Renowned 3/4 Day Fishing Trip in Daytona Beach

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

$199 - $725 price range

Summary

Ready for a solid day of fishing? This 6-hour trip takes you through the diverse waters of Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet. We'll hit the passes near the ocean, explore some nearshore reefs (weather permitting), and even dip into the backwater country. Our targets? Redfish, mangrove snappers, and sheepshead are on the menu, but we're always ready for whatever's biting. With room for 3 guests, it's a perfect outing for a small group or family. Jus Chillin Charters knows these waters inside and out, so whether you're casting in the inlet or trying your luck on the reefs, you're in for a real Florida fishing experience. Bring your sunscreen and your A-game – the fish are waiting!

Renowned 3/4 Day Fishing Trip in Daytona Beach

Rods, Reels, and Catches

Spotted beauty from the deep.

Peaceful day on the water, with a few good catches.

Peaceful day on the water casting a line.

Peaceful day on the water.

Reel in the Action: 3/4 Day Fishing Adventure

Get ready to wet your lines on this action-packed 3/4 day trip with Jus Chillin Charters! We'll be hitting up the prime fishing spots around Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet, giving you a taste of everything from inshore passes to nearshore reefs (weather permitting). With 6 full hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to put you on the fish and show you why this stretch of Florida coastline is an angler's paradise.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip is all about variety. We'll start by working the passes near the ocean, where the tidal flow concentrates baitfish and attracts hungry predators. Depending on conditions, we might run out to some nearshore reefs to target bigger game. And if the bite is hot in the backwaters, we'll duck into some of my favorite creek mouths and oyster bars. We'll be on the hunt for redfish, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead, but don't be surprised if we hook into some bonus species along the way. The beauty of this area is you never know what might grab your bait next!

Techniques & Tackle Talk

We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to keep the fish guessing. For the inshore action, light tackle spinning gear is the name of the game. We'll do some drift fishing in the passes, maybe toss a few soft plastics around structure, and if the redfish are tailing on the flats, we might even break out the fly rods. When we hit the reefs, we'll switch to slightly heavier gear and drop some live shrimp or cut bait to the bottom. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – I'll walk you through everything and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bonnethead Shark: These smaller cousins of the hammerhead are a blast on light tackle. They usually run 2-4 feet long and put up a scrappy fight. Look for them cruising the sandy bottoms near passes and beaches, especially in the warmer months. Bonnetheads love crustaceans, so a piece of fresh shrimp on the bottom is often irresistible.

Blacktip Shark: Fast, acrobatic, and known for their impressive jumps, blacktips are the "crowd pleasers" of the shark world. We typically find them in the 3-5 foot range, but they punch well above their weight class when it comes to the fight. These guys love to chase baitfish, so we'll often spot them busting the surface as they feed. Live mullet or a fresh-cut ladyfish are top baits.

Pompano: These silvery speedsters might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're prized for their delicious meat and the challenge they present to anglers. Pompano love to hang out in the surf zone and passes, feeding on small crustaceans and sand fleas. A small jig tipped with shrimp is deadly, and when you find one, there's usually more nearby. The fall and spring runs can be incredible.

Dolphinfish (Mahi-Mahi): While we don't always get into the mahi on this trip, if conditions are right and we can run a bit offshore, these colorful acrobats are a possibility. Mahi are known for their stunning blue-green and gold coloration, their incredible aerial displays, and their tender, flaky meat. They love to hang around floating debris and weedlines, so keep your eyes peeled for any structure on the surface.

Bluefish: These toothy terrors are pure muscle and attitude. Bluefish are voracious feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. We often find them in wolf packs, slashing through bait schools near the inlets and beaches. They're not picky eaters, so spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs all work well. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them!

Black Drum: The bulldogs of the inshore scene, black drum are known for their powerful fights and distinctive "croaking" sound. We find them around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and in deeper holes in the backwaters. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range. Fresh crab or cut clams on the bottom are like ringing the dinner bell for these guys.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This 3/4 day trip gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really explore the area and dial in on the bite, but not so long that you're wiped out at the end of the day. It's perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. Plus, with the variety of species and habitats we cover, it's like getting three trips in one. You might start the day battling redfish in the backcountry, then end up jigging for snapper on a nearshore reef. It's this mix of action and the chance to learn new techniques that keeps folks coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing around here, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is guaranteed to create some lasting memories (and hopefully put some fish in the cooler). We've got room for up to 3 guests, so grab your fishing buddies and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. Give Jus Chillin Charters a call today and let's get your 3/4 day adventure on the books. Tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are bruisers - they can grow over 50 pounds, though most are in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and near creek mouths. They're bottom feeders, using those powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time for big black drum as they school up to spawn. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound - that's how they got the name "drum." These fish put up a stubborn fight, using their size to their advantage. It's like pulling in a big old truck tire! To target them, use fresh crab, clams, or shrimp on a bottom rig. One local trick: look for "mud boils" in shallow water - that's often big drum rooting around for food. They're not the prettiest fish, but smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are good eating. Black drum are a great option when you want a shot at a true heavyweight. Just be prepared for a workout when you hook into a big one. And don't forget your camera - that distinctive chin barbel makes for a unique photo op!

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks are a popular target around here - they're fast, acrobatic, and put up a heck of a fight. You'll usually see them in the 4-5 foot range, though they can get bigger. Look for blacktips in coastal waters, especially near passes and artificial reefs. These sharks like warm water, so summer and early fall are prime time. They're known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often leaping clear out of the water. That makes for an exciting catch, even for experienced anglers. To target blacktips, use stout tackle with at least 50-pound line. Fresh cut bait like mackerel or mullet works well. Chum the water to bring them in close. One local trick is to use wire leaders - blacktips have sharp teeth that can slice through mono. Be careful handling these guys, but they make for great photos. Some folks even eat blacktip shark, though I'd recommend catch and release to help maintain the population. Either way, hooking into one of these high-flying predators is sure to get your heart racing.

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a mean fight for their size. They average 3-5 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even back bays. They're most active in spring and fall as they migrate along the coast. These fish are known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious appetite. When they're in a feeding frenzy, it's a sight to see - they'll tear through bait schools like a pack of piranha. That aggressive nature makes them a blast to catch on light tackle or even fly gear. To target blues, use metal lures or live bait like mullet. They're not picky eaters. One local tip: if you see birds diving and water churning, that's often bluefish blitzing on bait. Race over there and get your lure in the mix for some fast action. Bluefish are good eating when prepared right, though some folks find them too oily. Either way, they're hard-fighting and abundant - a great option when you want non-stop action. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Bonnethead Shark

Bonnethead Sharks are the smallest of the hammerhead family, usually 3-4 feet long. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often near sandy or muddy bottoms. They're pretty common around here in summer and fall. These sharks are fun to catch - they put up a good fight for their size. Plus, their unique shovel-shaped head makes for a cool photo. To land one, use fresh cut bait like blue crab or shrimp on a stout rod with 20-pound test line. Look for them in water 5-15 feet deep, especially near passes and channels. They're not aggressive, but watch those teeth when unhooking. Bonnetheads make decent table fare if you're into shark meat. Just be sure to follow local regulations on size and bag limits. One tip: try chumming with crushed crab to bring them in close. These little sharks can be a blast for anglers of all skill levels.

Pompano Dolphinfish

Pompano Dolphinfish are a blast to catch, averaging 2-3 feet long and 4-5 pounds. Don't confuse them with the bigger mahi-mahi - these guys are smaller but just as feisty. You'll find them in open ocean waters, often near floating debris or weedlines. Summer and fall are best for pompano dolphin. They're fast swimmers and acrobatic fighters, known for tail-walking across the surface when hooked. That makes for an exciting battle on light tackle. Plus, their meat is excellent - white, flaky, and sweet. To target them, troll small lures or baits near the surface. Natural baits like squid strips work well too. Keep an eye out for birds working the water - that often means pompano are feeding below. One local trick: toss out a chunk of wood or palm frond. Pompano are curious and will often investigate floating objects. These fish are a great option when larger pelagics aren't biting. They're abundant, fun to catch, and make for a tasty dinner. Just be ready for some acrobatics when you hook one!

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