Rainbow Charters

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Rainbow Charters

Captain Scott Ellis

386-252-2228

For more than 60 years, Rainbow Fishing Charters has been a cornerstone of the fishing community in Ponce Inlet, embodying the spirit of family tradition, adventure, and evolution. Since its inception in the early 1960s, the Ellis' family has weathered the tides of change in the fishing industry here, constantly adapting as a small, family-run operation allowing them to evolve into one of the most well respected names in the Central Florida fishing scene. Its long-standing history reflects not only the evolution of the fishing industry in Ponce Inlet but also the connection between the charter service and its backbone; the local community it serves.

In the 1930s, Ponce Inlet was a quiet coastal town, largely untouched by the hustle & bustle of modern development. It was during this time that many of the foundering fisherman of our local charter industry saw the opportunity to share the area's rich productive waters with the world. The original Rainbow helmed by Captain Gene Ellis began the now decades old legacy with one goal in mind, bringing home the fish, a tradition that still rings the supper bell today. Captain Gene Ellis would go on to have a son, during what would have seemed to be the year of legends in 1934. Midwife Martha Stone would help bring three prominent fisherman into the world that year, her own grandson future Captain Bob Stone (F.V. Snow White), future Captain Frank Timmons (F.V. Marianne) and future Captain John Ellis (F.V. Rainbow II). Captain John Ellis would go on to have 3 sons; John, Steve and Scott- who would go on to carry the family tradition helming first the Rainbow, then the Rainbow II, and finally the Rainbow III. Spanning over 60 years this legacy encompasses 4 generations of Ellis captains as well as five vessels, almost all operating under the Rainbow F.V. name, which was chosen by Captain Gene Ellis because of God's promise not to flood the world again. Its next generation offshoot, Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters, helmed by Captain JJ Ellis, will carry the family tradition into the next generations to come.

At the helm of the Rainbow III at present day, Captain Scott Ellis has been manning the boat for over 25 years now. While he has been at the helm that long, it's safe to say that almost his entire life was spent on these vessels, a testament to how deeply engrained the culture is in the family. He started fishing very young with his father, grandfather, and brothers and worked as a mate growing up and has been fishing ever since. He has Captained boats to places far and wide, like Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Grand Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. Over the course of Captain Scott's life he has seen the growth of the charter industry here first hand; from a bustling inlet with countless head boats, to the rise of sport fishing, all the the way to its present day incarnation that is truly tailor fitted to the needs of each individual angler that visits. Though it was historically docked at Hidden Treasure, the Rainbow III is now perfectly situated at Lighthouse Marina just minutes from the inlet. This prime location now features bait on the water at Lighthouse Bait & Tackle, not to mention the restaurant next door that will cook your catch- Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill.

The Rainbow III, a 39' Number One sport fisher built in Key West, was recently repowered with a brand new 450 horsepower Cummins inboard engine, she is a sturdy, well laid out vessel that provides a safe, fun, and comfortable fishing trip. Featuring a cuddy style cabin, she has tons of open space for anglers to both relax and enjoy the views or reel in the big one (or two!)! In 2023 she was upgraded with all new electronics, GPS and the latest fish fishing technology. Other notable features include large fly bridge, outriggers and downriggers, dual fighting chairs, and the highly sought after on board restroom.

Captain Scott Ellis has fished for just about every fish there is to catch out there, but his favorite type of fishing will always be for pelagic's. Between the show that a fish such as a Mahi or Sailfish gives you jumping while you are bringing them in, the fight is second to none in his heart. For families and beginners, the charter provides family-friendly trips that focus on creating a fun and educational experience, while more experienced anglers can choose customized trips to target larger, sportier fish on long range adventures. He insists he chose to follow the family tradition because of his love of the adventure of being out on the open ocean, and his own enjoyment of watching his customers experience the excitement of reeling in a great catch.

The 60-year history of Rainbow Fishing Charters is a story of perseverance, growth, and passion for the waters of Ponce Inlet. From its humble beginnings as a small, local charter service to its modern incarnation the Rainbow has stayed true to its mission: providing an exceptional fishing experience while nurturing a deep respect for the marine environment. As Ponce Inlet continues to grow, it remains a steadfast reminder of the area's rich fishing heritage, offering new generations the opportunity to experience the thrill of the catch in one of Florida's most iconic fishing destinations.

Trips aboard the Rainbow III include: 4/6/8 HR Offshore Trips, a 10 HR Deep Water Trip, and a 12 HR Gulf Stream trip.

Central Florida Fishing Charters

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Central Florida Fishing Charters

Captain Jordan Bonaccorso

386-315-5621

We are heading back to New Smyrna Beach this edition; an area well known for its rich and diverse fishery! Offering anglers access to inshore species like redfish and snook, as well as offshore opportunities to catch trophy fish such as mahi-mahi, sailfish, and grouper. This area's unique blend of estuaries, reefs, and deep-sea environments makes it a prime location for year-round fishing. It's here you'll find our next feature vessel, Central Florida Fishing Charters. Helmed by Captain Jordan Bonaccorso, this company guarantees that you'll enjoy yourself completely while pursuing a variety of exciting fish opportunities, and taking in the stunning local scenery.

For your trip you will enjoy a recently restored 30’ Stamas center console with brand new twin 250 horsepower Yamaha outboard engines. Comfortably accommodating up to 6 guests, she features a wide beam to ensure you have extra fishing room. Equipped with all the best GPS, fishfinding, and radar technology for efficient navigation and time management along the way. Outfitted for trolling as well as bottom fishing she features outriggers and a livewell; and for those longer offshore trips, enjoy the added offshore bean bags ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for all aboard. A first mate will join your trip to make the onboard service even better.

After living in the corporate world for years Captain Jordan made the transition that everyone dreams of; an office with a view.. out on the open water. When it comes to knowing the waters of Brevard & Volusia counties, he is quick to admit that after nearly 20 years of fishing he knows most of the nooks and crannies of the area like the back of his hand. Growing up in this coastal paradise, he spent his entire life honing his skills and deepening his connection to the ocean in his free time. Captain Jordan has been a charter captain for almost 5 years now, and he is gracious for the ability to spend his life fishing along Florida’s East Coast.

Captain Jordan insists there’s nothing quite like the thrill of navigating the ocean. The sense of freedom that comes with being out on the open sea is unmatched, and there’s immense satisfaction in providing his clients with experiences they’ll remember the rest of their lives. Operating out of Ponce Inlet is especially rewarding, offering some of the best fishing grounds on the East Coast. He is also well rounded in his favorite fishing styles, adding his favorite truly depends on what season it is. Whether you are trolling or bottom fishing, each method is perfect for targeting different trophy fish, which provides both a challenge and a reward that keeps anglers and Captains passionate about what they do. For him mahi is his favorite while trolling for two very distinct reasons, it's bound to go airborne providing quite the show and nothing beats the taste! When it comes to bottom fishing, targeting mangrove snapper is his favorite; more so because you never know what you'll pull up!

Every trip is a new adventure, and Captain Jordan is always excited to share his knowledge and love of fishing with others. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, there’s always something special about spending a day on the water, chasing the next big catch. Book a trip today!

Trips aboard Central Florida Fishing Charters include: 4 HR AM/PM Inlet Trips, 4 HR River Cruises, 3 HR Shark Trips, 4/5/6/8 HR Offshore Trips, 10 HR Trolling Trip, 12 HR Deep Water Bottom Fishing trips!

Fire Line Charters

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Fire Line Charters

Captain Mike Kyp

386-837-3827

For our next feature boat we head back to into the intracoastal to Adventure Yacht Harbor, where Fire Line Charters helmed by Captain Mike Kyp is docked. Growing Up at Kyp’s Fish Camp Captain Mike Kyp and his twin brother John (Captain - Reel - Axing Fishing Charters LLC), spent their childhood immersed in the Florida water life. Formerly located on Lake Beresford, the camp provided them with a unique upbringing, allowing them to operate boats from a very young age. Captain Mike recalls launching and captaining boats long before he was old enough to drive the truck needed to tow them to the water. This early exposure instilled in him a profound love for the water, shaping his life around various water activities such as fishing, surfing, scuba diving, and spearfishing. His bond with the water has been lifelong, and he is seldom found on dry land.

Fire Line Charters vessel is a 2015 26’ Century, powered by twin Yamaha 200 outboards. She is equipped with state of the art Garmin electronics, outriggers for trolling, and the added bonus of a restroom for comfort during long trips. This well-equipped boat ensures clients have everything they need for an enjoyable day on the water. Captain Mike's commitment to providing the best service, combined with his passion and expertise, makes every charter a memorable adventure for those lucky enough to join him. His dockage at Adventure Yacht Harbor is a perfect one, as the location features an on site restaurant, Boondocks Restaurant, which offers the highly sought after 'cook your catch', allowing you to return to dry land and eat the days haul- effortlessly!

Captain Mike Kyp's experience spans both fresh and saltwater environments, and despite having only being a charter captain for about 5 years, his lifetime of boating experience has made him apt in navigating & fishing the diverse waters of Florida. In addition to his role as a U.S. Coast Guard-Certified Captain, Captain Mike serves as a Battalion Chief for the Orange City Fire Department. The unpredictable nature of firefighting mirrors the ever-changing conditions at sea, where adaptability and quick thinking are a crucial part of the job. This dual career underscores his ability to handle high-pressure situations both on land and at sea.

One of Captain Mike's greatest joys is sharing his love of the water with others, particularly children. Witnessing the excitement of a child catching their first big fish, their smiles stretching from ear to ear, are priceless moments that reinforce his passion for being a charter Captain. He takes pride in creating memorable experiences for his clients, forming lasting friendships, and his dedication to making every trip special is evident in the feedback from his clients. Here you will leave with not just a cooler full of fish but also memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Captain Mike specializes in bottom fishing, which he finds particularly exhilarating due to the element of surprise it brings. There is nothing more exciting than wondering what's on the other end of the line, our packed reefs are known for their dense variety. Will it be a snapper, triggerfish, grouper, or cobia? You'll have to reel to see! This type of fishing allows him to utilize his extensive knowledge of the local waters & marine life, and keeps him passionate about his work. Note that he also offers trolling trips for the wide variety of pelagic species the Ponce Inlet area features such as; kingfish, mahi-mahi, barracuda, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, etc! Captain Mike reminds his prospective anglers that their chances for pelagics dramatically increases with the length of their trip.

Captain Mike Kyp's unique upbringing has laid the foundation for a life spent on (and under) the water, ensuring that every trip he leads is filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable memories. You are sure to have a blast no matter what trip you choose!

Trips Aboard Fire Line Charters include: Scenic River Eco-Tours, a 4 HR Shark Trip, and 6/8/10 HR Offshore Trips.