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Hey there, anglers! Ready for a killer day on the water? Capt. Doug Hicks has you covered with this 6-hour offshore trip out of New Smyrna Beach. We're talking serious fishing action here - bottom fishing, trolling, and even a shot at the Gulf Stream if conditions are right. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll take up to six folks out, and don't worry about a thing - we've got all the licenses, tackle, and live bait you'll need. Heck, we'll even clean your catch at the end of the day. Safety first, of course - all our gear is Coast Guard approved. Want to mix it up? Give us a shout about night fishing options. Just remember, we're cash only to keep costs down, but if plastic's your only option, there's a small upcharge.
Alright, let's break down how we roll on these trips. First up, we'll cruise out to some prime spots I've been hitting for years. Once we're in the zone, we'll drop lines for some bottom fishing. This is where the big boys hang out - grouper, snapper, you name it. We'll use heavy tackle and strong bait to entice these bruisers up from the depths. But we don't just sit still - nope, we'll also do some trolling. That means dragging lures or bait behind the boat as we cruise along. This technique is dynamite for pelagic species like mahi-mahi and wahoo. If we're lucky and the conditions are right, we might even hit the Gulf Stream. That's where the real monsters lurk, folks. Throughout the day, I'll be right there with you, offering tips, adjusting tactics, and making sure you're in the best position to land that fish of a lifetime.
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been crushing it with some monster mahi-mahi - talking 30-pounders that'll give you the fight of your life. Wahoo have been making strong showings too, especially when we hit those deeper waters. But the real talk of the dock has been the cobia. These bruisers have been showing up in force, and let me tell you, when a big cobia decides to eat, you better hold on tight! We've also been seeing some impressive goliath grouper. Now, these are catch-and-release only, but trust me, just feeling the raw power of these giants on the end of your line is worth the price of admission. And for you billfish enthusiasts, the sailfish action has been heating up. Nothing quite like watching one of these majestic fish light up and start dancing across the water.
You know, I've been running these charters for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back season after season. It's not just about the fish - though believe me, we catch plenty. It's about the whole experience. There's something special about being out on the open water, miles from shore, with nothing but blue all around you. The camaraderie that develops over a day of fishing, the thrill of the hunt, the rush when a big fish hits - it's addictive, plain and simple. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fish for the dinner table. Plus, with everything included - from licenses to bait to gear - it's as hassle-free as fishing gets. You just show up ready to have a good time, and we take care of the rest.
Mahi Mahi, or as some folks call 'em, dorado or dolphinfish, are a favorite target on our trips. These acrobatic fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're fast growers and can reach up to 30 pounds in their first year. We typically find them near floating debris or weed lines, and they're suckers for both live bait and artificial lures. Best of all, they're delicious on the grill.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the sea. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of up to 60 mph and are some of the fastest fish in the ocean. They're typically a bit deeper than mahi, and we often target them by trolling at a good clip. When a wahoo hits, it's like somebody slammed on the brakes - hold on tight! Fall and winter are prime wahoo seasons here.
Cobia are the bruisers of the nearshore waters. These powerful fish often hang around structures like buoys or even free-swimming sea turtles. They're curious by nature and will often follow the boat, giving us a chance to sight-cast to them. Cobia put up a heck of a fight and can grow to over 100 pounds. Spring and early summer are typically the best times to target these bad boys.
Goliath grouper live up to their name - these massive fish can grow to over 800 pounds! They're protected, so it's catch-and-release only, but trust me, just hooking into one of these giants is an experience you won't forget. They love structure and we often find them around wrecks and reefs. The fight is less about finesse and more about raw power - it's you versus the fish in a true test of strength.
Atlantic sailfish are the prize of many anglers. These beautiful billfish are known for their incredible speed and acrobatic leaps. We usually target them by trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures. The real show starts when they're hooked - sailfish are known to "light up" with bright blue colors and put on a spectacular aerial display. Winter and early spring are typically the best times to target sailfish in our waters.
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, check your pulse! This 6-hour trip is the real deal - perfect for seasoned anglers looking to tangle with some serious offshore species, but also great for newbies wanting to experience the thrill of big-game fishing. Remember, we provide everything you need, from licenses to gear to bait, and we'll even clean your catch at the end of the day. With opportunities for bottom fishing, trolling, and maybe even some Gulf Stream action, you're in for a day of non-stop excitement. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Capt. Doug Hicks a call today and let's get you hooked up with some of the best fishing New Smyrna Beach has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock!
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, known for their high-flying leaps and blazing speed. These beauties average around 7 feet long and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. We usually find them in the warmer months, often in the upper 30-65 feet of water. Sailfish love to chase down schools of bait fish, so keep an eye out for feeding frenzies on the surface. Anglers prize sailfish for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. To target them, we often slow-troll live baits like ballyhoo or squid. Here's a local tip: when a sailfish takes the bait, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds before coming tight. This gives the fish time to fully engulf the bait, increasing your chances of a solid hookup.

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These fish can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water. Spring's the best time as they migrate up the coast. Cobia are curious creatures - they'll often follow boats or even sharks. That makes sight fishing a blast. These fish put up a stubborn fight and taste great on the grill, which is why anglers love 'em. When you spot one, toss out a live eel or a large jig. Here's a local tip: if you see a cobia but it won't bite, try dragging your bait away. Their predatory instincts often kick in when they think prey is escaping.

Goliath Groupers are the tanks of the reef world, growing up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. You'll find these giants lurking around wrecks and reefs in relatively shallow water, usually less than 150 feet deep. While harvesting them is prohibited, catch-and-release fishing is still allowed. These fish are a blast to target - they're not shy and will readily take large baits. When hooked, they put up a brutal, but usually short-lived fight. Use heavy tackle - we're talking 80-wide reels and 600-pound test line. A local trick: bounce your bait off the bottom to create commotion and attract their attention. Remember, these fish are protected, so handle them with care and release them quickly.

Mahi Mahi are a favorite offshore target, known for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors. These fish typically range from 15-29 pounds but can reach up to 87 pounds. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris or weed lines. Summer and fall are prime seasons here in New Smyrna Beach. Mahi are fast growers and great eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. When fishing for them, keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to the fish. We usually troll with ballyhoo or squid, skipping them on the surface to mimic flying fish. A local trick: once you hook one, keep the boat in gear. Mahi often travel in groups, so you might land several from the same school if you play it right.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of hitting 60 mph. These streamlined predators average 3-5 feet long but can grow up to 8 feet. We typically find them in open water, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time off New Smyrna Beach. Anglers love targeting wahoo for their blistering runs and tasty white meat. To catch these rockets, we troll fast - around 12-15 knots - using wire leaders to prevent cutoffs from their razor-sharp teeth. A favorite local setup is a diving lure with a rubber skirted head, trolled on the outer edges of the spread. Remember, when a wahoo hits, it'll peel off line like nothing else. Be ready for that initial run, and don't be afraid to chase them down if needed.

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