (20-50 lb test) and start chumming with oily fish like mackerel. They'll come in fast once they smell it, so be ready for that initial run.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are some of the most aggressive feeders you'll find - they attack baitfish in such a frenzy they'll churn the water white. Most run 3-10 pounds, though we see some up to 20. They show up in late spring and stick around through fall, moving through our passes and nearshore waters. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will bite anything that moves, including your fingers, so watch out when unhooking. Guests enjoy the fast action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. Smaller "snapper blues" are perfect for kids to catch. The meat's excellent if you bleed and ice them right away. Summer evenings near the inlet are prime time when they're chasing bait. Best tip I can give: use wire leaders because they'll bite through mono in a heartbeat. Chunk bait or live sardines work great when they're feeding.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead around, bonnetheads average 3-4 feet and are totally harmless - shy even. You'll spot them by that shovel-shaped head and grayish-brown coloring. They cruise shallow waters near shore, especially around our passes and backwater areas during warmer months. Winter brings them closer as they migrate south from the Carolinas. These sharks travel in small schools, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Guests love them because they're unique without being intimidating, plus they put up a solid fight for their size. They're curious but skittish, so once hooked, expect some spunky runs. My go-to trick: use fresh blue crab chunks on a circle hook with wire leader. Cut the crab in half and thread the hook through a leg - that's what gets their attention every time.
Coryphaena EquiselisDon't confuse this with mahi-mahi - pompano dolphinfish are smaller but just as feisty. They average 20-24 inches and stay in open water near the surface, hitting speeds up to 50 mph. Unlike their bigger cousins, these guys rarely come close to shore, preferring deeper offshore waters above 75°F. They're attracted to floating debris and will actually follow the boat. Spring through fall is your best bet when water temps are right. Guests love the challenge - they hit hard and fight like crazy for their size. The meat is dense, white, and sweet when you keep them. They're curious fish, so trolling with strip bait or squid works great. My local trick: look for floating sargassum or any debris on the surface. These fish can't resist investigating, so troll your baits right around those areas.
Titusville