5.0(1 Reviews)Port Orange Inshore Charters | 5 Hour Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore charter targeting redfish, black drum, and flounderSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximumExpert captain provides premium gear and local hotspot knowledge
Looking for that sweet spot between a quick trip and an all-day commitment? Our 5-hour inshore charter around Ponce Inlet hits the mark perfectly. You'll spend quality time working the productive waters where the Halifax River meets the Atlantic, targeting redfish, black drum, flounder, and even the occasional blacktip shark. Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the spots dialed in where fish consistently feed. Whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to fine-tune your light-tackle skills or a family looking for some serious fun on the water, this trip delivers the goods without wearing you out.
We'll launch from Ponce Inlet and head straight to the productive flats and structure where fish love to hang out. The beauty of this 5-hour window is that we can hit multiple spots without rushing—usually 3-4 different areas depending on tides and what's biting. You'll fish the grass flats for redfish, work the deeper channels for black drum, and target structure for flounder and grouper. The boat stays in protected inshore waters, so even if it's a bit breezy outside, we're still fishing comfortably. Captain Aaron provides all the premium tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for the reds to heavier setups when we're going after drum or sharks. The vibe is relaxed but focused—we're here to catch fish, and with Aaron's local knowledge, you'll be into them quickly.
This is all about finesse fishing with live and cut bait. We'll use circle hooks and light leaders to give these smart inshore fish a natural presentation. For redfish, we're typically sight-casting to tailing fish on the flats using live shrimp or finger mullet. Black drum require a different approach—we'll anchor up over oyster beds and drop fresh cut bait right to the bottom where they're rooting around. Flounder fishing means working the edges of channels and structure with live mud minnows or strips of squid. When the sharks show up, we'll switch to heavier tackle and use fresh-cut bait to get their attention. Aaron will coach you through each technique, whether you're learning to feel the subtle bite of a flounder or fighting your first bull red. The gear is top-notch—Penn and Shimano reels paired with quality rods that can handle anything from 2-pound flounder to 40-pound sharks.
"Hooking and cooking with Captain Aaron at Top Notch Adventures. Short morning trip. We were on fish right of way and caught fish at 3 of the 4 stops. Great personality, making the trip a pleasure. We would book with him again." - John Adas
Redfish are the crown jewel of Ponce Inlet inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in our waters and put up a fight that'll test your drag system. Fall through spring offers the best action when schools of reds move onto the flats to feed. They're sight-fishing targets—you'll actually see them tailing in shallow water before making your cast. The thrill comes from the visual aspect and their bulldogging runs that strip line off your reel. Reds are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for families wanting to take dinner home.
Blacktip sharks bring the excitement level up a few notches when they show up in our spread. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet in the inshore waters and are absolute rockets when hooked. Spring and summer months see the most consistent blacktip action as they move into shallow water to feed and spawn. What makes them special is their acrobatic fighting style—multiple jumps and screaming runs that'll have you questioning your knots. They're catch-and-release only, but the photo opportunities and adrenaline rush make them a trip highlight every time.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in our local waters, lying perfectly flat against sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically range from keeper size at 15 inches up to trophy fish over 5 pounds. Fall migration from October through December produces the year's best flounder fishing as they move from inshore waters toward offshore spawning areas. Their subtle bite requires patience and skill to detect, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers. Plus, few fish beat flounder when it comes to table fare—their mild, flaky white meat is restaurant-quality.
Gag grouper represent the structure fishing opportunities around Ponce Inlet's nearshore reefs and wrecks. These bottom-dwellers average 3-8 pounds in our area and are known for their hard initial run straight back to structure. Spring months typically offer the best gag action before they head offshore for summer spawning. They're ambush predators that require precise bait placement and quick reflexes to pull them away from cover once hooked. Gags are prized both for the challenge they present and their excellent eating quality—firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy" drum up to massive 30-pound bulls. These bottom feeders love oyster beds and structure where they root around for crabs and mollusks. Winter and early spring provide the most consistent black drum fishing as they stage for spawning season. Their fight is all power—no flashy jumps, just steady, relentless pressure that'll test your endurance. Smaller drum are excellent eating, while the big bulls provide bragging rights before being released to spawn again.
This 5-hour charter gives you the perfect taste of what Ponce
This 24' Carolina Skiff is built for serious inshore action around Ponce Inlet's productive waters. Powered by twin 135HP Honda engines, she'll get you to the fish quickly and reliably. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over redfish flats and work structure where black drum and flounder hang out. Two onboard coolers keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those 5-hour sessions, while the GPS and fish finder help locate feeding schools and underwater structure. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around when targeting everything from slot reds to the occasional shark. With space for up to 2 guests, you'll have the boat to yourselves for a personalized fishing experience in some of Florida's most consistent inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our shallow water game, commonly weighing 10-30 pounds with some giants pushing 50+ pounds around Ponce Inlet. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws perfect for their favorite food - crabs and oysters. You'll find them on oyster bars, muddy flats, and around dock pilings, often in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Spring is prime time during their spawning runs when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What makes them special is the raw power - they're like hooking into a truck tire. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat well, but the big ones are better released as trophies. Local secret: fresh blue crab is deadly bait, and fish it right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When you feel that slow, heavy pull, don't rush the hookset - they need time to get that crab positioned just right.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobatic stars of our inshore waters, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 8+ feet. You'll recognize them instantly by the black-tipped fins and their habit of launching completely out of the water when hooked. They cruise our nearshore waters in 20-100 feet, often moving into the shallows during warmer months chasing schools of bait. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps climb and baitfish are thick. What guests love most is the aerial show - these sharks can jump 20 feet per second and spin like a helicopter. They're also surprisingly approachable, though timid once they realize what's happening. Pro tip: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines and keep your drag tight from the start. Once they feel the hook, they'll go airborne immediately, so be ready with that rod tip down to avoid a thrown hook.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of our nearshore reefs and wrecks, typically running 20-30 inches but capable of reaching 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These greyish fish with marbled patterns love structure - think rocky bottoms, artificial reefs, and ledges in 40-120 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best bite when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests enjoy is the pure power - once hooked, a gag will immediately try to get back to its rocky home, testing your gear and technique. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. The tricky part is that all gags start as females and change to males as they mature, making them interesting from a conservation standpoint. My key tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, keep your drag locked tight, and pump them up fast - give them an inch and they'll find a hole to break you off in.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets around Ponce Inlet, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-35 inches and love our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail - nature's way of confusing predators. They're active year-round here in Florida, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great when prepared right, and provide that classic sight-fishing thrill when you see their backs pushing water in skinny areas. My local tip: when you spot a tailing red, cast your shrimp or soft plastic well ahead and let it settle to the bottom - these fish spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Ponce Inlet. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically measure 15-18 inches, though we occasionally see them pushing 25+ inches and 5+ pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they're amazing at changing colors to match the bottom perfectly. They ambush prey from their sandy hideouts, feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our inlets heading offshore to spawn. What makes them fun to target is the challenge - you're essentially hunting invisible fish. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing, drag your bait slowly across the bottom and watch for that subtle tick-tick bite. Don't set the hook right away - let them turn the bait and swim off a bit first.
5.0 out of 5.0Hooking and cooking with Captain Aaron at Top Notch Adventures. Short morning trip. We were on fish right of way and caught fish a...
John Adas, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Port Orange