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.
Captain
Freddie Zona
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (173)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
85%
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!!
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
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,...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on July 12, 2024
Although not much was biting, the captain and crew worked hard trying to find where the fish were. We finally found the spot and were reeling them in one after another. The Captain said we were going to go over on our time but we were going to check out a couple places until we finally found the right spot. First Mate worked hard making sure everyone was able to fish, baiting hooks and keeping the area clean. Great Trip!
Although not much was biting, the captain and crew worked hard trying to find where the fish were. We finally found the spot and were reeling them in one after another. The Captain said we were going to go over on our time but we were going to check out a couple places until we finally found the right spot. First Mate worked hard making sure everyone was able to fish, baiting hooks and keeping the area clean. Great Trip!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Extended Day Trip on July 17, 2024
6th trip - went an extra 45 minutes when we got on more fish when we were suppose to turn - then an hour on the return - with rods away - Captain spotted a possibility and stopped the boat - (second trip with him getting a sail)
6th trip - went an extra 45 minutes when we got on more fish when we were suppose to turn - then an hour on the return - with rods away - Captain spotted a possibility and stopped the boat - (second trip with him getting a sail)
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z include:
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z offers the following types of fishing:
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z include:
Port Orange, Florida, United States
Captain Freddie Zona is the owner and operator of Freddie Z Fishing aboard Southwind Charters. He has fished the waters of Central Florida since 1994 and enjoys sharing the knowledge he's picked up over the years. He knows how much fun fishing as a family adventure is, and likes nothing more than to show the little ones how to get started. Captain Shelby Zona is the 2nd generation of "Zona" to helm/ crew the FV SouthWind. She has been aboard the vessel fishing out of Ponce Inlet, FL 15+ years with her father Captain Freddie Zona from 1st mate into relief captaincy. Captain Shelby enjoys sharing her knowledge derived from learning and refining the skills of nearshore and offshore fishing.
Shelby Z.
Captain
Shelby Z.
First mate
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing
Toilet
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well
Outriggers
Ice Box
Radio
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
20% gratuity is expected and appreciated.
Fishing License
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.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
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
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.