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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $450
    An early trek inshore, this trip involves sailing the inlets, beaches, and other inshore areas in search of fish such as Cobia and Tarpon. Departure times are flexible.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Inshore
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $550
    This trip gives you extra time on the days the Reds are biting and you want to run down the beach for Tarpons, Kings, and Sharks.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip – Shark Fishing
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $550
    Bottom fishing in the Shark Capital of the World! Blacktip, sand, sandbar, and spinner are just a few species you may catch. The trip is 4 hours. Come try your arms at these monsters of the deep!
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Offshore
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $700
    If you like bottom fishing, then this is the trip for you. Go out some 25 miles offshore, and fish for Groupers, Snappers, and Triggerfish among others. Gear and bait are included in the price.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip – Offshore
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $900
    An offshore trip for the serious angler! Sail 25 miles offshore for some bottom fishing and trolling action. Expect to encounter fish species such as Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Groupers, and Snappers. Price includes gear and bait.
  • Private trip
    Extended Day Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,150
    This is a 10 hour trip offshore. Gives you the extra hours to really fill the box with the mahi and bottom fish.
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FAQs about Holy Smokes Fishing Charters

Holy Smokes Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group - Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Inshore (6 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Full Day Trip – Shark Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Offshore (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - Full Day Trip – Offshore (8 hours)
  • US $1,150 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

Meet the Captain

Dan Ballard
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States
8 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
36 Customer reviews
Response time 7 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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper

Boat specs

Mako (Center console) originally built in 1981, and restored in 2007. Powered by a 300HP Yamaha four-stroke engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.

Length
28 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Rodan keeps us on the fish!
Outriggers
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Bottled water
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 36 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (86)
December fishing trip
December fishing trip
December fishing trip
+83
Angler rating
34
2
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
92%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 36 reviews
Kyle G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip – Offshore on December 29, 2023
Kyle G. recommends Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Dan Ballard Captain replied

Rebecca O.
Northport, AL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6hr Off Shore with Captain Dan

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on August 16, 2021
Where do I begin? Originally our trip was planned for a 4hr inshore trip on a Monday but unfortunately had to be pushed back...
Rebecca O. recommends Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
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Rebecca O. recommends Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Jon H.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Off-shore fishing with Captain Dan

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip – Inshore on June 29, 2021
We had a wonderful time (despite some seasickness). Captain Dan knows a ton and willingly shared his knowledge with us and...
Jon H. recommends Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Dan Ballard Captain replied

Gregory W.
Elton, WV
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Absolutely the BEST time of our lives!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Inshore (PM) on November 8, 2020
Stop searching through charter after charter trying to decide who to book! BOOK Captain Dan!! We are two “hillbillies”...
Gregory W. recommends Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Dan Ballard Captain replied

Todd P.
Fruitland Park, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Offshore fun!

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip – Offshore on August 10, 2019
Captain Dan is a fun, experienced, easy going guide. This trip was for my 12 year old son’s birthday. Dan made it a lot of...
Todd P. recommends Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Dan Ballard Captain replied