Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to hit the water for some serious Port Orange fishing? I'm talking about a full 8 hours of exploring the best inshore spots this slice of Florida has to offer. We'll cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, poke around the inlets, and even check out some hidden local ponds. Trust me, there's nothing quite like casting a line under those scenic bridges – it's where the big ones like to hang out!
Listen up, because this isn't your average day out fishing. We're talking about a custom experience tailored just for you and your crew. Whether you're itching to reel in some monsters or just want to kick back and enjoy a day on the water with the family, we've got you covered. And hey, we're all about keeping our fisheries healthy, so we practice catch and release. It's all about the thrill of the catch and some killer photos, right?
Now, don't worry if you're new to this. Our trips are perfect for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. We'll hit up all the local hotspots, and I'll share some insider tips to help you land the big one. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cold drink or two)!
Alright, let's talk tackle. We'll be using a mix of light and medium tackle, depending on what we're after. For the inshore spots, we'll often use live bait – nothing beats a lively shrimp or mullet to entice those tarpon or snook. But don't worry, I've got all the gear you need covered.
We might do some drift fishing in the inlets, letting the current do the work while we present our baits. Or, if the fish are hanging around structure, we'll anchor up and do some precision casting. And those peaceful ponds? Perfect for some quiet sight fishing if the conditions are right.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on those bridge pilings. The fish love to use them as ambush points, so that's where we'll focus a lot of our attention. It's all about reading the water and knowing where the fish are likely to be hanging out.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you might be reeling in on this trip. We've got quite a lineup, and each one brings its own excitement to the game.
Tarpon: These silver kings are the stuff of angling legend. They can grow over 6 feet long and put up a fight that'll have your arms aching (in the best way). Tarpon are known for their spectacular leaps and gill-rattling head shakes. Spring and early summer are prime time for these giants, but we can find them year-round in the right spots. Landing one of these is a true badge of honor for any angler.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are a blast to catch. They're like the sports cars of the sea, capable of blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. We typically target kings in the warmer months, and they love to hang around inlets and near-shore structures. The thrill of a king mackerel strike is hard to beat – they hit hard and fast!
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These beauties are as fun to catch as they are to look at. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, mahi mahi are a favorite among anglers. We usually find them in the warmer months, often near floating debris or weed lines. They're known for their delicious meat, but remember, we're catch and release on this trip – so just enjoy the fight and snap a quick pic!
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast attacks, 'cudas are the bad boys of the inshore waters. They're around all year, but they're especially active in the warmer months. Watching a barracuda streak across the surface to nail your lure is a heart-pounding experience. Just be careful handling these toothy critters!
Broomtail Grouper: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are all about power. They love to hang around structure and put up a stubborn fight when hooked. Catching a broomtail is all about technique – you've got to be quick to pull them away from their rocky homes before they can dive back in. They're most active in the cooler months, giving us something exciting to target year-round.
You know what keeps folks coming back to Port Orange for more fishing? It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty awesome). It's about that feeling you get when you're out on the water, the sun on your face, and the anticipation of what might be on the end of your line. It's about sharing laughs with your buddies or making memories with your kids.
And let's be real – there's something special about fishing these waters. One minute you're cruising the Intracoastal, the next you're sneaking into a hidden pond that looks like it's straight out of a postcard. It's like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, we're after fins and scales.
Plus, with our focus on catch and release, you get to feel good about your day on the water. You're not just fishing – you're helping to keep our fisheries healthy for the next generation of anglers. How cool is that?
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a day of fishing that's more than just dropping a line in the water, this is it. We're talking 8 full hours of prime Port Orange fishing action. Whether you're after that trophy tarpon photo or just want to enjoy some quality time with the family, we've got you covered.
Remember, we keep it small with a max of 4 guests, so you're getting a real personalized experience. And while we don't provide meals, feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up for all the action.
So what do you say? Ready to hit the water and make some fishing memories? Don't let this chance slip away like a big one off the hook. Book your Port Orange fishing charter with Family Custom Charters today. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're out there battling a monster fish and grinning from ear to ear. Let's go fishing!
Broomtail grouper are a rare treat around here. These powerful fish typically run 30-60 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll find them hanging around deep reefs and rocky areas in 100+ feet of water. They're most active in warmer months. Broomtails put up a stubborn fight, trying to dive back into the rocks. Heavy tackle is a must. We usually drop large live baits like pinfish or grunts. Once hooked, it's all about turning their head and pumping them up before they bust you off in the structure. The meat is excellent - firm and mild. Since they're not common, we limit harvest to protect the population. If you hook into a big one, get ready for a battle royale! These grouper will test your arms and your gear.
Great barracuda are the bad boys of the flats. These toothy predators can stretch over 5 feet and hit 60+ pounds. You'll spot them prowling shallow reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves year-round. Barracuda are lightning fast, hitting lures and bait with incredible force. They often jump and thrash when hooked. Wire leaders are a must - those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Try trolling tube lures or live bait around structure. My favorite is sight-casting to big ones cruising the flats. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. While they put up a great fight, barracuda aren't good eating due to potential ciguatera. We practice catch and release to keep populations healthy. Landing a big 'cuda is always exciting, just mind those teeth!
King mackerel, or kingfish, are some of the fastest fish in these waters. They typically run 10-30 pounds but can reach over 90. Look for kings around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs in 30-150 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Kings are lightning fast and put up a great fight on light tackle. Trolling with live bait or lures is the go-to method. These fish have razor sharp teeth, so wire leader is a must. The meat is good eating, but be aware of size and bag limits. For the best shot at a big one, try slow-trolling a live blue runner or mullet. Kings will often skyrocket on the bait - an awesome sight! They're a blast to catch and make for some tasty fish tacos back at the dock.
Mahi mahi are one of the prettiest fish you'll ever see. Their electric blue and green colors are stunning. Most run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 60+. We find them offshore around floating debris and weed lines, usually in 120+ feet. Spring through fall is prime time. Mahi are acrobatic fighters and great eating fish. Trolling with ballyhoo or lures works well. Casting to a school can lead to non-stop action as they compete for the bait. If we find a school, I'll often have anglers pitch out live baits - the mahi go crazy for them. These fish don't live long, so there's no guilt in keeping a few for the grill. Just be sure to ice them down quick to preserve that sweet, mild flavor. Mahi are a fan favorite - beautiful, great fighters, and delicious.
Tarpon are some of the most exciting game fish out there. These silver beasts can grow over 6 feet long and top 200 pounds. You'll find them cruising the flats, inlets, and coastal waters around Port Orange from spring through fall. Tarpon put up an incredible fight, leaping several feet out of the water when hooked. Their acrobatics and stamina make them a bucket list catch for many anglers. We usually target them with live bait like mullet or crabs, but fly fishing for tarpon is popular too. The key is using stout tackle - these fish will test your gear. And don't forget to bow to the king when they jump! Catch-and-release is standard practice to protect the population. Landing a tarpon is an unforgettable thrill, even if you don't get to take one home for dinner.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 4
Horsepower per Engine: 150