Down South Fishing Company

#BoatOfTheMonth Down South Fishing Company Captain William McNutt Captain Eric McPherson 850-843-7505

Down South Fishing Company, helmed by Captains William McNutt and Eric McPherson, is rising area favorite based out of New Smyrna Beach. Providing a wide range of trips both inshore and offshore, they also offer the occasional trip share slots for smaller groups of anglers looking to get offshore. Featuring dual Captains and dual boats, they also have their very own official charter dog, Sam the Golden Retriever.

Captain William McNutt concluded his tour in the Marine Corp knowing his future belonged out on the water and set his sights on becoming a Captain. Originally from the Gulf he relocated to Ponce Inlet a couple years ago and opened his charter business, Down South Fishing Company. Coming from a long line of fisherman, Captain William pursued this goal with one reason in mind; providing them same experiences he dreamed of as a child to other anglers. Continuing the family tradition, his passion will always be bottom fishing for Grouper, a staple of bottom fishing the Ponce Inlet area.

Second Captain Eric McPherson spearheads their inshore trips; taking the knowledge he's accrued over his years managing a bait shop and providing the same level of instruction he once did from land now from the water. Noting he thoroughly enjoys teaching anglers everything they need to know, he explains that the excitement they show brings him back to his childhood and solidifies his choice in careers. Captain Eric's favorite type of inshore fishing is free lining live bait at night in some of the areas best dock light hot spots.

Down South Fishing Company's fleet includes two vessels hand picked for both inshore and offshore fishing. Offshore trips will have access to their 25' Parker Cuddy Cabin powered by twin 200 HP Suzuki engines, outriggers & downriggers, as well as the incredibly adorable #SamTheCharterDog. Inshore trips are ran on their 22' Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser powered by a 150 HP Yahama outboard, the perfect size to get you into to all the nooks and crannies of our incredible intracoastal waterway.

Trips aboard Down South Fishing Company include: 3 HR & 4 HR Inshore Night Fishing, 4 HR & 6 HR Inshore/Nearshore Trips, 6 HR & 8 HR Offshore Trips, as well as a 10 HR Gulf Stream Offshore for the more serious anglers.

Book Your Trip Today!

Tails Up Charters

Tails Up Charters, one of Ponce Inlet’s rising stars, hit the ground running in 2020 and has been riding the wave ever since. Captained by Ed Defeo, Tails Up has consistently been in the rankings for best catches since Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network’s inception early last year.

An Ormond Beach native, Captain Ed fell in love with fishing in Ponce Inlet as a child and spent his life learning the trade. In his younger years he would often sit at the helm on fishing trips out to the Gulf Stream, experiences that definitely sealed his career path for the future. Captain Ed’s favorite aspect of running charters is getting to see his clients with the same excitement he grew up accustomed to, which allows him to relive his best memories daily. Noting that he doesn’t have a favorite style of fishing; whether it be trolling, bottom or live bait fishing— he is always well equipped to catch whatever is biting that day. His greatest catch thus far he says was the 74 lb cobia he caught while snook fishing the inlet early last year. (Pictured Below)

On your offshore trip you will be fishing on a newly restored 32’ Jarrett Bay sport fishing boat, powered by twin Mercury Verado 300HP outboard engines. With a cruising speed of 30 knots this vessel will easily navigate you all the way to the Gulf Stream or any fishing ground in between. Onboard amenities include: a bathroom, top of the line electronics, outriggers, live bait wells, bean bag chairs & a freshly installed SeaDek to ensure you are comfortable from head to toe.

Available trips aboard Tails Up Charters include: 4 HR Inlet Trip (Seasonal), 4 HR Shark Trip, 6 HR Offshore Trip, 8 HR Offshore Trip, 10 HR Gulf Stream Trip, 12 HR Gulf Stream Trolling Trip or 12 Gulf Stream Bottom Fishing Trip.

Book Your Trip Today!

Waterproof Charters Fishing

One of Ponce Inlet’s most legendary & well renowned charters, Waterproof Charters Fishing Captained by Tim Garrett, is also one of the original charter boat businesses in the area. With over 40 years of experience in both charter fishing as well as commercial fishing, Captain Tim has an incredibly long and seasoned history fishing the Ponce Inlet area. As with most of the long standing charter businesses in Ponce Inlet, this is a family run business that prides itself on the happiness of each and every one of the anglers that step aboard their vessel.

The Waterproof, a 40 foot custom built Number One boat, specifically designed for bottom fishing & trolling, is powered by a 650 horsepower inboard John Deere engine. Featuring a large cockpit and cabin, the vessel has a restroom, fly bridge for sightseeing and fighting chairs for the most epic of fish fights. Their docking was handpicked, being less than a mile from Ponce De Leon Inlet, ensuring that you have more time to fish & less time traveling.

Originally from Ohio, Captain Tim fell in love with the area as a child when he was vacationing in Daytona Beach with family. The Garrett’s family tradition of offshore fishing the areas then charters sealed Captain Tim’s heart in what he wanted his career and future to hold. Relocating here after, he initially worked as a mate and commercially fished in the winters. In 1986 he had The Waterproof custom built & has been blessed year after year with highlight reels that are sure to make just about anyone’s jaw drop! While he is well known for his offshore fishing, he most enjoys wiggling a crappie jig through the lily pads in his free time.

No matter what type of fishing you end up doing, you can rest assured that you are in the best of hands. Captain Tim & The Waterproof are well known for their fish hauls, whether they be gaffer mahi’s, stud groupers, or just the perfect sized sailfish. Captain Tim’s years of experience allow The Waterproof to stay at the top of the charts year after year.

Trips aboard the Waterproof include: 4/6/8/10/12 hour Offshore trips & a 4 hour Shark trip.

Book your Trip Today!