Southwind Charters offers nearshore and offshore fishing trips out of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, Captain Freddie knows how to make sure you have the ultimate offshore fishing experience. Feel free to bring your whole family and get ready for a day to remember.
You will be fishing aboard the Southwind, a custom-designed 41’ Jersey Sportfisherman with a 450 HP Detroit Diesel engine that has it cruising a comfortable 20 knots. You needn’t worry about being cramped on this boat as it has a large deck with three fighting chairs and plenty of space for up to six prospective anglers.
Due to the fact you’ll be fishing out of Ponce Inlet, you can expect to pick from a multitude of fishing opportunities. The trips will take you up to 50 miles out, and the area is full of wrecks, reefs, ledges and artificial reefs that are perfect for bottom fishing. If you’re more interested in trolling, you can find a great deal of pelagic fish out there such as King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish, among others.
Captain Freddie will provide everything you can possibly need for a successful trip, which includes rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses as well. Make sure to bring your sunglasses, as well as drinks and snacks if you’re a fan, and leave the rest to Freddie. After the trip, the first mate will clean and fillet anything you catch for your convenience. Gratuity is expected and appreciated.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (175)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
86%
Jul 12, 2025
Full Day Trip
We were lucky enough to book one of the two day red snapper season. After about an hr of catching bait we steamed off shore to structure that was full of life. It was lock and load fishing. Great job by crew. We limited out in a couple of hours. Couldn't ask for a better day. Freddy called me the night before asking if we could extend the trip knowing the fish were far offshore we took his advice and couldn't of asked for a better day. Highly recommend
We were lucky enough to book one of the two day red snapper season. After about an hr of catching bait we steamed off shore to...
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Apr 2, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
I took my wife, boys ages 15 and 16, and my daughter age 9. It was our first family fishing trip. Captain Freddie and his mate (daughter) Shelby were hands on the moment we stepped aboard. Captain Freddie asked what we wanted to accomplish and what time we wanted to be home and made it all happen! Plenty of bait and great equipment was on board ready to be used. We got family photos we will cherish forever… I would highly recommend Captain Freddie Z!!
I took my wife, boys ages 15 and 16, and my daughter age 9. It was our first family fishing trip. Captain Freddie and his mate...
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Jul 22, 2025
3/4 Day Trip
I would highly recommend the Southwind Captain Freddie and first mate Logan were perfect on putting us on fish and keeping our lines baited. Cleaned all of our fish at the end of the day. When we come back we will definitely be making reservations with these guys.
I would highly recommend the Southwind Captain Freddie and first mate Logan were perfect on putting us on fish and keeping our...
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Mar 13, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
Captain Freddy, Shelby and Gage could not have been more helpful, friendly and kind!! We had very novice fisherman in our group and the crew made the day absolutely AMAZING. They cleaned our fish perfectly, we cooked them all up the next night for a delicious dinner. I cannot recommend a better crew and we definitely will be back !!! Thank you again so much, Todd & Kitty Grugel
Captain Freddy, Shelby and Gage could not have been more helpful, friendly and kind!! We had very novice fisherman in our group...
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Mark review as helpful
Mar 24, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
We had a good experience overall and really appreciated the crew’s effort to make the most of our time on the water. Both the captain and first mate were kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. They took the time to explain everything, answer questions, and adjust the plan as needed based on the conditions that day. You could tell they genuinely wanted us to have a great trip. The boat itself was comfortable and well-maintained, with good shade and seating. It's an older diesel vessel, so while it’s not the fastest, it ran smoothly and was a solid ride for our half-day adventure. The fishing gear was in great working order—simple, functional, and easy to use. We did lose a few jigs and break some lines while chasing cobia, so if you're booking for that purpose, it may be worth asking about heavier tackle and extra jigs. For bottom fishing, live bait like pinfish might help increase your chances, but again, that's just a suggestion based on our day. We packed a lot into a short charter—trolling the channel, trying a few bottom fishing spots, and even getting the thrill of chasing rays in search of cobia. We didn’t land much, but the effort was definitely there, and the crew stayed upbeat and engaged throughout. A couple of small notes: be sure to confirm your meeting location in advance and ask who your captain will be—just for clarity. For us, it wasn’t an issue at all, but it’s nice to know ahead of time. All in all, a fun outing with a great crew. And don’t forget to bring a tip—they absolutely earn it!
We had a good experience overall and really appreciated the crew’s effort to make the most of our time on the water. Both the...
Mark review as helpful
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Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (175)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
86%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on July 12, 2025
We were lucky enough to book one of the two day red snapper season. After about an hr of catching bait we steamed off shore to structure that was full of life. It was lock and load fishing. Great job by crew. We limited out in a couple of hours. Couldn't ask for a better day. Freddy called me the night before asking if we could extend the trip knowing the fish were far offshore we took his advice and couldn't of asked for a better day. Highly recommend
We were lucky enough to book one of the two day red snapper season. After about an hr of catching bait we steamed off shore to structure that was full of life. It was lock and load fishing. Great job by crew. We limited out in a couple of hours. Couldn't ask for a better day. Freddy called me the night before asking if we could extend the trip knowing the fish were far offshore we took his advice and couldn't of asked for a better day. Highly recommend
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on April 2, 2025
I took my wife, boys ages 15 and 16, and my daughter age 9. It was our first family fishing trip. Captain Freddie and his mate (daughter) Shelby were hands on the moment we stepped aboard. Captain Freddie asked what we wanted to accomplish and what time we wanted to be home and made it all happen! Plenty of bait and great equipment was on board ready to be used. We got family photos we will cherish forever… I would highly recommend Captain Freddie Z!!
I took my wife, boys ages 15 and 16, and my daughter age 9. It was our first family fishing trip. Captain Freddie and his mate (daughter) Shelby were hands on the moment we stepped aboard. Captain Freddie asked what we wanted to accomplish and what time we wanted to be home and made it all happen! Plenty of bait and great equipment was on board ready to be used. We got family photos we will cherish forever… I would highly recommend Captain Freddie Z!!
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on July 22, 2025
I would highly recommend the Southwind Captain Freddie and first mate Logan were perfect on putting us on fish and keeping our lines baited. Cleaned all of our fish at the end of the day. When we come back we will definitely be making reservations with these guys.
I would highly recommend the Southwind Captain Freddie and first mate Logan were perfect on putting us on fish and keeping our lines baited. Cleaned all of our fish at the end of the day. When we come back we will definitely be making reservations with these guys.
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on March 13, 2025
Captain Freddy, Shelby and Gage could not have been more helpful, friendly and kind!! We had very novice fisherman in our group and the crew made the day absolutely AMAZING. They cleaned our fish perfectly, we cooked them all up the next night for a delicious dinner. I cannot recommend a better crew and we definitely will be back !!! Thank you again so much, Todd & Kitty Grugel
Captain Freddy, Shelby and Gage could not have been more helpful, friendly and kind!! We had very novice fisherman in our group and the crew made the day absolutely AMAZING. They cleaned our fish perfectly, we cooked them all up the next night for a delicious dinner. I cannot recommend a better crew and we definitely will be back !!! Thank you again so much, Todd & Kitty Grugel
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 24, 2025
We had a good experience overall and really appreciated the crew’s effort to make the most of our time on the water. Both the captain and first mate were kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. They took the time to explain everything, answer questions, and adjust the plan as needed based on the conditions that day. You could tell they genuinely wanted us to have a great trip. The boat itself was comfortable and well-maintained, with good shade and seating. It's an older diesel vessel, so while it’s not the fastest, it ran smoothly and was a solid ride for our half-day adventure. The fishing gear was in great working order—simple, functional, and easy to use. We did lose a few jigs and break some lines while chasing cobia, so if you're booking for that purpose, it may be worth asking about heavier tackle and extra jigs. For bottom fishing, live bait like pinfish might help increase your chances, but again, that's just a suggestion based on our day. We packed a lot into a short charter—trolling the channel, trying a few bottom fishing spots, and even getting the thrill of chasing rays in search of cobia. We didn’t land much, but the effort was definitely there, and the crew stayed upbeat and engaged throughout. A couple of small notes: be sure to confirm your meeting location in advance and ask who your captain will be—just for clarity. For us, it wasn’t an issue at all, but it’s nice to know ahead of time. All in all, a fun outing with a great crew. And don’t forget to bring a tip—they absolutely earn it!
We had a good experience overall and really appreciated the crew’s effort to make the most of our time on the water. Both the captain and first mate were kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. They took the time to explain everything, answer questions, and adjust the plan as needed based on the conditions that day. You could tell they genuinely wanted us to have a great trip. The boat itself was comfortable and well-maintained, with good shade and seating. It's an older diesel vessel,...
Mark review as helpful