Deep-sea Fishing in Daytona, Florida

Daytona Beach, famous for Spring Break and the Daytona 500, is home to more than just college students and NASCAR fans. It is also a favored destination of deep-sea fishermen of all types. The amount of available charter boats and cruises ensures you will be able to find the right experience be you a seasoned vet or a first-timer. Whether you want to catch dinner or bring home a trophy for the den, you will be able to find the right fit for you.

  1. Locale and Weather

    • Located 50 minutes northeast of Orlando and 35 minutes north of Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach is relatively close to popular tourist areas. The Florida weather permits year-round fishing and people take advantage of it. Warm for most of the year, the summer months can be oppressive to visitors with temperatures reaching 100 degrees F and 100 percent humidity.

    Charter Boats

    • Charter Boat

      There are many options for chartering a boat and many differences in the experience provided. Make sure you have chartered the appropriate boat for your wishes. Some specialize in family-oriented trips while others are geared toward adults. The company and/or captain will make clear what to expect. The amount of passengers varies with the size of the boat. Pricing will also vary depending on the size of the boat, amenities provided, and the length of the trip. Most trips are defined as either half day or full day with respective prices.

    Equipment

    • Typically, charter boats will supply all the needed equipment. Some captains will allow you to bring your own equipment but it is a good practice to check before planning the trip. Known as the Sunshine State, Florida's sun can be brutal so remember the sunscreen and eye protection. Also bring a camera to document "the one that got away."

    Pelagic vs Bottom Fishing

    • Another thing to consider is exactly which fishing experience is suited to you. Pelagic fishing is the type popularized by the image of a man wrestling with a large fish, strapped into a chair and holding on for dear life. This is a more dramatic activity but generally does not result in as many catches. Bottom fishing, aiming for fish that live and feed at the bottom of a body of water, is generally more productive with most people hauling in fish relatively easily. Pelagic fishing refers to trophy fish such as marlin and sailfish; bottom fishing is concerned with grouper, snapper and cobia.

    Licenses

    • According to the January 2010 Florida Fishing Regulations Saltwater Edition by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a license is not needed if "fishing from a for-hire vessel--guide, charter, party boat--that has a valid vessel license or charter captain license". Requirements are different for Florida residents and visitors. More detailed information can be found at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (See Resources)