Southwind Charters with Freddie Z 

4.8
(184 reviews)
 3948 South Peninsula Drive, Port Orange, FL 32127, United States

Southwind Charters with Freddie Z 

Port Orange, FL, United States
41 ft
6
4.8
(184 reviews)

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.

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.

Freddie Zona
Captain
Freddie Zona
21 years of experience

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 2:00 PM
US $800
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $1,700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Big Game Trophy Sportfishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
US $1,900
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
184 reviews
4.6
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (179)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
95%
Recommended
86%
Caught fish

All reviews (184)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 185 reviews
Thomas Giampa
Thomas Giampa
us
Massachusetts, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great afternoon of fishing
Half Day Trip (PM) on March 26, 20266 adults

We had a great time, first mate Logan was super helpful. We were only out for an afternoon but caught lots of fish. Fought a big one for a while which was super exciting but the fish won in end. They cleaned and fileted the catch - We enjoyed a fried fish dinner from some of our catch there at the marina restaurant. Would definitely book Freddy again! Nice captain and crew!

Freddie Zona
Response from Captain

im glad that yall enjoyed your day. hope to see you in the future.

Josh Slattery
Josh Slattery
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Family Fun Fish Day
Half Day Trip (AM) on April 2, 20254 adults

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!!

Freddie Zona
Response from Captain

Truly enjoyed fishing with yall today. Enjoy your harvest and hope to see you soon!

Todd Grugel
Todd Grugel
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Best fishing trip !!
Half Day Trip (PM) on March 13, 20256 adults

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

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Amberjack
Kristopher Martone
Kristopher Martone
us
New York, US
Member since 2025
4.7
Verified
Put us on the meat
Full Day Trip on July 12, 20252 adults4 children

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

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Freddie Zona
Response from Captain

I’m glad yall enjoyed your day. Look forward to seeing you in the future!

Larry Meador
Larry Meador
us
Florida, US
Member since 2025
4.0
Verified
Friendly, Knowledgeable Crew – A Memorable Day on the Water
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 24, 20254 adults

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!

Freddie Zona
Response from Captain

We are glad you enjoyed your 4 hour fishing adventure with us.

FAQs about Southwind Charters with Freddie Z

Southwind Charters with Freddie Z offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $800 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,700 per group - Extended Day Trip (10 hours)
  • US $1,900 per group - Big Game Trophy Sportfishing Trip (12 hours)
When you book a trip with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radio
Trips booked with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First mate (20% gratuity is expected and appreciated.)
  • Fishing license
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonito
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Freddie Zona
Freddie Zona

Port Orange, Florida, United States

4 Fishing Reports
185 Customer reviews
Typical response within 11 hours
Member since October 2014

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.

Our Team
Shelby Z.

Shelby Z.

Captain

Shelby Z.

Shelby Z.

First mate

Freddie Zona
Freddie Zona
4
reports
185
reviews
2014
member since
~11h
response
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.
The crew
Shelby Z.
Shelby Z.
Captain
Shelby Z.
Shelby Z.
First mate

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonito
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonito
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper

Real catches by this captain

  • Great afternoon of fishing
    Thomas G.
    Thomas G.
  • Freddie and Logan are top tier!
    Abraham C.
    Abraham C.
  • Put us on the meat
    Kristopher M.
    Kristopher M.
  • Mahi Mahi
    Roxanna R.
    Roxanna R.
  • Wonderful adventure!
    Cheryl M.
    Cheryl M.
  • Family Fun Fish Day
    Josh S.
    Josh S.
  • Friendly, Knowledgeable Crew – A Memorable Day on the Water
    Larry M.
    Larry M.
  • Best fishing trip !!
    Kathy D.
    Kathy D.
  • A good day of fishing
    Tony M.
    Tony M.
  • Half day trip
    Amanda B.
    Amanda B.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
41 ft
Year built
1986
Boat manufacturer
Jersey
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Detroit Diesel
Powered by
1 x 450HP
Max cruising speed
20 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
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

Toilet
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live bait well
Outriggers
Ice box
Radio
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First mate
20% gratuity is expected and appreciated.
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

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.

What’s biting in Port Orange right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
BonitoBonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
4.8
(184)
41 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $800