Holy Smokes Fishing Charters 

4.9
(44 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 South Peninsula Drive 3948, Port Orange, FL 32127, United States

Holy Smokes Fishing Charters 

Port Orange, FL, United States
28 ft
4
4.9
(44 reviews)

Holy Smokes Fishing Charters is a charter with a tradition. Captain Dan is a Florida native, and fishing has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. His specialties include deep water bottom fishing and trolling, and that's just for starters. As a member of the Florida Fishing Guides Association, he has more than 25 years of experience with fishing on the east coast of Florida. It's safe to say that this is someone who knows his salt.

You will be fishing aboard a 28' Mako center console boat boasting a Yamaha 300 HP engine. It can carry up to four perspective anglers and is suitable for both inshore and offshore trips. Among the things that are also found on the Mako boat are Raymarine electronics, TACO Marine outriggers, a 30-gallon live baitwell and two downriggers. A large ice box is also provided so you can store any snacks or extra drinks you might want to bring. While the Mako is built to ensure smooth sailing, people who might be prone to seasickness should consider bringing preventives with them as a precaution on long trips.

When it comes to inshore fishing with Captain Dan, you can look forward to exploring the beaches, inlets, and other inshore areas for Cobia and Tarpon. Offshore fishing is his thing, so expect to sail the wrecks for Sailfish, Kingfish, Mahi Mahi, and more besides. If bottom fishing is your thing, there are plenty of Groupers, Snappers, and Triggerfish to go around. As someone who fishes year-round, he will always be able to figure out the best way for you to spend the time - regardless of weather or season.

No fishing license is needed, and Captain Dan will provide all the necessary tackle and bait. Bring along some snacks, a camera, and most importantly, a go-getter attitude and get ready to sail out.

Holy Smokes Fishing Charters is a charter with a tradition. Captain Dan is a Florida native, and fishing has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. His specialties include deep water bottom fishing and trolling, and that's just for starters. As a member of the Florida Fishing Guides Association, he has more than 25 years of experience with fishing on the east coast of Florida. It's safe to say that this is someone who knows his salt.

You will be fishing aboard a 28' Mako center console boat boasting a Yamaha 300 HP engine. It can carry up to four perspective anglers and is suitable for both inshore and offshore trips. Among the things that are also found on the Mako boat are Raymarine electronics, TACO Marine outriggers, a 30-gallon live baitwell and two downriggers. A large ice box is also provided so you can store any snacks or extra drinks you might want to bring. While the Mako is built to ensure smooth sailing, people who might be prone to seasickness should consider bringing preventives with them as a precaution on long trips.

When it comes to inshore fishing with Captain Dan, you can look forward to exploring the beaches, inlets, and other inshore areas for Cobia and Tarpon. Offshore fishing is his thing, so expect to sail the wrecks for Sailfish, Kingfish, Mahi Mahi, and more besides. If bottom fishing is your thing, there are plenty of Groupers, Snappers, and Triggerfish to go around. As someone who fishes year-round, he will always be able to figure out the best way for you to spend the time - regardless of weather or season.

No fishing license is needed, and Captain Dan will provide all the necessary tackle and bait. Bring along some snacks, a camera, and most importantly, a go-getter attitude and get ready to sail out.

Dan Ballard
Captain
Dan Ballard
17 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $950
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Extended Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 12 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.9
44 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (105)

What anglers say

100%
Recommended
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (44)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 44 reviews
Stephen Rando
Stephen Rando
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Reel Memories with Captain Dan
3/4 Day Trip – Offshore on July 6, 20263 adults1 child

Our private fishing charter with Captain Dan was an outstanding experience from start to finish! He was incredibly accommodating and made sure everyone in our group was comfortable and having a great time throughout the trip. What really made the day special was the variety of fishing we got to experience. We weren't limited to just one style. He mixed things up and caught a great variety of fish, which kept the action exciting all day long. Captain Dan knew exactly where to go and was always willing to adjust the plan to give us the best possible experience.

Dan Ballard
Response from Captain

Thank you so much! i don’t realize what I’m doing. I just catch fish. And for someone to point this out is amazing. Thanks agIn!

Greggory Frye
Greggory Frye
us
Nevada, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
absolutely worth it!!!!!!!
3/4 Day Trip – Inshore on March 15, 20262 adults1 child

Dan was awesome!! when did the half day trip for my sons 11th birthday and it was worth every penny, we fished three different spots and caught fish at all three locations , even had the chance to fight a shark a couple times “which was a first for my son and I.Dan was extremely knowledgeable about the fish and area. and whever you turned arround to grab a new bait he was already there with a bait in hand and would throw it on the hook and you would be back fishing instantly!!. Dan went above and beyond the whole trip making the experience even better,”” he even flayed and bagged the fish”. I highly recommend Dan, Thanks againg for am amazing trip!!!! We wil be back soon

Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Mangrove Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Gag Grouper
+1
Dan Ballard
Response from Captain

Thank you for the awesome review! I had a great time fishing wirh you guys!

Frank Coleman
Frank Coleman
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great day on the water!
Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on June 12, 20263 adults1 child

Captain Dan put us on fish right away. His boat is amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better day on the water. I would highly recommend Holy Smokes to anyone looking for a great fishing experience!

Reported catch:
Goliath Grouper
Dan Ballard
Response from Captain

Thank you! You guys were great and made my day super easy! I even got to fish! Look forward to see you and your family again!

Bette Weese
Bette Weese
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
April fishing trip
3/4 Day Trip – Inshore on April 12, 20264 adults

Dan Ballard
Response from Captain

Thank you!

Chad Lee
Chad Lee
Repeat angler
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Awesome!
Full Day Trip – Offshore on March 25, 20251 adult1 child

Danny was awesome, he called the day before to ask suggestions or see what we had in mind and gave us directions to meeting point. He asked us to get there a little early to head out and allow us more time to fish which is always a bonus! So my son and I got there early headed out and hooked some fish! Highly recommend to anyone it was well worth the trip.

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

FAQs about Holy Smokes Fishing Charters

Holy Smokes Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Offshore (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - Full Day Trip – Offshore (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - Extended Day Trip (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Holy Smokes Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor Rodan keeps us on the fish!
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Sonar
  • Radar
Trips booked with Holy Smokes Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Bottled water)
  • Fishing license
Holy Smokes Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Around 25 miles)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Holy Smokes Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Holy Smokes Fishing Charters include:
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Sailfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Triggerfish (Gray)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Dan Ballard
Dan Ballard

Port Orange, Florida, United States

8 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
44 Customer reviews
Typical response within 5 hours
Member since November 2014

A Floridian born and raised, Captain Dan comes from a family of fishermen and has been involved in fishing for as long as he can remember. A member of the Florida Fishing Guides Association and US Coast Guard licensed charter fishing captain, he has more than 25 years of experience with fishing on Florida's east coast. He is a devoted offshore fisherman and a big fan of bottom fishing and trolling.

Dan Ballard
Dan Ballard
Fully verified
8
reports
44
reviews
2014
member since
~5h
response
A Floridian born and raised, Captain Dan comes from a family of fishermen and has been involved in fishing for as long as he can remember. A member of the Florida Fishing Guides Association and US Coast Guard licensed charter fishing captain, he has more than 25 years of experience with fishing on Florida's east coast. He is a devoted offshore fisherman and a big fan of bottom fishing and trolling.

The fish you can target

Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Sailfish
Sailfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Wahoo
Wahoo
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • Reel Memories with Captain Dan
    Stephen R.
    Stephen R.
  • Great day on the water!
    Frank C.
    Frank C.
  • April fishing trip
    Bette W.
    Bette W.
  • absolutely worth it!!!!!!!
    Greggory F.
    Greggory F.
  • Awesome!
    Chad L.
    Chad L.
  • Great family fishing!
    Scott S.
    Scott S.
  • December fishing trip
    Kyle G.
    Kyle G.
  • October fishing trip
    Wendy K.
    Wendy K.
  • Fishing with Dan
    Tom L.
    Tom L.
  • Off-shore fishing with Captain Dan
    Jon H.
    Jon H.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
1981
Restored in
2007
Boat manufacturer
Mako
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha four-stroke
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Around 25 miles
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Rodan keeps us on the fish!
Outriggers
Ice box
Sonar
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Bottled water
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

 Bank transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Port Orange right now

CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Goliath)Grouper (Goliath)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
Federally permitted
4.9
(44)
28 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500