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Tony Varano
Captain

Tony Varano

New Smyrna Beach, United States
250+ reviews
Born and raised in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Captain Tony has only ever known fishing. He feels that it was inevitable that, in this fishing town, he would become a captain. He's now accrued over 25 years of experience and enjoys sharing his passion with every guest. He's proud that his boat enables him to operate more efficiently on the waters than some of the bigger sportfishing boats, providing more quality time on the water for customers.

Charters

Rating

4.8
292 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

94%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
96%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
86%
Caught fish

All reviews (292)

Showing 1 – 5 of 292 reviews
  • Judy Kelly
    Judy Kelly
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2022
    4.7
    Verified

    Great day with Capt. Tony & mate Russ

    10 Hour Trip – Mahi Mahi • 6 adults

    We planned a 10 hr trip to go offshore in search of Mahi. We caught a few small keepers (Vermillion Snapper), 1 barracuda, lots of bait fish and 3 very large red snapper, which had to go back due to being off-season. Hooked 2 large sharks, which added some excitement to the day. The mate, Russ, was excellent and the Captain Tony kept us on the fish, but sadly, nothing big was biting this time of the year. The boat itself is quite comfortable with the galley and head in full working order, but there were some AC issues in the cabin which made the 90+ degree day a bit uncomfortable with no break from the heat or sun. Overall, we enjoyed the day, would probably not select such a long trip in August, but would absolutely recommend Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters for our next adventure in NSB.

  • Edward Nelson
    Edward Nelson
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2020
    4.3
    Verified

    Terrific Trip Until the end

    8 Hour Sportfishing Trip • 6 adults

    we caught a great deal of fish. Russ the Mate made the experience absolutely awesome. Absolutely incredible fishermen. Absolutely a terrific teacher, entertainer, coach, and all around person to be out on the boat with. Boat Captain Tony’s guilt trip for a bigger and bigger Tip at the end of the trip spoiled the entire trip. When I offered to tip, Tony said my tipwasnt large enough. I increased my tip and he still said it wasn’t enough then told me that a larger tip is the only way Russ gets paid. Again guilt tripping me for a bigger tip. Great trip right up to the end.

    Response from Captain

    Trying to leave 150 on a 1600 bill. Just raved on how good was He really appreciated it.

  • Erik Pearson
    Erik Pearson
    us
    Mississippi, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip

    8 Hour Sportfishing Trip • 5 adults • 1 child

    We couldn’t ask for a better crew. Tony made sure we had the best and caught a ton of fish. I would recommend them to anyone looking to catch a ton a fish and actually learn how to catch the fish. Also they are great with kids of all ages. Thanks again we will be calling you the next time we are in town.

    Reported catch:
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    +1
    Response from Captain

    lopk forward to next year!

  • Aaron Gehrich
    Aaron Gehrich
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great fishing trip to cap a week with my brothers!

    10 Hour Sportfishing Trip • 2 adults

    They were knowledgeable and helpful. They moved us until found fish. Caught a ton of large red snapper… unfortunately we had to toss then back because they aren’t in season. We also caught a large, beautiful dolphin (mahi-mahi) which well keep, and an amber jack, which well also keep. Overall, an excellent fishing trip and a great time with my brothers.

    Reported catch:
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Tommy Davis
    Tommy Davis
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best fishing trip ever!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) • 5 adults • 3 children

    Captain Tony took out our family of 5 to fish in New Smyrna- he was amazing!!! We caught sheepshead, puffer fish, snapper, flounder, pinfish, stingray, weakfish and jack! We saw numerous manatee and dolphin! Our kids aging from 5-15 had the time of their lives. We highly recommend Captain Tony! Best day ever!

    Reported catch:
    Flounder
    Weakfish
    Response from Captain

    Thanks Tommy for the great review! Hope to see you an the family again soon.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of King Mackerel on a catch board at the marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    John B.
    John B.
    Tony and Russ was awesome, kept us on fish all day. Highly recommend.
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Red Snapper aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Judy K.
    Judy K.
    We planned a 10 hr trip to go offshore in search of Mahi. We caught a few small keepers (Vermillion Snapper), 1 barracuda, lots of bait fish and 3 very large red snapper, which had to go back due to being off-season. Hooked 2 large sharks, which added some excitement to the day. The mate, Russ, was excellent and the Captain Tony kept us on the fish, but sadly, nothing big was biting this time of the year. The boat itself is quite comfortable with the galley and head in full working order, but there were some AC issues in the cabin which made the 90+ degree day a bit uncomfortable with no break from the heat or sun. Overall, we enjoyed the day, would probably not select such a long trip in August, but would absolutely recommend Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters for our next adventure in NSB.
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Adult angler proudly holding a large red snapper aboard a fishing boat offshore, with rods and open ocean in the background.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Andrew W.
    Andrew W.
    were on fish all day, had some great fights and caught some tanks
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Multiple barracuda and amberjack-style fish arranged on a boat fillet table at the dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Great Barracuda
    Edward N.
    Edward N.
    we caught a great deal of fish. Russ the Mate made the experience absolutely awesome. Absolutely incredible fishermen. Absolutely a terrific teacher, entertainer, coach, and all around person to be out on the boat with. Boat Captain Tony’s guilt trip for a bigger and bigger Tip at the end of the trip spoiled the entire trip. When I offered to tip, Tony said my tipwasnt large enough. I increased my tip and he still said it wasn’t enough then told me that a larger tip is the only way Russ gets paid. Again guilt tripping me for a bigger tip. Great trip right up to the end.
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    A proud angler holding a large Red Snapper while fishing on a boat in clear blue waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Erik P.
    Erik P.
    We couldn’t ask for a better crew. Tony made sure we had the best and caught a ton of fish. I would recommend them to anyone looking to catch a ton a fish and actually learn how to catch the fish. Also they are great with kids of all ages. Thanks again we will be calling you the next time we are in town.
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Two young anglers and an adult proudly display a large mahi-mahi on an offshore fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Kevin T.
    Kevin T.
    Excellent trip Crew was great and supported the kids to make it a great 1st deep sea experience.
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a vibrant Red Snapper while fishing with family on a charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Douglas B.
    Douglas B.
    put us on fish at location, caught several species
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Two adult anglers proudly display a large red snapper aboard an offshore fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Aaron G.
    Aaron G.
    They were knowledgeable and helpful. They moved us until found fish. Caught a ton of large red snapper… unfortunately we had to toss then back because they aren’t in season. We also caught a large, beautiful dolphin (mahi-mahi) which well keep, and an amber jack, which well also keep. Overall, an excellent fishing trip and a great time with my brothers.
  • Reel Compulsive Charters – 22' Inshore Boat
    Reel Compulsive Charters – 22' Inshore BoatNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    An angler reeling in a fish from the side of a boat, showcasing the excitement of fishing in calm waters.
    Tommy D.
    Tommy D.
    Captain Tony took out our family of 5 to fish in New Smyrna- he was amazing!!! We caught sheepshead, puffer fish, snapper, flounder, pinfish, stingray, weakfish and jack! We saw numerous manatee and dolphin! Our kids aging from 5-15 had the time of their lives. We highly recommend Captain Tony! Best day ever!
  • Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters
    Reel Compulsive Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Cobia while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Joseph B.
    Joseph B.
    Sea bass, Atlantic Bonita, Cobia, we had a great time!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach

As we transition into winter, the inshore lagoons become increasingly appealing. Trout, Redfish, and Snook can be caught through to February, while Wahoo, Sailfish, and Kingfish bite hard offshore.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Kingfish Madness!

Dec 5, 2017 • New Smyrna Beach
The Kingfish are chewing! Whether trolling or on a drift line they don't seem to care right now. We're having no problems getting our limit of these guys!
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Two adult anglers proudly display a large king mackerel aboard a center-console fishing boat offshore.

Ponce inlet area

Aug 11, 2016 • New Smyrna Beach
Amberjack bite is going crazy right now if you can get your jig past all thelse Almco jacks. Cobia have been pretty Cooperative as well. The Seas have been flat and nice to be out catching fish in.
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