Ready for some fast-paced fishing without the long haul offshore? Our 4-hour near shore charter in Port Orange is the ticket. We'll zip out just past the breakers where the reefs and wrecks are teeming with fish, giving you all the excitement of deep sea fishing in a half-day package. It's perfect if you're short on time but still want to feel that rod bend. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Aaron knows exactly where to put you on the fish. Let's get out there and see what's biting!
As soon as we clear the inlet, the fishing action starts. We'll hit up productive spots like local reefs, sunken wrecks, and the edges of the Gulf Stream where baitfish congregate. You'll be using light tackle, which means even smaller fish put up a great fight. Keep your eyes peeled for surface activity – we might spot diving birds or bait getting busted, signaling predators below. The beauty of near shore fishing is the variety. One minute you could be jigging for snappers, the next you're battling a high-flying king mackerel. And don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Aaron will show you the ropes and make sure you're comfortable before we start fishing.
We use a mix of techniques to keep the rods bent. Drift fishing lets us cover more ground and is deadly effective for bottom species like snapper. When we spot schools of bait, we'll switch to live bait fishing – nothing beats a frisky pilchard for attracting big predators. If conditions are right, we might do some trolling to cover more water and target faster-moving fish like king mackerel or mahi-mahi. The captain always has a few tricks up his sleeve, like chunking for cobia or sight casting to sharks cruising the surface. It's all about adapting to what the fish are doing that day. You'll learn a ton just by watching and asking questions as we go.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are a near shore favorite. Kings can top 50 pounds and are known for blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They typically show up in good numbers from spring through fall, with peak action in the warmer months. When a king skyrockets on your bait, it's a sight you won't forget.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, mahi are the acrobats of the sea. They put on an aerial show when hooked and their vibrant colors are a thing of beauty. While we mostly find smaller "schoolie" mahi near shore, even these 5-15 pounders fight hard and taste amazing. Look for them around floating debris or weedlines from spring through fall.
Blacktip Shark: For pure power, it's hard to beat a blacktip. These coastal sharks are abundant year-round but really fire up in the warmer months. They average 4-5 feet but can push 8 feet long. Watching a shark's dorsal fin cut through the water as it zeros in on your bait is a rush every time.
Cobia: Nicknamed "lemonfish" for their color, cobia are bruisers that can top 100 pounds. They have a reputation for being unpredictable fighters – sometimes lazy, sometimes unstoppable. Cobia often hang around structures like buoys or even free-swimming rays. Spring and fall are prime times to target them as they migrate along the coast.
Lane Snapper: Don't let their smaller size fool you – lane snapper are scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. These colorful bottom-dwellers are usually in the 1-3 pound range but can reach up to 5 pounds. They're a year-round target over reefs and hard bottom areas. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop.
Our near shore trips are a hit because they pack so much variety into a short time on the water. You're not stuck doing one type of fishing all day – we can switch it up based on conditions and what's biting. It's also way more comfortable than being way offshore, which is great for families or anyone prone to seasickness. Plus, being closer to shore means more scenery. You'll get great views of the coastline and might even spot dolphins or sea turtles between fish. The half-day format is perfect for fitting a trip into a busy vacation schedule or getting back in time for dinner plans. And let's be honest – there's nothing like the feeling of bringing home fresh fish you caught yourself.
If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that salt spray, our Port Orange near shore charter is calling your name. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just want the thrill of the catch, Captain Aaron will put you on the action. Remember, fish don't take reservations – the best days fill up fast, especially during peak season. So don't wait to lock in your spot. Grab your sunscreen, bring a cold drink, and get ready for some rod-bending fun just minutes from the dock. Book now and let's make some fishing memories!
Blacktip sharks are common in our nearshore waters, especially in summer. These fast, agile predators usually run 4-5 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll often see them cruising just below the surface or busting bait schools. Blacktips put up a great fight on light tackle, with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We catch them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. Look for them around inlets, sandbars, and bait-rich areas. Fresh cut bait like mullet or bluefish works well. When you hook one, be ready for that initial smoking run - it'll test your drag for sure. Circle hooks are a must for easy release. These sharks make for some exciting catch-and-release action, perfect for anglers looking for a challenging fight on lighter gear.
Cobia are one of the most sought-after fish in our nearshore waters. These powerful bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. We see them from spring through fall, often hanging around buoys, wrecks, or even manta rays. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often follow the boat or investigate your bait before striking. Once hooked, they put up a stubborn, dogged fight with powerful runs. The meat is excellent - firm, white fillets perfect for grilling. Live eels or big jigs are top baits. My favorite trick is to chum them up, then sight-cast when they come investigate. Be ready to make a quick, accurate cast when you spot that big brown shape cruising by. Landing a big cobia is always a highlight of any trip.
King Mackerel are hard-fighting fish that'll give you a run for your money. These sleek predators typically range from 20-50 pounds and can hit speeds up to 50 mph. You'll find them in our nearshore waters from spring through fall, often hanging around reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Kingfish love to chase fast-moving lures and live baits like blue runners or goggle eyes. They're prized for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat's good eating too, especially when smoked. For the best shot at a big one, try slow-trolling a live bait on a downrigger near structure. These fish can be leader-shy, so I like using a longer, lighter fluorocarbon leader to get more bites.
Lane snapper are tasty little fish we catch year-round in our nearshore waters. They usually run 1-3 pounds, with anything over 5 considered a trophy. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas in 30-100 feet of water. Lanes are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits - shrimp, squid, and small jigs all work well. Light tackle makes for a fun fight with these scrappy fish. They're excellent eating too, with sweet, white meat perfect for frying or grilling. For the best action, anchor up over structure and put out a chum slick. Then drop down small hooks with bits of shrimp or squid. When you find a school, the action can be nonstop. It's a great way to put some tasty fillets in the cooler while having fun with light tackle.
Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch nearshore. These colorful acrobats average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. We find them year-round, but spring and summer are best. Look for floating debris, weed lines, or birds working - that's where mahi congregate. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. Once hooked, expect wild jumps and powerful runs. Mahi fight hard but tire quickly, so we can often catch multiples from a school. The meat is excellent - firm, mild, and great on the grill. My go-to rig is a light spinning outfit with 20-pound braid. Toss out a small bait or lure, let it skip across the surface, and hang on tight when that big bull crushes it. There's nothing quite like watching a lit-up mahi come to the boat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
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