New Smyrna Beach Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour offshore charter targeting mahimahi, kingfish, and grouperAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included onboardExpert local captain guides trips on 23foot Bluewave
When you're looking to get away from the crowds and into some serious fishing action, Captain Ryan Herbach's offshore charter out of New Smyrna Beach delivers exactly what you're after. This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's four hours of focused fishing on a well-equipped 23-foot Bluewave Purebay that's built for the offshore game. You'll be targeting mahi-mahi, kingfish, and grouper in the productive waters just off Florida's east coast, where the Gulf Stream brings in baitfish and the predators that follow them. With everything provided from quality tackle to fishing licenses, all you need to bring is yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Captain Ryan runs a tight ship with his 200-horsepower Suzuki pushing the Bluewave to the fishing grounds efficiently, so you're spending more time with lines in the water than burning fuel getting there. The boat handles the Atlantic swells well, and at 23 feet, it's big enough to fish comfortably but nimble enough to chase schools when the action heats up. This trip works for anyone – whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're just getting started, Ryan adjusts his approach based on who's on board. The 2-person capacity means you're getting personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space when multiple fish hit at once. Everything's provided, from the rods and reels to bait and tackle, plus your fishing license is covered so there's no scrambling around the marina before departure.
Out here, trolling is the name of the game, and Captain Ryan knows how to set a spread that produces. You'll be running a mix of live bait and lures, with the boat positioned to work the current breaks and temperature changes where these offshore species congregate. The gear is sized right for the target fish – heavy enough to handle a big grouper coming off structure, but with enough sensitivity to feel the lightning-fast strike of a mahi. Ryan reads the water like a book, watching for bird activity, debris lines, and bait schools that signal where the action is happening. When you hook up, he'll coach you through the fight, whether it's keeping a mahi from throwing the hook with its acrobatic jumps or muscling a grouper away from the rocks before it cuts you off. The boat's rigged with quality fishfinders and GPS, so when Ryan finds productive spots, he can get back to them trip after trip.
Mahi-mahi are the crown jewel of this charter, and for good reason – these fish are pure electricity when they hit a bait. Also called dolphinfish or dorado, mahi are known for their brilliant gold and green colors that light up even brighter when they're fighting. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they love to hang around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. When you hook a mahi, get ready for a show – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial display that'll have you whooping. Most mahi out here run between 10-25 pounds, though bigger bulls over 30 pounds show up regularly. What makes them extra appealing is the eating – mahi has some of the best table fare you'll find offshore.
Kingfish, or king mackerel as they're properly called, are the speed demons of this fishery. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 40+ mph and will test both your drag and your arm strength. Kings are year-round residents here, but they're most active in the cooler months when they move closer to shore following baitfish. They've got razor-sharp teeth that can slice through light leader in a heartbeat, so Captain Ryan rigs accordingly with wire or heavy fluorocarbon. A typical king out here runs 15-30 pounds, but 40+ pound smoker kings show up often enough to keep things interesting. The fight is all about speed and power – they'll make long, scorching runs that'll have your reel screaming.
Gag grouper are the bottom dwellers that'll give you a completely different fight from the mahi and kings. These bruisers live around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs, and when they grab your bait, it's like hooking into a bulldozer. Gags are ambush predators that inhale baits and then try to get back to their holes, so the first few seconds of the fight are critical – you need to turn their head and get them coming up before they wrap you around structure. They're regulated pretty heavily, so Captain Ryan knows the current rules on size and bag limits. A keeper gag usually runs 5-15 pounds, but the big breeders can push 30+ pounds. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the mahi bite is hot and the weather's cooperating. Captain Ryan's local knowledge and track record of putting clients on fish has built a solid repeat clientele, so booking ahead is smart. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to work multiple spots and species without feeling rushed, but it's not so long that you're burnt out by the end. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before you commit. Whether you're looking to cross some species off your bucket list, put some premium fish in the freezer, or just get out and enjoy some quality time on the water, this New Smyrna Beach offshore charter delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Ryan's expertise, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes this a top-rated option for anyone serious about offshore fishing on Florida's east coast.
Your fishing platform for this offshore adventure is a well-equipped 23-foot Bluewave Purebay that cuts through New Smyrna's Atlantic waters with confidence. The 200-horsepower Suzuki motor delivers reliable power to get you to the fishing grounds quickly and bring you back safely with your catch. This boat handles the offshore conditions smoothly, letting you focus on fighting mahi-mahi and kingfish rather than worrying about the ride. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods and move around when the action heats up. The Purebay design gives you the stability needed when battling larger grouper, while the Suzuki's fuel efficiency means more time with lines in the water. Fresh shrimp and other quality baits are ready to go, so you can start fishing as soon as Captain Ryan finds the bite.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, powerful fish that average 20 inches but can push 50+ pounds. You'll find them around hard bottom, wrecks, and rocky ledges in 60-120 feet of water, usually sitting tight to structure waiting to ambush baitfish. They're most active during cooler months from October through March. These fish fight dirty - they'll try to drag you straight back into the rocks to break you off. The meat is top-notch, firm white fillets that make great fish sandwiches. They change from female to male as they mature, which is pretty unique. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that drag down and horse them up immediately. Give them an inch and they'll find a hole to hide in every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most stunning fish you'll encounter offshore - brilliant gold and electric blue colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast swimmers average 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in 100-400 feet of water. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll test your arms with powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs May through September when they're most active in our warmer waters. The meat is fantastic - firm white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. My tip: when you hook one, keep tension tight and reel fast. They travel in schools, so once you find them, work the area quickly before they move on.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish might be smaller fish - typically 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds - but they pack a serious punch for their size. These bottom dwellers cruise sandy and rocky areas in 10-40 feet of water, using that little barbel under their chin to hunt crabs, worms, and small baitfish. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore in good numbers. Don't let the size fool you - they fight like fish twice their weight with quick runs and head shakes. The white meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for fish tacos. They're part of the drum family but oddly don't make any noise. Pro tip: use small pieces of fresh shrimp or bloodworms on light tackle. They're picky eaters, so keep your bait moving along the bottom.
Titusville