Port Orange Half Day Afternoon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Afternoon departure at 1:00 PM targets productive offshore reefsSea Hunt vessel equipped with modern fishfinding technology includedAll gear, licensing, and fish cleaning services provided
Skip the crack-of-dawn alarm and still get your fill of quality offshore fishing on this half-day afternoon charter out of Port Orange. Captain Darius Vargo runs a tight ship on his 26-foot Sea Hunt, hitting productive reefs and structures 5 to 20 miles offshore where the real action happens. Starting at 1:00 PM, you'll have plenty of time to grab lunch and ease into your fishing day while still capitalizing on that prime afternoon bite when snapper and kingfish are actively feeding. This top-rated charter welcomes up to 5 anglers and caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros looking to put some quality fish in the cooler.
Captain Darius knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the spots that consistently produce fish. The Sea Hunt is rigged with modern fish-finding electronics that'll help locate schools and mark structure, giving you the best shot at hooking up. You'll spend your afternoon working productive reefs where the bottom fish congregate, and if conditions are right, the captain might fire up the trolling spread to target some pelagic species cruising the area. The relaxed vibe makes this trip perfect for families or groups who want to enjoy some quality time on the water without the pressure of an all-day commitment. All your gear, tackle, and licensing are covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The captain tailors each trip based on what's biting and what the group wants to target, whether that's dropping live bait on the bottom or pulling lures through the water column.
This charter runs a versatile operation that can switch between bottom fishing and trolling depending on conditions and what's showing on the finder. For bottom fishing, you'll be working with medium to heavy tackle rigged with circle hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Live bait and cut bait are the go-to options when targeting snapper and grouper around the reefs and wrecks. When trolling comes into play, the captain sets up a spread of lures and baits designed to entice kingfish, cobia, and other pelagic species that patrol these offshore waters. The boat's electronics play a crucial role in locating fish-holding structure and marking productive areas to return to throughout the trip. Captain Darius provides all the necessary tackle and knows how to rig for the conditions you'll face, but he's also happy to let experienced anglers bring their own gear if they prefer. The key to success on these afternoon trips is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling you, which is exactly how this operation runs.
Vermilion Rockfish are one of the most reliable catches on these offshore reefs, and they're absolute fighters pound-for-pound. These colorful fish typically run 12-18 inches and are most active during the warmer months when they're feeding heavily on small baitfish and crustaceans around the rocky bottom. They're notorious for their strong initial runs and head-shaking fights that'll test your drag system. What makes vermilion rockfish so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - they're some of the best eating fish you'll find in these waters.
Sea Bass are another staple species that call these offshore structures home year-round. These chunky bottom dwellers average 1-3 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights. They're particularly active during the afternoon hours when they're hunting smaller fish and invertebrates around the reef structure. Sea bass are opportunistic feeders that'll hit both live and cut bait, making them a great target species for anglers of all skill levels. Their firm white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up at any time during these offshore trips, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These brown sharks of the fishing world can reach impressive sizes, with fish in the 20-40 pound range not uncommon in these waters. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers a chance at sight fishing when conditions are clear. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and their ability to change direction quickly, making them one of the most exciting fish to hook on medium tackle.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing when they're in season, and these Port Orange reefs hold some quality fish. These deep-bodied fighters are known for their initial screaming runs toward the bottom when hooked, testing both your tackle and technique. Red snapper are structure-oriented fish that hold tight to reefs and wrecks, feeding on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They're most active during daylight hours and can be finicky eaters, requiring precise bait presentation and sharp hooks to get solid hooksets.
Lane Snapper round out the target species list and are perfect for keeping the action steady throughout the trip. These smaller cousins of the red snapper are aggressive biters that rarely refuse a well-presented bait. They typically run 10-14 inches and are excellent for novice anglers to cut their teeth on. Lane snapper are active year-round in these waters and often school up in large numbers around structure, providing consistent action when other species might be finicky.
This half-day afternoon charter offers the perfect balance of convenience and productivity for Port Orange fishing. You'll fish prime offshore structure during peak feeding times without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Darius provides everything you need for success, including all tackle, bait, licenses, and even fish cleaning services to cap off your trip. The 1:00 PM start time means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still be back at the dock with a cooler full of fresh fish before dinner. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target
Step aboard our freshly restored 2025 26-foot Sea Hunt Gamefish and get ready to chase some serious fish in Port Orange waters. This center console beauty runs on twin 150HP Yamahas that'll get you to the productive reefs and wrecks 5-20 miles offshore without breaking a sweat. Built for up to 5 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - professional fish finder to locate the hotspots, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus outriggers for serious trolling action. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure where the snapper and kingfish hang out. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox, grab cold drinks throughout the day, and use the onboard facilities when needed. Whether you're dropping baits to the bottom or pulling lines behind the boat, this clean, reliable ride delivers smooth performance and gives you the best shot at landing dinner.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these solitary predators average 6 feet and 100 pounds with that distinctive single dorsal fin. They cruise around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet, often right at the surface where we spot them by sight. Spring through summer is peak season when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them special is the fight - they're aggressive and strong, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that's prized by restaurants. Since they don't school up, each one is a trophy catch. These curious fish will often follow the boat, giving us multiple shot opportunities. My go-to technique is a 4-8 oz bucktail jig in any color - they're not picky about that. The key is getting the jig down to them quickly since they can disappear as fast as they show up.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are those pretty pink fish with yellow racing stripes that most folks catch as a bonus while targeting other species. They typically run 10-14 inches and make excellent "dessert fish" - meaning they're often the sweet surprise in your cooler. These aggressive little fighters live around coral reefs and sandy bottom with vegetation, usually in 69-230 feet. March through September is prime time during spawning season when they're most active and feed heavily at night. Guests love them because they're scrappy for their size and less wary than other snappers, making them great for kids and beginners. They also taste fantastic despite being smaller. My tip: when we're bottom fishing for bigger snappers, rig a smaller hook with shrimp about 18 inches above your main rig. The Lanes will often hit that smaller offering while the big stuff goes for your main bait.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the gold standard of bottom fishing - bright red fish that average 1-2 feet but can reach 35 pounds. They live on structure in 30-620 feet, making our offshore reefs perfect habitat. These fighters will give you a real battle, often trying to cut your line on structure or debris. What guests love most is the combination of sport and table fare - they're true warriors on the hook and absolutely delicious on the plate with that mild, nutty flavor. Peak season runs May through October during spawning. Since they're bottom dwellers, fresh squid or cigar minnows work best, but live pinfish will get you the biggest fish. The trick is getting your bait down fast and keeping steady pressure once hooked - don't give them a chance to run back to cover. These fish can live over 20 years, so the bigger ones are real veterans.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are stocky fighters that average around a foot long and 9 pounds, though some reach 26 inches. They're jet-black with grayish bellies and hang around hard bottom near jetties, wrecks, and reefs from Massachusetts to Florida. These aggressive feeders travel in schools and will hit just about anything - squid, clams, small fish, you name it. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during spawning season from January to July. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make outstanding table fare - restaurants pay top dollar for these fish since they can't be farm-raised. They're also great for beginners since they're not too picky about bait. Pro tip: when we're fishing structure, drop your bait right to the bottom and be ready - they'll grab it fast and try to run back to cover, so set that hook quick.
Sebastes MiniatusVermilion Rockfish are bright red beauties with black mottling that typically run 14-22 inches and up to 15 pounds. These Pacific natives love rocky reefs and structure between 100-500 feet deep, making them perfect targets for our offshore trips. They're territorial fish that stick to their home spots for years, which means once we find them, we usually find good numbers. What makes them special is their longevity - some live over 100 years. They fight well for their size and make excellent table fare. The afternoon bite works great since they're bottom dwellers that feed throughout the day. My tip: use a light tackle setup with a small strip of squid on a two-hook rig when we're fishing the deeper structure. They're not shy about hitting bait, but they can be finicky about presentation in clear water.
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