Port Orange Full Day Offshore Mahi and Grouper Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targets Mahi, Grouper, and SnapperCaptain provides tackle, bait, licensing, and fish cleaning servicesBottom fishing and trolling techniques accommodate all skill levels
When you're looking for the real deal in offshore fishing, this eight-hour charter with Captain Darius Vargo aboard his 26-foot Sea Hunt is exactly what serious anglers have been waiting for. We're talking about a proper day on the water targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters - Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Red Snapper, King Mackerel, and if we're lucky, maybe even a screaming Wahoo. This isn't some half-day teaser trip; it's a full commitment to getting you on the fish that make Port Orange famous among offshore enthusiasts.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active and the ride out is smoothest. Captain Darius knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about running to wherever the fish are biting that day. The 26-foot Sea Hunt is built for this kind of work - stable enough to handle the swells but fast enough to cover ground when we need to chase a temperature break or bird activity. You'll have up to four other anglers with you, which keeps things social but never crowded. The boat's rigged with everything you need: heavy-duty tackle that can handle anything from 20-pound snappers to 50-pound kings, a full spread of outriggers for trolling, and a livewell that keeps the bait frisky all day long. Don't worry about licenses or gear - that's all covered, so you can focus on what you came here to do.
We fish two main ways depending on what's happening out there. When we're covering water looking for Mahi schools or hunting pelagics, we'll have a full trolling spread out with ballyhoo, feathers, and whatever lures are producing. The key is staying mobile - Mahi travel in schools, and when you find them, it can be game on for hours. For the bottom dwellers like Grouper and Snapper, we'll anchor up or drift over structure with heavy sinkers and live or cut bait. The captain's got a arsenal of techniques up his sleeve, from slow-trolling live bait for Kings to working the thermocline for Wahoo. He's always ready to teach you the finer points, whether that's setting the hook on a hard-mouthed Grouper or playing a hot Mahi that's throwing spray everywhere. The tackle selection changes throughout the day - lighter spinning gear when the Mahi are finicky, heavy conventional reels when we're pulling big baits for the monsters.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, and when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish run hard and fast, often jumping clear of the water in spectacular displays. The best action typically happens during the cooler months when they're staging near the beaches, but don't count them out year-round. Kings average 15-30 pounds out here, but 40+ pounders are always a possibility. They're fantastic eating when prepared right, and the fight never gets old.
Mahi Mahi are what dreams are made of - gorgeous golden fish that fight like they're twice their size. These guys love floating debris, temperature changes, and anywhere the baitfish are thick. Spring through fall is prime time, and when you find a school, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more before they move on. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly, and their colors are absolutely stunning when they're fresh out of the water. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Wahoo are the rockets of the reef, capable of speeds that will strip line off your reel before you can blink. These fish are opportunistic predators that love high-speed trolled baits, especially early in the morning. They're not as common as the other species, but when one hits, it's pure adrenaline. Most run 20-40 pounds, and they're prized for their white, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and these waters hold some beautiful fish. They're structure-oriented, so we target specific wrecks and reefs where they congregate. Reds are smart and can be finicky, requiring precise presentations and quality bait. When the season's open, there's nothing quite like seeing that distinctive red color coming up from the depths. They're excellent table fare and a true test of an angler's bottom-fishing skills.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and fight. These colorful fish are abundant around structure and are perfect for keeping the action going between the bigger fish. They're great for newer anglers to cut their teeth on, and they make excellent bait for larger predators when the fishing calls for it.
This full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want the complete offshore experience. Eight hours gives us time to work multiple spots, try different techniques, and really maximize your chances at a variety of species. Captain Darius will clean and fillet everything you catch, so you'll head home with coolers full of fresh fillets ready for the dinner table. The 26-foot Sea Hunt handles these waters beautifully, and with all tackle and licensing included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or someone looking to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action and variety that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Book your spot now and get ready for the kind of fishing day that becomes the story you'll be telling for years to come.
Our 2025-restored 26' Sea Hunt Gamefish is built to handle Port Orange's offshore waters with twin 150HP Yamahas pushing you to the best mahi and grouper spots. This center console fits 5 anglers comfortably and comes loaded with outriggers for trolling spreads, GPS to mark productive ledges, and fish finder tech to locate bottom structure where grouper hide. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working live bait over structure. There's an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus radar for those early morning runs when visibility drops. The boat's clean layout gives everyone room to fight fish, and the reliable twin engines mean smooth rides both ways. Captain Darius keeps all the heavy tackle ready, so you just focus on hooking up. After eight hours working the offshore grounds, your grouper, mahi, and snapper get cleaned right at the dock.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are serious fighters that'll test your tackle and skills. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them push 50+ on good days. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat is rich and flaky when fresh, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use a wire leader since their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When we're trolling, I keep baits skipping on the surface to trigger those aggressive strikes.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snapper are scrappy little fighters that make great action when the bigger fish aren't biting. These colorful pink and yellow striped fish usually run 1-3 pounds, occasionally pushing 5+ pounds. We find them in 30-100 feet over coral patches and sandy bottoms with good structure. They're year-round residents, but March through September is peak action during their spawning season. What guests enjoy is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything you put down there, making them perfect for kids or when you want consistent action. The meat is sweet and firm, excellent for the table. Pro tip: they feed heavily at night, so if we're fishing late in the day, these guys really turn on as the sun sets. Use smaller hooks with shrimp or cut bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure excitement on the line with those brilliant colors and acrobatic jumps. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when we find the big bulls. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when water temps climb into the 70s. What guests love most is watching mahi change colors as they fight - gold, green, and electric blue flashing underwater. The white, flaky meat is outstanding eating with a mild, sweet flavor. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials. My go-to trick is keeping multiple lines out since mahi travel in schools - land one, and there's usually more underneath.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - true warriors that'll test your patience and skill. These deep red beauties typically run 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up around good structure. We target them in 60-200 feet over hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges where they hold tight to cover. The regulated season varies, but when it's open, the action can be fantastic. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll run straight for structure trying to cut your line, plus the meat is absolutely top-shelf eating. Sweet, flaky, and mild flavor that's hard to beat. Key tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and once hooked, keep steady pressure to pull them away from the bottom before they wrap you up.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and putting on drag-screaming runs that'll leave you breathless. These sleek predators typically run 20-50 pounds with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern. We find them in open water from 60-200 feet, often around structure or current edges. Peak season runs July through November when they're most active in our waters. What makes wahoo special is their incredible speed and the quality of their white, delicate meat - it's premium table fare. They're solitary hunters, so it's usually one at a time. Essential tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut anything else. When one hits, hang on tight for the ride of your life.
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