Private 4 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Picture yourself four miles out from the coast of Daytona Beach, lines in the water, watching your rod tip dance as something big cruises by your bait. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain Matt Graves and his crew aboard Limitless Fishing Charters. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're talking about real offshore action where the big boys live. You'll spend four solid hours targeting some of the most sought-after species in Florida waters, from screaming King Mackerel runs to the bulldogging fights of hefty Cobia. With room for up to six anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough hands to work multiple lines while still giving everyone plenty of elbow room when the bite gets hot.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using a combination of live bait, cut bait, and lures depending on what's biting best that day. The beauty of offshore fishing here is the variety – you never know if you're going to hook into a lightning-fast King Mackerel that'll strip 200 yards of line in seconds, or a stubborn Red Snapper that fights you all the way to the boat from 80 feet down. We typically start the morning by hitting some near-shore reefs and wrecks where the Triggerfish and Porgies hang out, then work our way to deeper structure for the bigger predators. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your Florida fishing license and a cooler for your catch. Captain Matt and his crew handle everything from baiting hooks to gaffing fish, though they're more than happy to teach you the ropes if you want to get more hands-on with the whole process.
Tackle and Techniques
Out here in 60 to 100 feet of water, we're using medium-heavy to heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle serious line capacity. Most of our fishing involves bottom rigs with circle hooks for the Snapper and Triggerfish, while the Cobia and King Mackerel action happens with live bait on spinning tackle or trolling with spoons and plugs. The crew runs a tight ship when it comes to tackle – everything's maintained and ready to go, from the wire leaders we use for Sharks to the lighter fluorocarbon setups for the spookier Snapper. You'll learn why we use different sinker weights depending on the current, and how reading your electronics can mean the difference between a slow pick and a wide-open bite. The captain's not shy about sharing his knowledge either – expect to pick up tips on everything from proper hook-setting technique to how to tell when a Cobia is just cruising versus when it's ready to eat.
Target Species
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These silver bullets can reach 30-plus pounds and when they hit your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your patience. The best bite typically happens from late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for slow-trolled live bait or fast-moving spoons. What makes Kings so special is their unpredictability – they might show up in 40 feet of water one day and 120 feet the next, always keeping you on your toes.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and these ruby-colored fighters are as good on the plate as they are fun to catch. Most of the fish we target run between 3 to 8 pounds, though the occasional monster in the teens will show up to test your skills. They live around hard bottom structure and wrecks, and they've got an annoying habit of heading straight back to their holes when hooked. The key is keeping steady pressure and not giving them an inch. Peak season runs from June through August, but you can find good numbers year-round in deeper water.
Cobia are probably the most exciting fish you'll encounter on this trip. These brown torpedoes can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds, and they fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface, following rays and sharks, which makes for some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. When a 40-pound Cobia decides it doesn't want to come to the boat, you're in for a workout. They're most active during the warmer months, and their firm white meat makes them one of the most prized catches in these waters.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure attitude. These feisty bottom dwellers have mouths full of sharp teeth and zero interest in making your life easy. They average 2 to 4 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using their flat bodies to leverage against the current. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The Triggerfish bite is most consistent during summer and early fall around rocky bottom and artificial reefs.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, there's fishing, and then there's offshore fishing with Captain Matt Graves. This isn't about sitting on the dock hoping something swims by – this is about getting out where the real fish live and putting proven techniques to work in some of Florida's most productive waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or someone who's ready to step up from inshore fishing, this four-hour trip delivers the goods. The crew knows how to put you on fish, the tackle's top-notch, and the waters off Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach consistently produce some of the best offshore action on the East Coast. Don't wait for the perfect conditions or the ideal weekend – the fish are biting now, and your