World-Class Offshore Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Full Day Offshore Fishing Charter New Smyrna Beach

If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing, Capt. Doug Hicks has you covered with a full day charter that takes you well beyond the breakers where the real action happens. This isn't your typical half-day trip—we're talking about a legitimate offshore adventure targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species. You'll spend the day working both the bottom structure and running trolling spreads, giving you the best shot at everything from screaming mahi runs to that trophy cobia you've been dreaming about. The boat heads out from New Smyrna Beach, and depending on conditions, we might even push out to the Gulf Stream where the big boys hang out.

What to Expect on the Water

This charter accommodates up to two passengers, so you're getting a personalized experience without feeling crowded on deck. Capt. Doug provides everything you need—all the tackle, live bait, required fishing licenses, and US Coast Guard approved safety gear. You won't need to bring anything except your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day. The captain handles all the fish cleaning too, so you can focus on the fishing and go home with perfectly filleted fish ready for the dinner table. We run a cash-only operation, though credit cards are accepted with a 5% upcharge. The trip works great for beginners and seasoned anglers alike since the captain adjusts techniques based on your experience level.

Bottom Fishing & Trolling Tactics

The beauty of this charter is the variety of fishing methods we employ throughout the day. We'll start by working the bottom structure with heavy tackle, dropping baits down to where grouper, snapper, and cobia like to hang out around wrecks and reefs. The captain knows exactly where these productive spots are located, and you'll be amazed at how quickly the action can heat up once we find the right piece of structure. Later, we'll set up trolling spreads with a mix of lures and rigged ballyhoo, covering water to find schools of mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. The trolling is where things get really exciting—there's nothing quite like watching multiple rods go off simultaneously when you hit a good school of dolphin. If conditions allow and the fish are cooperating, we might even make a run to the Gulf Stream where the water turns that deep blue and anything can happen.

Top Catches This Season

The waters off New Smyrna Beach hold an incredible variety of offshore species, and each one offers its own unique challenge and reward. Mahi mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are absolute crowd pleasers and typically show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. These fish are acrobatic fighters that put on quite a show when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Mahi are also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and known for their blistering initial runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators are ambush hunters that love fast-moving trolling lures, and their razor-sharp teeth can slice through wire leaders like butter. Cobia are the gentle giants that often surprise anglers with their curious nature—they'll sometimes swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a perfect shot at a sight-cast. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, can reach impressive sizes and are incredible table fare with meat that tastes similar to shark or grouper. Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, with their spectacular dorsal fin and acrobatic fighting style that includes multiple jumps and long runs. While they're catch-and-release only in most areas, the experience of fighting a sail on light tackle is something every angler should experience at least once.

Time to Book Your Spot

A full day offshore charter with Capt. Doug Hicks gives you the complete New Smyrna Beach fishing experience, from working the nearshore structure to potentially reaching the Gulf Stream. The combination of bottom fishing and trolling means you're maximizing your chances at a variety of species while learning different techniques from an experienced captain. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with great eating fish or chase that trophy of a lifetime, this charter delivers the goods. The personalized attention you get with just two passengers means more fishing time and better instruction if you want to improve your skills. Don't wait too long to book—the best offshore fishing days fill up quickly, especially during prime season when the mahi are thick and the sailfish are hungry.