Port Orange Wreck Fishing: Full-Day Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday nearshore charter targeting reefs, jetties, and wrecksEight hours fishing for grouper, redfish, sharks, and drumSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
Get ready for a serious day of fishing the wrecks off Port Orange with Captain Aaron and Top Notch Adventures. This isn't your typical inshore grind – we're talking about an 8-hour charter targeting the structure-rich waters where the big boys hang out. The nearshore wrecks and reefs around Port Orange hold some of Florida's most sought-after species, and with a full day on the water, we've got the time to really dial in the bite. Whether you're after hard-pulling pelagics or bottom dwellers with some serious shoulders, these waters deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Aaron knows these Port Orange waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the wreck coordinates locked and loaded for maximum fish contact. We'll be working a variety of structure – from artificial reefs to natural bottom contours that hold baitfish and attract predators. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is flexibility. If one spot isn't producing, we've got time to move around and find where the fish are feeding. Expect to run anywhere from 3 to 15 miles offshore, depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and electronics to put you on fish, but the real magic happens when you feel that rod double over. This is a 2-angler maximum trip, so you're not fighting for rail space or sharing prime fishing time.
Wreck fishing is all about reading structure and presenting baits where fish expect to find them. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For bottom species like gag grouper and lane snapper, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait – knocker rigs and chicken rigs are go-to setups. When the pelagics are running, we'll switch to live bait presentations or fast-moving lures around the structure edges. King mackerel love to patrol wreck edges, especially when there's current pushing bait around the structure. For sharks, we'll deploy baits on wire leaders and heavier tackle – these Port Orange blacktips don't mess around. Captain Aaron provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, bring it along. The key to productive wreck fishing is staying mobile and adjusting your approach based on what the fish are telling you.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of Port Orange nearshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch the tape anywhere from 15 to 40+ pounds, and they'll test your drag system with blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, but we see kings around the wrecks year-round. They're structure-oriented fish that love to ambush baitfish around reef edges and wreck corners. What makes them special is their speed – when a king hits your bait, you'll know it instantly.
Mahi mahi bring tropical vibes to Port Orange waters, especially during summer months when Gulf Stream eddies push warm water closer to shore. These bulls average 10-25 pounds and fight way above their weight class with spectacular jumps and powerful runs. Dolphin are known for their brilliant colors that light up when they're fighting, transitioning from gold to electric blue and green. They're often found around floating debris or structure, making our wreck spots perfect hunting grounds. The bonus with mahi is they're fantastic table fare – firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Blacktip sharks are the ultimate test of angling endurance around Port Orange. These apex predators range from 20 to 80+ pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag on their initial run. Blacktips are year-round residents but peak during warmer months when they move into nearshore waters to feed and breed. What sets them apart is their fighting style – pure power combined with surprising speed. They're also acrobatic, often launching completely out of the water when hooked. After a proper fight and photo session, we practice catch and release to keep these incredible predators in our waters.
Cobia are the wildcards of Port Orange fishing – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, you better be ready. These brown torpedoes can exceed 40 pounds and have a curious nature that brings them close to the boat for sight fishing opportunities. Spring migration brings the best cobia action, typically March through May, when they're moving north along the coast. They're excellent eating and put up a stubborn, powerful fight that's different from the speed demons like kings or mahi.
Lane snapper might be smaller than some of our other targets, but they're pure gold for action and eating quality. These colorful reef fish are abundant around Port Orange wrecks and provide steady action when the bite gets tough. They average 1-3 pounds but fight hard for their size and school up in impressive numbers around structure. Lane snapper are year-round residents, making them reliable targets regardless of season. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Port Orange wreck fishing delivers the kind of diverse action that keeps serious anglers hooked. With Captain Aaron's local knowledge and an 8-hour window to work the best structure, you're setting yourself up for a world-class fishing experience. The combination of pelagic speedsters, powerful sharks, and quality bottom fish makes this one of the most well-rounded charters on Florida's east coast. Whether you're chasing personal bests or just want to spend a full day doing what you love, this Port Orange adventure delivers. Don't sleep on this opportunity – the wrecks are calling, and the fish are waiting. Book your spot with Top Notch Adventures and get ready for some serious time on the water.
Your fishing platform for this 8-hour nearshore adventure is a well-rigged 24' Carolina Skiff that's built to handle Florida's coastal waters. Powered by twin 135HP Honda engines, this boat gets you to the productive wrecks and reefs quickly, then brings you home with your catch. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Aaron position quietly over structure where grouper and snapper hang out, while the fish finder marks exactly where the fish are holding. Two onboard coolers keep your drinks cold and provide plenty of space for icing down redfish, black drum, and whatever else hits your hooks. GPS navigation takes the guesswork out of finding those sweet spots offshore where the big fish live. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails and fight those hard-pulling blacktip sharks that cruise these nearshore waters. The boat's setup is perfect for both bottom fishing the wrecks and working the jetties where flounder like to ambush bait.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, jumping clear out of the water when hooked and averaging 4-6 feet long. These excitable sharks patrol our reefs and wrecks in 30-100 feet, especially around structure where they hunt sardines, mackerel, and other baitfish. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active. What guests love is that explosive fight - they'll leap, spin, and make powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. While we release them, the experience is pure adrenaline. Set up with heavy braided line and circle hooks, then get your chum bucket ready. Fresh mackerel chunks work great, but here's the key - let that oily chum slick drift behind the boat to really get their attention.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of nearshore fishing - dark brown, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. These loners cruise reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet, often solo rather than in schools. Spring migration brings the best shots, especially May and June when they're moving through our waters. What makes them special is that firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi - absolutely primo table fare. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. Bucktail jigs work great, but don't overlook live bait. Pro tip: when you see one, work it slow and patient - cobia will study your offering before committing to the bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish you'll hook out here, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ on a good day. These silver rockets cruise our nearshore waters from spring through fall, typically found in 40-150 feet around wrecks, reefs, and current breaks. They've got razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed, so expect screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat's rich and flaky when grilled fresh - just watch the mercury if you're pregnant. My go-to setup is dual hooks on wire leader with live bait, because kings love hitting the tail end of whatever they're chasing. Keep that second hook free-swinging behind your live shrimp or small fish.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are those pretty pink and yellow striped fish that make great bonus catches while bottom fishing. They typically run 10-14 inches and a few pounds, hanging around reefs and rocky structure in 20-80 feet. These aggressive little fighters are active year-round but really turn on during their spring and summer spawn. What guests love is they're not spooky like other snappers - they'll hit hard and fight strong for their size. The meat's sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. They feed best at night but bite all day around structure with good current flow. Small pieces of shrimp on light tackle work magic, but here's the trick - use just enough weight to hold bottom without overdoing it.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of offshore fishing, typically running 15-30 pounds with bulls pushing 40+. These surface dwellers love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges where baitfish gather. Spring through early fall brings the best action when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special is that color-changing light show when you boat one - brilliant golds and blues that fade as they come aboard. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. They fight hard with acrobatic jumps, so keep steady pressure. Look for birds working debris piles - where you find one mahi, there's usually a school nearby ready to bite.
Port Orange