Full Day Wreck Fishing Adventure in Daytona Beach
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
8-hour private fishing trip targets sharks, cobia, and snapperNearshore and backwater fishing for up to 6 guestsAll gear, licenses, and equipment included in trip price
Looking for a serious fishing day that'll test your skills against some of Florida's toughest fighters? This 8-hour private charter with Jus Chillin Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full-day commitment starting at 8:00 AM, where you'll work the wrecks and structure around Daytona Beach for some of the most rewarding fishing you'll find on the East Coast. For $950, you get the boat to yourself and up to 5 friends, with everything included except the fish stories you'll be telling for years.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives us the freedom to really fish smart and adapt to what's happening out there. We'll start by hitting the nearshore wrecks and structure where the big boys hang out – those blacktip sharks that'll scream line off your reel and bonnetheads that fight way harder than their size suggests. The beauty of targeting wrecks is the variety. One drop might bring up a monster cobia, the next could be a hefty amberjack that'll test your back muscles. After we've worked the structure, we'll swing back to the backwater spots where snook and redfish patrol the shallows. The diversity keeps everyone engaged, whether you're the guy who wants to battle sharks or prefer the finesse game of sight-casting to tailing reds.
Wreck fishing demands versatility, and that's exactly how we approach every trip. We'll be running bottom rigs with heavy weights to get down to where the big snapper hold tight to the structure, switching to live bait when the cobia show up cruising the surface, and pulling jigs vertically through the water column when the amberjack are stacked up. When we move to the backwater, it's a complete gear change – lighter tackle, more finesse, working the mangrove lines and grass flats where sight fishing becomes the name of the game. All your gear, tackle, bait, and licenses are covered, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. We keep multiple rod setups rigged and ready because wreck fishing opportunities come fast, and you don't want to miss a hot bite while retying leaders.
Black drum around Daytona's wrecks are absolute tanks, often pushing 20-40 pounds and sometimes much bigger. These fish are masters of using structure to their advantage, diving straight down into the wreck when hooked and testing every knot in your setup. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up heavy on the deeper wrecks. What makes them special is their pure power – no fancy jumps or speed runs, just bulldogging strength that'll make your arms burn. Plus, the bigger ones are excellent table fare when prepared right.
Yellowcheek wrasse might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're everywhere around the wrecks and perfect for keeping the action steady between bigger bites. These colorful little fighters are year-round residents that respond well to small baits fished right on the bottom. They're beautiful fish with vibrant colors that make for great photos, and kids especially love catching them because they're so cooperative and pretty to look at.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for light-tackle enthusiasts. These black-and-white striped convicts have mouths full of human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off wreck structure. They're notorious bait thieves, requiring perfect timing and sensitive hands to detect their subtle bites. Winter months are peak season when they're spawning, and a 5-pound sheepshead is considered a trophy. The satisfaction of outsmarting these clever fish makes them a favorite target for experienced anglers.
Redfish in Daytona's backwaters are simply magical. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines, often in schools that'll make your heart race when you spot them. Fall and winter offer the best sight-fishing opportunities when the water clears up and reds are feeding heavily before cooler weather. A slot-sized red on light tackle in shallow water is one of fishing's greatest experiences – they make blistering runs and use every trick in the book to throw your hook.
Bull sharks represent the apex of what we're targeting on this trip. These powerful predators patrol the wrecks and nearshore waters, growing to massive sizes and providing fights that'll leave you shaking with adrenaline. Summer months bring the biggest specimens, though we see them year-round. What sets bulls apart is their attitude – they're aggressive, unpredictable, and absolutely relentless when hooked. Landing a bull shark is a team effort that creates memories lasting a lifetime.
Eight hours of private fishing with all gear, bait, tackle, and licenses included for $950 is tough to beat, especially when you're targeting this variety of species. The trip accommodates up to 4 guests in the base price, with additional anglers at just $39 each up to 6 total. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or corporate event, this charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that justifies taking a full day off. The wrecks around Daytona Beach aren't going anywhere, but the bite windows and weather conditions change daily. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why this area has built such a solid reputation among serious anglers who know where to find the good fishing.
Your fishing machine for Daytona's waters is a sharp 2018 Bayliner 19-footer that knows how to get the job done. This center console beauty runs on a reliable 115HP Mercury engine that'll push you up to 50 knots when you need to chase the bite or hit those offshore wrecks fast. Built to handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, she's got everything you need for a serious day on the water. The GPS navigation keeps you locked onto those productive spots, while the fish finder helps you locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. When nature calls during those long 8-hour sessions, there's an onboard head so you don't miss any fishing time. Whether you're bottom fishing the wrecks for snapper and amberjack, jigging for cobia, or running back to the backwaters for snook and reds, this boat handles it all with ease. She's your ticket to Daytona's best fishing grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are some of the most interesting fish you'll encounter around Daytona Beach. These gray-black bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds, but we've seen monsters pushing 90 pounds. They're part of the drum family, making those distinctive croaking sounds underwater during spawning season in spring - that's when fishing is prime. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow backwaters where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning. What makes them special is their fight and those human-like teeth - plus smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. Here's the trick: use fresh crab on the bottom and fish tight to structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so keep your drag loose and be ready to set the hook when you feel that telltale tap-tap.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks are the ultimate adrenaline rush - thick, powerful predators that can handle both salt and fresh water. These gray torpedoes typically run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds, making them one of our most sought-after big game targets. They cruise shallow coastal waters and even push into brackish areas where rivers meet the ocean. Summer months bring the best action when they move into our warmer waters. What guests love is the raw power - these fish will test your tackle and nerves. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit whole mullet, cut bait, or even topwater lures when chummed up. Here's the insider tip: fresh eel is absolute candy to Bull Sharks. Its high oil content and tough skin make it perfect bait that stays on the hook. Fish it on heavy tackle with wire leaders and be ready for a battle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our backwater fishing here in Daytona Beach. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-35 inches and put up serious fights in shallow water. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They bite year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and that trademark bulldogging fight. Plus, slot-sized fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The secret weapon here is live shrimp under a popping cork near structure, but they'll crush topwater plugs when conditions are right. Watch for wakes and tailing fish in the shallows - that's your money shot.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating fish we catch. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They've got human-like teeth for crushing shellfish, making them notorious bait thieves. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they spawn around structures. What guests love is the challenge - these fish require finesse and quick hook sets. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect table fare. My go-to tip: get your bait tight to the pilings and use fiddler crab or shrimp. Feel that subtle nibble? Set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick. Fish different depths until you find where they're suspended.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusYellowcheek Wrasse are small, colorful fish that max out around 11 inches - perfect for kids or light tackle fun. These vibrant blue and yellow beauties hang out in 65-300 feet of water around reefs and rocky bottoms. The juveniles actually work as "cleaners," picking parasites off bigger fish, while adults graze coral reefs for small crustaceans and worms. They're year-round targets in our warm waters, and while they won't fill your cooler, they're great for practicing technique and keeping young anglers busy. Use size 4-6 hooks with fresh mussels or worms - skip the shrimp since they'll just nibble it to pieces. The key is fishing light leaders near structure and being gentle on the release since they can't handle big drops. They're common around most piers and make perfect starter fish.
Titusville