Get ready to chase some serious fish just off the beaches of Port Orange with Top Notch Adventures. This full-day, 8-hour charter takes you to the sweet spot where inshore meets offshore. We're talking about reefs, jetties, and wrecks that are close enough to see land but far enough out to hold the big ones. It's the best of both worlds – the convenience of nearshore fishing with the excitement of bigger game. Whether you're after a trophy redfish or want to tangle with a blacktip shark, Captain Aaron's got you covered.
We'll kick things off early, loading up the boat with everything we need for a full day of fishing. As we cruise out, you'll get to soak in the stunning Florida coastline – it never gets old, trust me. Once we hit our spots, we'll be targeting a mix of species. Some days we're dropping lines for black drum and redfish, other days we might be working the water column for gag grouper or flounder. And if you're up for a real rush, we can always try our luck with some hard-fighting sharks. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we've got time to try different techniques and locations until we find the hot bite.
Nearshore fishing is all about versatility. We'll be armed with a variety of rods and reels to match our quarry. For bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks, we'll use heavy tackle with live and cut bait. When targeting species in the water column, we might switch to lighter gear and use artificial lures or jigs. If the conditions are right, we might even do some sight fishing for cobia or kings. Captain Aaron's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he'll teach you the ropes as we go. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll pick up some new skills on this trip.
Our nearshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been hauling in some real beauties, from bull redfish to chunky gag grouper. Just last week, we had a father-son duo land a 40-pound cobia that gave them the fight of their lives. Another group managed to boat three different species of snapper in one trip. The variety out here is what keeps folks coming back – you never know what's going to hit your line next.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, king mackerel can top 50 pounds in our waters. They're most active in the warmer months, and there's nothing quite like the screaming reel when a big king hits your bait. We often target them by slow-trolling live baits near the surface.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dolphinfish, these neon-colored beauties are a favorite for both their fighting ability and their excellent taste. Mahi are curious fish, often found near floating debris or weedlines. They're most common in the summer months, and their acrobatic fights and vibrant colors make them a bucket-list catch for many anglers.
Blacktip Shark: For pure power, it's hard to beat a blacktip. These sharks can reach up to 6 feet in length and put on one heck of a show when hooked. We typically target them in the warmer months using heavy tackle and large baits. The thrill of watching a shark's dorsal fin cut through the water as it chases your bait is something you won't forget.
Cobia: Often called "crabeater" due to their love of crustaceans, cobia are strong, curious fish that can top 100 pounds. They're often found near structures or even following large rays. Cobia are most active in our waters from spring through fall, and their hard-fighting nature makes them a prized catch.
Lane Snapper: Don't let their smaller size fool you – lane snapper are a blast to catch and delicious to eat. These colorful fish are typically found over rocky bottoms and reefs. They're available year-round but seem to be most active in the warmer months. Lane snapper are great for anglers of all skill levels and often provide consistent action throughout the day.
There's something special about fishing these nearshore waters. You're close enough to see the coastline, but you're fishing spots that feel a world away from the crowded beaches. The variety of species we can target means every trip is different. One minute you might be finessing a snapper off the bottom, the next you're locked in battle with a shark. It's this mix of relaxation and excitement that keeps our regulars booking trip after trip. Plus, with a full 8 hours on the water, you've got time to really dial in the bite and maximize your chances of landing that fish of a lifetime.
If you're ready for a day of non-stop fishing action, surrounded by the beauty of the Florida coast, this is the trip for you. With Top Notch Adventures, you're not just getting a fishing charter – you're getting a fully customized experience tailored to your skill level and interests. Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand and is committed to putting you on the fish. Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing spot or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Port Orange's waters, this 8-hour nearshore trip is hard to beat. So grab your sunscreen, pack a lunch, and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. Book your trip now and get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years to come!
Blacktip sharks are one of the most common sharks we see inshore and near shore. They average 4-5 feet long and put up an awesome fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising the surf, inlets, and nearshore reefs in 20-200 feet of water. Summer is prime time for blacktips as they follow bait schools close to shore. They're aggressive feeders and will readily take cut bait or live fish. Oily fish like mackerel or bonito work great. Blacktips are known for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Anglers enjoy targeting blacktips for their hard-fighting nature and the thrill of landing a shark. While not the biggest shark out there, they make up for it with their speed and aerial displays. Plus, they're actually good eating if you're into shark meat. A word of advice - when fishing for blacktips, use circle hooks. They're easier on the sharks for catch and release, and actually hook up better than J-hooks. Just let them run with the bait and tighten up, no need to set the hook.
Lane snappers are fun little fish that pack a punch for their size. Usually 10-14 inches long, they hang out near reefs and wrecks in 70-200 feet of water. Look for them around coral and sandy areas with vegetation. These pink and yellow striped beauties are aggressive eaters, so they're not too picky about bait. Live shrimp or cut bait works great. The best time to target lanes is March through September during spawning season. That's when you'll find them schooling up in big numbers. They feed most actively at night, so evening trips can be productive. Lanes put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and taste excellent, making them popular with anglers. One local tip - if you're catching small lanes, try downsizing your hook and bait. The big ones are usually mixed in, but the little guys often get to the bait first. A smaller presentation can help you connect with those keeper-sized fish. Just be ready for a battle when you hook into a good one!
Cobia are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find near shore. These solitary swimmers average 3-4 feet long and 30-50 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia migrate through our area in spring, typically April through June. That's prime time to sight fish for them on the surface. Later in summer, target them over reefs and wrecks. They'll eat just about anything, but live eels or big jigs work great. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Be ready for a long fight - these fish don't give up easily. Here's a pro tip: When you spot cobia, don't charge right at them. Make a wide circle and approach slowly. A stealthy presentation is key, or they'll spook and sound. Patience pays off with these wary fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 135