Southwind Charters with Freddie Z Fishing

#BoatOfTheMonth

Southwind Charters with Freddie Z Fishing

Captain Freddie Zona

386-423-9260

It's always sunny in New Smyrna Beach; an area renowned for its pristine waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant local culture. For this month's special edition boat of the month; we highlight a Captain that has spent the last 30 years earning his spot at the top. We are stoked here at Ponce Fish Network to not only be able to write about this incredible Captain, but also provide our fans with a rare opportunity to see it for themselves live & in person! With a passion for the sea and a dedication to providing unforgettable experiences, Captain Freddie Zona is well respected in our local fishing community and continues to carve out his legacy in his daily grind. Southwind Charters with Freddie Z Fishing is the culmination of decades of hard work, determination and sacrifice- and he is blessed to be able to stand at the helm today with his daughter & fellow Captain, Shelby Harbster Zona.

Captain Freddie's fishing career began the same way many of the local greats here did; on a head-boat or three, mating the eighties away. His early years were spent mastering the intricacies of fishing and mate work, learning all he could about the operations of each vessel he worked on- skills that would later form the backbone of his professional life. Over the first 10 years of his career he dabbled in a wide variety of work; from our local head-boats to private sportfishers, charter fishing to professional tournaments, mate work to relief Captaincy. After years of honing his craft, Freddie decided to channel his expertise and love for the ocean into his own business. Thus, Freddie Z Fishing was born, on a 26' Regulator, a dream at heart, and a baby in tow. What started as a modest venture has grown into one of New Smyrna Beach's most sought-after charter services, known for its exceptional service and unparalleled fishing adventures. After years of running Southwind Charters as both its relief Captain & mate for former owner Captain John Krall, Captain Freddie Zona took over the operation full time just over 10 years ago. Since then he has refined the charter's experience, raised a first mate and future Captain, and made a ton of memories for thousands of anglers along the way.

The Southwind is a 41' Custom Jersey Sportfisherman built in 1985, powered by a single screw 682 Detroit Diesel inboard. Equipped with all of the necessary fishing gear and safety equipment, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and productive journey. Captain Freddie's personable nature and storytelling adds a unique charm to every outing, often leaving guests with not just fish, but stories to go home with that last a lifetime. Southwind Charters offers a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of both novice and seasoned anglers. Whether it’s a half-day fishing trip targeting snapper and mackerel, or a full-day offshore experience chasing mahi-mahi and sailfish, guests are guaranteed a memorable experience. Captain Freddie's goal has always been to put anglers on the fish of a lifetime, but notes that deep water bottom fishing will always remain his favorite due to the how Captain & Angler intensive it is trying to get the fish in the boat.

Over the years, Captain Freddie has cultivated a strong sense of community around Southwind Charters. Regular clients return not just for the exceptional fishing, but for the camaraderie and friendship that the experience has fostered. The vibe is quite different aboard this vessel, one of the aspects that Captain Freddie still appreciates- the reality of him now Captaining the clients he used to mate for back when Captain John Krall was still at the helm, paints the true full circle picture here. Spending 30 years growing and building on the same vessel gives him the chance to grow in other ways too, as evidenced by his truly remarkable daughter who is no stranger to the Southwind Style.

Like Father - Like Daughter

In true testament to the lifestyle, Captain Shelby's first time offshore was at 3 months old, strapped in a car seat anchored to the engine box. Throughout her entire upbringing she was frequently found aboard charters with her father, allowing her to gain a lifetime of experience & knowledge in a short period of time. Having reached adulthood, Shelby has spent more time at the helm which has inspired her to follow in her father's footsteps. These days she tries to attend every charter she can, all while asking a million questions, with the plans to be a relief captain for him one day. Captain Shelby insists her favorite style is King Mackerel fishing, because of the constant action and all the memories she has commercial fishing for them with her dad over the years. Learning to handline kings at a young age is one of her most sentimental memories with her father, and something she still does to this day. Captain Shelby also owns her own fishing lure company, Westwind Witches, whose products are directly inspired from years of helping her dad tie sea witches on the deck of the Southwind.

As Southwind Charters continues to thrive, Captain Freddie Zona shows no signs of slowing down. With a vision of expanding his crew and continuing to offer the same expert level services, he is poised to offer even more exciting adventures to his clients in the years to come. His commitment to innovation, combined with his deep-rooted respect for the sea, ensures that Southwind Charters will remain a cornerstone of New Smyrna Beach’s maritime culture. Now that he can share that goal and future with his daughter, the open sea's the limit.

Keep your eyes peeled on 6/15 for our announcement on our yearly #CharterGiveaway!

Trips aboard Southwind Charters with Freddie Z Fishing include: 4, 6 & 8 HR Offshore Trips and a 10 HR Extended full day trip for the more serious anglers.

Ponce Inlet Watersports

#BoatOfTheMonth

Ponce Inlet Watersports

Captains Avera Williams & Alex Maxwell

386-405-3445

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Ponce Inlet, Florida, Ponce Inlet Watersports stands out as a unique destination for tourists seeking fishing charters and unforgettable open water wildlife experiences. Guiding these trips are knowledgeable Captains, accustomed to navigating the waters and finding the best spots, maximizing your chances of reeling in a prized catch. From inshore fishing for snook, redfish and trout to nearshore trips targeting snapper and amberjack, Ponce Inlet Watersports offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities to suit every angler's preference and price range. Whether you are seeking the thrill of topping your P.B. or simply want to enjoy a leisurely day on the water while the dolphins swim along side, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the defining features of Ponce Inlet Watersports is its diverse fleet of vessels, which offer trips to fit every hobby and price range. Whether embarking on a public inshore fishing trip or a private charter, guests can enjoy a variety of charter options tailored to their interests and skill levels. Their public fishing trips are an affordable option that allows you to both sight see our intracoastal waterway while inshore fishing the areas favorite fishing holes; as anglers cast their lines into the shimmering waters, they are greeted by the sight of dolphins playing in the distance and pelicans soaring overhead.

Private charters will enjoy their brand new 21 foot Parker S.E. center console, powered by a 150 HP Yamaha outboard engine. Offering an unmatched variety of options for what you are able to do on the vessel: from inshore & nearshore fishing, to scenic river cruising, island & bar hopping, and more! Standard inclusions on this vessel include: live well, Bimini top, GPS fish finder, sound system & a water mat for island days. At the helm of their private charter boat are two experienced fishermen, Captain Avera Williams and Captain Alex Maxwell.

Captain Avera Williams grew up in a family deeply rooted in the fishing culture of Florida and obtained his Captains license six years ago, after years of working the deck. Insisting he loves the versatility the industry requires, he is happy for the opportunity to be able to think on his feet daily in our forever changing fishery. Captain Avera's favorite times to fish are the Spring & Fall; when the areas most sought after species are the hungriest and on the move. Our incredible snook & redfish fishing is something that always keeps him busy, plus it's guaranteed to keep anglers coming back for more!

Captain Alex Maxwell always had a deep love for fishing, and always dreamed of being a Captain. Being a carpenter, and previously working building sets in the movie industry, 5 years ago he decided to follow his dreams of spending his days on the open water. Captain Alex's favorite fishing will always be sight fishing, adding that nothing comes close to seeing the whole process for yourself in shallow waters. It truly is a sight to see, waiting patiently for the fish to take your bait as you reel it in and land them!

Beyond the thrill of the catch, Ponce Inlet Watersports also prides itself on its commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing practices. With a deep respect for the delicate marine ecosystem, the crew emphasizes the importance of conservation and stewardship on their dolphin & manatee ecotours, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of the sea. In addition to its fishing charters, Ponce Inlet Watersports offers a host of other activities and amenities to enhance the overall experience. From nearby waterfront dining options serving up fresh seafood; to kayaks, parasailing, and pontoon rentals for exploring the inlet's tranquil waters, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of your time in this idyllic coastal paradise.

Trips Aboard Ponce Inlet Watersports include: 2 HR Inshore, 4 HR Inshore/Nearshore, 6 HR Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Trip.

Legendary Captain Lee Carver

#CaptainOfTheMonth

Legendary Captain Lee Carver

Fish of the Week Judge

For this special edition Captain of the Month, we bring you the Captain who inspired Ponce Fish Network, a man who has devoted himself to our continuation week after week. Captain Lee Carver, a legend in his own right, dominated the charter fishing industry here in Ponce Inlet for the last 50 years. While his days of sport & head-boat fishing are behind him, he continues to hold his ranking and is now our weekly judge of the best charter catches in the inlet. Ponce Fish Network was built to give Captain Lee's former vessel, the F.V. Super Critter, a social platform to build off of and grow from. In the wake of the business' closure, the Super Critter serves as our inspiration and devotion to the cause, and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Captain Lee Carver moved to the Daytona area when he was just 13 and was instantly fascinated by the area's fishing culture. He spent his teens learning the ins & outs of saltwater and surf fishing, winning his first tournament at 19. Sitting on his balcony overlooking the Halifax River he tells me the story and laughs, noting when he caught the winning triggerfish that day- he wasn't even sure what kind of fish it was. I laugh with him because if you know this legend, you definitely can understand how hard it is to wrap your head around the idea that once upon a time he didn't know. As we sit he continues, his next tournament win would be a couple of years later; a stud cobia, something I am all too familiar with from his Super Critter days.

By the early 1970s, Captain Lee was hooked, despite being the one who was usually doing the hooking- and his career path was set in stone. In 1973 he landed his first mating job aboard the Sarus, owned & Captained by Dick Shine, which got his foot in the door while he learned more. His next and last mating job would be aboard the Virginia M, owned by Greg LaCour, which he would spend the next several years on. By 1978, his then roommate and friend Captain Dick Harper (F.V. Snow White II), would convince him to get his Captain's license, marking the start of a truly unforgettable career. Captain Lee received his license in 1978 and two months after was offered the helm of the Snow White III, owned by Al Kline. While he remembers Captain Paul Nelson Sr. keeping watch over him later on, he chuckles as he tells me one of his first trips he went it entirely alone. That feat may seem doable nowadays, but the equipment differences between now and the late 1970s are something worth noting. I remind him he is a natural, which should be an easy fact for him to acknowledge, but he does not. While I know that the man I am interviewing is a legend, it is very clear he is humble when it comes to admitting that.

Captain Lee Carver ran the Snow White III for seven years, before taking a job with Buddy LaCour running his 40-foot Viking. While he was a mesmerizing headboat Captain and bottom fisherman, his true passion had always been sport fishing, and his favorite will always be sailfishing. He ran the Viking for 3 years when a tournament opportunity would come up that would create the connections that would determine the rest of his career. Captain Lee adjusts himself in his chair as he starts to tell me the story, not just any story either, but THE story of THE fish. Every Captain has a story about their personal best fish, but this one hits differently for me. The thing about Captaincy is, how many fish a Captain catches in their respective career, there are usually too many great catches and too many memorable feats. The ultimate feat is the one that tops it all; the one that stuns the Captain that's seen it all. That's what dreams are truly made of.

Captain Lee talks about the lawyer from Deland he took out for a tournament, a trip in which he would meet his future boss and friend Charlie Schammel, and a catch that would forever be solidified in the history books. The tournament was the 16th Annual Invitational Bluewater Tournament hosted by the Northeast Florida Marlin Association in Camachee Island, and Captain Lee would put Charlie on a record-breaking marlin that would drop jaws back at the weigh-in. The blue marlin put up quite the fight, taking half of the 80lb line during the 45-minute fight, and took the 5 person crew almost an hour to get through the tuna door because of its girth. Reading the articles I have my confirmation of Lee's humbleness, as it quotes him directly, 'I'm never comfortable until a tournament is over," he said. "Our catch looks good, but other boats could come up with points in different categories. We've got to go back out tomorrow and Friday and keep trying." (Gary Smits, Sportswriter) He never quits. The blue marlin caught that day on the Critter Gitter weighed a whopping 608 lbs, a tournament record at the time. While they didn't win the tournament, being out-pointed by 2 blue marlin releases, they were certainly the talk of the tournament & newspapers far and wide.

Captain Lee has had lots of other tournament wins over the years; including 2 Striker wins, the Stuart Light Tackle tournament, and the NSB Angler with none other than Captain Tim Garrett (F.V. Waterproof Charters Fishing ) & Captain Joe Lyall (F.V. Blackhawk), as well as all the wins previously mentioned. He finally settled back into head-boat life again with Charlie Schammel, owner of the Critter Fleet, after a couple of years of running boats in New Jersey & North Carolina. Captain Lee would be the last Captain the Super Critter had at the helm, his final leg running from 1998 to 2021. Over those last twenty years though, he earned his rightful place at the top and will forever be known by customers for a deck covered in fresh fish, and by our Captains for his trademark 'Too Easy' over the VHF.

The adage rings true here; 'home is where your heart is' and you can still find Captain Lee on the water daily. These days he helms Ponce Inlet Watersports Eco & River fishing tours, a well-deserved break after spending most of his life out on the open seas. You can still hear him daily over the VHF offshore though, his verbiage seeps through every mate and Captain who has worked with him or been inspired by him through the years. The greatest lesson he ever taught will forever be if you are doing what you love... it's all 'too easy'.