Offshore Fishing Adventure - New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deepsea fishing charter targets Red Snapper, Kingfish, and Amberjack species.Captain Brad provides personalized instruction with over 20 years experience.Small group charter accommodates maximum three guests for intimate experience.
Captain Brad's offshore charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best deep-sea fishing action, just miles off New Smyrna Beach. With over two decades on these waters, Captain Brad knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to get you hooked up with trophy catches. This isn't your typical crowded party boat scene - we keep groups small at just three anglers max, so you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early at the New Smyrna Beach marina, where Captain Brad's well-equipped charter boat is fueled up and ready to chase fish. We'll cruise out to productive offshore waters where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagics hunt. The boat ride gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the shoreline fade as we head to fishing grounds that hold consistent action year-round. Captain Brad runs a clean operation with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to battle whatever we hook into. The intimate group size means you're not fighting for rod time or waiting your turn - when fish are biting, everyone stays busy. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or this is your first time targeting deep-sea species, Captain Brad adjusts his approach to match your skill level while keeping things fun and productive.
We fish a variety of methods depending on what's working best for the season and conditions. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy sinkers puts baits right in front of structure-loving species like red snapper and amberjack that hang around wrecks and hard bottom areas. When targeting kingfish, we'll pull live baits behind the boat or set up a drift with dead baits positioned at different depths in the water column. Captain Brad supplies quality conventional reels paired with stout rods that can handle the torque of big fish making runs toward structure. Fresh bait makes all the difference out here - we'll have live pilchards, cigar minnows, or whatever's running fresh, plus cut baits like bonito strips and sardines that trigger strikes from hungry predators. The key is reading the electronics, understanding the current and structure, and putting baits where fish are feeding. Captain Brad handles the technical stuff like finding productive numbers on the GPS and adjusting for tide and current, while you focus on working the rods and fighting fish.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of New Smyrna's offshore waters, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system and reflexes. These silvery missiles average 15-30 pounds but can push 40-plus when conditions align. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with kings feeding heavily on baitfish schools along temperature breaks and current edges. They hit live baits hard and fast, often launching themselves clear of the water in spectacular jumps. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs, direction changes, and that satisfying weight on the rod that tells you you've got a good one hooked up.
Grey Triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters with serious attitude. These hard-pulling bottom dwellers average 2-4 pounds and feed around structure using powerful jaws to crush crustaceans and small fish. Summer and fall bring peak triggerfish action when they're most active in 60-100 foot depths. They hit baits with authority and immediately try to get back to their rocky hideouts, putting that steady pressure on your rod that makes arms burn. Triggers are also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, using brute strength and determination to test every knot in your tackle. These amber-sided bruisers commonly run 20-50 pounds around New Smyrna's offshore waters, living around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom structures. They feed year-round but are most aggressive during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. An amberjack fight is all about power - they pull straight down toward structure with incredible force, making you work for every inch of line recovered. The initial run is impressive, but the real battle happens in the middle depths as they use their broad sides to fight the current and your drag pressure.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, combining beautiful colors with excellent table quality and a satisfying fight. These crimson-scaled beauties average 3-8 pounds in our local waters, living around structure in 60-120 feet of depth. Red snapper seasons are regulated, but when they're open, the action can be non-stop around productive numbers. They're smart fish that require finesse - light leaders, sharp hooks, and fresh bait presented naturally near bottom structure. The fight isn't flashy, but red snapper use their broad bodies and determination to make you work for the catch, plus they're absolutely delicious when prepared fresh.
Lane Snapper add numbers and action to any offshore trip, with their pink and yellow stripes making them one of the most colorful catches you'll boat. These smaller members of the snapper family average 1-2 pounds and school heavily around structure during warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that hit a variety of baits, making them perfect for keeping rods bent while targeting larger species. Lane snapper might be smaller, but they fight with typical snapper determination and make excellent table fare. They're also great confidence builders for newer anglers, providing steady action and good fights on appropriate tackle.
Captain Brad's offshore charters fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when conditions align and fish are most active. The combination of small group sizes, quality equipment, and two decades of local knowledge creates trips that consistently produce both memorable catches and satisfied customers. Whether you're looking to check red snapper off your bucket list, battle a trophy kingfish, or just spend a
Captain Brad's fully-equipped center console is built for serious offshore fishing in New Smyrna's waters. This boat handles the deep sea with ease, featuring GPS navigation and radar to get you to the hotspots safely, plus a fish finder to locate those red snapper and kingfish hiding below. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility when scanning for surface action, while the wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly into position without spooking the fish. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and stay comfortable with the toilet and multimedia system during longer runs. With room for 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. Captain Brad's 20+ years of local knowledge combined with this well-appointed vessel means you'll be targeting amberjack, triggerfish, and vermilion snapper like a pro. The boat's amenities make those long offshore sessions comfortable, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the box.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldozers of the reef. These powerful fish average 20-50 pounds but can easily push 80+ pounds. They hang around deep wrecks, ledges, and structure in 80-200 feet of water. Best fishing is typically spring through early summer when they're most active. What guests love about AJs is the raw power - they'll test your tackle and your shoulders with long, punishing runs straight for the bottom. The meat is firm and mild, great for grilling or blackening. They're not picky eaters, taking live bait, jigs, and trolled lures. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch. The second you ease up on the pressure, they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure and cut you off. Keep that rod bent and pump them up fast.
Balistes CapriscusDon't let their size fool you - these scrappy fish pack a serious punch. Most triggers we catch run 12-17 inches and weigh 2-8 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-180 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer fishing is typically best. Guests love them because they're feisty fighters with excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. These fish are notorious bait stealers with their sharp teeth and quick movements. Here's the trick: use small chunks of squid on a tight line and be ready to set the hook fast. When you feel that first nibble, don't wait - they'll clean your hook in seconds if you hesitate.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese fast, aggressive fish are some of the most exciting targets we go after. Kings typically run 15-40 pounds, though we've landed some pushing 70+. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot. What makes them special is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost anything else out here. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are perfect starter fish that still pack plenty of fun. These colorful little fighters typically run 10-14 inches and 1-3 pounds, with their distinctive pink bodies and yellow stripes. You'll find them around reefs and grassy bottom in 30-100 feet of water. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and most aggressive. Guests enjoy them because they're willing biters that put up a scrappy fight on lighter tackle. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, delicate meat. They're not shy about taking bait, which makes them great for kids or new anglers. Best tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or cut squid. They often show up while targeting other snappers, so consider them a nice bonus that'll fill out your cooler.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing. These beautiful red fish average 3-10 pounds, but we regularly see 15-20 pounders on the deeper ledges. They live around structure in 60-300 feet of water, with bigger fish typically found deeper. Summer season offers the best opportunities when they're most active. What makes snappers special is the combination of a good fight and amazing table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They're smart fish that can be line-shy, so fresh bait is key. My go-to trick is using circle hooks with live pinfish or fresh cut squid. Drop it right to the bottom, then reel up a couple cranks. When you feel that thump, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily and let that circle hook do its job.
Daytona Beach, FL, United States