5.0(1 Reviews)Port Orange Private Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private fishing trips from 4 to 10 hours availableAccommodates up to 4 guests with experienced captain guidanceOffshore fishing targeting variety of local Port Orange species
Looking for a fishing trip that's all about you and your crew? This private charter out of Port Orange puts you in control of your day on the water. Whether you want to squeeze in a quick 4-hour morning bite or go all-out with a 10-hour marathon session, Captain Sean Smith will tailor the trip to match your fishing goals. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows, and the captain's undivided attention means you're getting the best spots and techniques for whatever's biting that day.
Port Orange sits right in the sweet spot where the Halifax River meets the Atlantic, giving you access to some of Florida's most productive offshore grounds. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand - from the nearshore reefs where grouper and sheepshead hang out, to the deeper blue water where mahi and wahoo cruise the current lines. The boat is equipped with top-shelf gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own rods and reels unless you want to. Everything's maintained and ready to go, from the tackle boxes to the outriggers. You'll spend your time focused on what matters most - getting fish in the boat and enjoying the ride.
Depending on what's running and where the bite is hottest, you'll likely use a mix of techniques throughout the day. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish, especially when targeting mahi, wahoo, and sailfish in the offshore waters. The captain will set up a spread of lures and baits, adjusting speeds and depths based on conditions and what the fish finder is showing. When you find structure or marks on the bottom machine, it's time to switch gears and drop some heavy tackle down for grouper and other bottom dwellers. Live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures all have their place in the arsenal, and the captain will coach you through the best presentations for each situation. The gear is matched to the target species, so you'll have the right rod action and line weight whether you're fighting a screaming wahoo or working a stubborn grouper off the bottom.
"We had the pleasure of embarking on a 10 hour fishing trip with Captain Sean Smith. The boat was absolutely beautiful, clean, and very smooth, even in choppy waters. The fishing gear was top notch, and Captain Sean was very attentive and made sure that we were set up and baited for success. We caught a wide variety of species using different techniques and baits. We highly recommend Captain Sean and really look forward to our next adventure with him" - Curtis
Sheepshead are one of the craftiest fish you'll encounter around Port Orange's structure. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They love hanging around pilings, rocks, and artificial reefs, feeding on barnacles, crabs, and fiddler shrimp. Winter through early spring is prime time for sheepshead, when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes them exciting to catch is the challenge - they require finesse, light tackle, and perfect timing on the hookset. Once you master the sheepshead bite, you'll feel like you've earned a graduate degree in fishing.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of the offshore bottom fishing scene. These chunky, rust-colored fish can weigh anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 30 or more. They're year-round residents on the hard bottom and artificial reefs, typically in 60 to 120 feet of water. Red grouper are ambush predators that inhale anything that looks like an easy meal - cut bait, live pinfish, or heavy jigs all work well. The fight is pure power, with the fish trying to get back to its hole in the rocks. Anglers love them because they're excellent table fare and provide that satisfying bend-the-rod battle that makes your arms burn.
Mahi Mahi are the golden boys of offshore fishing, and Port Orange's proximity to the Gulf Stream makes it prime dolphin fish territory. These vibrant, fast-growing fish school up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually in water deeper than 100 feet. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak season running from late spring into summer. What makes mahi special is their aerial acrobatics - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have you whooping and hollering. Plus, they're phenomenal eating and grow incredibly fast, making them a sustainable choice for the dinner table.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish are the speed demons of the Atlantic, capable of reaching 70 mph when they're fired up. These magnificent billfish show up in Port Orange's offshore waters year-round, with peak activity during the cooler months from November through March. Sailfish average 6 to 8 feet long and 60 to 80 pounds, and they're absolute dynamite on tackle. When hooked, they'll launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular displays of raw power and grace. Most captains practice catch-and-release with sailfish, making it all about the experience and the photos rather than the meat on the table.
Wahoo are the drag-screaming, line-burning rockets of the deep blue. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes and your tackle to the limit. They typically show up in Port Orange waters during the cooler months, hanging around the temperature breaks and current edges in 150+ feet of water. Wahoo average 20 to 40 pounds but can exceed 80 pounds when the stars align. They're known for their initial blistering runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. As
This 32-foot center console is built to handle Port Orange's offshore waters with confidence. Powered by twin Mercury 300 Verado V8 engines and featuring a double-stepped hull design, she cuts through waves smoothly while getting you to the fishing grounds fast. The 10-foot beam provides plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to move around comfortably while working the lines. You'll find everything needed for a successful day on the water - an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a fish finder to locate where the fish are holding. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. Safety and navigation are covered with GPS, radar for those early morning runs, and VHF radio to stay connected. There's even a head onboard for those longer trips. Whether you're targeting snapper on the reefs or chasing pelagics in the blue water, this boat has the range and features to make your Port Orange fishing trip productive.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the holy grail for many anglers - there's nothing quite like watching that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water before an epic battle begins. These billfish typically run 6-8 feet and 100-150 pounds, with that signature sail-like fin and spear-shaped bill. They're open-ocean hunters that patrol the blue water edges, usually within 20 miles of shore where the Gulf Stream influence is strongest. Peak season runs from December through April when they're most abundant off our coast. The fight is what brings people back - these fish are pure athleticism, jumping repeatedly and making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your arms. While they're mostly catch-and-release, the battle alone is worth the trip. We troll with ballyhoo or mullet at varying speeds, but here's the key: when you get a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let them eat it, count to five, then come tight. Patience pays off with these magnificent fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the rainbow-colored speed demons of the offshore world, and watching one change colors as you bring it boatside never gets old. These fish average 15-29 pounds and about three feet long, though we've seen some real bulls pushing 40-plus. They're pelagic fish that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Best fishing here runs from late spring through fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What guests love most is the aerial show - these fish jump, dive, and put on a real display once hooked. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for the grill. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled ballyhoo, flying fish, or even casting jigs once you find them. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave your lines out - mahi travel in schools and where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, and for good reason. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled 20-pounders from the deeper reefs. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottom and structure anywhere from 10 to 100 feet, with the bigger fish usually deeper. They're year-round residents, but avoid targeting them January through April during spawning season when it's closed anyway. What makes guests love them? They're scrappy fighters that'll test your tackle, and the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. These fish have powerful jaws and won't hesitate to grab your bait, but once hooked, they'll try to run straight back to structure. My advice: use heavy tackle, fresh shrimp or cut bait, and once you hook up, apply pressure immediately to keep them off the bottom. Let them get back to their hole and you're done.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the most distinctive fish you'll encounter around Port Orange, with their black and white stripes earning them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 20 pounds. These guys have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, crabs, and shrimp around any structure they can find. You'll spot them year-round around docks, bridges, and pilings, but winter months from December through March are prime time when they gather for spawning. They're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick at your offering before committing. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious, though those tough scales make cleaning a chore. My tip: use fiddler crabs or shrimp, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard. They've got strong jaws and will test your drag.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the ocean, hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that'll burn your drag in seconds. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet but can reach over 8 feet, with distinctive blue stripes and razor-sharp teeth. They roam the blue water and edges, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Best action here runs July through November when they move through our area following baitfish. Guests love the explosive strikes and screaming runs, plus the firm, white meat that's outstanding on the table - it's called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious. These fish are loners or travel in small groups, so when you hook one, work the area quickly for others. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key - their teeth will cut through mono instantly. My tip: use diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo, and when you get bit, hang on tight. The first run will be the longest and fastest you've ever experienced.
5.0 out of 5.0We had the pleasure of embarking on a 10 hour fishing trip with Captain Sean Smith. The boat was absolutely beautiful, clean, and ...
Port Orange, FL