Knot On Duty Fishing Charters 

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

Knot On Duty Fishing Charters 

Port Orange, FL, United States
–
29 ft
6
4.9
(36 reviews)

Thanks for considering Knot On Duty fishing. We look forward to giving you a great day on the water.

These waters are home to Amberjack, Great Barracuda, Skipjack, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Grunt, Almaco Jack, African Pompano Jack, Jack Crevalle, and more with any luck. Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself spinning, popping, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. You're welcome to bring snacks to stay fueled throughout your trip!

Capt. Mike runs a 27' MayCraft center console with room for 6 passengers. Prices are for 4 passengers, with added cost for each extra. It has outriggers, and everything you need for a productive day on the water. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures. Live bait is on offer, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.

Some essentials to bring are sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen (non-spray), and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Knot On Duty fishing charters will make it easy for you to go fishing in Daytona Beach/Port Orange/New Smyrna Beach. So, how about booking that trip?

Thanks for considering Knot On Duty fishing. We look forward to giving you a great day on the water.

These waters are home to Amberjack, Great Barracuda, Skipjack, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Grunt, Almaco Jack, African Pompano Jack, Jack Crevalle, and more with any luck. Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself spinning, popping, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. You're welcome to bring snacks to stay fueled throughout your trip!

Capt. Mike runs a 27' MayCraft center console with room for 6 passengers. Prices are for 4 passengers, with added cost for each extra. It has outriggers, and everything you need for a productive day on the water. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures. Live bait is on offer, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.

Some essentials to bring are sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen (non-spray), and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Knot On Duty fishing charters will make it easy for you to go fishing in Daytona Beach/Port Orange/New Smyrna Beach. So, how about booking that trip?

Michael Nelson
Captain
Michael Nelson
36 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
3 Hour Trip – Shark Fishing (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Feb 28
Shark (Hammerhead)
Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Thresher)
Shark (Tiger)
+4
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Inlet (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Feb 1 - Jan 31
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Black Drum
+6
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Feb 28
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
+8
US $650
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
36 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (82)

What anglers say

97%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (36)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 36 reviews
Amy Sciarra
Amy Sciarra
us
Florida, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Awesome Experience
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) on May 15, 2026 • 4 adults

Captain Michael is truly seasoned and knowledgeable! We had a lot of fun and would highly recommend Knot On Duty. He knew exactly where to fish and when to move on to better fishing areas! Loved the whole experience! Make a great retirement gift!

Michael Nelson
Response from Captain

Thanks for the kind words. Im glad ya’ll enjoyed the day. The weather kept us from going very far but we did make a day of it. Thanks for fishing with me, hope to see yall again.

Martin Garcia
Martin Garcia
Member since 2025
5.0
A fishing trip to remember
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) on May 29, 2025

Me and my wife booked a five hour offshore trip with Captain Mike to fish for amberjacks. Something much bigger than our average bass were used to catching is what we were looking for and wow did we get it. Within 5 seconds of dropping our rig 40 feet, we were slammed. Hardest fight I’ve ever had. Something I was very appreciative of was mikes assistance. I myself was already having a rough time bringing my fish up and I began to worry about my wife, but as I looked over my shoulder Captain Mike was already on it to help my wife land her best fish. Captain Mike is a great guide to have. He’s very knowledgeable in his profession and is an amazing person to be around. Me and my wife were on our Honeymoon in Florida and this was absolutely the highlight of the trip for the both of us. When I return to Florida, Captain Mike will be one of our main stops. If you want to catch monster fish from the depths, Captain Mike is your guide.

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Michael Nelson
Response from Captain

Thanks for the kind words. It’s always nice when the fish cooperate. Glad y’all enjoyed it. Look forward to next time!

Scott J Redmond
Scott J Redmond
Member since 2025
5.0
8 hour trip
8 Hour Trip on May 24, 2025

Tried for a month to go grouper fishing finally the weather gave us break. Arrived early and Capt Mike was ready and waiting like always. 1st spot was smaller snapper so Mike moved us farther out. Mike found the fish quickly and we started catching only problem was the Taxman(sharks) found them to. Mike moved us around and we couldnt get away from the sharks. We had lots of different bait and we had some nice grouper that the sharks chewed on. Mike tried different ways to get around the sharks but they never gave up. It was a great day loads of fun and got my best a 70lb Goliath grouper. Already planning our next trip with Capt Mike. If you are looking to make memories or make a meal Capt Mike will guide you. a few pics from past trips

Reported catch:
Gag Grouper
Michael Nelson
Response from Captain

Yeah, we worked for them! 😅. At least we got a little grouper for y’all to take home. Glad y’all enjoyed it anyway. Look forward to next time. 👍

James Rankin
James Rankin
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Good fishing/ bad weather
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) on July 22, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

Capt Mike was great and ready to go. Stopped and got some bait fish on the way out got to the spot and we were on in no time. Sharks robbed us a few times. Then a storm came in really quick and we had to get back. Capt Mike definitely made the right call it got nasty fast and he got us back in safely. Definitely recommend fishing with captain Mike. Can’t help Mother Nature. We still ended up with some fish.

Reported catch:
Great Barracuda
Amberjack
Red Grouper
Michael Nelson
Response from Captain

James, wish we could’ve finished the day. The weather changed unexpectedly quick. Safety is top priority. Glad we got a couple fish for the boys. Hope you enjoy the fish. Hope to see y’all again. Thanks again for going. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Scott White Sr
Scott White Sr
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
A perfect day fishing!
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) on June 23, 2025 • 3 adults

The day started out heading to the Ponce Inlet and seeing a rocket takeoff from Cape Canaveral. Captain Mike reminded me of my Father, just a few years younger. Hard working and determined to find fish on a day that the fish didn’t want to bite. His hard work paid off as we landed to huge Amberjack and another on that was 30 inches long. If you’re looking for a great captain, make sure you book Captain Mike!!

Michael Nelson
Response from Captain

Thanks Scott, I appreciate y’all’s patience. The fish made me work for sure. Thanks for the tip. Hope to have y’all again.

FAQs about Knot On Duty Fishing Charters

Knot On Duty Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 3 Hour Trip – Shark Fishing (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Inlet (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Knot On Duty Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet We have a porta potty inside the console, with privacy. There's enough room for a decent size guy, I'm 6 ft and can use it. Little tight but it works.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Knot On Duty Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Sometimes it is necessary to catch live bait on the way out, we try to catch it prior to the trip. Typically live bait is brought on longer trips, and sometimes on shorter trips, if available. Bait is included in the price.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish cleaning is included in the price and is done either on the boat or on the marina fish cleaning table. )
  • Fishing license (We offer state and federal fishing licenses for up to 6 people. Also federal fishing permits.)
Knot On Duty Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (Main channel, no backwater)
  • Nearshore fishing (Inlet out to 5 miles)
  • Offshore fishing (We fish between 5-20 miles)
  • Reef fishing (We have artificial reefs and natural reefs )
  • Wreck fishing (We have several wrecks available to fish)
Knot On Duty Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Knot On Duty Fishing Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonito
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grouper (Scamp)
  • Grunt
  • Jack (African Pompano)
  • Jack (Almaco)
  • Jack Crevalle

Your captain

Michael Nelson
Michael Nelson
Port Orange, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
36 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since April 2025
Owned and operated by Captain Mike Nelson the 'Knot On Duty' is a fifth-generation charter fishing business based in the Port Orange & Ponce Inlet area. With deep roots in the areas well-documented fishing history, the Nelson family is also one of the most well-respected & influential families for their contributions in to the local fishing industry that we see here today. Captain Mike acquired his thirst for fishing in his early years, and by his teens he was already working on the local party fishing boats. During these key years, he spent his weekends and summers mastering what his father had already mastered in the 40 years prior and was lucky enough to do it right by his father's side. By the young age of 18, Mike was already a Captain and had established careers on both sport-fishing & charter fishing boats in the area. His vast accumulated knowledge of 5 generations of fishermen rolled into one paved the way for his own charter business today, but that does not truly sum up all that he is. His boat name is a reference to another Nelson family tradition, and he has a long history working for the area's Fire Departments. You'll only catch Captain Nelson when he is 'Knot' on duty, The Knot On Duty is a spacious 29 foot Carolina built Maycraft powered by new twin 150 HP Yamaha engines. With all the bells and whistles, you are sure to have a fantastic day out on the water. No matter the time of year the bottom fishing off the coast of Ponce Inlet is always a good time.
Michael Nelson
Michael Nelson
Fully verified
36
reviews
2025
member since
~1h
response
Owned and operated by Captain Mike Nelson the 'Knot On Duty' is a fifth-generation charter fishing business based in the Port Orange & Ponce Inlet area. With deep roots in the areas well-documented fishing history, the Nelson family is also one of the most well-respected & influential families for their contributions in to the local fishing industry that we see here today. Captain Mike acquired his thirst for fishing in his early years, and by his teens he was already working on the local party fishing boats. During these key years, he spent his weekends and summers mastering what his father had already mastered in the 40 years prior and was lucky enough to do it right by his father's side. By the young age of 18, Mike was already a Captain and had established careers on both sport-fishing & charter fishing boats in the area. His vast accumulated knowledge of 5 generations of fishermen rolled into one paved the way for his own charter business today, but that does not truly sum up all that he is. His boat name is a reference to another Nelson family tradition, and he has a long history working for the area's Fire Departments. You'll only catch Captain Nelson when he is 'Knot' on duty, The Knot On Duty is a spacious 29 foot Carolina built Maycraft powered by new twin 150 HP Yamaha engines. With all the bells and whistles, you are sure to have a fantastic day out on the water. No matter the time of year the bottom fishing off the coast of Ponce Inlet is always a good time.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonito
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Scamp Grouper
Scamp Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
African Pompano Jack
African Pompano Jack
Almaco Jack
Almaco Jack
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonito
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder
Flounder

Real catches by this captain

  • Awesome Experience
    Amy S.
    Amy S.
  • Fishing with Michael
    Ronald M.
    Ronald M.
  • Good fishing/ bad weather
    James R.
    James R.
  • Great Morning
    Brian B.
    Brian B.
  • Great trip
    Joshua M.
    Joshua M.
  • Fish Biting and Fighting 🎣
    David M.
    David M.
  • catching not fishing
    Christopher S.
    Christopher S.
  • Great trip
    Charleston H.
    Charleston H.
  • May fishing trip
    Nathan C.
    Nathan C.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
29 ft
Year built
1998
Restored in
2016
Boat manufacturer
MayCraft
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
34 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
We have a porta potty inside the console, with privacy. There's enough room for a decent size guy, I'm 6 ft and can use it. Little tight but it works.
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Outriggers
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Sometimes it is necessary to catch live bait on the way out, we try to catch it prior to the trip. Typically live bait is brought on longer trips, and sometimes on shorter trips, if available. Bait is included in the price.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish cleaning is included in the price and is done either on the boat or on the marina fish cleaning table.
Fishing license
We offer state and federal fishing licenses for up to 6 people. Also federal fishing permits.

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
We love kids, however it's good to bring kids of the age where they can enjoy the trip, like maybe 5 years old, or older. I would limit it to a 5 hr trip or less.
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

What’s biting in Port Orange right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
BonitoBonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
FlounderFlounder
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Knot On Duty Fishing Charters
Knot On Duty Fishing Charters
Federally permitted
4.9
(36)
29 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
3 hour trip • 6 persons
US $500