Captain Brad's 10 Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing adventure targeting Mahi Mahi and deepsea speciesExpert crew guidance ensures maximum fishing opportunities throughout the tripSmall group experience with only 3 guests aboard Captain Brad's charter
Captain Brad's 10-hour deep sea fishing adventure off New Smyrna Beach puts you right where the big fish live. This small-group charter takes just three anglers per trip, so you'll get personal attention and plenty of rod time. We're talking about a full day on the water, heading out to the offshore grounds where king mackerel, mahi mahi, and monster amberjack patrol the blue water. The Atlantic waters off New Smyrna Beach are loaded with structure and current breaks that hold serious gamefish year-round. You'll spend your day working proven fishing spots that consistently produce trophy catches for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to deep sea fishing.
Your fishing day starts early with a pre-dawn departure from New Smyrna Beach. Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on fish while other boats are still looking. The run out to the deep water fishing grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and prep your gear. Once we reach the fishing zones, you'll be working depths from 80 to 200 feet, targeting structure and temperature breaks where gamefish congregate. The boat is rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them. We'll adjust our fishing strategy based on conditions and what's biting, but expect to spend time both trolling and bottom fishing depending on the bite. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunities to fight fish.
Captain Brad runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your chances at different species. When we're trolling for mahi mahi and king mackerel, we'll pull a spread of lures and ballyhoo at different depths and distances. The boat's outriggers let us cover more water and present baits naturally. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up on productive reefs and wrecks using heavy tackle to pull amberjack and cobia off the structure. Live bait works great when we can get it, but the captain always has a selection of frozen baits that produce fish. Circle hooks are the standard for most applications, and the crew will show you proper hook-setting techniques. The tackle is sized appropriately for each target species - lighter spinning gear for mahi mahi and heavier conventional reels for the big amberjack that can easily hit 50+ pounds in these waters.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of New Smyrna Beach fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "smokers" up to 40+ pound kings that will test your tackle and technique. These fish are aggressive predators that hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs. Spring and fall bring the best king mackerel action, but you can find fish year-round in the right conditions. Greater amberjack live around the offshore reefs and wrecks, ambushing anything that gets too close to their territory. These bruisers average 25-50 pounds and fight like freight trains, trying to drag you back into the structure. Mahi mahi show up around floating debris and current lines, especially during the warmer months. These colorful gamefish are acrobatic fighters and excellent table fare. Great barracuda patrol the reefs and are opportunistic feeders that will hit both trolled lures and bottom baits. They're known for their explosive strikes and razor-sharp teeth. Cobia are the wild cards of the offshore scene - these brown sharks (as some anglers call them) can show up anywhere and grow to impressive sizes. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities.
King mackerel are New Smyrna Beach's signature species, and for good reason. These sleek predators cruise the offshore waters year-round, with peak action during the cooler months when schools of baitfish draw them close to shore. Kings are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They'll hit trolled spoons, plugs, and rigged ballyhoo with authority, often jumping clear of the water on the initial strike. The fight combines long runs with sudden direction changes that keep you guessing. Most kings here run 15-30 pounds, but don't be surprised to hook into a 40+ pound smoker that will put your drag system to the test.
Greater amberjack are the powerhouses of the reef system, and the structures off New Smyrna Beach hold some real bruisers. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and have the muscle to back up their reputation. Amberjack are ambush predators that live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas. They'll crush live baits dropped near structure, but you need heavy tackle and a tight drag to turn them away from their home. The first run of a big amberjack is something every angler needs to experience - it's pure power that will leave your arms burning. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, when the biggest fish move in from deeper water.
Mahi mahi bring color and acrobatics to your fishing day. These beautiful gamefish show up around floating debris, current edges, and temperature breaks, especially during the spring and summer months. Mahi are fast-growing fish that feed aggressively on small baitfish, squid, and anything else that looks like food. They're known for their aerial displays when hooked, often jumping repeatedly in an attempt to throw the hook. Schools of smaller "chicken" mahi provide fast action, while the larger "bulls" offer a tougher fight. The meat is premium table fare with a mild, sweet flavor that makes them a favorite target for many anglers.
Great barracuda are the apex predators of the reef system, using their speed and razor teeth to dominate their territory. These fish can reach impressive sizes in the deeper waters off New Smyr
Captain Brad's center console is perfectly rigged for your 10-hour deep sea adventure off New Smyrna Beach. This well-equipped fishing machine features a flybridge for better visibility when spotting schools, plus radar and GPS to navigate safely to the best fishing grounds. The fish finder will help locate those trophy catches lurking in the depths, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day on the water. The multimedia system provides entertainment between bites, and the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. With room for 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to fight those big Mahi Mahi without getting tangled lines. The boat's center console design gives everyone easy access to the action while the captain works the waters for the best fishing opportunities.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - dark brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone except during spawning season. They average around 40-60 pounds but can push over 100, living up to 12 years. You'll spot them near buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet, often just under the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're moving and feeding actively. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - we actually see them before we cast, making it visual and exciting. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. The fight is strong and steady, like wrestling a big grouper. Here's the secret: use a bucktail jig in any color and bounce it right in front of their nose. They're curious and aggressive, so a well-placed cast usually gets their attention. Just be patient and accurate with your presentation.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target - brilliant gold and green that puts on a light show when they come out of the water. They typically run 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, usually in blue water. Spring through fall gives us the best shots when they're following the warm water. What makes them special is the combination of aerial jumps, blazing runs, and some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's the trick: when you see one, there's usually more nearby. Keep a second rod ready because they travel in small groups. Skip your ballyhoo on the surface when trolling - they can't resist something that looks like a flying fish.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's silver bullets - long, lean predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones push 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them near reefs, grass beds, and structure in shallow to mid-depth waters year-round, with spring being prime time. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and wild jumps - they'll test your reflexes and put on a show. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, so they'll often check out the boat. The fight is intense but short since they burn energy fast. Here's my tip: use a wire leader and watch those teeth when landing one. They're attracted to shiny objects, so flashy spoons and tubes work great. Just keep your fingers clear - those razor-sharp teeth mean business even after they're boated.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers are the bulldogs of the deep, averaging 39 pounds but growing up to 6 feet long. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200+ feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What guests love about AJs is the pure power - they'll test your arms and your tackle with their stubborn, relentless fight straight down to the bottom. The meat's white and firm, though larger fish can carry ciguatera, so we usually keep the smaller ones for the table. Here's a key tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. Use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test, and live bait works best. Once they start that head-shaking run toward the rocks, you're in for a real battle.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese silvery speedsters are some of the fastest fish you'll hook out here, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. Kings cruise our waters year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. You'll find them anywhere from 40 to 150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. What makes them special is that blazing run when they first feel the hook - nothing quite matches their initial burst of speed. The meat's excellent too, with firm white flesh that grills beautifully. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig your live bait with two hooks - kings love to bite the tail end of a baitfish, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of missed fish. When trolling, keep those baits skipping on the surface.
Daytona Beach, FL, United States