New Smyrna Beach 12 Hour Deep Drop Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour deep drop charter targeting tuna, wahoo, and sailfishTravels up to 70 miles offshore in Atlantic watersAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included for groups
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip. When you book Reef Wrecker's 12-hour deep drop charter from New Smyrna Beach, you're signing up for a serious day on the water that'll take you up to 70 miles offshore into prime Atlantic fishing grounds. We're talking about chasing tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and sailfish in waters where the big boys live. This is for anglers who want to go the distance and aren't afraid to put in a full day's work for trophy fish. Everything you need is covered – tackle, bait, licenses, the works – so all you need to bring is your appetite for adventure and maybe some serious sunscreen.
Your day starts early, and I mean early. We're talking pre-dawn departure to maximize our time in the deep water. Once we clear the inlet, it's a solid run offshore to reach those productive drop-offs and structure where the pelagics hang out. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics, so we're not just running blind – we're hunting structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools that hold the good stuff. You'll spend most of your day deep dropping with electric reels for the bottom dwellers, but we'll also get some trolling time in for the speedsters like wahoo and mahi. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish if they're biting. Just remember, 70 miles offshore means you're in big water – this isn't for anyone prone to seasickness or those looking for a casual fishing experience.
Deep drop fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical inshore stuff. We're talking about fishing in 400 to 1,200 feet of water, sometimes deeper, where the pressure changes everything about how fish behave and how your gear performs. The boat's rigged with electric reels because hand-cranking from those depths would wear you out before lunch. We use heavy lead weights – sometimes 3 to 5 pounds – to get your bait down fast through the current layers. The key is finding those underwater mountains, drop-offs, and ledges where the fish stack up. Bait selection matters big time down there; we're talking whole squid, cut bonito, and sometimes live bait when we can get it. The rods are built for battle – heavy action with serious backbone because when you hook something in deep water, it's got the entire water column to use against you during the fight.
The blackfin tuna out here are absolute rockets. These fish typically run 10 to 30 pounds and they'll test your drag system like nothing else. Best action usually happens from late fall through early spring when the water temps drop and baitfish concentrate along the ledges. What makes blackfin special is their speed and stamina – they'll make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Mahi-mahi are the crowd favorites for good reason. These fish are pure eye candy with those electric colors, and they're fantastic table fare. They school up around floating debris and weed lines, typically weighing 10 to 40 pounds out here, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 50-plus. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs. Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep – these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and they'll slice through your line if you're not running wire leaders. They typically run 20 to 60 pounds in these waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes making them a real challenge. Fall and winter months are your best bet when they're chasing baitfish along the temperature breaks. Great barracuda might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout. These ambush predators lurk around structure and can stretch over 4 feet long. They're year-round residents, but summer months see the biggest specimens. Their aggressive nature means they'll hit lures, live bait, or cut bait with equal enthusiasm. Cobia are the dark horses of offshore fishing – these chocolate-colored bruisers can weigh 30 to 80 pounds and they fight dirty, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to bulldoze toward structure. Spring migration brings the best action when they're following rays and sharks in the shallower water, but we find them around deep structure year-round.
Look, 12-hour deep drop charters aren't for everyone, but if you're serious about offshore fishing and want to target trophy-class fish, this is your ticket. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers with pricing that covers your first 4 guests, and additional spots are just $50 per person. Everything's included except your lunch and drinks, so pack accordingly for a long day. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable – this is serious fishing that requires serious commitment. Weather can shut us down or force changes, but that's offshore fishing for you. When conditions align and the fish are cooperative, you'll have stories and photos that'll last a lifetime. Book early because prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Get ready to chase serious fish aboard this solid 25' Ken Craft center console that's built to handle both inshore runs and serious offshore action. This boat comfortably seats your crew of up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - quality rods, reels, tackle boxes full of the right gear, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. The GPS navigation system will get you to the fishing grounds efficiently, while the fish finder helps locate those deep-water targets you're after. Whether you're dropping lines for tuna, trolling for wahoo and mahi, or hoping to hook into a sailfish, this center console gives you the stable platform and fishing space to make it happen during your 12-hour deep drop adventure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the true tunas, typically running 15-30 pounds, but they make up for size with pure attitude. These feisty fighters love warm water over 68°F and hang around the continental shelf breaks. We see them best during fall through spring when they school up with skipjacks. What makes them special is that beautiful golden stripe that lights up when they're alive - it fades fast once you land them. The meat is fantastic, perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyesight, so I always scale down to lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. Pro tip: when you find one, there's usually more around, so keep multiple lines ready after you boat the first fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the submarines of the fishing world - big, brown, and cruising just under the surface. They average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds, and they're often mistaken for sharks until you see that flat head. These loners hang around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-300 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move through our area. Guests love them because they fight hard and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and perfect for the table. Sight fishing is the name of the game here. When you spot one cruising, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow - they can't resist that action.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the bullies of the reef, reaching 4-6 feet with teeth that'll give you nightmares. These silver torpedoes cruise nearshore reefs, wrecks, and grass flats, usually in 10-50 feet of water. They're aggressive year-round but really turn on during spring spawning season. What makes them fun is the explosive strike and that wild jumping fight - they'll clear the water trying to throw your hook. Most folks target them for sport since the meat can be hit-or-miss. They hunt by sight and love shiny lures, so tube lures, spoons, and wire line rigs work best. Just remember: always use a steel leader and handle them carefully with pliers - those teeth are no joke, even on smaller fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch out here, flashing gold, green, and electric blue until they hit the deck. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ on a good day. Look for them around any floating debris, weedlines, or current breaks - they love structure in open water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight and that sweet, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill. These fish are curious, so once you hook one, keep the boat positioned near the structure. Here's the trick: leave a hooked fish in the water for a minute to keep the school fired up while everyone gets lines ready.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll smoke your drag at 40+ mph, averaging 30-60 pounds with some pushing 100+. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise blue water along drop-offs and around floating debris, usually in the top 60 feet. We target them best from July through November when they move through our area following baitfish. Anglers love the blistering runs and that premium white meat - it's like ocean chicken with zero fishy taste. The key is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. My go-to setup: bullethead lures or skirted ballyhoo behind a planer, and always keep the boat moving fast - slow baits won't trigger these hunters.
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