Where do I begin? Originally our trip was planned for a 4hr inshore trip on a Monday but unfortunately had to be pushed back to Friday because of weather. Captain Dan was great at communicating with us in order to have a great fun and safe trip! The day before the trip Captain Dan reached out to us letting us know that the experience he had that day off shore fishing was great and the weather conditions for Friday would be even better. He offered for us to change our trip from a 4hr inshore to the 6hr off shore. He explained to us that he didn’t want us to feel pressured to change since it does cost a little extra money but he wanted us to know that it was an option. After talking with my husband we agreed that why not, it’s our first anniversary trip, go big or go home! I’m so glad we took Captain Dan on his offer because we had a great time and caught some great fish! When we got back to the dock Captain Dan filleted our fish and recommend a place to go to have it cooked. I would recommend Captain Dan to anyone! He is knowledgeable, looks out for his customers and is all around a great person.

We had a wonderful time (despite some seasickness). Captain Dan knows a ton and willingly shared his knowledge with us and our very curious six year old. He is incredibly patient and works hard to get the fish. I highly recommend taking some Dramamine early as it helps a ton, especially if you encounter choppy waves like we did. Still worth the trip and what an experience to have! We enjoyed getting to eat the fish we caught tonight- absolutely delicious!

Stop searching through charter after charter trying to decide who to book! BOOK Captain Dan!! We are two “hillbillies” from WV who have never been on a charter boat before. We had no clue what we were really booking. I didn’t know the difference in “deep sea, inshore, river fishing, etc…” so here’s the normal person lingo on Inshore/River Charter…
River/inshore means you’re still in the ocean (I’m blonde and didn’t realize this). You just don’t sail miles and miles out to sea.  You’re close to the land, you’re not going to get massive sharks and 20’ long fish on this charter. However- you still see some AMAZING creatures and real in large fish, sting rays, and have a fight on your hands with these guys.

You are NOT bored at any point on this boat. Captain Dan casts extra poles and lets you reel everything that is hooked in. He explains the ocean and gives you lots of stories and and makes sure you have the time of your life. He is a Florida native and gave us some great tips on places to eat and visit. If you catch a fish and want to eat it, he cleans them and recommends a restaurant that will cook your fish for you!

He is very knowledgeable and I’m sure would be a great Captain for actual fisherman who know what they are doing as well as putting up with those of us who don’t have a clue and giving us the time of our lives.

I’ve gone on lots of vacations and lots of excursions. I’ve been on a speedboat at Niagara Falls, swam with dolphins, snorkeled with sting rays, slid the slopes at snowshoe, and I have to say this could possibly be my FAVORITE trip! We will be returning with the kids in a few months and will definitely make this an annual trip!

Captain Dan is a fun, experienced, easy going guide. This trip was for my 12 year old son’s birthday. Dan made it a lot of fun for him. We trolled for Kingfish at first, with little success. Not from trying. Dan had success the day before. Then he took us to a few other spots over the next few hours for bottom fishing that netted us a lot of fish and fun. We were educated about fishing and fish along the way. At the end of a beautiful day, he fileted our take home catch and even gave us a left over Kingfish from the day before! He was always smiling. You can tell he loves what he does. I will definitely call on Dan and Holy Smokes Fishing Charters when we are ready to go offshore again.

Great day!  Dan is very personable and knowledgeable.  He will put you on the fish!