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Dan Ballard
Captain

Dan Ballard

Port Orange, United States
Federal waters
25+ reviews
A Floridian born and raised, Captain Dan comes from a family of fishermen and has been involved in fishing for as long as he can remember. A member of the Florida Fishing Guides Association and US Coast Guard licensed charter fishing captain, he has more than 25 years of experience with fishing on Florida's east coast. He is a devoted offshore fisherman and a big fan of bottom fishing and trolling.

Charter

Rating

4.9
44 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (44)

Showing 1 – 5 of 44 reviews
  • Stephen Rando
    Stephen Rando
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Reel Memories with Captain Dan

    3/4 Day Trip – Offshore • 4 adults • 1 child

    Our private fishing charter with Captain Dan was an outstanding experience from start to finish! He was incredibly accommodating and made sure everyone in our group was comfortable and having a great time throughout the trip. What really made the day special was the variety of fishing we got to experience. We weren't limited to just one style. He mixed things up and caught a great variety of fish, which kept the action exciting all day long. Captain Dan knew exactly where to go and was always willing to adjust the plan to give us the best possible experience.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you so much! i don’t realize what I’m doing. I just catch fish. And for someone to point this out is amazing. Thanks agIn!

  • Greggory Frye
    Greggory Frye
    us
    Nevada, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    absolutely worth it!!!!!!!

    3/4 Day Trip – Inshore • 3 adults • 1 child

    Dan was awesome!! when did the half day trip for my sons 11th birthday and it was worth every penny, we fished three different spots and caught fish at all three locations , even had the chance to fight a shark a couple times “which was a first for my son and I.Dan was extremely knowledgeable about the fish and area. and whever you turned arround to grab a new bait he was already there with a bait in hand and would throw it on the hook and you would be back fishing instantly!!. Dan went above and beyond the whole trip making the experience even better,”” he even flayed and bagged the fish”. I highly recommend Dan, Thanks againg for am amazing trip!!!! We wil be back soon

    Reported catch:
    Black Seabass
    Mangrove Snapper
    Gray Triggerfish
    Gag Grouper
    +1
    Response from Captain

    Thank you for the awesome review! I had a great time fishing wirh you guys!

  • Frank Coleman
    Frank Coleman
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water!

    Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) • 4 adults • 1 child

    Captain Dan put us on fish right away. His boat is amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better day on the water. I would highly recommend Holy Smokes to anyone looking for a great fishing experience!

    Reported catch:
    Goliath Grouper
    Response from Captain

    Thank you! You guys were great and made my day super easy! I even got to fish! Look forward to see you and your family again!

  • Bette Weese
    Bette Weese
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    April fishing trip

    3/4 Day Trip – Inshore • 4 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thank you!

  • Chad Lee
    Chad Lee
    Repeat angler
    us
    Indiana, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome!

    Full Day Trip – Offshore • 2 adults • 1 child

    Danny was awesome, he called the day before to ask suggestions or see what we had in mind and gave us directions to meeting point. He asked us to get there a little early to head out and allow us more time to fish which is always a bonus! So my son and I got there early headed out and hooked some fish! Highly recommend to anyone it was well worth the trip.

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Real catches shared by our community

  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Reel Memories with Captain Dan
    Stephen R.
    Stephen R.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Great day on the water!
    Frank C.
    Frank C.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    April fishing trip
    Bette W.
    Bette W.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    absolutely worth it!!!!!!!
    Greggory F.
    Greggory F.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Awesome!
    Chad L.
    Chad L.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Great family fishing!
    Scott S.
    Scott S.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    December fishing trip
    Kyle G.
    Kyle G.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    October fishing trip
    Wendy K.
    Wendy K.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Fishing with Dan
    Tom L.
    Tom L.
  • Holy Smokes Fishing Charters
    Holy Smokes Fishing ChartersNew Smyrna Beach, FL
    Off-shore fishing with Captain Dan
    Jon H.
    Jon H.

What's biting with Holy Smokes Fishing Charters 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

Fishing reports

Offshore Bite

Dec 27, 2016 • Port Orange
All offshore trips have been nice. If the wind is low we go! We are limiting out on Vermilions. Nice size black sea bass, Trigger fish, also a couple of Lane snapper and Mutton snapper. Some really nice Cobia showed up as well last week. The inshore bite is good as well. Black drum and Sheepshead are the main stay. Some Reds and Snook can still be found in key spots. Capt. Dan
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Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while on a boat, showcasing a successful day of fishing.

Snook and Reds at Ponce

Nov 21, 2015 • Port Orange
Ponce inlet is loaded with snook and reds right now! Live bait will do the trick!
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An angler proudly displays a large Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, with a scenic ocean backdrop.

Nice Mahi

Apr 4, 2015 • Port Orange
Headed out early Sat morning, Port Canaveral, hit 150ft dropped in our spread. Hit 300ft, shotgun goes off, naked ballyhoo way out! Big Bull gaffer in the boat. Short time later couple peanuts in the boat! Over all nice day!!
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Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing the colorful species against a backdrop of ocean waves.

Got one!

Mar 21, 2015 • Port Orange
Went out of Port Canaveral early had good reports of Mahi bite is on. Long story short we had 3 knock downs and one OK bull Mahi. Everyone had same out come. One here one there. No size. So we switched over to bottom fishing and got some more meat on the table! Black Sea Bass, Vermilion's, and Porgy's! All in all very good trip!
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A family proudly displaying their catch of various fish, including Snapper and Grouper, while enjoying a fishing trip on a boat.

Red Hot Bottom Fishing!!!!!!

Mar 12, 2015 • Port Orange
The bite is hot on the bottom out of Ponce Inlet! We are limiting out on Black Sea Bass and Vermillion. With a mix of Porgy's. We do fight through the Sharks too! Which keeps you catchin and adds a little fun to the trip!
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A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch, including Snapper and Black Drum, aboard a fishing boat in a scenic coastal setting.

Fish Fry Anyone?

Mar 11, 2015 • Port Orange
Customer- We want some fish to eat, can you do that? Capt. Dan- Sure can, I have just the spot! Customer- Holy Smokes!!! You put us on the fish and fish in the cooler! Capt. Dan- That is what we do here! Customer- great charter!
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