Freddie Zona
Captain

Freddie Zona

Port Orange, United States
100+ reviews
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.
Shelby Z.
Captain
Shelby Z.
Shelby Z.
First mate

Charter

Rating

4.8
185 reviews
4.6
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

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

All reviews (185)

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)6 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!

    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)4 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!!

    Response from Captain

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

  • Kathy Dietsch
    Kathy Dietsch
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Best fishing trip !!

    Half Day Trip (PM)6 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 Trip6 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
    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)4 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!

    Response from Captain

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

Real catches shared by our community

  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZPort Orange, FL
    Great afternoon of fishing
    Thomas G.
    Thomas G.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZPort Orange, FL
    Freddie and Logan are top tier!
    Abraham C.
    Abraham C.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZPort Orange, FL
    Put us on the meat
    Kristopher M.
    Kristopher M.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZPort Orange, FL
    Mahi Mahi
    Roxanna R.
    Roxanna R.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZPort Orange, FL
    Wonderful adventure!
    Cheryl M.
    Cheryl M.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Family Fun Fish Day
    Josh S.
    Josh S.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Friendly, Knowledgeable Crew – A Memorable Day on the Water
    Larry M.
    Larry M.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Best fishing trip !!
    Kathy D.
    Kathy D.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    A good day of fishing
    Tony M.
    Tony M.
  • Southwind Charters with Freddie Z
    Southwind Charters with Freddie ZNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Awesome day on the water!
    Robert F.
    Robert F.

What's biting with Southwind Charters with Freddie Z in Port Orange

After the highs of summer, the water is at its hottest – and so is the fishing! Tarpon will make their way inshore, so you'll get to test your skills against the "Silver King."

 

Top catches for September