5.0(3 Reviews)Daytona Beach 4 Hr Inshore Fishing Up To 4 Ppl
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and speckled trout22foot Mako boat accommodates up to four guests comfortablyProfessional guidance includes tackle, techniques, and tide reading tips
Captain Mark and his crew at Nauti Diver Charters know exactly where the fish stack up along Daytona's backcountry waters. This top-rated 4-hour inshore trip gets you and three buddies out on a sleek 22' Mako 2210 at first light, targeting prime feeding spots before the crowds hit the water. You'll work the grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where redfish cruise and speckled trout ambush baitfish. The shallow-draft boat slides into skinny water that bigger vessels can't touch, putting you right in the strike zone. Whether you're after your first red drum or looking to add a feisty Atlantic sharpnose shark to your list, this charter delivers hands-on coaching and quality tackle that sets beginners up for success while keeping seasoned anglers engaged.
Your day kicks off at 7 AM sharp from the marina, when the morning bite is just heating up and the water's still calm. Captain Mark runs a tight but relaxed operation—he'll have rods rigged and ready while walking you through the game plan based on current conditions. The backcountry around Daytona offers endless fishing opportunities, from protected creek systems to expansive grass flats that hold everything from schooling trout to oversized black drum. You'll spend time learning to read the water, identifying productive structure, and understanding how tide movement affects fish behavior. The crew keeps things family-friendly, so kids and first-timers get plenty of attention without slowing down the action for experienced anglers. When the fish are biting, flexible hourly add-ons let you extend the trip and capitalize on hot streaks that can make your whole season.
This inshore experience focuses on sight fishing and structure fishing techniques that produce consistent results in Florida's shallow waters. You'll work with medium-action spinning gear loaded with 15-20 lb braided line, perfect for feeling light bites and muscling fish away from cover. The boat stocks live bait like shrimp and pilchards alongside proven artificials—soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending twitch baits that trigger reaction strikes. Captain Mark teaches proper presentation for each scenario, whether you're pitching jigs to mangrove edges, working a topwater over grass beds, or drifting cut bait near oyster bars for black drum. The shallow-water approach means you'll often see fish before you cast, creating visual excitement that keeps everyone engaged. Tidal movement drives the strategy, with moving water concentrating baitfish and activating predators in predictable patterns you'll learn to recognize.
"I can't say enough good things about our experience with Captain Mark. From the moment we stepped on the boat, he made us feel welcome, safe, and excited for the day ahead. His knowledge of the area, the water conditions, and the best fishing spots was truly impressive. Captain Mark was patient, easygoing, and clearly passionate about what he does. He's the kind of guide who makes it fun and stress-free, and kept the vibe light and positive the whole trip. He even wore a birthday party hat even though he didn't want to just to make me happy. We made some hilarious memories on the water. If you're thinking about booking a charter — stop thinking and do it. Captain Mark is the real deal. I can't wait to book another day with my new bestie, we love you Captain Mark!" - Ashley
"Mark is great!!! Highly recommended for all your Daytona Beach fishing needs!" - Jason Finlay
"Mark was an awesome captain. Right after booking he called me and was super excited about getting out catching fish. We asked for a shark and we caught one. We caught puffer fish, catch fish, sheep's head, red snappers, stingray. He was very helpful with the kids, and had a lot of knowledge on the water and great spots. If we ever come back mark will be my first call." - Justin
Redfish anchor this inshore fishery, with bronze-backed bulls cruising grass flats and tailing in skinny water year-round. These copper-colored bruisers range from 18-inch "puppy" drum to 30-plus-inch bulls that'll test your drag and make multiple runs. Fall and winter offer the most consistent action as schools push into protected waters, though summer mornings can produce spectacular sight-fishing opportunities. Reds hit everything from live shrimp to gold spoons, and their powerful fights make them a customer favorite for good reason.
Speckled trout patrol the same areas but require a more finesse approach, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds and creek channels. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but can push 20-plus inches during prime seasons. They're suckers for soft plastics worked slowly along bottom contours, and topwater action at dawn can be world-class when conditions align. Trout fishing peaks from October through March, though summer nights can produce surprising results for those willing to fish after dark.
Southern flounder stage near creek mouths and channel edges, using their camouflage to ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish average 15-17 inches but occasionally surprise anglers with 3-4 pound specimens that fight harder than their pancake appearance suggests. Live finger mullet and properly presented jigs account for most hookups, with moving tides being absolutely critical for consistent success. Fall migration periods offer the best shot at doormat-sized fish pushing toward inlet waters.
Atlantic croaker might not win beauty contests, but they're willing biters that save slow days and provide constant action for kids and beginners. These bottom-dwelling fighters average 10-14 inches and respond well to cut bait, shrimp,
Micropogonias UndulatusAtlantic Croaker are chatty little bottom dwellers that literally croak when you catch them - it's always a hit with kids on the boat. These pink-silver fish with brown spots typically run about a pound and 12-15 inches, perfect for families and beginners. You'll find them over muddy bottoms in 15-30 feet of water, especially around channels and deeper holes. They bite best on moving tides and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. What's great is they're usually abundant and eager to bite. The secret is keeping your bait right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. I like using small pieces of shrimp on a size 4 hook with a fish finder rig - once you locate a school, you can catch them one after another.
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeAtlantic Sharpnose Sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing - small but scrappy fighters that rarely exceed 3 feet. These brownish sharks with white-spotted sides and black-tipped fins cruise our shallow back country waters year-round, feeding on small fish and crabs. You'll find them around grass flats and oyster bars, especially during summer months when they're most active. What makes them great for families is their manageable size and spirited fight without being intimidating. The meat's actually pretty tasty if you want to keep one. My go-to tip: use small pieces of fresh shrimp on a 2/0 circle hook - they'll hit it every time, and you won't have to worry about the bigger sharks stealing your bait.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our back country - powerful fish that can range from keeper-sized 5 pounders to massive 30+ pound bruisers. You'll find them around oyster beds and muddy flats where they use their strong jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. Guests love the strong, steady pull these fish give - no fancy jumps, just pure muscle. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating, while the big ones are better released. Fresh blue crab is hands down the best bait, but here's my trick: use peeler crabs when you can find them. The softer shell drives them crazy, and you won't lose as much bait to catfish and other bait stealers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - bronze-backed beauties with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 18-28 inches in our shallow waters, cruising grass flats and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water. You can fish for them year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is that explosive strike and strong runs through the shallows - they'll test your drag and give you a real fight. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. The trick is being quiet and making accurate casts to cruising fish. Live shrimp under a popping cork works great, but if you want real excitement, try a topwater plug early morning over shallow grass beds. Keep the boat noise down and let them come to you.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches and are perfect for targeting around oyster bars and creek mouths where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our area heading to deeper water. What guests love is the challenge of sight fishing for them on shallow flats, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The key is presenting your bait right on the bottom - I like using a 1/4 oz jig head with live shrimp, dragging it slowly across sandy spots near structure. Watch for that subtle tap and set the hook quick before they drop it.
5.0 out of 5.0I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Captain Mark. From the moment we stepped on the boat, he made us feel wel...
Mark is great!!! Highly recommended for all your Daytona Beach fishing needs!
Mark was an awesome captain. Right after booking he called me and was super excited about getting out catching fish. We asked for ...
Justin Hey, thank you so much man. This was a great trip.
Port Orange