New Smyrna Beach 12 Hour Sportfishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets Gulf Stream pelagic speciesAccommodates up to six anglers with trolling and bottom fishingExtended range fishing allows multiple locations and techniques
When you're serious about offshore fishing and want to hit the real blue water grounds, this 12-hour charter with Reel Compulsive puts you right where the big fish live. Starting at 6 AM sharp, we head out from New Smyrna Beach toward the Gulf Stream edges where the water changes color and the fishing gets serious. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and everyone gets their shot at the rods. This isn't a quick half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to fishing the best water Central Florida has to offer.
This trip is built for anglers who understand that the best fishing happens when you can stay on the water long enough to find the fish and work them properly. We'll run 20-30 miles offshore to reach the structure and current breaks where pelagics cruise and bottom fish stack up on the reefs. The extended time means we can hit multiple spots during the day, adjusting our game plan based on what's biting and where the action is hottest. Early morning usually starts with trolling the blue water for sailfish, cobia, and whatever pelagics are moving through. As the day develops, we might switch to bottom fishing over structure for amberjack and big barracuda, or stay high in the column if the tarpon are rolling. The beauty of 12 hours is having the flexibility to fish the conditions instead of watching the clock.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's happening out there. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – we'll pull a spread of baits at different depths using downriggers, planers, and surface lures to cover the entire water column. When we mark fish on the bottom machine or hit a productive reef, we'll anchor up or drift and drop baits down to the structure. Circle hooks and heavy tackle are standard when we're targeting amberjack and bigger bottom dwellers that want to drag you back into the rocks. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and we've got everything from 30-pound trolling setups to 80-pound bottom rigs ready to go. Live bait, dead bait, and artificials all have their place depending on what the fish are telling us they want.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore waters, and New Smyrna sits right in their migration highway. These fish typically run 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Winter months from December through March are prime time when the sailfish are thick, but we see them year-round. They're ambush predators that cruise the current edges looking for baitfish, and once hooked, they'll jump, tail-walk, and run line off your reel like nothing else in these waters.
Tarpon are the silver kings that separate serious anglers from weekend warriors. These fish can push 150 pounds or more and have the power to straighten hooks and snap heavy leaders if you're not ready for them. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're moving along the coast in big schools. When a big tarpon eats your bait and starts jumping, everything else on the boat stops – it's pure fishing theater that you'll remember for years.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and they'll test your tackle and your back muscles. These fish live around structure in 80-200 feet of water and can weigh 50-80 pounds or more. They hit hard and immediately try to get back to the bottom where they can wrap you up in the rocks. Spring and fall are the best times to target them when they're most active and feeding heavy. Fighting a big AJ is all about keeping steady pressure and not giving them an inch of slack to work with.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons that patrol the reef edges and blue water drop-offs. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. 'Cuda in our waters typically run 20-40 pounds, though the occasional monster over 50 shows up to surprise you. They're year-round residents that hit trolled baits with violent strikes and make screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. Their aggressive nature makes them a favorite for action fishing when other species are being finicky.
Cobia are the brown sharks that aren't really sharks, and they're one of the most underrated fighters in our waters. These fish cruise the surface around structure, buoys, and rays, often in small schools during their spring migration. They can grow over 50 pounds and have the power and stamina to give you a long, tough fight. Spring months from March through May are prime time when they're moving through our area in good numbers, but we see them throughout the warmer months.
This 12-hour trip represents serious offshore fishing at its best – no shortcuts, no rushing, just quality time on productive water with professional equipment and local knowledge. The longer duration means better fishing opportunities, more species variety, and the satisfaction of a full day spent doing what you love. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your calendar is clear before booking. When you're ready to fish the Gulf Stream grounds the right way, Reel Compulsive has the experience and equipment to make it happen.
Step aboard our 42' Egg Harbor sportfishing machine, built to chase the big ones in New Smyrna's offshore waters. Twin 550 HP Detroit engines push this beast through Gulf Stream currents while you stay comfortable with A/C, a full kitchen, and even a bed for those who need a break from the action. The spacious deck gives all six anglers room to work without tangling lines, while live wells and tuna tubes keep your catch fresh. GPS, radar, and fish finder help us locate the hotspots, whether we're trolling for pelagics or dropping lines on deep structure. With an icebox, fridge, and multimedia system onboard, plus a flybridge for spotting fish, this boat handles 12-hour offshore missions like a champ. The toilet and kitchen mean no cutting trips short – just pure fishing time in blue water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting around 7.5 feet and averaging 50 pounds. These blue-gray beauties with their massive dorsal "sail" are built for speed and acrobatics. We find them in the Gulf Stream waters, usually cruising 30-65 feet down but sometimes deeper. They love hunting baitfish like sardines and mackerel in warmer months, especially winter through spring when they migrate through our area. What makes them special? That first jump when hooked - they'll leap repeatedly, shaking their heads trying to throw the hook. Plus they can change colors when excited, flashing stripes and different shades. My tip: when trolling, keep your speed steady around 7-8 knots and watch for that sail cutting the surface.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored fish with lighter bellies average around 6 feet and 100 pounds. They're loners, rarely schooling except to spawn from June through August in our area. You'll spot them cruising reefs, wrecks, and structure, often just under the surface where we can sight-fish them. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit crabs, small fish, and squid. What guests love is they're fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality - plus they put up a solid fight. Spring through fall is prime time when they move through our waters. My trick: use bucktail jigs in 4-8 ounce range and don't worry about color - these fish aren't picky. When you see one, get that jig down fast and work it steady.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the silver missiles of our waters, sleek predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones stretch to 6 feet and pack serious attitude. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and nearshore structure, often alone except during spawning season in spring. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious - sometimes they'll follow the boat just to check things out. What makes them fun to target is that explosive strike and the fight that follows, though they tire quickly. They're tenacious and might jump when hooked, so watch those razor-sharp teeth. Here's my tip: use a wire leader and bright, flashy lures - they can't resist anything shiny moving fast through the water column.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 30-40 pounds but growing up to 6 feet and much heavier. These bluish-gray fish with that distinctive amber stripe are serious fighters that'll test your tackle. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 foot depths, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, and plugs all work. What guests love is the initial run when hooked - pure power that'll smoke your drag if it's not set right. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test and keep steady pressure - give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure every time.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are what fishing dreams are made of - jumping 10 feet out of the water and running hard with those massive scales flashing in the sun. Most run 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though we've seen 8-footers over 200. They cruise shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and near-shore areas where they can gulp air at the surface when oxygen gets low. Best action is late spring through summer during their spawning runs. People love them for the pure fight - they're bulldogs with rocket boosters, and watching one launch skyward never gets old. Nobody eats them due to all the bones, so it's all about the battle. Pro tip: when you hook one, bow to the fish when it jumps to keep slack in the line - it'll save you from getting broken off.
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